Well Election Day came and went but the battle continues. While we were defeated (or as many feel - while the election was stolen once again - and the evidence is mounting daily that, indeed, it was) and are in a much worse position for advancing the people's struggle, nevertheless the battle continues...now on a different playing field with different tactics than we used during the election.
I participated, as readers of this journal well know, in a very exciting campaign. Frank Barbaro, a long-time friend and a life-long fighter for the people's needs, ran a strong and principled campaign in Staten Island and Brooklyn's 13th CD. The aim - to unseat one of the more right-wing members of Congress, Vito Fossella. Frank ended up with 42% of the vote - not a poor showing by any means. Two years ago the Democratic challenger didn't even reach 30% against Fossella. Frank ran on a solid progressive agenda and came close to winning. Message to the Democratic Party: you better look at the significance of Frank Barbaro's campaign. Frank did not move to the right as is the mantra of many of those in the Democrats. He stood and fought the good fight and people responded. We won in Brooklyn but lost in Staten Island, particularly the more conservative south shore. But even there inroads were made.
When people scratch their heads and wonder how working people can vote for the likes of a George Bush whose polices are so inimical to their self-interests they should look to the Barbaro campaign for answers. Speak to people's interests with plain talk and without prevarication and shifting positions based on the latest polls and the handlers (fancy, high-paid campaign managers) mandates. Frank was a very clear cut alternative to the right wing, anti-labor policies and activites of Fossella and he made it known. For that he received 42% of the vote on a campaign that had a tiny fraction of the resources and money of the incumbent.
We had a volunteers thank you party at the home of Joy Whelan on Friday night. It was a wonderful affair. Joy's house was packed with some of the many, many people who participated in the campaign. Henry Foner sang the Barbaro campaign song (that he composed). Eddie Kay and Frank and others addressed the crowd. Food and drink was plentiful. Frank pledged to continue fighting the good fight and not to allow the base that had been built from this campaign to dissolve. Onwards!
Henry Foner gives a rousing performance of the Barbaro campaign song that he composed.
Eddie Kay introduces Frank.
Frank says thanks to the volunteers.
A cake for the candidate.
Patty Barbaro looks on as Frank pledges that the progress made through his campaign must not be lost.
Staten Island Field Manager, Mike Boland.
Liz Pitt, Brooklyn Field Manager, gives her thoughts on the campaign.
Mike Boland and Ray Whelan - Staten Island heroes of the campaign!
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