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A since-deleted tweet by Rep. Claudia Tenney that appears to mock the attack on Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband isn't stopping the current representative of the 23rd District from having his support.
On Friday, Tenney, a Republican, posted on Twitter a picture of a group of men holding oversized hammers for Halloween with the caption "LOL." The tweet is no longer on her official page, but was referenced by a number of media outlets, including the New York Times. She is presently the representative of New York's 22nd Congressional District and is running to become the representative of the newly drawn 24th Congressional District.
On Wednesday, Rep. Joe Sempolinski was asked during a conference call if he supports Tenney, despite her tweet. "I am supporting Congresswoman Tenney. I think she will do a wonderful job as the new representative of the 24th District," he said.
Sempolinski's current district includes Seneca County, Yates County and the Eastern half of Ontario County, which will become part of the 24th District as of Jan. 1.
Paul Pelosi, Speaker Pelosi's husband, was attacked early Friday morning, by a man wielding a hammer. It is alleged the attacker was originally looking for the Speaker of the House.
After the attack, Sempolinski issued a statement Friday, condemning it. "Lawless violence is wrong. I wish Mr. Pelosi a quick recovery and thank our first responders who are there when we need them most. Just like the recent attack on Congressman (Lee) Zeldin, violence must be condemned," he said.
During Wednesday's conference call, Sempolinski was asked about Tenney's meme as well as Donald Trump Jr.'s meme Sunday night showing a pair of underwear and a hammer next to the caption: "Got my Paul Pelosi Halloween costume ready."
"Well, I mean, everybody has their own reactions to situations. My reaction is I hope he (Paul Pelosi) is fine, that we should have no political violence and that I hope we have total transparency," Sempolinski said.
Tenney had been eyeing a run in the newly drawn 23rd Congressional District last year, but instead chose to run for the 24th District when at that time it appeared Chris Jacobs would run for the seat. Instead, Jacobs backed out after being criticized for saying he supports some gun restrictions following the Buffalo shooting at the Tops grocery store over the summer.
The newly drawn 23rd District, which includes Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, as well as much of southern Erie County, is now between Republican Nick Langworthy and Democratic candidate Max Della Pia. Sempolinski was elected in August after former Rep. Tom Reed resigned, but is not seeking re-election.