Caroline Supervisor Is Dems’ Unanimous Choice

Capping his run for the Democratic Party endorsement for the state Senate nomination, Don Barber (D-NY51) recently secured the Greene County Democratic Party’s backing. Now all seven Democratic Party county committees in the 51st State Senate district, including Otsego, Schoharie, Herkimer, Chenango, Cortland, Tompkins and Greene, are lined up behind Barber’s candidacy. Barber, who is challenging 22-year Republican incumbent Senator James L. Seward, said of the endorsement, “I am so honored to add the support of every single county committee and the growing number of people who want me to take this Senate seat. People want change, fresh leadership, and hope for the future.”The party’s base will play a crucial role in the campaign, according to Barber Campaign Manager, Tarah Rowse. “The Democratic base is a cornerstone of the campaign. The base is inspired and our volunteer ranks are swelling.”Barber vows to represent the interests of working families, not distant corporations. “We need a senator we can trust to represent our interests, not those of Joe Bruno or the insurance companies,” said Barber. “I will fight for our environment, health care, education, and developing a new economy for rural New York.”A six-term Town of Caroline Supervisor, Barber, has also drawn grassroots support from farmers, environmentalists, small business owners, teachers and health care reformers across the district’s seven counties. This support has translated into an outpouring of donations. According to Barber’s financial disclosure filing, his campaign’s fundraising is ranked near the top among Senate candidates. Drawing on an active base, Barber has received contributions in modest donations from individuals.Rowse is struck by the excitement Barber’s candidacy has created in all seven counties. “The response has been so heartening,” she said. “People are hungry for change.”