A Q&A with U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy

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Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, a Democrat and a lifelong resident of Mineola, announced in January that she would be leaving the political arena after representing Long Island's 4th Congressional District for nine terms.


First elected in 1996, McCarthy, a nurse, was compelled to run for office after what came to be known as the Long Island Massacre. On Dec. 7, 1993, Colin Ferguson opened fire on a Long Island Rail Road train filled with commuters, killing McCarthy’s husband, Dennis, and seriously wounding her son, Kevin. They were among the six people killed and 19 wounded by Ferguson that day.

A staunch advocate of gun control, McCarthy also became a leader on health care and education issues. But in June 2013, she announced that she has a treatable form of lung cancer. Seven months later, citing her poor health, she announced that she would not run for re-election in November. Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice won McCarthy’s seat.

The Herald asked McCarthy about her years in Congress and what’s in store for her in the future.

Herald: What was your proudest moment in Congress?
Carolyn McCarthy: My proudest moment was when President Bush signed the National Instant Background Check System Improvements Act into law. The implementation of this law not only made strengthening gun safety regulations a reality, but showed that the thousands and thousands of people across the nation speaking out against gun violence were being heard.

Herald: Why do you think there is such a division between Democrats and Republicans in Congress?
McCarthy:
I have been deeply affected by the growing divide in Washington. However, while partisanship has led to inaction on so many national issues, I’m optimistic when it comes to the government’s ability to create change and benefit the lives of everyday citizens. Despite the gridlock, I’ve built great relationships with my fellow congresspeople on both sides of the aisle over the last 18 years — Especially here on Long Island. Congressmen Peter King and Steve Israel have been wonderful colleagues, and we will always be friends despite of our disagreements on certain issues.

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