By ALLISSA KLINE
Business First

Republican political newcomer Chris Lee no longer belongs to the private sector.

But that doesn't mean he's shedding his business sense.

As the newly elected representative for New York state's 26th Congressional District, Lee plans to bring his 20-year business background to Washington, D.C. His platform is straightforward: create jobs, lower taxes, give a voice to small businesses.

Those principles resonated this week with voters across the seven-county district who helped the 44-year-old former manufacturing executive handily defeat Democratic challenger Alice Kryzan of Amherst. Many of those voters are business leaders who said they identify with Lee and his vision for Western New York.

If Lee can succeed in the private-sector world, he can succeed in government, they said.

"If you've run a manufacturing business and competed on a global stage, you understand the fierceness of the competition," said Mark Dines, CEO of Roberts-Gordon, an international manufacturer of gas-fired infrared heaters. "I feel as though (Lee) has a good aptitude for understanding the nuances of business and creating more employment."

It's been a long, tiring road for Lee, who spent several years working for Enidine Inc., a family-owned business sold last year to ITT Corp. for $395 million. Lee announced his candidacy six months ago, when current Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-Clarence, decided to not seek a sixth term.

Hours before Lee arrived Tuesday at Erie County Republican Committee headquarters at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott, he sounded weary as he drove to Rochester to greet supporters. But he was optimistic that his campaign would end in victory.

"I truly believe you need people in Washington who come from a business background and who understand what it's like to meet a budget," he said. "It surely doesn't feel like we've got people in Washington who understand economics and finance."

Jump-started by Kryzan's Democratic primary victory in September, the race between the two candidates evolved into a highly contentious battle. Both campaigns accused the other of using smear tactics, particularly in TV advertisements. Each said the other was spreading lies and misrepresenting the truth.

It also was a costly crusade. Lee said Tuesday that he'd loaned about $1 million of his own money to his campaign, which cost $1.36 million, according to recent Federal Election Commission data. Kryzan's expenses totaled more than $700,000, FEC data show.

Lee's bid for the open seat was successful in part because he had more money, said David Rankin, associate professor of political science at Fredonia State College. But Lee also campaigned in a Republican-heavy district, and that made a difference, Rankin said.

"I think it came down to financing and funding, and (Lee) seemed to have an advantage there," said Rankin, who does not live in the 26th district. "But more than anything, (Lee's victory) was a product of the makeup of the district and the fact that he did have Tom Reynolds' support."

Spending the money was worth it, Lee said. "If I could have spent less money, I would have," he said. "But I spent what was required to get the message out. Without having that money, this would not have been possible."

Before he gets to work, however, Lee is relishing his win over Kryzan - and coming to terms with his victory.

"I'm just numb," he said Tuesday night, a few minutes after giving an exuberant acceptance speech. "This has been a very difficult battle, but it's a good feeling for me, my family, my father and my supporters."

Lee's father, Patrick Lee, flew from Florida to Buffalo Tuesday to watch his son step into public service. The elder Lee founded Enidine Inc. in 1966 and led the company through massive growth. Today he serves as chairman of the Patrick P. Lee Foundation, a charitable organization established in 2005 to increase awareness, research and prevention of cancer and mental illness.

The campaign's "nasty" tone was upsetting to Lee. He said accusations of exporting jobs to China, for instance, were "blatant lies."

"Having donated my time and energy and millions of dollars in charitable funds, this personally has been very difficult for me to accept," Lee said.

Waiting for election results Tuesday night, the elder Lee said he was "extremely nervous" about his son's race. He was beaming, however, when he took the stage and shared a high-five with the Congressman-elect during the victory speech.

"As a very stern and demanding father, I know he'll do a great job," Patrick Lee said. "I think he'll do it fairly and as a bipartisan."