OBAMA WINS

Barack Obama was elected the nation’s first black president Tuesday night, breaking down the final racial barrier in American politics.

In a decisive victory over Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Illinois senator’s message of change apparently resonated with voters at a time of extreme economic turmoil in the U.S., a theme that exit polls showed was on the minds of many voters as they left polling sites Tuesday.

Obama addressed those concerns at his victory speech in Chicago’s Grant Park. He told screaming supporters that America showed the world they have the ability to stand together and make their voices heard.

“We have never been just a collection of individuals” …. “We are and always will be the United States of America.”

Bye, bye Trunzo

To say the least, Democrats are celebrating.

This is a great victory for us and we are bringing change to the White House!,” said Brian Foley, who ousted longtime incumbent Caesar Trunzo.

The crowd is chanting and roaring, the Democrats are celebrating and there is one more chant circulating the room!

U.S. Rep. Steve Israel: “I want to you to say it loud….Bye, Bye, Bye Bush!”

Meanwhile, after his concession speech, Trunzo’s handlers tried blocking News 12 reporter Shari Einhorn from getting a comment. Take a look.

Brian Foley’s acceptance speech

Sen. Caesar Trunzo’s concession speech

Venditto for Nassau executive?

Although the party did not fare well nationally, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto boasted that all of the Republican incumbents in Nassau were re-elected and says he thinks the future looks bright for the party in 2009.

As for whether he might be pondering a bid to be county executive in 2009, as party Chair Joseph Mondello suggested earlier, Venditto would only say that, right now, he is enjoying serving Oyster Bay residents as their supervisor, leaving open the possibility for a run.

Johnson urges bipartisan cooperation

State Sen. Craig Johnson (7th District) says he is proud to be a member of the new Senate majority, but he reminded supporters that despite the shift in power, it will take teamwork across the aisle to help the state deal with a struggling economy.

Rep. Peter King offers advice to Obama

Pete King, the lone Republican congressman from Long Island and ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, is offering some advice to Barack Obama. Remember, he says, that Long Island and the rest of New York are the top targets for terrorists and that he should keep in frequent contact with state and local authorities to make sure another attack does not occur.

Skelos reflects on GOP’s loss of power

While he cruised to victory in his own race, Sen. Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) was dealt a defeat Tuesday night when Democrats took control of the state Senate. Even though the Republican Party will not be in charge come next year, Skelos says he and other Republican senators will still do all they can to make sure there are lower taxes for residents on Long Island and in the rest of the state.

It’s party time!

Drinking, dancing , hollering and hooting ….that is how the Democrats are celebrating in Suffolk County.

The booze is flowing and so are the tears of joy. Seems like this party won’t be over for quite some time….maybe four years?

Mondello addresses the troops

Nassau and state GOP Chairman Joe Mondello heaped praised on Republican candidates, highlighting that all of the county’s incumbent candidates were successful in their re-election bids.

One by one, Mondello called up Congressman Peter King, state Sens. Charles Fuschillo, Carl Marcellino, Dean Skelos and Kemp Hannon, as well as the state assemblymen.

It’s over

The Suffolk County Republican headquarters is now a wasteland. Most people left in a hurry, heads hangin low. Some right-wing stragglers are at the bar in the next room, but few are smiling.

Yes we can? YES WE DID!

The Democrats are flipping out…after counting down to polls closing on the West Coast, earth shattering cheers of “USA!” and “Yes We Can!” rang out through the Westbury Manor.

Nassau Democratic heavy hitters took to the stage, each telling the crowd to remember this moment. An elderly black woman erupted into tears next to me as Nassau County Supervisor Tom Suozzi gave a rousing celebratory speech.

The only thing louder than the clinking of glasses and the shouts of joy was the booing at Sarah Palin’s mention in McCain’s concession speech.

Wins have also been announced over here for Carolyn McCarthy, Earlene Hooper, Craig Johnson, and a slew of others. Word is that the Democrats are still watching the 6th District state Senate race, but my source at the GOP headquarters is saying Hannon’s being announced as victorious.

A bitter end for the Grand Old Party’s party

A tough night for members of the GOP. Many at Suffolk HQ drew parallels between this year and 1976, when Carter was elected. Newly elected Supreme Court Justice William Condon encouraged the crowd, saying four years go by fast and Carter led to Reagan.

“Tomorrow, whoever is your commander and chief, give him your support,” said John W. Bugler, who ran an unsuccessful campaign against incumbent Ginny Fields.

Caesar Trunzo, who lost his Senate position to Brian Folley, said, “I’ll still be around no matter what.”

Trunzo said he is proud of what he has done and thanked supporters, ending his brief speech with a simple “goodnight,” adding, “I’ll be able to sleep late tomorrow.”

Despite past interviews, Trunzo’s staff and family members blocked the News 12 crew covering the night, as the 82-year-old man retreated.