Dear Friends:
Thank you for all your support during my 2010 campaign and for helping me achieve a great victory on Tuesday.
This year, I faced my most significant challenges since I was first elected to office in 2002. In September, I had a primary against a candidate put up by one of Albany's most powerful interest groups because I dared to stand up for the education needs of my District's children despite the political peril that I would encounter. In November, I faced a challenger who used mail, newspaper advertising, automated phone calls, and even mass unsolicited e-mails to attack me and the work I've done over the past eight years.
Your response to these challenges was amazing. Dozens of you came out to campaign with me at subway stations, supermarkets and other locations around the District. Hundreds of you contributed so that I would have the resources to get my message out. Your encouragement kept me going during a difficult time in my political career.
The results? In September, I received 85 percent of the vote -- the highest margin of victory achieved by anyone running for the New York State Legislature on Primary Day. And, on Tuesday, I received 64 percent in a three-way race on a day that it was tough to be both a Democrat and an incumbent.
I will always value your friendship and support this year. Despite the attempts to dissuade me from doing what I believe is right, I will continue to stand up for the progressive, pragmatic positions on education, social issues and our State's budget that are in the best interests of my constituents. I'm proud of my record of achievement in Albany and on the East Side, and my constituents have once again proven that delivering results still matters.
Thank you again.
Jonathan