New York, NY —
Staten Island and Brooklyn Democrats pulled out all the stops yesterday for the swearing-in of Congressman-elect Michael McMahon. In November, Republicans lost a seat they've held for 30 years, after after a drunk-driving and adultery scandal enveloped Vito Fossella. WNYC's Fred Mogul attended Sunday's ceremony and has this report.
REPORTER: It was the last GOP seat in the five boroughs, and Democrats are jubilant that the 13th District, which includes all of Staten Island and part of Brooklyn, is now theirs. At his swearing-in, City Councilman Michael McMahon told his supporters that staring up into the massive dome above Congress fills him with awe - and a sense of responsibility to his constituents.
MCMAHON: As Alexander Hamilton said, “It is here, sir, that the People govern,” and you have all made me part of that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
REPORTER: Sen. Charles Schumer introduced McMahon, praising him as a man who had earned the position through hard work and who was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth - drawing a contrast with the woman who could join Schumer in representing New York in the Senate - though it was unclear whether that contrast was intentional or not. For WNYC, I'm Fred Mogul.