Senator Clinton Endorses Keeler for New York State Senate

Senator Hillary Clinton endorsed Brian Keeler in his race for the New York State Senate in the 41st District, which includes most of Dutchess and all of Columbia County.

"Brian Keeler is a rising star in the New York State Democratic Party, and Dutchess and Columbia Counties will be well served in Albany by his vision, energy and ideas," Senator Clinton said. "We look forward to partnering with Brian in the years ahead to bring open government, accountability and fiscal responsibility to Albany and Washington."

"We are thrilled to receive this important endorsement," Keeler said. "Senator Clinton has been a wonderful advocate for the people of New York in Washington. I intend to be the same kind of advocate in Albany for people of the 41st District."

I want to take this opportunity to broadly, and without any authority whatsoever, speak on behalf of the entire blogosphere by asking you to... relax. Take it easy.

Okay, so you're running for NY State Senate against a punk-ass Republican incumbent and that might cause a little stress.

Sure, as a long time net-denizen you and your campaign have become a cause célèbre with the progressive political blogosphere and that might put a little pressure on some.

And, yeah... The results of your pioneering run will, in many ways, reflect upon the current state of the 'gate-crashing' movement... the degree of influence... and the motivation and ability to get 'one of our own' elected to office.

So what! We really don't expect that much of you. How could we? You're just a mild mannered guy who believes what he says and acts as he believes.

Our Netroots candidate is ready to ROCK with his first Manhattan fundraiser, but we need your help to spread the word!!

If you could please communicate this important message to everyone you know -- and ask them to spread the word as well -- it would be infinitely appreciated!

This event MUST be a huge success as it will serve as a sort of symbolic measuring stick (in the eyes of DC and the media) of the Netroot's determination to walk the walk when it comes to putting our ideas and passion into a position of policy determination (i.e. getting our people elected).

--Sterling Newberry

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Click image for link to www.keeler2006.com

After clacking away at the keyboard for ePluribus Media, Political Cortex, Dailykos, My Left Wing and Booman Tribune, I was inspired by Markos and Jerome to push it aside and Crash a Gate or two myself and run for the New York State Senate. This Thursday, I'm announcing my candidacy at Waryas Park along the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, New York.

The New York state government is, like so many others around the county, a total mess and completely inaccessible. Decisions are made behind locked, back rooms doors of Albany, and the only people who are allowed in to play are those who pay. The result? We end up with the best government their money can buy. It's totally alienating to the citizens of the state. We have no say in the important issues that concern our daily lives...Health Care, Property Taxes, Education and the Environment. Literally, a sad State of affairs.

I've been waiting for someone here to stand up to my 16-year Republican incumbent and challenge him to do more for the people of New York, not just the special interests who line his campaign pockets...but I'm not the kind who would ask someone to do something I wasn't willing to do myself. So last month, I stood up and and said, "No more!"