WhoRunsGov

William L. Owens (D-N.Y.)

U.S. Representative (since November 2009)

(Owens web site)

Why He Matters

The first Democrat to win New York's northernmost congressional district since the mid-19th century, Owens was handpicked to run by national and local party leaders because he was a newcomer with independent tendencies.A candidate without the Democratic record that has continually turned off voters in the 23rd district, Owens eked out an upset in a special 2009 election to succeed former Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.), who was selected as President Obama's Army secretary.

Owens won by promising to bring jobs, and protect dairy farmers and the Ft. Drum military base in his district. Although he didn't tip his hand about health-reform during the his campaign, one of Owens' first acts in office was voting for the House Democrats' controversial health-care reform plan.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: practicing lawyer/tax attorney; U.S. Air Force
  • Birthday: Jan. 20, 1949
  • Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
  • Alma Mater: Manhattan College, B.S. (business administration), 1971; Fordham University, J.D., 1974
  • Spouse: Jane
  • Religion: Catholic
  • Committees: Armed Services; Homeland Security
  • DC Office: 2366 Rayburn House Office Building, 202-225-4611
 

Path to Power

Born in 1949 in Brooklyn and raised in Long Island, Owens comes from a family with a rich military history reaching back to his great-grandfather who fought in the Civil War.

A graduate of Manhattan College and the Fordham University School of Law, Owens served as an Air Force captain stationed at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base in his future House district.

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The Issues

Owens is a moderate on social issues. He is supportive of abortion rights and civil unions, but opposes same-sex marriage and federal intervention on the issue. "For religious reasons, I have difficulty with the use of the word marriage in that process," said Owens after winning the nomination.

Owens is a strong supporter of his district's military installations. After the Plattsburgh Air Force Base closed in 1995, he helped create jobs to convert the land into an industrial park and airport. He also ran in 2009 promising to keep Ft. Drum in his district, a basethat has been threatened by closure.

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The Network

In his 2009 victory speech, Owens thanked New York's congressional delegation, particularly Reps. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.).

 

Additional Resources

  2. Kurtz, Josh, "New York: Race for McHugh Seat Intensifies With New Poll" Roll Call, Sept. 10, 2009
  3. Peters, Jeremy W., "Upstate Republican, Pushed Out, Backs Democratic Rival" The New York Times, Nov. 1, 2009
  4. Vielkind, Jimmy, "Why Labor Might Leave the Democrat to His Own Devices in NY-23" New York Observer, Aug. 14, 2009
  5. Vielkind, Jimmy, "Democrats, Local and National, Thank Dede and Take Credit for Owens" New York Observer, Nov. 4, 2009
  6. McSherry, Alison, "Tax Attorney Owens Brings Military Background to Post" Roll Call, Nov. 9, 2009
  7. Franke-Ruta, Garance, "Calling election stolen, Hoffman rescinds concession in New York" The Washington Post, Nov. 19, 2009
  8. Syracuse Post-Standard, "Bill Owens defeats Matt Doheny in 23rd congressional district," Nov. 3, 2010
  9. Weiner, Mark, "Democrats nominate Bill Owens to run for Rep. John McHugh's seat in Congress" Syracuse Post-Standard, Aug. 10, 2009
  10. Bacon, Perry Jr. "N.Y. congressional race not yet certified" The Washington Post, Nov. 13, 2009
  11. "2009 Election Results" The New York Times, Nov. 9, 2009
  12. Cillizza, Chris, "Big GOP names weigh in on N.Y. congressional race" The Washington Post, Oct. 28, 2009
  13. LoTemplio, Joe, "Vice president to raise funds for Owens" Plattsburgh Press-Republican, Sept. 8, 2009
  14. "PRESIDENT CAMPAIGNS IN NEW YORK-AND RAISES MONEY" The New York Times, Oct. 21, 2009
  15. Heath, Dan, "Jobs, health reform are key Owens points" Plattsburgh Press-Republican, Sept. 20, 2009
  16. Seymour, Jude, "Owens' victory speech" Watertown Daily Times, Nov. 4, 2009
  17. Vielkind, Jimmy, "Meet Bill Owens, a DCCC-Approved Non-Democrat for the House" The New York Observer, Aug. 11, 2009
  18. Vick, Karl and Philip Rucker, "In a war within GOP, the right wins a battle" The Washington Post, Nov. 1, 2009
  19. Cadei, Emily, "New York: DCCC Adds Owens to 'Frontline' Program" Roll Call, Nov. 19, 2009
  20. "Democrat Bill Owens Wins In NY 23" NPR, Nov. 4, 2009
  21. Vielkind, Jimmy, "Meet Bill Owens, a DCCC-Approved Non-Democrat for the House" The New York Observer, Aug. 11, 2009
  22. Vielkind, Jimmy, "Owens, Now, Comes Out for the Health Care Bill" The New York Observer, Nov. 6, 2009
  23. Seymour, Jude, "We asked. They answered." Watertown Daily News, Oct. 26, 2009
  24. "William Owens Appointed to College Council" Oct. 22, 2004