WATERTOWN, N.Y. — If there was any doubt that Democrats view the special election in NY-23 as a chance to take on the conservative movement, former New York Democratic Party Chair June O’Neill dispelled it this morning. Ginning up the crowd for Vice President Joe Biden, in town to support Democratic candidate Bill Owens, O’Neill accused the conservative movement of bringing “fear-mongering tactics” to the district.
“Glenn Beck?” she said. The crowd booed. “Rush Limbaugh?” The crowd booed again. “Sean Hannity? They don’t live here. You live here! [State Sen.] Darrell Aubertine lives here! Dede Scozzafava lives here!”
The smallish crowd of around 250 people — who had passed a crowd of around 20 conservative protesters on the way in — cheered along with a speech that was largely about sending a message to the GOP. “We can not afford to let right-wing extremists make a point in this district.”
O’Neill closed by leading the chants of “Yes we can” and “Fired up! Ready to go!” When she finished, some in the crowd started a new chant: “No right wing!”