ny_sen_SCHUMER

REP. CHARLES SCHUMER

· Nine term Rep. Charles Schumer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980. He succeeded former Rep. Elizabeth Holzman who retired to campaign for the U.S. Senate. An endorsement from NYC Mayor Ed Koch and a primary victory helped him demolish Republican Theodore Silverman in the general election with 78% of the vote.

· SchumerÂ's political career began as an Aide to NY Assemblyman Stephen Solarz. When Solarz was elected to the House, Schumer ran for his seat in the legislature and won; he was just 23.

· Three terms later, Schumer joined his mentor in the House. Their friendship was strained in the late 80's when re-districting threatened to combine their territories.

· In the House, Schumer effectively combines a pragmatic style with Brooklyn-style chutzpah to help the Clinton Administration accomplish some of its main legislative goals. As the Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and then as the ranking member, Schumer devoted much of his energy to passing violence and crime prevention legislation.

· Despite an NRA media campaign to discredit him, Schumer argued passionately on behalf of the Brady Bill and tough crime legislation. He authored plans to ban some assault weapons, expand the death penalty, and stiffen penalties for hate-crimes.

· In March 1994, he also worked to get passage of a $4 Billion package for city aid and crime prevention.

· Schumer is one of the most liberal members of he House. He supports abortion rights and called for a freeze on the production of nuclear weapons. In the 1980's, Schumer was an opponent of U.S. Aid to the Nicaraguan Contra rebels.

· He is adept at explaining complex issues in sound bite fashion and often uses props during speeches on the House floor or in committee hearings.

· Schumer has been elected to six consecutive terms, gathering at least 70% of the vote in each race.