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Barack Obama made an indelible mark on American history, riding a wave of profound change as he swept to victory to become the nation’s first African-American president.
Posting what amounted to a lopsided electoral college win, Obama defeated Republican Sen. John McCain Nov. 4 with straightforward promises to reduce taxes for the middle class, create a nationwide health care system, improve education, repair the economy and remove troops from Iraq by early 2010.
Here in New York, President-elect Obama won 62 percent of the popular vote, propelled in part by UUPers and members of its state affiliate, NYSUT, who volunteered to get out the vote by campaigning with the AFT in battleground states and participating in statewide union- sponsored phone banks.
“It was your hard work that helped America make history on Election Day and gave New York Democrats a real opportunity to break the gridlock that has hampered Albany for decades,” said UUP President Phillip Smith. “Dozens of UUPers worked tirelessly to elect Barack Obama and other candidates who have a strong understanding of the importance of education and who support working families and organized labor.”
Democrats take control
State Democrats won a majority—albeit a slight one—in the state Senate and gained control of the Legislature for the first time in more than 40 years. NYSUT-endorsed candidates played a large role in that reversal, which gives union members, parents and students a slate of elected officials on both sides of the aisle who will advocate for education and union issues.
“As New York wrestles with budget deficits, our primary concern is not whether an elected assemblyman or senator is a Democrat or a Republican, but whether that elected leader will stand with us to protect education, health care and the rights of working families,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin.
Obama’s victory created a coattail effect for Democrats in New York, who won at least 32 seats in the 62-seat Senate. Those victories give Democrats control of the Legislature and the governor’s office for the first time since 1935. Democrats, who hold a 2-to-1 enrollment edge over Republicans statewide, can attribute their gains in part to the excitement spurred by Obama’s historic presidential campaign.
“The incredible voter interest Barack Obama generated, especially among young, independent and first-time voters; the sea change in voting patterns across America; and the election of America’s first African-American president are all extraordinary milestones for our country,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.
Said NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi: “We look forward to working with an Obama administration on the many important issues facing New York and our nation, including increasing educational opportunities for all students, improving access to quality health care and fixing the economy so prosperity is there for everyone.”
Union advocacy works
Union members in New York and across the country did their part to elect Obama and give state Democrats their edge. The AFT dispatched nearly 600 full-time campaign coordinators and 5,000 volunteers to get out the vote, particularly in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio.
NYSUT sent out more than 100 staff members, who volunteered to campaign for Obama in battleground states. Thousands of volunteers—including a large number of UUP members—took bus trips to battleground states and participated in NYSUT-sponsored phone banks across the state in the weeks leading up to the election.
“Thank you so much for your efforts in getting out the vote,” said Smith. “Your efforts paid off for all of us.”
— Michael Lisi