At their annual spring convention, Matt Alexander of Wappingers Falls was resoundingly endorsed by the Dutchess County Democratic Committee as their candidate for the 18th Congressional District. Coming in a distant 2nd was Sean Maloney of Sullivan County. All five candidates, Alexander, Maloney, Rich Becker, Duane Jackson and Tom Wilson were given a chance to speak and meet with the committee members. Only Alexander and Wilson actually reside in the district.
“Any one of the candidates in the new 18th district would make a better Representative for the people than the Republican-turned-Tea-Party Ms. Hayworth, who we are enduring now,” said Democratic Committee Chairwoman Elisa Sumner, “but Matt clearly stands out as the best choice, and the man most committed to the middle class.”
In a very close race for the 19th congressional district, Julian Shriebman of Ulster County narrowly defeated Dutchess County Legislator Joel Tyner for the endorsement.
In other races:
Kirsten Gillibrand was enthusiastically endorsed by the entire committee for United States Senate;
Maria Rosa was unanimously endorsed as a candidate for the State Supreme Court, 9th Judicial;
Justin Wagner was unanimously endorsed for the 40th State Senate District, and Rhinebeck’s Terry Gipson was likewise unanimously endorsed for the 41st.
Also at the Convention, newly elected New York State Assembly members Didi Barrett and Frank Skartados were given a standing ovation.
A resolution was adopted recommending the abolishment of corporate personhood. “It was heartwarming to lead such a lively convention with so many intelligent, well-qualified candidates for office,” Sumner concluded.