Victorious Hayworth Reflects on Win

Congresswoman-elect Hayworth addresses a news conference in Carmel. ERIC GROSS Congresswoman-elect Dr. Nan Hayworth spent many nights and days at her Carmel headquarters prior to her successful election.

It’s little wonder that the Mt. Kisco physician who upset Congressman John Hall on Election Day returned to Putnam County hours after her victory to say “thanks.”

An enthusiastic crowd of some two dozen friends and supporters were on hand to greet the area’s new representative and wish her well.

Hayworth who looked tired from the long campaign and lack of sleep told the gathering that she was already “working on the 112th Congress. Our new philosophy of government is already gaining dominance. We are going to prove that federal government will serve the people not the people serving federal government.”

Dr. Hayworth, a retired ophthalmologist and mother of two grown children, said hours following her victory she received congratulatory phone calls from Congressman John Boehner of Ohio, the likely next speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as Congressman Eric Cantor who is expected to become House Majority Leader.

Hayworth was asked about her goals for the new Congress. Carmel.

“The Bush tax cuts must become permanent for everyone and we will address critical aspects of the Obama Health law,” she said.

Hayworth, like many Republicans, campaigned by calling for the repeal of the health care legislation.

Hayworth also called for massive reductions in federal spending: “I truly hope that President Obama will take to heart when Americans across our great land said on Election Day.”

Hayworth was also questioned by the COURIeR about the civility of her campaign. Many contests throughout the region were highlighted by bitter campaign rhetoric.

Hayworth smiled: “My mom and dad raised me right! It doesn’t accomplish anything to be nasty and crude. A candidate must win on his or her own merits and not because he or she tore down the other side. For those who attack unmercifully— ‘shame on them!’ My campaign had the right attitude and we prevailed. It can work and gives politicians new faith. My victory serves as a victory for a lot of people doing things right. Residents of the 19th District clearly embraced that. This is a very happy day for us all.”

Meanwhile Congressman Hall attributed his defeat to the anti-incumbency movement that spread across the US.

Hall who served two terms as Putnam’s representative in Washington urged Hayworth and other members of the new Congress to refrain from “tossing our heath care law out the window. This will be a grievous mistake.”

The COURIeR asked Hall if he had any plans for the future when he leaves offices on December 31?

Hall said he intends to spend more time with his family, ski and write while playing a “little more music.”

The soon-to-be retiring congressman was a member of the pop group Orleans.