Congressional hopeful Nate Shinagawa has opened a new campaign office in the city of Jamestown.
And if successful in the Nov. 6 general election for the 23rd Congressional District seat, the 310 W. Third St. location will become the Tompkins County legislator's primary district office.
"I decided to open an office in Jamestown because I understand how important Chautauqua County is to the district," Democratic candidate Shinagawa told The Post-Journal. "Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties are absolutely critical to win this election in November."
Shinagawa, who already has an office in Dunkirk, made the announcement Sunday with Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi and former lieutenant governor Stan Lundine. Both men have thrown their support behind Shinagawa.
"I think Congress is broken, terribly broken," Teresi, a Democrat, said. "It's probably the worst, most inefficient self-serving party-line politics this nation has ever seen.
"The first thing Shinagawa pledged to me was that he won't play these foolish games. He's communicated to me and others that he will be working with others, regardless of their party affiliation. ... He's an excellent candidate. He may be young, but he's a great communicator."
As for Shinagawa opening an office in Jamestown, the mayor said it is a logical choice - noting the history of Congressional offices in the city.
"It makes all the sense in the world," Teresi said. "We have the largest municipality in the district."
With moving to Jamestown, Shinagawa said his office in Dunkirk will become a satellite office.
Asked what his plans are leading up to the general election, Shinagawa turned his sights on incumbent Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning. Shinagawa also alluded to Paul Ryan, who has been selected as Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate.
"Congressman Paul Ryan wrote the plan to end Medicare as we know it so that the private insurance companies funding their campaigns will profit while seniors will pay more for their health care," Shinagawa said. "He and Congressman Tom Reed voted to make it law.
"They believe that the way to move forward is more tax breaks for those who need them the least and deep cuts in education from Head Start to college aid."
Reed, however, countered Shinagawa on Medicare - noting that Ryan's proposal does not impact anyone over the age of 55. He added that "Obamacare," which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in June, takes out $500 billion in funding from Medicare.
Reed also likened Shinagawa's stance on the Ryan Budget to scare tactics.
"We are trying to save Medicare and have the courage to talk about potential solutions," he said. "Our opponents are raiding it and scaring people for political gain."