Buffalo News
The Corning-based incumbent has matured into this job. Republican Tom Reed is willing to work across the aisle with Democratic colleagues, which counts as a radical idea in 21st century Washington. His leadership in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and efforts such as the “break the gridlock” rules package offer real hope for Washington D.C.’s return to effective, civil political discourse.
The Southern Tier representative wants to take on the national debt crisis and mentioned his concerns as the reason he broke with the Republican party to vote against the budget deal. It should be noted that Reed supported the unfunded tax reform package, which he defended by citing spending, not revenue, as the source of the nation’s red ink.
It remains to be seen how much a force he can be, but as the Ways and Means Committee member gains seniority, especially if Republicans remain in the majority, his profile and ability to serve his constituents and country will grow.
Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano, a cybersecurity expert concerned about the nation’s network, is smart, well-spoken and well-informed. But anyone willing to tone down Washington’s divisiveness should be rewarded. That’s Reed. He deserves the chance to restore a level of respect in a chamber that has come to define the word dysfunctional.