Barber for Senate News

We've Moved!

2008-06-03T17:39:00.001-04:00

Thank you for visiting this Don Barber for Senate page.

We have moved to our new website:

http://www.barberforsenate.com

Hope to see you there, thanks!

Barber Campaign Kicks Off!

2008-03-28T14:43:00.007-04:00

Seven Counties - Seven Stops

On Saturday, March 29, Don Barber officially announces his candidacy for New York State Senate in EVERY county in the district.

Come and Join the Wave Sweeping Across the 51st District.
Together we can bring change.

Greene County - Catskill 8:30 AM
Dutchman's Landing, Main Street
Schoharie County – Cobleskill 10:15 AM
Grapevine Farm, 2373 State Route 7
Herkimer County - Little Falls 12:30 PM
Polish Community Club, West Main Street
Otsego County – Oneonta 2:00 PM
Muller Plaza, Main Street
Chenango County – Sherburne 3:30 PM
Howard Farm, next to Egg-Low Co, Route 80
Cortland County – Cortland 5:15 PM
Johnson Farm, 3958 Route 11
Tompkins County - Slaterville Springs 6:30 PM
Caroline Town Hall

Across the District, Dems Support Don

2008-03-04T11:38:00.006-05:00

When the Democratic Committee of Greene County met last week and voted to endorse Don Barber as their candidate for the 51st State Senate District, it joined the six other counties in the district endorsing Don. Now all seven counties in the district have joined together to support our candidate!

Greene County Democratic Committee members, pictured here with Don, were highly impressed with Barber and his plans for serving the citizens of New York State. They shared a lively discussion, delving in to the current dysfunction of the government, the state of our economy, and alternative sources of energy. With the full support from all seven counties, this campaign continues to gain more and more momentum every day.

Otsego County Dems Endorse Barber

2008-02-28T11:29:00.003-05:00

On February 25, the Otsego County Democratic Committee voted to unanimously endorse Don's candidacy for the New York State Senate, representing the 51st district. This vote followed on the heels of a successful fundraiser in Oneonta on February 15th hosted by Don's daughter, Cara Nichols, and her husband Eric Nichols, with over 50 supporters attending.

Schoharie Democratic Committee Unanimously Endorses Barber

2008-02-19T18:01:00.001-05:00

Don wrapped up the month of January with a trip east with his wife and campaign scheduler, Rita Rosenberg-Barber. Otsego County was the first stop of the day, where the pair met with supporters and campaign committee members. Their next stop was Greene County, where they were enthusiastically received by the Greene County Democratic Committee. The final stop of the day, in Schoharie County, culminated in the Schoharie Democratic Committee announcing their unanimous endorsement of Don (see below).

Barber Shares Vision with Otsego County Dems

2008-02-19T17:57:00.000-05:00

On January 24th, Don Barber and Campaign Fundraising Director, Martha Robertson, met with the Otsego County Democratic Committee in Cooperstown. The energy in the room was contagious as Don discussed the issues facing upstate NY residents, shared his solutions, and outlined his winning campaign plan. In a follow-up email to the event, one energized supporter wrote,

"Don Barber is fearless. Don Barber knows what it is to have a "real" job, and to own and operate a business. Don Barber understands the issues facing our Upstate farmers. Spread the word to family, friends, business associates that Don Barber is running for the New York State Senate. Let's make BARBER a household name. Let's turn Otsego BLUE."

Herkimer County Democrats Endorse Barber

2008-02-19T17:49:00.001-05:00

Don Barber picked up critical support at an event on January 3rd at the Thurston Restaurant in Frankfort when the Herkimer County Democratic Committee announced its endorsement of Barber for New York State Senate. The event, organized by Kathy Pumilio, Chair of the Herkimer County Democratic Committee, brought together over 30 Barber supporters, including Congressman Mike Arcuri and members of his staff. Barber and Pumilio are pictured below. The Barber Campaign thanks the Herkimer County Democrats for their support!

Barber Raises Over $125,000

2008-01-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

Don Barber Raises Over $125,000 to Challenge Jim Seward for NYS Senate 51
Barber says, "People want a change of leadership in Albany."

Brooktondale, NY -- Don Barber, (D) Caroline Town Supervisor, reported having raised $126,400 from more than 750 individuals to unseat 22 year Republican incumbent Senator Jim Seward in NY State Senate District 51. The district includes all or parts of 7 counties extending from the Hudson River to Tompkins County to north of Old Forge.

These funds represent a significant war chest this early in the cycle and are enough to launch a major upset in the battle to win the seat.

"I am honored to have support from people all around the district, who are asking me to run because they want a change," said Barber. "People want someone who will better represent our interests. Jim Seward has been part of the dysfunction in state government for 22 years. We need someone who will fight for our environment, health care, education, and developing the new economy for rural New York."

Barber, who is a farmer, small business owner and six term Supervisor in the Town of Caroline, is well-known throughout the district and is a significant figure on numerous environmental and inter-municipal cooperation projects. He is chair of the Tompkins County Council of Governments, Secretary of the Board of Governors for NYMIR (NY Municipal Insurance Reciprocal), and serves on the Board of Directors for both the Community Foundation of Tompkins County and Tompkins County Area Development.

Seward, who chairs the insurance committee and is Majority Whip, has been called Joe Bruno's right hand man during the last two decades of Albany gridlock.

Though Barber hasn't announced he is running, he has been meeting with groups and committees from all corners of the district.

General frustration and voter dissatisfaction with Republican policies and special interests have been cited as causing the district to swing. This sprawling seven county district has varied party registration but has recently turned two formerly Republican Congressional seats to Democratic (Arcuri and Gillibrand) resulting in every voter being represented by a Democratic Congressperson. A large effort is mounting across the state to change the State Senate from Republican to Democrat and end the gridlock attributed to Bruno and top Republicans such as Seward.

Insiders are saying Don Barber is a strong challenger and this is a key race to watch.

Imagine...

2008-01-17T10:17:00.000-05:00

Imagine the environment and community you want 20 years from now. Imagine clean air, clean water, green energy; imagine a vibrant economy that embraces green industry, universal health care, fair taxes and a government that spends within its means; imagine an education system that teaches the skills to build an advanced economy and a prosperous community for children and adults alike.

The world is changing before our eyes; we are building tomorrow today. The challenges are great, but practical, progressive solutions are within our grasp. It will take vision, personal courage and bold leadership to create the future we envision. By working together–and starting right now–we can make it happen.

We need leaders with new ideas in Albany working to address the pressing issues of today. That is why I’m running for NYS Senate. I have the courage, leadership, and commitment to make these changes. I’m running a grassroots campaign that draws its strength from the promise of our future. Our campaign is initiating a wave of hope and optimism.

Please share your thoughts, insights, and dreams with me. I will carry them into the campaign and on to Albany. Become part of the wave that is changing the 51st Senate District.

Regards,

Don Barber