Becker Considers Challenging Hayworth

CORTLANDT—Cortlandt Town Councilman Dr. Richard Becker says he is considering a run against Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-N.Y.) for her seat in the House of Representatives. Hayworth represents the 19th District of New York. Becker is the first Democrat to come forward and announce possible plans to enter the race.

Councilman Becker, 57, a cardiologist at  Hudson Valley Hospital Center, was a member of the Zoning Board and is currently in his first term as a Town of Cortlandt Board member.  Becker said his time in public service inspired him to run for Congress. He also said Hayworth’s voting record influenced his decision.

“I think she’s so disconnected from medicine in general,” said Becker. “She voted for the Ryan act, which to me, is the end of Medicare. That was one of the factors that motivated me.”

The "Ryan" Plan is a Republican budget proposal, also called the "Path to Prosperity." The plan would institute budget cuts and return non-defense discretionary spending to pre-2008 levels for five years. Critics of the "Ryan" budget said the deep cuts would essentially signal the end to functional entitlement programs. Hayworth also voted for the "Cut, Cap and Balance" act, which would require Congress to have a balanced budget at the end of every year by way of Constitutional Amendment. The bill was called "extreme" by the non-profit Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which focuses on how budget proposals would affect low and moderate income families.

Hayworth’s Communications Director, Nathaniel Sillin, said Becker’s description of the “Path to Prosperity,” is “disingenuous and simply not true.” Sillin also said “Rep. Hayworth has made the health and well-being of her constituents and community one of her highest priorities as both a Member of Congress and as a physician for the last two decades.”

Sillin added that Hayworth has been "a champion of small businesses and of job creation during her time in Congress."

Becker expects his run for Congress will cost about $2 million because of the size of the district and because Hayworth is “well-funded." He has filed papers with the Federal Election Commission.

The 19th District of New York encompasses parts of Westchester, including Peekskill, Cortlandt, Yorktown, Mount Kisco, Bedford, Pound Ridge and Lewisboro as well as  Rockland, Dutchess, Orange and Putnam counties.

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