| With the announcement that there would be a new team leading the New York State Democratic Party, plenty of New York Democrats - especially those of us in upstate - were nervous about what Jay Jacobs being named chair of the state party would mean for upstate Democrats who had a voice in June O'Neill, who is stepping aside due to upcoming hip surgery that will keep her sidelined.
The qualifications Jacobs brings to the job as state chair are outlined in his profile featured on the Nassau County Democrats website.
This is from Jacobs' profile:
Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs was first elected to his position in October of 2001. Since taking office, the voters of Nassau County have re-elected a Democratic Majority in the Legislature in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007, and elected a Democratic County Executive, County Comptroller, Counter Assessor, and District Attorney.
Under the Chairman's leadership, the Nassau County Democratic Committee has raised more money and elected more Democrats than ever before. He also serves as Chairman of County Executive Tom Suozzi's campaign committee, and is a member of the Democratic National Committee.
The shift in leadership doesn't mean that O'Neill will be gone completely. Upon returning from her recovery, O'Neill will head the party's Executive Committee, meaning she still will have a prominent role with the state party. Her work on behalf of all Democrats in New York and her efforts to get Democrats elected have made the Democratic Party better and stronger.
But with Jacobs, we have a proven winner in local politics and someone who has turned Nassau County into a blue county (enrollment wise). His successes are numerous. He has done great things for Nassau County. He will no doubt bring that same approach to improving the Democratic Party statewide.
Some in upstate are worried about what the shift will mean. Will the state party take on a more downstate focus now that someone from downstate heads it? According to the people I have talked to, Jacobs is going to take the opposite approach. It won't be long before we see Jacobs making the rounds in upstate New York and getting to know the chairs and working with the local committees to elect more Democrats. Jacobs is a proven winner who won't be a stranger to upstate.
I hope for the day when we can look at New York as one state and not separate regions, but that day is still far from reality. It is my belief, however, that Jay Jacobs will provided balanced leadership, helping those in New York City and Long Island while also working with leaders in upstate to build our Democratic majority. |
