There are more registered Democrats in Sullivan County than there are Republicans.
The issues making the headlines such as improving the economy for the lower and middle class, health insurance for all, fighting drug abuse and addiction, immigration, and protecting one’s human rights are all Democratic core issues that have a big impact in Sullivan County.
I am not saying that Republicans or those who are not affiliated with a political party do not care about these issues – What I am saying is that in a County like ours – And especially with the issues facing our County and Country today – Democrats should be turning out in high numbers and voting.
Although a lot of Democratic Party disarray in Sullivan County has to do with Donna Schick, the Chair of the Democratic Committee and her lack of inclusive leadership and continual desire to disenfranchise a lot of good people – ultimately forcing them to walk away from the Democratic Party and stop their participation – The simple-truth is that a lot of Democrats are so disgusted with politics they do not want to vote.
This Tuesday – June 26th – Registered Democratic Voters in the 19th Congressional District can change that by coming out to vote from 12 Noon to 9 PM and Participate in the Democratic Congressional Primary.
Our Congressional District – which was once home to the great Maurice Hinchey – is widely considered a swing seat and can once again be held by a Democrat.
Unlike Chris Gibson who was considered a moderate, current Congressman John Faso appears to be way out of tune with Sullivan County and our electorate.
The concentration for Democrats must be on the Primary on Tuesday and to vote for the person they feel is the best candidate to be our Congressman and beat Faso in November.
The field of Democrats seeking the Congressional nomination is outstanding. Each and every one would make us proud as our next representative.
The Sullivan County Democratic Committee voted not to endorse any candidate in the Congressional Primary due to the quality of all the candidates. It was felt the electorate should decide and not be influenced by the committee. It is disturbing that Schick during this late hour of the campaign endorsed a candidate using her Chairwoman title giving the inference that the same support could be coming from the entire Sullivan County Democratic Committee. This is not true – and voters should be aware of that.
Several weeks ago, the Liberty Democratic Committee hosted a special meet and greet featuring a one on one “Candidating” experience with all those seeking the Democratic nomination for Congress. The event packed the Town of Liberty Senior Center and was a huge success.
Sullivan County Democrats are being flooded with mailings, TV commercials, and phone calls pertaining to Tuesday’s primary – Ultimately, as in every election, the candidate who gets the most people to the polls will win.
The field of candidates seeking the nomination includes Gareth Rhodes, Brian Flynn, Antonio Delgado, Erin Collier, Dave Clegg, Pat Ryan, and Jeff Beals.
Although the District is huge and includes Ulster, Greene, Columbia, Delaware, Schoharie and Otsego, Dutchess, Rensselaer, Montgomery and Broome Counties – Sullivan County’s turnout can be pivotal in such a tight race.
Rhodes, Flynn, and Clegg have worked hard in Sullivan County and have support amongst many known political advocates. Delgado has also spent time here.
Collier, Ryan, and Beals have often only sent representatives to local political events.
Here is some information about the candidates:
GARETH RHODES: The youngest of all the candidates, is running a true grassroots campaign visiting each and every township in his Winnebago. He has clicked with traditional and nontraditional registered Democrats.
Rhodes has also garnered strong support of Labor Unions including the New York State Nurses Association, Communications Workers of America, Local 1120 Teamsters Local 445, 456, United Food & Commercial Workers, Local One, The NY Hotel Trades Council, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.
Most impressive, is that The New York Times has endorsed Rhodes stating in their editorial, “Mr. Rhodes is a charismatic former press aide for Gov. Andrew Cuomo who grew up on a farm in the district. Motoring around the district in a small Winnebago, he has visited all 163 towns. He has listened closely to the woes of dairy farmers in dire straits, to families who have had to travel hundreds of miles to the closest maternity ward, to students struggling to pay off student loans.”
“Like several of his competitors, Mr. Rhodes backs Medicare for all, a health care reform meant to bring Americans closer to the kind of universal system enjoyed in all other industrialized nations. Details matter, and there are several Democratic-backed proposals on the table, but Mr. Rhodes sees the conversation as a way to jump-start negotiations on health care fixes.”
“How to improve gun safety is another key issue in this race, and it’s one way that Mr. Rhodes, the youngest candidate at 29, is trying to rally younger residents who barely voted in 2016. Born and raised in rural Ulster County, he left Harvard Law School last year to run for office.”
The New York Times concludes, “Among those in this worthy field, Mr. Rhodes stands out as the best candidate to take on — and beat — Mr. Faso in November. He offers the combination of intelligence, enthusiasm and empathy that is desperately needed in Washington today.”
To learn more about Gareth Rhodes visit https://www.garethrhodes.com/
BRIAN FLYNN: Is a personable and dynamic person. He is a very successful businessman who has created a lot of jobs. He is a life long progressive who has made healthcare a primary issue.
According to his website – As an activist and a small business owner, he has always believed in taking action when something needs fixing. That’s why he’s running for Congress, based on his experience fighting for progressive causes, creating jobs, and getting bipartisan legislation passed in Washington. His campaign is centered around a comprehensive Plan for the American Worker that creates jobs and raises wages while removing the barriers that have kept people down.
Flynn’s history of fighting for justice began in 1988, when he was only 19 years old, his older brother and best friend, JP, was killed in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Brian and his family knew that justice must be served for JP and the 269 other passengers who were killed, and they also knew that justice would not happen on its own. From protesting in the halls of the White House and the UN, to meeting with Senators and lead investigator Robert Mueller, Brian would stop at nothing. Ultimately, thanks to these efforts, Congress passed the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, held responsible the corporations that had allowed it to happen, saw the terrorists imprisoned, and brought down the dictator who had ordered the bombing. Brian and his family also fought for tighter airline security to keep Americans safe, laying the groundwork for the specific security policies like metal cockpit doors that were not implemented until after 9/11. In 2009, Brian became the Vice-President of Victims of Pan Am 103, and he has continued the work of keeping his brother’s memory alive.
To learn more about Brian Flynn visit https://www.brianflynn.us/
DAVID CLEGG: has a lot of support from many activists who are not normally involved in local party politics. He is the chairman of the Orange County Human Rights Commission and many believe has the demeaner to take on Faso and win. Although the oldest in the race, Clegg is using that to his advantage as is being a deacon.
Clegg is a successful attorney in the Hudson Valley and has been highly praised by the judicial community.
To learn more about Dave Clegg visit http://davecleggforcongress.com/
ANTONIO DELGADO: Is the wealthiest of the candidates running and he is spending millions in television ads and mailings and says he has the means to beat Faso. He is very likable and personable and using the right Democratic issues in the campaign, but it is questionable if he can win the district in the General Election.
Delgado graduated from Colgate University with high honors and earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. He is an attorney with prestigious firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in Manhattan.
To learn more about Antonio Delgado visit https://www.delgadoforcongress.com/
PAT RYAN: Is from Ulster County and is a graduate of West Point. He also served two combat tours in Iraq. Following his military service, He worked in the technology sector and earned a master’s degree in security studies from Georgetown University.
To learn more about Pat Ryan visit https://patryanforcongress.com/
JEFF BEALS: After working as a CIA intelligence officer, Beals joined the U.S. State Department and served as a diplomat in Iraq. Following his tenure overseas, Beals became a teacher in the Hudson Valley.
His campaign staff is hardworking, but I have never met him. He is endorsed by United States Senator Bernie Sanders.
To learn more about Jeff Beals visit https://bealsforcongress.com/
ERIN COLLIER: earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and a master’s degree from Michigan State University. Her professional career includes working as an economist. She is endorsed by United States Senator Kristen Gillibrand.
To learn more about Erin Collier visit https://www.collierforcongress.com/
Registered Sullivan County Democrats – Please do your own research – Visit the websites of the candidates – Get off your tuchus and participate in this important primary – Show that Sullivan County Democrats care about what is happening in Washington – Come out and vote this Tuesday June 26 – From 12 noon to 9 PM.
Call the Board of Elections at (845) 807-0400 for polling place information.
Bill Liblick has made a name for himself on National TV Talk Shows where he spouted his outspoken views from the front row. Now he offers you his opinion every week in the “MOUTH THAT ROARS” Column in THE SULLIVAN COUNTY POST.