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News 2 You: Remembering a Presidential visit to Buffalo and when Pegula bought the Bills

New York was still considered a battleground state when President Reagan came to Buffalo to campaign 40 years ago this week.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — 10 years ago this week:

Terry Pegula and his wife Kim plunked down $1.4 billion to purchase the Buffalo Bills from the estate of late owner Ralph Wilson Jr. 

At the time it was a record amount for an NFL franchise and meant the Pegulas would become just the second owners of the team in its history.

Ten years later a new stadium is under construction to further help ensure the team remains in Western New York.

20 years ago this week:

The latest crop of American Idols, composed of finalists from the popular television show, were touring America and made a stop at HSBC Arena in Buffalo. The performers included JHohn Stevens from Western New York.

A federal ban on so called assault weapons, which was passed ten years prior under the Clinton Administration, reached its sunset provision and was not renewed by congress.

Despite calls by some for a new version of the federal bill to be adopted, congress has failed to do so in the 20 years since.

However, several states including New York, have passed their own measures to restrict the sale, possession, and ownership of certain types of firearms. 

30 years ago this week:

One of the most remarkable political comebacks of all time was staged by a former mayor of Washington D.C. who despite being caught in an FBI sting smoking crack and going to prison, came back to win the democratic  primary on his way to becoming mayor again. He is also the subject of this week's News 2 You pop quiz (for the answer watched the conclusion of the video attached to this story).

USAir flight 427 bound from Chicago crashed while descending near Pittsburgh. Two women from Chautauqua County were among the 132 souls lost in the disaster.

The former Trico plant on Main Street was being converted into the Tri-Main Center and local stores were selling five pounds of chicken legs for just $2.99 this week in 1994.

40 years ago this week:

The 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, came to Buffalo as he campaigned for re-election back when New York was still considered a battle ground state.

During speeches while dedicating the Santa Maria towers and at a luncheon at D'Youville College Mr. Reagan panned his democratic opponent Walter Mondale's plan to raise taxes saying, "I think the only bills we want to see go higher are your Buffalo Bills, not your tax bills."

Reagan would go on to win in one of the biggest landslides in history which would also mark the last time a republican carried New York in a presidential race.

During the president's visit there was one notable democrat by his side, Buffalo Mayor Jimmy Griffin, who explained that he felt it was important to welcome the president to the Queen City because, "he's the president of all of us."

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