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Velazquez boasts big backers in re-election bid

Velazquez boasts big backers in re-election bid
Photo courtesy Nydia Velazquez
By Steve Mosco

After a strong showing in last month’s Democratic primary, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Ridgewood) looks to keep the momentum going as the congresswoman heads into the November election.

Velazquez is currently serving her 10th term in the newly redrawn 7th Congressional District, which stretches from Lower Manhattan to Woodhaven. She is running against Conservative Party candidate James Murray on a platform centering on issues of economic growth, affordable housing, immigration, women’s rights and health care.

“I am proud to have fought against big insurance companies for quality, affordable health care for every American and proud to have worked alongside President Barack Obama to enact an historic health care law,” she said. “I am an unabashed progressive. I’ve led on progressive issues in Congress, including marriage equality, strong environmental laws and opposing Republican attacks on Medicare and Social Security.”

During her run leading up to the primary election Velazquez received a ringing endorsement from the president, who said her two-decade run in Congress was marked with advocacy for those who needed it most.

“For the past two decades, Rep. Nydia Velazquez has been a constant advocate for middle-class families, helping to create an economy built to last where everyone has an opportunity to achieve the American Dream,” Obama said in a statement. “She has worked tirelessly to create good, middle-class jobs through community projects, provide affordable housing so folks have a decent place to lay their head at night and invest in education so that the children in her district receive the quality education they deserve.”

The congresswoman also picked up endorsements from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan).

Velazquez said she believes the wealthiest Americans should be made to pay their fair share of taxes and there is nothing more important than creating and protecting jobs for working families.

“I have stood up to defend women’s access to reproductive and preventive health care. There is a war on women, and I’ve been on the front lines to defend our rights against conservative Republicans,” she said. “This is a moment that demands bold progressive action in America. I want to go back to Congress next year with a Democratic majority that will continue to lead the charge to uphold our values.”

Her opponent, Murray, does not have a campaign website and could not be contacted by press time.

Reach reporter Steve Mosco by e-mail at smosco@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.