By Michael Mroziak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-970413.mp3
Amherst, NY – Republican strategists and party faithful readily admit that Jack Davis was the spoiler in Jane Corwin's unsuccessful bid to replace Chris Lee.
WBFO's Michael Mroziak was at Corwin's Williamsville campaign headquarters Tuesday night when the GOP candidate admitted defeat.
Jane Corwin revealed to supporters that she not only congratulated Kathy Hochul for her election win but offered to help her in her preparations to move to Washington.
Corwin will keep her job as a State Assemblywoman, and says she'll continue to look out for Western New Yorkers' interests in that role.
"The challenges facing our country are great and we cannot afford to back down on them. This is America and we deserve better. Our children deserve better and our grandchildren deserve better. I look forward to working with Kathy Hochul to make good things happen in this country," said Corwin.
Corwin, while admitting defeat graciously, said the time has come to move away from what she called "gotcha politics."
Some Republican party members told reporters last night that Corwin's campaign platform, especially on Medicare, was deliberately but successfully distorted by campaign opponents.
Nick Langworthy, the Erie County Republican Party Chair, also admits Jack Davis's 8-percent of the vote secured defeat for Corwin.
The district at stake last night may soon disappear when Congress draws new lines next year.
WBFO asked Langworthy if Corwin might consider a run for any of the newly redrawn districts.
"I think Jane Corwin is an amazing candidate...this is only just the beginning for Jane Corwin," said Langworthy.
Corwin, upon completing her concession speech, disappeared behind a curtain and in short time left for home, as did the estimated 150 to 200 supporters in the room.