On Nov. 6 it was announced that Democrat Joseph Morelle had beaten Republican and McQuaid graduate Dr. James Maxwell, ‘67 in New York’s 25th Congressional District election.

Dr. Maxwell received 41.4 percent of the general election votes with 105,925 votes. Morelle won with 58.6 percent of the election votes with 149,993 votes according to Ballotpedia. This was a close election considering the numerous disadvantages Maxwell faced. Maxwell had considerably less funding, and was running in an area with a more democratic population.

Dr. Maxwell, a McQuaid alumnus, is close to the McQuaid community and has even visited McQuaid along his campaign. He has made connections with many teachers and students. Many of the students had wished that Dr. Maxwell had won the election and commented on the results of the election.

“I think that Morelle is a seasoned, career politician, which leads me to think that he has more of a self-interest of money and power,” said senior Ian Bankes. “Dr. Maxwell is not a politician, and I feel that he sincerely wants to make a change in New York State representation and do what is best for his constituents. I personally would have wanted Dr. Maxwell to win, but I value his values and think that he would have done a good job cooperating with democrats to provide necessary services for his district.”

Dr. Maxwell showed to the students of McQuaid his values and was accepted with open arms. Many seniors claimed that they would have voted for him if they could have.

It is clear that many students admire Dr. Maxwell and are disappointed by his loss. Some teachers also made their support of Dr. Maxwell known. Social Studies teacher Mr. Raymond Ruhlmann showed his support of Dr. Maxwell by arranging Dr. Maxwell to speak in his Government and Law class.

“Dr Maxwell was the best candidate for the open Rochester seat in the House of Representatives because he has lived his life as a ‘Man for Others’ based to a large degree on what he learned while a student at McQuaid,” said Mr. Ruhlmann. “When he spoke to my class he asked for their prayers, a request that is made by few — if any — candidates running in a heated Congressional race.”

Dr. Maxwell represents McQuaid values according to Mr. Ruhlmann. This explains why many students would have loved to see him win. In the politics of today, everything is so heated and divisive, many students wanted a candidate who would represent the Ignatian values that McQuaid has taught them. Some of the students just want a good person, not a seasoned politician, to represent their values.

“It is unfortunate that a person as independent and compassionate as Dr Maxwell will not be able to bring his McQuaid values to a Congress badly in need of them,” Mr. Ruhlmann said.

It is clear for some teachers and students of McQuaid that Dr. Maxwell’s loss is unfortunate, but there is a glimmer of hope. This loss does not mean that Dr. Maxwell’s political career is gone with the wind. There is still much that Dr. Maxwell can do to serve the people as Ignatius did.