Incumbent House Democrats in close races are emphasizing agreement with Republicans on President Biden's responsibility for the border crisis.
Rep. Pat Ryan (D.N.Y.) released a new campaign ad called “Closing Message” that emphasizes his desire to break away from his party.
“My first Army commander always said, 'If you don't piss off some people, you're not doing your job right.' I can say I took his advice.” begins Ryan in the one-minute clip.
“Even in my own party, even when I sided with Republicans and demanded that Biden take action to secure the border. The situation is a mess. He needs to clean it up. ”
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Congressman Pat Ryan criticized President Biden in a new ad. (Getty Images)
He also accused Republicans, including his opponent, Alison Esposito, of aligning themselves with former President Donald Trump.
“Their loyalty is to their big donors and to President Trump. The only flag I pledge allegiance to is the one I wear over my shoulder in combat,” Ryan said.
In response, Ben Weiner, Esposito's campaign manager, slammed Ryan, saying, “Pat Ryan has been an advocate of open borders and sanctuary throughout his career.''
“This is a foolish attempt by Pat Ryan to get away from his pro-illegal immigration background two weeks before the election. Pat Ryan is wrong on every issue. He opposes lifting salt limits. Vote, support a radical Green New Deal, and New Yorkers won't realize he's a wolf in sheep's clothing, Hudson Valley voters know the real Sanctuary Pat. , we don't think we're going to be fooled,” Weiner told FOX News Digital.
Weiner also pointed out that as Ulster County executive Ryan signed an order in 2019 blocking local authorities from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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NYPD veteran Allison Esposito is running against Ryan. (Getty Images)
New York's 18th Congressional District includes parts of New York City's northern suburbs and is centered around the City of Poughkeepsie. This includes Ryan's own alma mater, West Point Military Academy.
Republicans, whose victories in the Big Apple suburbs helped them take control of the House in 2022, are eyeing Ryan's seat as a golden opportunity.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates his seat a D+2.
Esposito is a 25-year veteran of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
Her own campaign has highlighted the border in recent ads, warning that her district is “paying the price for open borders.”
“D.C. politicians are funding illegal immigration. Who is fighting for us?” she asked.
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Border Patrol agents pick up a group of asylum seekers from a relief camp on the U.S.-Mexico border near Sasabe, Arizona, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. (Justin Hummel/Getty Images)
Her campaign also created a website using the label “Sanctuary Pat” to point out that Ryan has taken softer stances on the border in the past.
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But the issue has become a political lightning rod in this election.
The issue, long a hot button issue for Republicans, is now a beacon of moderation for Democrats as they seek to appeal to centrist voters.
This paradigm shift shows the border crisis is impacting cities and towns across the United States, with unrest at ports of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border reaching record levels under the Biden administration.
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