A House Democratic incumbent competing in a tough campaign is promoting his agreement with Republicans on President Biden’s role in the border issue.
Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., issued a new ad titled “closing message” that emphasizes his willingness to break with his party.
“My first commander in the Army always said, ‘You’re not doing your job right if you don’t piss a few people off.’ I guess you could say I took his advice,” Ryan just started talking in the minute-long clip.
“Even my own party — when I stood with Republicans and demanded Biden take action to secure our border. It’s a mess. He needs to clean it up.”
He then accused Republicans, especially his opponent Alison Esposito, of being in lockstep with former President Donald Trump.
“Their loyalty is to big donors and Trump. The only flag I pledge allegiance to is the one I wore on my shoulder in combat,” Ryan said.
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Reacting to the ad, Esposito campaign manager Ben Weiner slammed Ryan saying, “Pat Ryan has been an open-border, pro-sanctuary proponent his entire career.”
“This is a lame attempt from Pat Ryan to run away from his pro-illegal migrant record two weeks before an election. Pat Ryan is wrong on all the issues.
“He has voted against lifting the SALT Cap, supports the radical Green New Deal, and thinks New Yorkers will not recognize that he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Hudson Valley voters know the real Sanctuary Pat and won’t be fooled,” Weiner said.
Weiner further noted that as Ulster County executive in 2019, Ryan signed an order prohibiting local agencies from participating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Local reports at the time indicate that Ryan did halt most county employees’ cooperation with ICE, but the Mid Hudson News reported that his order “avoids controversial ‘Sanctuary’ language,” and the Daily Freeman reported that it did not prevent law enforcement from working with immigration agents investigating crimes.
The 18th Congressional District of New York covers some of the northern suburbs of New York City and is centered on the city of Poughkeepsie. It also features the West Point Military Academy, Ryan’s alma school.
Republicans, whose 2022 House majority was secured through victory in New York City’s suburbs, have targeted Ryan’s seat as a strong pickup chance.
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan publication, grades his seat D+2.
Esposito is a 25-year NYPD veteran.
Her own campaign highlighted the border in a recent commercial, warning that her district is “paying the price of an open border.”
“DC politicians are funding illegal immigrants. Who’s fighting for us?” she asked.
Her campaign also developed a website under the name “Sanctuary Pat” to highlight Ryan’s previous softer attitudes on the border.
However, the topic has become a political lightning rod in this race.
What was once a hot-button issue for Republicans has become a barometer of moderation for Democrats seeking to appeal to middle-ground voters.
The paradigm shift demonstrates the impact of the border issue on cities and towns across the country, with apprehensions between ports of entry at the US-Mexico border reaching all-time highs under the Biden administration.
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