With all the corruption, spying, lying, disasters and all round negativity fueling our collective desire for changes in government at all levels.  I am pleased to report that this week on the Keck for Assembly Campaign Trail has been incredible. Three towns in Broome County held their annual Democratic Caucuses and it was refreshing to see how organized and energized they are. Kelly addressed each of them and the response was very positive. Though it is a long drive across the district, he is becoming a regular face down there and considering the population base, this is a very good thing. Things only got better and better from there.

On Saturday, the Broome County Democratic Committee hosted a morning workshop for all Democratic candidates that outlined their plan for getting out the vote and promoting Democrats. Cindy Lockrow, Campaign Manager, and Erwin Karl, Press Secretary, attended on behalf of the Keck campaign and learned so much that we can now finalize the development of our own strategic plan for victory based on Broome's very successful model. Thanks to Mike Najarian, Broome County Democratic Committee Chair and all of his supporters, our chances of victory just doubled!!!
While they were down there, Allison Comer, Print Production Coordinator, Kelly and I were out meeting folks on the streets of Margaretville at the Annual Margaretville Street Fair. The Middletown Democrats had a booth selling delicious, and always popular, Miller's BB-Q chicken. It was very nice to see dozens of people milling around with CHECK KECK stickers on their shirts AND on behalf of the Middletown Democratic Committee, Russell Schebesta, Chair, and Betty DeSilva, Treasurer, presented Kelly with a $500 check (which was quite welcome since we had just depleted our funds by ordering 500 lawn signs for $1400).


Then, we headed out to New Berlin (our opponents turf) to march in the Annual Youth Days parade. Though our opponent was in the line up a few floats ahead of us, he had no literature, I did not see a banner and he walked alone behind a Corvette. We on the other hand had our awesome banner, 6 people and a bassett hound, our own personal photographer. We blanketed the crowd with Check Keck rack cards and candy. The excitement was clear when we noticed that many people were shocked to see Kelly's face on the card and then get to shake his hand (he loves to meet the people and thankfully this time did not hold up the parade too much.)


We spent a few hours talking with Elizabeth Garry, 6th Judicial District Supreme Court Justice Candidate, and some of her staff. We all agreed that a change is sweeping across rural upstate New York. Time and time again on the trail we here from Republicans, things like "I am only registered as a Republican because I had to, to get a job." Or "I am only registered as a Republican because all elections are decided in Republican Primaries and I want to vote." To them I say "NOT ANYMORE!" The Democratic slate this year is dynamic, empowered and poised to win big time! Voters have a clear choice in the booth on November 7th!
On Sunday, in the torrential rain, our outdoor event was moved inside the incredible Bibliobarn in South Kortright (recently featured in the New York Times). We owe a special thanks to H.L. and Linda Wilson, proprietors and all round great people, for offering up this historic treasure and Scott Berwick and Brian DeWan for beautiful and inspiring down home music. Delaware for Change (a newborn, up and coming group of activists hungry for reform) hosted a "Beer Tasting" fundraiser for Kelly. Dick Stinson, "Chief Beer Meister", organized the contest of 9 competing beers. Without knowing which was which, each Beer was tasted (only 2 ounces) and rated on qualities like, color, aroma, taste, clarity, body and aftertaste. The person who donated the winning beer, Verna Engstrom-Heg was given a $25 gift certificate to the Bibliobarn. Understandably, the winning beer, that out-shined many national brands, was a New York local brew, * "Pride of Milford", from Cooperstown Brewing Company, Milford New York. More than 50 people came by to judge the beers, witness the Open Soapbox, hear from Kelly and Elizabeth Garry and open their wallets in support of us all. We are grateful and amazed at the turnout and the dollars... we raised $1,200 (thank you, thank you, thank you everyone)!!!


Needless to say. After a mighty full week (on top of our day jobs) we went home and crashed, but it is all worth it.
To anyone thinking of getting involved, I urge you to do so. The long days, hard work, occasional low points and sheer exhaustion is all negated when you see the gleem in a voters eyes when they realize that this year they have a real choice for real leaders that actually CARE about their issues! Folks I tell ya, this is gonna be a good year for everyone!!!
With tired feet and a grateful heart, I thank everyone who is out there doing something to make our world more fair, balanced and just!

with kindest regards

David Turan
Volunteer Director of Development
Keck for Assembly

p.s. I can't help but eqating the winning beer with our own winning candidate. Kelly's drive, passion, tapestry of complex visions for reform and his distinctive, charming personality make him the "Pride of Stamford and the 107th NYS Assembly District"

* "Pride of Milford" is a very special ale with a tapestry of complex flavors and aromas. It is brewed with five malts and fermented with the Ringwood yeast at a higher temperature which gives this beer a uniqueness all its own. "Pride" has a distinctive reddish copper color. It is strong and rich beer. When "Pride" was first brewed in December 1999, many thought the flavor and aromas of this beer had fruit overtones. No fruit or adjunct flavoring is added to this beer. The unique flavor comes from our special brewing process.