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On “Balancing Act with John Katko,” Two Former Central New York Republican Representatives Advise Newly Elected Democrat John Mannion on How to Survive “the Lion’s Den” that is Congress
by
November 8, 2024
In an exclusive discussion on “Balancing Act with John Katko,” former Republican Representatives Jim Walsh and Katko counsel incoming Democratic Rep. John Mannion on how to have impact in a divided Congress.
Calling the House of Representatives a “lion’s den,” Katko, a four-term Congressman from Central New York, led a conversation between Walsh, who served Central New Yorkers for ten terms, and Mannion, who won the race to represent the 22nd District starting in January 2025.
During the discussion, Mannion heard from his veteran predecessors on how to deal with party leadership in order to support the needs of a bipartisan district.
“My advice to you is to take something that you’re very passionate about and stick with it,” Katko told Mannion. “Don’t be a follower, just be a leader with what you’re very passionate about.”
Walsh noted: “You have decisions on where you live, who you’re going to vote for in leadership — and that matters because they will remember who you voted for and those who you didn’t vote for will remember that also — and what committee you want to choose. You have to make a personal decision about that. You’re an educator so I suspect you’ll wax in that direction, but it’s an important decision for your career.”
“I want to make sure we get our fair share back here in Central New York. We’ve all experienced the good times and the bad times here, and I think we can all agree that we’re on the precipice of something great. We must keep that on the rails with our CHIPS and Science legislation and Green CHIPS,” Mannion said, noting that the economic growth the region has a chance to achieve is in part based on the decisions that Walsh and Katko made during their legislative tenures. “We have to keep this going. But as a former educator, I also want to make sure there’s opportunity for every student across the country, but also in the 22nd district. So, I hope to be a strong advocate in that space.”
In addition, Mannion indicated his interest in policies that support people with disabilities, and he shared his perspective on the national election results. “On the national level, was I a bit surprised? Yes, considering what I saw in the first Trump presidency…. As you know, I supported Vice President Harris. But this is where we are and I’m going to be in Congress and he’s going to be in the White House. We’re going to have to find places to make it work and I need to represent the people just like you two did.”
The episode will air this Friday, Nov. 8 at 8:30 p.m. on WCNY-TV and will be livestreamed at pbs.org/livestream. After airing, it will also be available on-demand at video.wcny.org/show/balancing-act-with-john-katko.
For viewing information, visit wcny.org/wheretowatch.
For media inquiries or further information for a featured article, please reach out to Lauren Easton at lauren.easton@wcny.org or call 585-797-4314.
About WCNY
WCNY was founded in 1965 as The Educational Television Council of Central New York. Today, it is a public communications organization that produces content across multiple platforms, including television and radio, dynamic web and targeted email content, the WCNY CONNECT magazine, and social media. Through its media platforms, in-person and virtual events, WCNY brings local coverage and educational services to Central New Yorkers. WCNY operates four digital, pledge-free broadcast channels and three radio stations. Classic FM is one of the few radio stations in the world dedicated to locally programmed classical music, and Pulso Central is Central New York’s first Spanish-language radio station.
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