The economy is always the No. 1 issue

Lots of Democrats nationally, and a few locally, suffered during the recent election from the sorry fact of 10 percent unemployment.

Trying to argue that national Democrats inherited the Great Recession from the Bush Republicans, and did what they could to make things better, didn't convince many voters.

Because, as Atrios says, the priority remains, after almost two years of Democrats running the show, to "Fix the Economy":

"Here's my unsolicited advice for the administration and the Dems: fix the goddamn economy. At least outline a plan to fix it. If Republicans won't pass it, blame them.

"Alternatively, you could not fix the economy and try to get credit for 'cutting the deficit' or some other crap that no one actually gives a shit about, least of all teabaggers or Republicans."

Atrios' national-level advice applies to Democrats at the state, county and municipal levels -- do something effective to fix the economy.

Now. 

Some silver linings

This year's elections were very disappointing at the national level, with Republicans winning the House and six net Senate seats.

Here in Rensselaer County, Congressman Scott Murphy lost, as did Assemblyman Tim Gordon.

But at the local level, it was generally a great night for Rensselaer County Democrats.

In East Greenbush, two Democrats -- Phil Malone and Sue Mangold -- won town board seats after a nasty, well-funded campaign waged by County Legislator Mike Cristo and perennial candidate Ann Taylor.

The result was close, with second-place finisher Mangold just 147 votes in front of Taylor, and Cristo a distant fourth.

Democrats now have a 4-1 majority on the town board.

Out in Stephentown, William Jennings won a town board seat with 56.7 percent of the vote, and Democrats thereby won a town board majority for the first time in generations, maybe the first time ever.

In Schodack, Linda Underwood lost her bid to become the only Democrat on the town board, but got 47 percent of the vote, a dramatic improvement over last year's town board races.

These results, while specific to the towns involved, bode well for next year, when there will be important local elections all over the county.

City/town committees are already preparing for 2011, recruiting candidates and planning fund-raisers. As always, they'll need all the help they can get, so please do what you can to keep the Democratic momentum going.     

Vote Row A ALL the way

a little reminder...

EVERY DEMOCRAT on the ballot

 needs the benefit of your voice.

Just because they are listed at the end doesn't mean they aren't important.

On the contrary.

Those holding the offices listed at the bottom of the ballot

have a greater impact on your everyday life than those at the top.

If you don't vote for the candidates at the end of the ballot, it doesn't matter a whole lot that you voted for those at the top.

It's that simple.

On November 2, make sure all the candidates get your attention.

Especially the really important ones (they save those for the end).

Below the federal and state races, there are several important municipal contests in Rensselaer County this year.

In both East Greenbush and Stephentown, town board races will determine control of the board.

East Greenbush Republicans have run a relentlessly negative campaign for months, and have little positive to offer the town except more of that. So voters should be sure to look for and fill in the circles of Democratic candidates Phil Malone and Sue Mangold.

Stephentown could have its first Democratic board majority in forever, if voters elect William Jennings at the bottom of the ballot.

In Schodack, Linda Underwood is running to be the only Democrat on that town board, and provide some checks and balances.

Several judge/justice positions are way down the ballot this year -- please find and support Chuck Thomas for Troy City Court Judge, Diane Schilling for East Greenbush Town Justice, and Rebecca Snyder for Grafton Town Justice.

And Sand Lake voters should support Eileen Biggins for Receiver of Taxes.

Of course, we encourage voters to vote Row A all the way, but that is no longer a simple matter of hitting every lever on the top ballot line. With the new paper ballots, voters have to be sure to carefully go through the ballot to the end, and fill in all the circles for all our Democratic candidates.