Spotlight on the NY 25th Congressional District

Republican Winner, Ann Marie Buerkle
The 25th Congressional District of New York, situated in the north central region of the state, stretches from Syracuse to the northeastern suburbs of Rochester. Republican James T. Walsh occupied this seat for ten terms before retiring in 2008. Democrat Dan Maffei, who made Walsh’s 2006 win too close for comfort, subsequently won the seat in 2008. Republicans historically held sway in this district and still do enjoy a slight registration advantage, but increasing numbers of registered independents prevent the seat from being safe for either party. In the 2004 presidential contest, George W. Bush (R) lost by only 2 points to John Kerry (D), yet in 2008 Barack Obama (D) beat John McCain (R) by 13. Polls revealing that Independents had become increasingly disillusioned with Democrats and were shifting toward Republicans. That development put this seat into play for the GOP. Ann Marie Buerkle won the local GOP endorsement March 3, 2010, and the Independence Party endorsement on July 20, 2010. The election was too close to call after Nov. 2 and a subsequent recount lasted 21 days. Finally, on Nov. 23, the race was called in favor of Buerkle, 50.2% to 49.8%.
Ann Marie Buerkle
  • Native of Auburn, NY
  • R.N., St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing
  • Worked at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse and also as a school nurse
  • J.D. Syracuse University School of Law
  • Assistant New York State Attorney General, 1997-present
  • Former member of the Syracuse Common Council
  • Counsels abused women in crisis at Vera House shelter
  • Provides volunteer legal services for needy Syracuse families through the Onondaga County Bar Association’s Pro Bono program
  • Member of the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee for the New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities

ISSUES

  • Taxes & Spending: The real foundation for economic renewal lies in lower taxes and smaller government, not government bailouts and new entitlement programs. 
  • Health Care: I have signed a pledge that as your future representative I will sponsor and support legislation to repeal the effective nationalization of health care and to replace it with real reforms that lower health costs without growing government.
  • Growth of Government: We need to restore government to its proper size and sphere. It shouldn’t be in our homes, our houses of worship, and most definitely not in our doctor’s offices. We can remind government of its role by ensuring that Congress stops passing legislation that increases its size and adds to the regulatory burden placed on the American economy. Our legislators must reduce taxes, eliminate wasteful spending, and reform massive entitlements.
  • Job Creation and Upstate Opportunity: Government doesn’t create jobs, small businessmen and women do. So it only makes sense that we lower the costs of doing business and let individuals keep more of what they make in order to encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and sustainable economic growth.
  • National Security: America must project strength to the world, foe and friend alike. Our armed forces must be ready to act anywhere in the world where vital national interests are threatened. Americans aren’t safe at home if the government isn’t protecting our borders and stopping terrorists by any means lawful. Moreover, terrorists need to be treated for what they are – enemy combatants.
  • Energy and the Environment: Sound national energy policies will enable America to obtain energy supplies from a wide range of sources in a way that is best for the economy and at the same time addresses homeland and national security considerations while creating incentives for responsible stewardship of the nation’s resources and environment. The solution was not, is not, and never will be “cap and trade” legislation.
  • Veterans: The cost of service is high, and we need to make sure veterans know their government has not abandoned them. We must ensure that they receive the finest in health care and the ability to live the American dream.
  • Education: I will push for legislation that decreases the role of the federal government in education, demands fiscal accountability from state departments of education in regards to federal monies, and empowers parents to make the best possible decisions for their children’s education.
"As Ronald Reagan said in his first inaugural address to the nation, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” The federal government fulfills many vital roles in American society from providing for the common defense to ensuring a stable infrastructure for the relationship between sovereign states. However, when government ceases to be the servant of its people and becomes the master instead, its people can no longer be called truly free."
A Conversation with Ann Marie Buerkle for Congress 2010
The Spotlight On reports are overviews of actual Republican primary winners or top Republican primary contenders. Spotlights should not be interpreted as recommendations to support specific candidates. Before supporting any candidate, do thorough research to confirm that the candidate shares your views on issues you deem most important.