Since announcing she was running for a 14th term in the House of Representatives, Democrat Louise Slaughter’s health has been the subject of continued speculation.  The head of Monroe County’s Democratic Party is tired of it.

“Absolutely.  They (Republicans) have little else to say, so they talk about a non issue,” Joe Morelle told YNN Thursday.

Morelle, and other Democrats, have casually dismissed these questions before and after Slaughter broke her left femur this spring.  But Morelle says recent comments by State GOP Chairman, Ed Cox, on Capital Tonight, crossed the line.

“Cox’s politically motivated attacks on Louise Slaughter are unwelcome. Louise is a champion for our community — always has been and always will,” Morelle said.

Slaughter is facing a stiff challenge from Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks in New York’s redrawn 25th Congressional District.  A day before Slaughter turned 83, Cox said something some on both sides of the political isle have been whispering for months.

“She’s going to have a hard time carrying on a campaign because of age and infirmities,” Cox told Capital Tonight’s Liz Benjamin.  “It’s a question of being effective. It’s a question of being infirm, frankly, and being able to carry out your duties.”

At a campaign rally in Rochester last week, Slaughter called for legislation that would bring manufacturing back to the U.S.  Despite her recent injury she only needed a colorful cane to help her deliver the message.

“I’m so happy to be home today and so glad to be here with you standing on both legs for the American worker,” Slaughter told a crowd of cheering supporters.

Slaughter was injured when she fell on uneven pavement in Manhattan on April 2nd.  After surgery in New York City she was transferred to the University of Rochester Medical Center. 

Her campaign confirmed she’s involved in experimental therapy to help regrow her bones. Slaughter recently told reporters the therapy is working.

“Breaking a femur is no small thing; normally people don’t stand for six months.  I was walking in less than three,” Slaughter said. 

Morelle has accused Republicans of spreading rumors that Slaughter’s health is failing.  When reached for comment Maggie Brooks’ Campaign manager was happy to change the subject.

“Louise Slaughter’s age isn’t the issue in this race. What voters should be concerned about is the damage she causes to our economy when she does show up to vote. For over 25 years, Slaughter has voted for trillions in higher taxes, wasteful spending, and new debt. Even worse, she voted to cut over $700 billion from Medicare, leaving Monroe County seniors with higher health-care costs and fewer options. These are the issues that voters will consider when they vote Louise Slaughter out of office in November.”

 Slaughter’s campaign declined to respond to Cox’s comments or any new questions about the Congresswoman’s health. Morelle hopes the voters will follow Slaughter’s lead.

“Respectfully, our community doesn’t need to hear from Ed Cox on who will represent us in Congress. Louise has been a leading champion for working families in Monroe County and will continue that work for years to come,” Morelle said.

 

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