Chris Gibson was awarded the Republican endorsement from all 10 counties in the 20th Congressional District at a special press conference on Wednesday, March 31. He beat out three other contenders who all ended their campaigns prior to the announcement.
This was truly a grassroots campaign. Gibson was on the ground talking to people this is how clearly how democracy was meant to work, said a Republican committee member.
Gibson said it isn’t about how much money his campaign raises and to focus on that aspect would be sending the wrong message, although he said the public would be surprised to see how much funding he already secured in the 25 days he’s been in the race, when those numbers are released.
`We’ll compete in the air but win this on the ground,` said Gibson.
Gibson said he’s confident he can win the whole race and secure the seat held by now-Congressman Scott Murphy D-Glens Falls in Washington DC. To do this, he said he will zone in on supporting small businesses so they can grow and survive, push a policy to lower taxes and find a way to `truly drive down health care costs.` He cited Murphy’s support of the cap and trade bill and the health care reform bill as choices that will hurt the district.
`With the best leadership and choices, our best days are still ahead of us,` said Gibson.
He said helping some struggling dairy farmers is important to him and he will make promoting local agriculture a priority and do what he can to ease the burden.
`I believe it’s vitally important to grow food here and eat food that’s grown in America,` said Gibson.
A retired army officer, Gibson said he didn’t have any political experience, which he views as an advantage, and said he having been `tested under fire` he brings `proven leadership you can count on` and `won’t be swayed by the powerful forces in Washington.`
Gibson was joined by his wife and children.
Former conservative candidates were Dave Harper of Saratoga Springs, Dan Stec from Queensbury and Patrick Ziegler, a Tea Party candidate from Burnt Hills.
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