Erie County Democratic Leaders Gather in Buffalo

NYSDC Chair June O’Neill was joined by Erie County Democratic leaders at an event in Buffalo today. Len Lehinan, Erie County Democratic Chair; Joe Mesi, Democratic State Senate Candidate; William Stachowski, State Senator; Antoine Thompson, State Senator; Rep. Brian Higgins;Alice Kyrzan, Congressional Candidate; Assembly Member Sam Hoyt; Assembly Member Dennis H. Gabryszak; and Assembly Member Mark J.F. Schroeder were among those in attendance.

The leaders emphasized the importance of Party Unity as we work to reclaim the White House, turn our State Senate Blue for the first time in 40 years, and add new Democrats to our Congressional delegation.

A Statement from NYSDC Chair June O’Neill on Today’s Primaries

On behalf of the New York State Democratic Committee, I would like to congratulate all those Democratic candidates who emerged victorious after today’s primaries.

We look forward to working in partnership with them over the next two months as we work to gain control of the State Senate for the first time in 40 years and to add new members to our Congressional delegation.

New Yorkers deserve more than the Republican Party’s commitment to politics as usual – our Democratic candidates will fight for the real changes we need here at home and in Washington.

Calling All Voters

September 9^th – primary day in New York State – is less than a week away. Across the state Democratic candidates for State Senate and the United States House of Representative will be working to earn your vote. Democrats are just two seats away from taking control of the State Senate for the first time in 40 years! We also have the opportunity to win several new Congressional seats.

Coming out to vote for our Democratic candidates Tuesday will show the Republican Party how committed we are to making a real change in our state. These next 4 days are a great time to learn more about the candidates running in your area by visiting their websites and attending town hall meetings and other events. It’s also an ideal time to verify your polling location and to register to vote. As always, let our staff at the NYSDC know if you have any questions. See you at the polls!

– Carly Lindaur, NYSDC staff

New York Delegation Members, First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, Attend Service Day Event

DENVER, CO – Members of the New York delegation were joined by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson at a tree-planting and dedication in Denver’s Curtis Park this morning. The event, part of the Democratic National Convention’s Service Day, was yet another demonstration of the delegation’s commitment to making this Convention the most environmentally friendly event in Democratic history.

Three mature Choke Cherry trees, native to both Denver and New York, were planted at the event. They are the first of eighty such trees, a gift from the New York delegation to our host city, which will be planted in Denver to form the New York Grove.

“The New York delegation is deeply committed to doing our part to make the 2008 Convention green,” said June O’Neill, NYSDC chair. “By taking some simple steps, we have reduced our carbon footprint and made our Denver experience an environmentally friendly one.”

The delegation and the New York State Democratic Committee have taken other steps to keep the Convention green including:

- Achieving 100 percent in the DNC’s Green Delegate Challenge

- Using eco-friendly office supplies in the NYSDC Convention office

- Placing recycle bins throughout the delegation’s hotel

- Sending Convention information electronically whenever possible

For more information on the New York delegation to the Democratic National Convention and the New York State Democratic Committee, please visit http://www.nydems.org/.

Governor Paterson scheduled to speak at Democratic National Convention.

Governor David Paterson is scheduled to take the stage of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday at 5:50PM est.

A Statement from NYSDC Chair June O’Neill on the Passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

We were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She will be remembered as a strong and passionate leader – an asset to both our country and the Democratic Party. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Congresswoman’s friends and family during this difficult time.

On the Eve of a Special Legislative Session, New Yorkers Stand Behind Governor Paterson

NEW YORK, NY – As legislators prepare to return to Albany tomorrow for a special legislative session, a new poll finds that the majority of New Yorkers stands behind Governor Paterson and supports his approach to tackling the State’s serious economic challenges.

According to the Siena Research Poll, 85 percent of New York voters believe the State’s economic condition is either fair or poor. Voters not only agree with the Governor’s assessment of our fiscal condition, 52 percent approve of work he is doing to confront these issues.

“Governor Paterson has taken a proactive stance to address our State’s economic crisis,” said June O’Neill, NYSDC chair. “It is clear that New Yorkers back their Governor and understand that we need a leader who is willing to take action on our behalf.”

Democratic Party of Arkansas devastated by loss of chairman Bill Gwatney

The Democratic Party of Arkansas is devastated by the tragic loss of our chairman, Bill Gwatney. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, family, and all those he touched in his life. Bill Gwatney was our friend, our party’s leader, and so many times our party’s conscience. Our state and our party are better for all that Bill Gwatney has done. Tonight the officers and staff of the DPA ask all of you to keep Senator Gwatney’s family close to your heart.

The Democratic Party of Arkansas is devastated by the tragic loss of our chairman, Bill Gwatney. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, family, and all those he touched in his life. Bill Gwatney was our friend, our party’s leader, and so many times our party’s conscience. Our state and our party are better for all that Bill Gwatney has done. Tonight the officers and staff of the DPA ask all of you to keep Senator Gwatney’s family close to your heart.

Out of respect for the family and the staff of the DPA, the office will be closed until Monday.

Below is a statement from Governor Mike Beebe.

GOVERNOR BEEBE’S STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF BILL GWATNEY

“Arkansas has lost a great son, and I have lost a great friend. There is deep pain in Arkansas tonight because of the sheer number of people who knew, respected and loved Bill Gwatney. Along with thousands of other Arkansans, Ginger and I are trying to come to terms with such a shocking and senseless attack. We ask all Arkansans to keep the Gwatney family in your thoughts and prayers.” — Governor Mike Beebe

Candidate Grant Applications Available

The Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee, proudly dedicated to building a new generation of pro-choice Democratic women leaders, is pleased to announce that our 2008 Candidate Grant Application is now available!

Over the course of the last seven years, Eleanor’s Legacy has awarded grants to over 770 women running for office across New York State and has helped elect 370 women to office, many of them first-time candidates.

All pro-choice Democratic women running for state and local level office in New York State are eligible to apply for a grant. The deadline for returning completed applications is Friday, September 12. Please feel free to contact me for more information or to request an application.

–Mia deBree

Mia deBree is the Assistant Director of the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee. She can be reached at 212-725-8825 ext. 230, or via email.

The Governor and Fiscal Responsibility

Yesterday, Governor Paterson spoke to New Yorkers about the serious economic difficulties our state is facing. From Wall Street to Main Street, families here find themselves making tough choices in order cope with the rising costs of energy, health care and education.
The Governor again emphasized his continuing commitment to fiscal responsibility, and he reiterated this commitment yesterday by announcing that his administration will immediately address the size of our state work force, examine further cuts to state agencies and explore new opportunities for public-private partnerships. He also called for a special session of the state legislature next month to find ways to help New Yorkers deal with these issues.

You can read the speech here, and watch it here.

I am proud to stand by the Governor and work with him as he helps guide our state through this difficult economic period.

--June