Murphy wins College vote 167 to 11
On-campus ballots account for narrow margin in NY-20 Congressional race
Andrew Cantor & Michael Mandelkern
Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: News
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Speaking from their respective party gatherings in Saratoga Springs, both Murphy and Tedisco declared victories on Tuesday evening despite the inconclusive results.
The election will most likely be decided by the approximately 10,000 absentee, overseas, and military ballots cast in the district. The deadline for the absentee ballots is April 7, and April 13 for military ballots, meaning the election will not be decided for weeks.
Special elections were held on Tuesday night for the 20th Congressional District seat recently vacated by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Gov. David Paterson called the special elections after Gillibrand took Hillary Clinton's vacated senate seat following Clinton's appointment to Secretary of State in President Obama's administration.
The election was widely seen as a referendum on the Obama administration's economic stimulus plan. Obama, Gillibrand, and Paterson endorsed Murphy, which gave credibility to the Democratic candidate with little political experience.
The district, which includes Saratoga Springs, extends along the eastern boarder of New York State, covering territory in the Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, and the Catskills.
Democrat and Republican Receptions Downtown
On Tuesday night, Tedisco maintained confidence in a swift victory. "I got to believe we're gonna come out all the way," Tedisco said. He criticized Murphy's support from high-profile Democrats, such as Gillibrand and Obama. "I'm going to Washington on my own two feet," Tedisco said.
According to the Saratogian, supporters gathered around the Tedisco Election Night party, which was held at the Holiday Inn on Broadway. Inside the venue, an enthusiastic crowd chanted "Te-dis-co" as Tedisco addressed his audience.
"I will serve as your voice working for a safer, stronger, better upstate," Tedisco said. Saratoga County Clerk Kathleen Marchione, a volunteer chairwoman for his campaign, said she is certain that the absentee votes will benefit him. "I understand that the absentees are two to one [in favor of Tedisco]," she said. She also added that he had "an advantage with the military."
At the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga State Park, Murphy's supporters asserted a triumph over Tedisco. "We're ahead now, we're going to be ahead tomorrow when all the votes are counted," Gillibrand said prior to introducing Murphy to his supporters.
Murphy reiterated his campaign promises to his audience. "We can create good jobs upstate," he said, "Right here in the 20th District." After the speech, his supporters cheered, "Go, Scott, Go."
Peter Tulin, Democratic District Manager and Attorney at Law, was excited about the too-close-to-call election, and was glad he participated in democracy. "Post-elections are what democracy is all about," Tulin said.
Both supporters at the Holiday Inn and Gideon Putnam Hotel were overcome with exuberance and hope.
Amy Bergstrasser '11, Co-President of the Skidmore Democrats, who attended the Gideon Putnam Hotel reception, was satisfied with the voter turnout at Skidmore College. "We [Skidmore Democrats and associates] worked very hard for those votes," Bergstratter said. "For a local election, it's a high number."
Skyler Parkhurst '09, Co-President of the Skidmore Young Republican Assembly, commented on the election results generated from Skidmore College via telephone. "I'm not surprised in the least," Parkhurst said. Contrary to Bergstrasser, he was not satisfied with the percentage of students who voted. "You would expect more of a turnout," he said.
The Student Perspective
Of the 725 students who live on campus and are registered voters, 178 students went to the Intercultural Center to vote in the special election. 167 voted for Scott Murphy and 11 voted for Jim Tedisco. The polling place was established in 2001 when students petitioned for the college's right to have one. The college has enough students to create its own district (District 24).
Voting students were eager to exercise their democratic process. "My voice should be heard as an informed citizen," Sam Leibenhaut '12 said. Other voters echoed similar reasons for voting. "It's a big deal that you can vote on campus," Brian McGowan '09 said.
Voters set an example for students who are apathetic to politics, yet complain about the ails of their society. "It's not fair for us to complain if we don't use our powers to vote," Raina Bretan '10 said.
An overwhelming majority of voters expressed their support for Murphy. "We don't want Republicans to win this district," Xavier Richards '12 said. Other students voted for Murphy due to his party affiliation. "He's a Democrat and will work with Gillibrand," Charlie Crawford '09 said.
Students who voted for Tedisco were vocal as well. "I believe more in Republican values. I'd rather have a Republican [elected]," said Andrew Lichtenberg '11, who voted for Tedisco because he does not support President Obama's policies.
Four inspectors were at the voting booth in the ICC to oversee the voting process. Two of them are registered Democrats and two of them are registered Republicans.
Their role is to make sure that "there is order, everybody votes that should vote," Lou Schneider, Democratic Inspector, said. The four inspectors facilitate the voting process "with no influence from the outside," Norbert Zahm, Republican Inspector, said. "[There should be] no electioneering materials [within 100 feet of] the building," Phil Diamond, Democratic Inspector, said.
Rumors of voter disenfranchisement
Throughout the day, rumors circulated of voter disenfranchisement.
Poll watchers were challenging voters who had registered in other districts before registering to vote on campus, because they were unsure whether these voters were actually eligible to vote.
Charges that this constituted voter disenfranchisement, however, were brushed off by one of those poll watchers, Michael DeMartino.
"It's kind of blown out of proportion. My job here is to make sure that people who weren't registered to vote in this district didn't vote in this district." When voters arrived who were not listed on the voter list, but believed they were eligible to vote, DeMartino challenged their votes so they would have to vote by affidavit. "What happens is that once you vote on the machine, there is no taking that vote back. You don't know who they voted for, you can't parse it out, he said. "So you have to vote by affidavit, which means you're not disenfranchised - your vote still counts - you're just doing it on paper, so that if there's a question, the court has a possibility of throwing it out."
Akheil Singla contributed to this article.
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