Doing the job
Lee’s independence, bipartisanship give him a strong start in Congress
Freshman Congressman Chris Lee may not have been burdened with great expectations upon entry into the political world but he is showing himself to be worthy of the job.
Lee, R-Clarence, has proven willing to work across party lines. In exchange, he has earned praise from Democrats such as Rep. Brian Higgins. And Lee is not too proud to mend fences, getting into the good political graces of Erie County Executive Chris Collins, who had supported another GOP candidate.
Aptly described as having a “Mr. Lee-goes-to-Washington” quality by News reporter Jerry Zremski, the congressman has demonstrated an independence that will serve both himself and his constituents. From his attendance at a meeting earlier this year with Democratic Gov. David A. Paterson to his work with Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, D-Fairport, on bringing high-speed rail to upstate New York, Lee has distinguished himself.
This page did not endorse Lee last fall. At that time, his freshness appeared too green for the political realities of Washington. Moreover, his mission purpose was unclear beyond stating the obvious ills of the political system. But he’s grown quickly into the job. We hope he continues.
Lee has taken a pragmatic approach to Western New York problem-solving. Instead of coloring his decisions with a broad political brush, he’s been willing to make independent decisions. That doesn’t sit well with some Republicans. Curt Smith, a Rochester radio host and speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush, called Lee a “country-club Republican, which leaves some of us cold.”
Let them shiver. Republicans are out of power because they were more interested in politics than the national interest. Lee’s willingness to bridge the political divide should be acknowledged and encouraged.
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