First Elected Tea Party Movement Murray Awaiting Certification In NY State

By Donald Griffith on February 15, 2010, 8:41 am

Republican Dean Murray recently won election to the New York State Assembly seat in Suffolk County. Murray, the “tea party” candidate, campaigned on fiscal conservatism. With 3 out of 4 open seats going to Republicans, the GOP is hopeful about prospects for mid-term elections.

“Tea Party” Candidate

Murray was the endorsed “tea party” candidate. He even kicked off his campaign with a rally for fellow tea partyers in New York. Consistent with that movement’s foundation, he campaigned on lower taxes and getting rid of wasteful government spending. He positioned himself as a regular businessman, outside of the establishment and tired of the political class that embroiled the state in its mess. Tea party supporters are calling this a vindication of their anti-tax, fiscally conservative message.

Democratic Defeat

Murray won the election by less than 200 votes; he will replace the outgoing Democrat, Patricia Eddington. His supporters celebrated the victory over Democratic opponent Lauren Thoden, whom they noted was the union-backed, well-funded progressive candidate and considered to be the sure thing. In the 2004, 2006, and 2008 general elections, Suffolk County voted between 59% and 62% Democratic, making a Republican win all the more remarkable.

 

Trend For Mid-Terms?

Analysts have noted that in suburban districts, Republicans candidates this year ran at least 10% ahead of Republicans in previous Assembly elections. Republicans are calling this a sign that the Democrats are in trouble for the 2010 mid-term elections. As proof they point to the recent election of Massachusetts’ Scott Brown to the US Senate, an election which took down the Democrats’ filibuster-proof majority. While elections for state assembly seats generally don’t garner much attention, hopeful Republicans are jumping on what they see as a larger trend, hoping to benefit in November.

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