Unlike many of today’s legislators, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy first ran for and was elected to the House of Representatives as a citizen, not a politician. 

She was selected not by party leaders, but by her neighbors. Although we disagree on key issues, Congresswoman McCarthy has honorably represented the people of New York's Fourth Congressional District for nearly 18 years, sacrificing her private life in order to engage in public service. On the campaign trail, she displayed toward her challengers a civility that is too often missing in public life. As a constituent and neighbor of Congresswoman McCarthy, I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her years of service and offer my prayers for a full and speedy recovery from her illness. I wish Carolyn and her family strength and the very best through this difficult process.