Just got this from the Tasini campaign:
Jonathan Tasini, candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 15th Congressional District in New York, released this statement regarding the results of the May 26th endorsement vote at the Three Parks Political Club.
Last night, voters at a key political club in the 15th Congressional District confirmed what I have heard from voters in the streets, at subway stops and in one-on-one discussion: the people of the 15th Congressional District are ready for a new voice.
I have been in the race for the 15th Congressional District for less than three weeks. Yet, last night, I forced a 40-year incumbent into three rounds of balloting for the endorsement of the Three Parks Independent Democratic Club, and nearly defeated my opponent.
The voting last night did not surprise me. In the short time that I have been in this race, I've met hundreds of voters. I hear a recurring theme from those voters: they want new, ethical, progressive voices leading this district and the country. They are sick of the backroom deals, the dysfunction of government and the career politicians who care only about ensuring their re-election, not about fighting for the people.
In a letter to the members of the Club, I wrote: This year, more than any other year in recent memory, voters are looking for leaders who are not career politicians. People are fed up—rightly so—voting for people who are not hearing the urgent demand for fundamental change in our country. The recent national elections proved that a revolt is under way.The only question for progressive Democrats is: will we be the leaders of the people who want a different country, or will we be swept aside by Tea Party activists or other forces and cede leadership in the country?
I believe the results from last night are just a taste of the feeling of the people of the 15th Congressional District. So, now, back to the streets for a block-by-block, street-by-street conversation with the voters.
The full results are below:
First Round:
Incumbent—48
Jonathan Tasini—36
No Endorsement—13
Joyce Johnson—4
Adam Clayton Powell IV—2
Vince Morgan—1
Under club rules 2 top vote getters and No endorsement go to next round:
Incumbent—33
Tasini—28
No E—6
Third round (under the Club rules, the next round was between the incumbent and no endorsement, even though Tasini was within a few votes of winning):
Incumbent—26
No Endorsement—18