Plattsburgh attorney Bill Owens is expected to be sworn in Friday as the successor to republican John McHugh as Representative of the state's 23rd Congressional District. Our Bill Carey says Owens transition from candidate to congressman, like everything else associated with this month's special election, is on a fast track.

NEW YORK STATE -- It would be Bill Owens' last day as a private citizen. And it marked the start of many long days traveling the 23rd District. On this day, a drive from Plattsburgh to a lunch time visit in Watertown to meet supporters and thank them for the effort that awarded him the prize in Tuesday's hard fought election.

It had the feel of a victory lap, although an abbreviated one. There is pressure to get Owens to Washington and get him sworn in by Saturday, the day House democrats may need every vote they can get to approve a new health care bill. Owens facing the challenge of taking on a new office and facing a major vote within 24 hours.

"I think that is an historic movement forward. I'm reviewing the bill. I think that it does many of the things that I thought needed to be done. There are some things that I would like to see changed in the bill. And so, I'm going through the process of making sure that I have a full understanding before making a final decision," Owens said.

After the stop in Watertown, a visit to Fort Drum and then a quick trip to Hancock Airport in Syracuse for the flight to Washington.

It will be the first of many trips in the coming months as Owens moves quickly to assemble a staff, establish offices, take part in key House votes and make his mark quickly enough to be accepted by voters when he faces them again next November. Within the span of a couple of months, Bill Owens has unexpectedly gone from Plattsburgh attorney to U.S. Congressman. Now on the eve of taking the oath of office.

"I'm excited. I'm looking forward to it. I can't wait to get to work again," Owens said.

"And you're ready?" a reporter asked.

"I'm ready," Owens replied.

And with that, Owens and his bag full of work, including a new health bill, were on their way.