Sue Kelly
Sue Weisenbarger Kelly is an American businesswoman and politician who served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2007, representing New York's 19th District. She was elected to the seat that had been held by Republican Hamilton Fish IV after he dropped out of [United States United States House of Representatives|House elections, 1994|the 1994 race] due to prostate cancer. Kelly defeated his son, Hamilton Fish V, in that race and served until John Hall defeated her in the 2006 congressional election.
Kelly served from February 1999 to April 2001 as Chair of the House Page Board, which came under fire during the Mark Foley scandal.
Early life and career
Sue Kelly was born in Lima, Ohio, on September 26, 1936. She was raised Presbyterian and graduated from Denison University in 1958. She also holds a Master's degree from Sarah Lawrence College.She held jobs as a small business owner, patient advocate, rape counselor, and educator. She first became involved in politics by working as an advisor and campaign manager for Hamilton Fish IV, who represented Kelly's home area in New York's Hudson Valley.
U.S. House of Representatives
1994 election
When U.S. Rep. Hamilton Fish IV, a Republican, decided not to seek re-election in 1994, Kelly ran for Congress. She defeated Fish's son, Hamilton Fish V, who ran as a Democrat, as well as Conservative Party and Right to Life Party candidate Joseph DioGuardi and independent Catherine Portman-Laux.2004 election
In 2004, Kelly easily won re-election with 67% of the vote in New York's 19th Congressional district although The New York Times described Kelly's opponents in previous races as "token opposition".2006 election
In 2006, Kelly was defeated by Democratic opponent John Hall.Initially, Hall's candidacy was considered a "long-shot," but he gained momentum after Kelly faced criticism in October 2006 for her connection to the Mark Foley scandal. Kelly refused to speak to a reporter from a local news network about the matter and also did not appear at a televised debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Kelly was represented by an empty chair at the debate.
Kelly was endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, an environmental advocacy group. Her score of 92% was the highest among any Republican Member of Congress in 2006. Kelly had earned a 17% score from the LCV in 2005, but attributed that score to the many missed votes that came in the several days she was absent due to a death in the family.
Kelly stated she was an "independent voice" in Congress, but the Times Herald Record noted that in 25 of the closest House votes during her last session, Kelly sided with the Republican leadership 24 times.