Slice of Italy on Ulster Ave – Headquarters for the Republicans
From the outside, on the four-lane highway, a little forlorn, surrounded by blocks and blocks of franchise and big box stores, the 209 highway exit loomed nearby. But maybe that’s the point. Where do the voters think the tax revenue comes from?
There is the courtyard Marriot up the hill, though. For any supporters who came north from the south of the county, rooms could be had for $130 a night.
Inside, it had the feel of a family restaurant, cozy, a to-go, pick up section, and then one modestly sized room… maybe enough room for 80 people packed in and drinking watching the fate of the country on the big screen in the corner…
A big red Jack Hayes sign had been set up next to a red, white and blue Pat Sheehan sign. Sheehan himself had finished taping it up. And there he stood on one of the upholstered red benches. Up close, he looked younger and haler than the ruddy-faced, white haired retiree I had taken him for from a distance. His skin was smooth and his gaze direct. Healthy.
“Killed the rest of the reporters,” Sheehan joked, when I let him know I was interested in talking to him…then he agreed to talk.
Asked whether he thought the national race had buried local issues…
“We’ll find out in a couple of hours.”
What happens if Kamala Wins…
“Bad things, get worse.”
His thoughts about the Democratic supermajority…
“I ran two years ago… I know in the past two years I have less money in my pocket and I spend more everyday…”
Two years ago he ran against Shrestha. This year it was Hinchey. Asked about his choice, it was a bit of a mountain to climb to take on Hinchey, I advised him.
“Depends who you ask,” he responded.
***
The Best Western in Uptown Kingston – Headquarters for the Democrats
As far as the eye can see, the parking lot is jammed. Once inside, two gentlemen in puffy jacket vests over cotton sweaters call the race against Esposito for Ryan 30 minutes before the television does.
“Ryan’s up in Dutchess plus 17, up 35 in Ulster, and up nine in Orange with 69% of the votes and 95% in 44. He’s looking real good.”
The convention room is full. A giant American flag hangs behind the stage and frames State Senator Michele Hinchey while she delivers her victory speech… Red and blue balloons bounce and scatter whenever people wander the room in between the round tables.
The room is quiet while everyone listens and cheers when called upon to do so.
Victory on the local level at least, is in the air. The national picture is more complicated.
After her speech, intermittent cheering spills out into the hallway outside the convention room – along with the occasional balloon – where two police officers are posted. Calm. Uniformed.
The noise of a sudden cheering rises and rises. The television has announced that congressman Pat Ryan has won.
***
Rough Draft – Headquarters for the Mid Hudson Valley DSA
Something like 70 people in here. The mood is electric. News has already come in that Sarahana has 70% of the vote. The socialists feel vindicated… it was only two years ago that Cahill was toppled.
Two years later the DSA has picked up 150 more members, so says Dan Atonna, political organizer. The room is flush with victory.
The DSA looks to Sarahana’s re-election as a mandate to pursue progressive policies, Atonna says.
Sarahana Shrestha smiles.
What if Trump wins?
“The conditions under which we can do our work are drastically different under a Trump presidency and a Kamala presidency. None of these things are going to happen overnight automatically. We have to work towards it.”
“But at the same time, we would be set back, and our work would be that much more difficult if Trump wins. And we would feel especially concerned about all of the vulnerable people who would be immediately affected by the craziness that’s going on under this administration.”
The thought of a Trump victory is like a wind that tries to blow out a candle.
“No matter what happens we have to organize so that we can win the things that people need. We’re talking about health care access, we’re talking about housing access, we’re talking about our energy bills, we’re talking about investing in schools, and all of that is not going to happen with a magic wand. We have to work to bring people into the political process and make it happen, and that is really what this party is about.”
Another socialist has won in New York City, Queen’s based Claire Valdez bringing the total of DSA members in the state legislature to 9.
Join the family! 
