By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-933792.mp3
Guilderland, NY – New York Senator Charles Schumer dropped by Crossgates Mall in suburban Albany today to thank voters for re-electing him to a third term last week. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports Schumer focused on jobs and the economy...
Schumer shook hands with a few citizens as he walked around the sparsely populated mall food court just after 10am, then addressed reporters from a podium set up near an escalator. The Senator spoke candidly about the so-called "GOP wave" and the message it sent to Washington, then stressed that democrats and republicans working together will help see the nation through difficult times. Schumer acknowledged that Republicans have been highly critical of the federal health care bill, some calling for its repeal. But he defended the measure, saying there are many components of it that should be kept. Schumer pointed out that the problem with health care is not the service but the cost. When it came to the question of what might invigorate the upstate economy, Schumer said high-speed rail is the solution. After meeting with voters, Schumer was to meet with business and community leaders to discuss jobs and the Capital Region's economy.