SD-51: Rep. Gillibrand Endorses Don Barber

by: robert.harding

Mon Oct 20, 2008 at 12:35:14 PM EDT

State Senate candidate Don Barber (D-Caroline) accepted Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand's strong endorsement today. Rep. Gillibrand (D-Hudson) has made tax cuts for upstate and North Country families one of her highest priorities. She has also authored legislation that would double the tax credit for child care expenses and make up to $10,000 in college tuition tax deductible.

In her statement Rep. Gillibrand said, "This region needs leaders like Don Barber, who will fight to lower property taxes, decrease health care costs and grow our economy by creating good jobs.  I look forward to working with Don to further the interests of this region, and I support his candidacy for the State Senate."

Barber expressed his appreciation for the Congresswoman's support. "Rep. Gillibrand and I share the same values. She is focusing on the struggles of upstate's working families, especially in this economic crisis as I am. We are both deeply concerned about how many New Yorkers lack health insurance and the continuing erosion of health care benefits even for those who have policies. Too many New Yorkers are just one illness away from bankruptcy. I very much appreciate Rep. Gillibrand's endorsement."

Barber has also been endorsed by Rep. Mike Arcuri and Rep. Maurice Hinchey, as well as Paul Tonko, who is running for Congress in the 21st congressional district. They also had glowing remarks about Barber, which you can read below the fold.

If you are in the 51st Senate District, please help Don out as much as you can. Candidates like Don don't come around too often and he is in a tough race. Even though I am many senate districts away from Don's, I still will be making phone calls for him this week and leading up to the election. If you don't feel like walkin', get on the phones and start talkin'. Let's help elect Don to the New York State Senate.

ON THE WEB:

Don Barber's ActBlue Page

Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-Hurley) also issued a strong statement in support of Barber's candidacy.  "I am pleased to endorse the candidacy of Don Barber for the New York Senate.  I've known and worked with Don for over a dozen years and know that his skills as a businessman, farmer, and town supervisor will serve us well in Albany.  New York is at a crossroads and we need people like Don to ensure that the state moves forward in the right direction."

In addition, former Assemblyman Paul Tonko, who is now running for Congress in the 21st Congressional District, backed Barber as well. "Don Barber has stood up to the powerful insurance lobby and made a strong argument that we need a publicly-funded, privately delivered universal health care plan. I have backed a similar proposal for many years because it is fiscally responsible and will deliver quality health care to every single New Yorker. Don Barber's vision of a new alternative energy economy and energy independence for New York is the sort of change we need in energy policy. I've worked with Don for a long time, and I know how committed he is to improving the lives of working people. That's why he has my full support."