As the federal government shutdown continues, Congressional candidate Steve Holden is organizing a community rally this week outside Rep. Claudia Tenney’s Canandaigua District Office. The event, titled “Holden Them Accountable,” is scheduled for Wednesday at noon.
Holden, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran and former federal auditor, said the rally is intended to highlight the impact of the shutdown on working families across Upstate New York.
“Claudia Tenney walked away from her job while Upstate families are losing their paychecks and their benefits,” Holden said in a campaign statement. “SNAP benefits were cut off on Saturday, healthcare costs keep climbing, and too many folks are wondering how they’ll get through the week. Meanwhile, she’s on vacation and still collecting a paycheck. That’s not leadership, that’s cowardice.”
Holden said residents will join him at the rally to share personal stories about how the shutdown and rising living costs have affected them.
“I spent 20 years in the Army making sure people got paid and operations stayed running,” Holden added. “In the real world, when you don’t do your job, people get hurt. It’s time Congress lived by the same standard.”
Responding to Mr. Holden’s comments, Rep. Tenney told Finger Lakes Daily News, “I voted to keep the government open and to fund essential services. Democrats, like NY-24 frontrunner Steve Holden, are cheerleading the Schumer shutdown to advance their extreme agenda.
“During the shutdown, I have been touring family farms, meeting with leaders at our rural hospitals, and working with federal agencies to make sure veterans and seniors receive the benefits they’ve earned. My focus is on results for NY-24, not political theater.”
Holden, a Democrat, is challenging Rep. Tenney in New York’s 24th Congressional District. Tenney defeated Holden back in 2022.
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