I'm Proud of New York

I haven't looked yet this morning, so I haven't seen the complete returns. Last night was some kind of a Democratic victory. When I went to bed at 1:30, we didn't know what kind yet. The Senate is still up for grabs. Recounts are likely in Virginia and maybe a couple other Senate races.

Down in the trenches though, in the close races, in upstate NY, the Democrats won. And it wasn't easy.

The Republicans redistricted. They owned the house. They picked the voters. In the 24th New York district, Maurice Hinchey was once targeted for defeat by Repbulicans. This time he ran unopposed.

That left plenty of Republicans, Idependants, and yes a few Democrats, to vote in the 25th and 20th districts.

Those were two of the closest races in the country. Those were two places where the Congress picked the voters. Those were two races where the money poured in.

In the 25th NY district, perhaps the closest Congressional race. A district that includes Utica, and parts of Broome County, the Republicans poured in money. They ran a really nasty campaign that almost suggested that Arcuri was in favor of rape.

The 20th, Sweeney was an incumbent. An old boy. Sweeney's district included my home in Delaware county and Saratoga, and parts of the Adirondacks! Kirstin Gillibrand had a tough uphill fight.

I worked for Kirstin. One day. Doing phone banks. This is what I heard when I said we hope you vote for Kirstin... "what party is she?".

Many people up here didn't know who their congress person is, after the redistricting.

They voted Democrat. They voted against George Bush. They were smart.

I'm proud of them.