BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — U.S Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R) was at the Terra Cotta Catering Center in downtown Binghamton on Tuesday night for a campaign event for Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R).

“He talked a little bit about how he was in Binghamton before,” said Lila Kashou. “You know how his brother worked at IBM and he was a really fun guy, and really nice to meet.”

Kashou said that Ryan spoke about what was going on in the House of Representatives and his upcoming retirement.

Across the street from the Terra Cotta was a loud crowd that was protesting Ryan’s visit and the political agenda that he and Tenney believe in. They collectively chanted “Paul Ryan you are not welcome here!” They also booed at Ryan as waved to them leaving the catering hall.

“I just don’t believe in Claudia Tenney’s platform,” said Binghamton University Senior, Alex Glazowski. “The fact that Paul Ryan came out here to defend her just shows furthermore firstly, how weaker her standing is and secondly, how much she’s working against the American worker.”

Kashou told 12 News that Tenney is working for the working class, especially in the Southern Tier.

“She’s bringing jobs to the area,” explained Kashou. “The tax reform is great and she’s doing a wonderful job in Washginton and doing a wonderful job keeping us all in mind upstate.”

Glazowski, who is from Poughkeepsie, is worried as student at Binghamton University.

“I’m going to be graduating soon, going into the workforce soon. If we continue with the workforce policies that we currently have and if we continue with instability… It’s not only going to hurt me,” said Glazowski. “It’s going to hurt my children and my grandchildren going forward.”

“In terms of social security she’s not going to put people’s lives in jeopardy or income in jeopardy,” responded Kashou. “Really doing your research is important because there are a lot of people out there that are just saying things that are not factual and I think [Tenney’s] doing a wonderful job.”

Congresswoman Tenney is protecting her seat from Democratic candidate Anthony Brindisi in representing New York’s 22nd District in Congress.

Tenney’s campaign told 12 News on Tuesday that the congresswoman did not wish to speak with the media outside of her private campaign event.

Kashou explained that if people want to speak with Tenney, the congresswoman has made herself available.

“She’s been extremely accessible, and if you want to reach her just contact her campaign team,” Kashou.

This visit adds to the list of Republican leaders that Tenney has been publicly supported by, including President Donald Trump.

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