Especially the 20th CD.
Yesterday, the Democratic voters in NY's 20th CD handed a defeat to the 10 county Democratic chairmen when they selected former teacher and Hyde Park council member Doris Kelly by a 65%-35% margin. She now has the daunting challenge of running against John Sweeney, famed for leading the "Brooks Brother's Riot" in Dade County Florida in 2000.
This race was disappointing to me in a couple of ways. When John Coleman announced his candidacy, I was an early supporter. I even helped to brief him prior to his meeting with NYSUT last June. He was soon joined in the race by Kelly, and Morris Guller (who has big bucks to pour into the race, BTW).
Some of Coleman's "supporters" challenged Kelly and Morris' petitions. They were successful in knocking Guller off the primary ballot. Guller has since accepted an independent line, and if he puts his substantial resources behind his race, he will make an already difficult challenge to Sweeney a certain defeat for Kelly.
Last spring, I had high hopes that we could mount a credible challenge to one of Bush's favorite toadies in the Congress. But now... I don't think we have a prayer. Not that I'm giving up, but it doesn't look good. I'll keep you all posted.
Elsewhere around the state...
Albany County DA Paul Clyne lost his primary, which is a good thing (He still has an independent line, but he's not likely to get many votes there). His challenger, David Soares, ran on a platform that emphasized (among other things) his opposition to the draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws (Yes, they are still on the books). His win is not a good sign for the legendary Albany Democratic Machine. Interestingly, included in the list of his campaign contributors former Secretary of the Treasury Paul O'Neil and former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey at $2,000 each).
Also, Samara Barend of the Kos Dozen fame, easily won her primary in NY's 29th CD, but I'll let others more familiar with her race bring you up to date about her when they get around to it.
That's all I got.