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.
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.
New York State Democratic Chairwoman June O'Neill issued this statement following tonight's debate. I had previously posted Governor David Paterson's, but Colin already has it.
"This evening Senator Obama again clearly demonstrated his understanding of the serious economic challenges facing our country. While, John McCain offered nasty attacks and four more years of failed Bush policies, Barack Obama outlined his plans to provide relief for the middle class and create the new good jobs Americans so desperately need. Senator Obama is the clear choice to lead our country forward."
Great statements from the leaders of our party here in New York. It was tough for many New York Democrats to get behind Obama, but it didn't take us long to unite and rally behind him.
It reminded me of when June stopped in Orleans County for about an hour in October, a few weeks before the local elections here.
Here is an excerpt from the P-S piece:
O'Neill said the Republican advantage in party registration Upstate also has disappeared. Today, she said, the number of enrolled Democrats exceeds the number of enrolled Republicans north of New York City. State election records show that in the congressional districts north of New York City there are more than 1.8 million Democrats, just
a bit less than 1.8 million Republicans. In 2000, Republicans outnumbered Democrats Upstate by about 100,000.
St. Lawrence County reflects that change, O'Neill said. In the 1970s when, spurred by her husband's interest, she got into politics, Republicans outnumbered Democrats about 3-to-1 in the county. Now there are more than 10,000 registered independent voters and the Republican advantage is fewer than 2,000 among 60,000 registered voters.
"It's definitely a swing county," she said.
Coming from the most upstate of Upstate counties, O'Neill said the alleged Upstate/Downstate split is "a red herring," nothing more than campaign rhetoric. "I think we're one state," she said. Whether the topic is affordable housing, teenage pregnancy, homelessness, crack cocaine or access to health care, she said the same issues affect New Yorkers everywhere.
June O'Neill is an excellent (and effective) leader. One piece of advice she gave our candidates here in Orleans County was to burn holes in the soles of your shoes. She really stressed hard work on a campaign and she was inspiring.
Nassau County: In Nassau County Democrats held control of the Nassau County Legislature. County Legislator Dave Mejias was re-elected in Joe Mondello's backyard despite being a top target of state and county Republicans. The district leans Republican. It also overlaps State Sen. Kemp Hannon's district.
Suffolk County: Democrats won historic victories - expanding their majority on the Suffolk County Legislature and defending against fierce GOP challenges against Democratic incumbents in two Republican leaning districts.
In Brookhaven Democratic Town Supervisor Brian Foley was re-elected and in Islip, Democrat Phil Nolan won a resounding victory for Supervisor and a new majority on his Town Board.
Suffolk victories came in precincts all across GOP State Senator Caesar Trunzo's district.
Dutchess County: Democrats have won a 13-12 on the County Legislature putting them in the majority for the first time since 1977. Democrats in Dutchess also won the Mayor's race in the town of Beacon.
These victories come in the backyard of GOP State Senator Stephen Saland.
Rockland County: In a major upset, Democrat Tom Zugibe, defeated 12 year GOP incumbent District Attorney Michael Bongiorno. Democrats also won all 5 Town Supervisor Races.
These victories come in the backyard of GOP State Senator Tom Morahan.
New York State Democratic Party Co-Chair June O'Neill just gave a great speech to the business meeting here in Albany and she finished with something that was music to my ears. She finished with these words:
We are a 62 county party and we will leave no county behind. And I have some words for Joe Mondello and our friends on the other side. We mean what we say and we say what we mean.
