Timothy H. Bishop (D-N.Y.)

The 2002 campaign was marked by incumbent GOP Rep. Felix Grucci's (R) failed attempt to attack Bishop over his handling of rape cases as provost of Southampton College. Grucci's ads on the issue were based on college newspaper reports that were soon discredited, and the tactic backfired. The race drew national attention, and Bishop eked out a victory with 50 percent of the vote.

Bishop has maintained a quiet presence on Capitol Hill; he's focused heavily on higher-education issues, such as expanding Pell Grants and other forms of federal student aid, as well as reforming the student-loan industry.

He has also made environmental concerns a top priority, and he has used his position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to steer millions in federal funding to his eastern Long Island district. His record, by his own description, is "left of center." Republicans have targeted him in each of his reelection attempts, but he has survived each time by comfortable margins. In the 2010 campaign environment, a bad one for House Democrats, he faced a strong challenge from wealthy businessman Randy Altschuler (R).

On election night, Bishop was declared the winner of the seat, but as more votes came in, the race grew tighter. Two weeks after the election, officials were still tallying absentee and affadavit ballots.

Show less