Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Rep. Carolyn McCarthy’s Decision Not to Run for Re-election

Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Rep. Carolyn McCarthy’s Decision Not to Run for Re-election

Excerpt:Rep. Carolyn McCarthy says it is time to let someone new step up to the job. The person who follows her will have to step very high to match Carolyn’s stellar record of legislative achievement and constituent service.

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, (NY-05) released the following statement today after Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (NY-04) announced she will not seek reelection:

“My colleague and friend, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy who has represented the 4th Congressional District of New York with dedication and distinction, has decided not to run for re-election. She says it is time to let someone new step up to the job. The person who follows her will have to step very high to match Carolyn’s stellar record of legislative achievement and constituent service.

“We’ve collaborated with other members of the New York congressional delegation on many issues, the most challenging of which has been rebuilding wide stretches of New York City and Long Island in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy. Beyond common issues and concerns affecting both of our districts or our caucus, Rep. McCarthy and I both serve on the Financial Services Committee where I greatly admired her viewpoints and respected her positions.

“During her eighteen years in Congress Carolyn has provided her constituents, congressional colleagues, and country with a sterling example of turning the unfathomable pain of losing her husband and almost losing her son to gun violence into policy advocacy for common sense gun reform. She is widely regarded on both sides of the aisle to be one of the bravest, most persevering and profoundly compassionate members of the House of Representatives. Carolyn’s clear voice and well-considered views have helped shape the bipartisan coalitions that enacted legislation aimed at creating a better life and brighter future for her constituents and for the American people as a whole.

“While she will be missed in Congress, I trust that Carolyn will bring her skills and commitments to bear on problems her community faces. After all, as she stated today, ‘Just because I'm leaving Congress doesn't mean I'm not going to be an activist. I couldn't even imagine leaving Congress, and think I'm just going to go into retirement. That's not who I am.’ I wish her good health and great success with her post-Congress activism.” [END]