NY Dem Hochul vows to protect Medicare

A day after convincing voters in one of New York's most conservative districts to send her to Congress on their behalf, Democrat Kathy Hochul is taking a victory lap, vowing to keep her promise to protect Medicare.

Republican plans to turn the government's health plan for seniors into a voucher-like program for future beneficiaries became the backdrop of the race between Hochul and Republican Jane Corwin in Tuesday's special election.

But voters Wednesday said there were other influencing factors, like their familiarity with Hochul's work as Erie County clerk and a feeling they could relate to her more than the Republican, a millionaire Assemblywoman.

Hochul replaces Republican Chris Lee, who resigned in February after a website posted a shirtless photo the married congressman had sent to a woman online.