Schumer wasted no time in endorsing the party's nominee and cited Tonko's years of experience in the State Assembly on jobs and energy policy as his main reasons for supporting the Tonko campaign for Congress:
"I enthusiastically endorse Paul Tonko for Congress," Senator Schumer said today. "Paul has built an impressive record as a New York State Assemblyman for the Capital Region. He has fought to preserve and bring new jobs to the area by working with local lawmakers on projects such as Metroplex for Schenectady County. I am also proud to have worked with him to keep Beech Nut from leaving Montgomery County and in developing the nanotechnology center in Albany."
Schumer continued: "Paul's experience as chair of the Assembly Energy Committee and as President and CEO of NYSERDA will help him hit the ground running as a resource for Congress on energy issues. I look forward to working with Paul to help the people of the 21st District and New York."
Paul Tonko said: "I really appreciate Senator Schumer's support as we move toward Election Day in November. Senator Schumer has been a tireless advocate for the people of the Capital Region and all of New York State. In Congress, I will work with him to strengthen the upstate economy, protect the jobs that are here and help create new jobs.
"We need a comprehensive energy policy focused on efficiency, conservation and investment in renewable resources," added Tonko. "This investment will spark a new innovation economy, creating a new green collar workforce. We have already laid the groundwork in the Capital Region to be a leader in green collar workforce training and technology."
Paul Tonko is the former President and CEO of NYSERDA and served in the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 2007. He announced his bid for the 21st Congressional District on May 20, 2008 among friends, elected officials and union members.
On September 9, Paul won the Democratic primary, and on Election Day, November 4, Paul will appear on the Democratic and Working Family Party lines.
