By James T. Walsh as Printed in The Post Standard 10-31-12

For 31 years, I had the privilege of serving the Central New York community in public office, 11 years in Syracuse City Hall and 20 in the House of Representatives in Washington. It was an exciting, challenging and deeply fulfilling career. I am so grateful to the people of my community for honoring me with your support each time I ran.

Since my retirement in 2008, I have stayed away from the political scene and found great joy in my new career, quality time with DeDe, the kids and our new granddaughter. Life is so much simpler now.

Over the past several months, however, I have increasingly felt the need to comment on the current campaign for the 24th Congressional District. A number of my friends have told me that Dan Maffei, who challenged me back in 2006 and is now running for Congress for a fourth time, has embraced my record, saying that he and I are moderates and that we have similar voting records.

Why would he say that when during our race he spent over a million dollars to criticize and attack my record? It didn’t work then, and now we have this amazing turnaround. It’s inexplicable. In fact, during Maffei’s two years in Congress, his votes were anything but similar to mine. He voted for cap-and-trade legislation, the $800 billion stimulus bill and Obamacare. These are three of the greatest intrusions by government into the private sector in my memory. Welch Allyn, one of our great local companies, has been forced by the new taxes in Obamacare to lay off 10 percent of its workforce. Local hospitals are being squeezed, too.

I would have opposed these bills vocally and passionately. Maffei also voted with the Democratic Party leadership over 96 percent of the time.

Dan Maffei is comparing his record to mine to benefit himself. I don’t want people to be misled, because there is no comparison.

My wife DeDe and I support Ann Marie Buerkle for another term in Congress. She is a good, sincere person who works hard and takes the time to stay in touch with the people of Central New York. We are proud to call her friend and Representative.

Thanks again for the memories, and please don’t forget to vote.

James T. Walsh, a Republican, was a member of Congress from 1989 to 2009. He is now a lobbyist with K&L Gates, in Washington, D.C.

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