Chris Owens Statement On 11th CD Primary Election

by Chris Owens

I congratulate and salute City Councilmember Yvette Clarke for her victory in yesterday's Democratic Primary election for the 11th Congressional District.  She is now assured of becoming the successor to Representatives Major Owens and Shirley Chisholm.  I endorse the Clarke candidacy in the November General Election and I wish her the best.

Ms. Clarke endured a difficult campaign and her campaign really earned this important victory.  And, while I would have obviously preferred a different result, I have known Yvette for many years and I am very happy for her and her supporters.  Our campaign contributed to the Clarke victory by weakening the candidacy of David Yassky, and to the extent this Voting Rights Act district is now represented again by someone from a very underrepresented group in Congress -- women of African descent -- I am even more comfortable with this outcome.

The challenge facing Yvette Clarke in the U.S. House of Representatives will be a daunting one.  If the Democrats regain the majority, as we hope they will, Clarke will have an easier time of bringing direct benefits to the 11th District.  She must, however, also resist the temptation to be sucked into the "moderate" camp.  If the Democrats win, it will be because people believe we have a "spine" and the spine must be strong.  If the Republicans retain the majority, however, Clarke will have a harder time bringing direct benefits to the 11th District, and she will need to resist the tempting fruit offered by the Republicans with even greater strength because the price to be paid will be quite high.  I have every confidence that Yvette Clarke can be the independent and progressive voice we need to have in the House of Representatives.

It is also necessary to state that I hope Councilmember Clarke will use her new political leverage to hold developer Bruce Ratner accountable for significant modifications in the Atlantic Yards project, and also hold the Empire State Development Corporation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority more accountable for their decisions regarding this project.  We need an advocate for the people -- not simply corporate interests.  Needless to say, all of us will be monitoring this situation very closely.

The staff and volunteers of Chris Owens for Congress were wonderful and they are most worthy of praise and thanks.  The individuals and organizations who chose to endorse my candidacy have also earned my deepest gratitude.  This last year has been incredible for me and I have no regrets.  I have also learned many lessons regarding friendships, politics and logic -- lessons that will not be forgotten.  Finally, it is interesting to note that the candidates who finished in first and second place in this race were indeed the two with the most "resources" at their disposal.  While that reality exists, it should never be one that discourages good candidates from stepping into political battles.

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