A message from our new Congressman: We did it! Just after I sent the last email I spoke with Representative Tedisco who conceded graciously.
On behalf of my family and my entire staff, thank you. You were there 3 months ago when we were over 20 points down, you were there on election night when our lead was narrow, and then for the past 3 weeks you fought for me and the voters of the 20th district who each deserved to have their votes counted. I am overwhelmed by your hard work and generosity and I look forward to working with you again in the future.
I am honored to have your support and I am eager to continue working with those whose support I have yet to gain.
Gov. David Paterson appointed Democratic U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand on 1/23 to fill New York's vacant Senate seat, finally settling on a woman from a largely rural, eastern district of the state to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton.
"I appreciate the opportunity that you have afforded me and the trust that you have placed in me," she told Paterson. "I realize that for many New Yorkers, this is the first time you've heard my name and you don't know much about me."
A Post Election Message from
the Chairperson, Jane Barber Smith
“Last night, Democrats across New York and the entire nation celebrated the victories
of their newly-elected Democratic leaders with the historic Barack Obama/Joe Biden
ticket leading the way. This concluded a campaign season noted for cooperation efforts
among candidates, for unprecedented voter registration drives that gave Dutchess
County a Democratic majority, for greater youth participation, and for a committed and
energetic corps of volunteers of all ages,” said Jane Barber Smith, Chairwoman of the
Dutchess County Democratic Committee.
In Dutchess County the Congressional delegation of John Hall (19th), Kirsten Gillibrand
(20th) and Maurice Hinchey (22nd) was reelected by a margin that indicates widespread
support for the work they do in the Hudson Valley Community.
History was been made in Dutchess County by Joan Posner who waged a long and
energetic campaign and won the Family Court judgeship that she sought. She is the first
woman in 28 years and the first Democrat ever elected to that position. “I have served
as chief legal counsel to the retiring judge for 20 years and I am looking forward to.
serving the people of Dutchess County as their new Family Court Judge. I thank them
for electing me and for their continued support.”
Of the five New York Assembly races in Dutchess County, Democratic incumbent
Kevin Cahill (101st) was reelected by a wide margin. Newcomer Frank Skartados
challenged Assemblyman Thomas Kirwan in the 100th and, before paper ballots are
counted, is leading him by over 500 votes.
All three Democrats running for positions on their respective town boards won their
races: Robert McKeon in Red Hook, Johanna Shafer in Stanford and Joel Pelkey in
Amenia.
“Four first-time Democratic candidates ran vigorous races but lost at the polls.
Nevertheless, they provided the voters with a good choice over the incumbents and we
thank them for their commitment and for bringing numerous issues to the attention of
the voters,” said Smith. These candidates are Ken Dow of Columbia County who ran in
the 41st Senate District, Hyde Park resident Jonathan Smith who ran in the 102nd A.D.,
Anne Rubin of Red Hook who ran in the 103rd A.D., and Ron Friedman who ran for
Town Justice in East Fishkill.
“The Dutchess County Democratic Party has been working diligently to ensure the
success of our local candidates,” said Smith. “We know that the Democratic Party and
its candidates have put forth plans to guide us through this difficult period, protect our
middle class families, and bring about the changes we need. Over the coming months,
Dutchess County Democrats look forward to working with our Governor, David
Paterson, on plans that benefit working families across our state. And we look forward
to the 2009 election cycle when our local town and county offices will be on the ballot.”
Dutchess County, long a bastion of the Republican Party, turned “blue” in October
when the voter registration of Democrats surpassed that of Republicans by nearly 2,000
voters. Democrats won the majority in the Dutchess County Legislature in 2007.
For what is believed to be the first time in Dutchess County history,
Democratic voter enrollment on Wednesday surpassed Republican enrollment
in the county.
"I have been waiting many years for this
moment," said Dutchess
County Democratic Elections Commissioner Fran Knapp, a long-time
party activist. "The Democratic Party is now
the majority party here in Dutchess County. It's a great day."
MAKING HISTORY: Barack Obama waves to supporters with his vice presidential pick Joe Biden after becoming the Democratic nominee to run for President of the United States on August 28, 2008
"America, we are better than these last eight years," Obama said late Thursday, as he set course for November's presidential elections. ..."We are a better country than this," Obama said underlining the American promise of opportunity for all.
He said McCain did not understand the struggles of working Americans, as they see their jobs disappear abroad, living expenses rise, and prospects dim. "It's not because John McCain doesn't care. It's because John McCain doesn't get it," Obama said.
As thousands of supporters waved tiny American flags after being whipped into a frenzy by a pageant of patriotic songs, Obama trumpeted: "I've got news for you, John McCain, we all put our country first."
View/read entire acceptance speech here.
Help get Obama elected. National website: here
Democratic Elections Commissioner Predicts Democrats will Overtake Republicans in 2008
Democratic Elections Commissioner Fran Knapp made her prediction today. "Based on the enrollment figures for the first three months of this year, I predict that the Democrats will be the majority party in Dutchess County." Knapp went on to say, "For the first three months of this year, Democrats enrolled about 1500 voters compared to about 500 Republicans." Knapp said, "This is an exciting election year. We are seeing a much more engaged voter than ever before. And this is just the beginning." Knapp said, "During the 2004 Presidential election year, we saw most people register to vote during the fall when the campaigns were in full gear. So far this year, about 3000 people registered to vote. The increase in registrations is enormous."
Welcome to the Dutchess County Democratic Committee
Become part of the process!
Many volunteers including various union members augmented the
efforts of the County Committee by carrying petitions, getting
out mailings, telephoning, bundling literature, staffing headquarters
and writing letters. We thank them all. Those not too
exciting tasks are part of the reason for our wonderful results.
Are you interested in joining us? We are seeking new members
in many districts, and would also like to increase our diversity.
If you are interested in participating or have any questions
after you peruse this website, please do not hesitate to call
Jane Barber Smith at 473-6427 or e-mail janebsmith@aol.com.
Scott Murphy WINS!
