MY PLATFORM Albany has forgotten the middle class and the average New Yorker. We need fundamental reform, not politics as usual. Read my platform.

Thank you to all my supporters!
I want to thank all who voted for me and helped my campaign for your outstanding support of my run for the state Senate. Though the outcome wasn't what we hoped, we mounted a spirited campaign that was clean, issues-based, and clearly defined the differences between my opponent and me. I'm proud of what we achieved.

Before all the final numbers are tallied, we do know this: I received about 41 percent of the vote, including more than 70 percent of the Tompkins County vote. These are great numbers considering we were outspent 5-to-1. Don Barber spent nearly $400,000 and garnered 35 percent of the vote; Paloma Capanna spent nearly $70,000 and received 25 percent of the vote. In our case, we showed we could do a lot with just $25,000.

Thanks to all those who circulated petitions, planted signs, hosted parties, raised money, and spread the word. It was a great experience all the way around. Rather than feeling disappointment, I feel great pride in what we accomplished. I hope you share my feelings.

I'm also proud of what the New York State Democrats achieved. By winning control of the state Senate, Democrats have a unique opportunity to break the gridlock that's plagued Albany for decades. I'm hopeful that future elections will expand the Democratic majority.

Finally, I'm delighted that our next president will be Barack Obama! I know you share my joy and look forward to at least four years of the change we need.

Thanks again,
John

Spread the word and get out the vote!
As we enter the last weekend of the 2008 campaign, I will be traveling the district, going door to door, and encouraging voters to get to the polls. The stakes have never been higher and our voices need to be heard. Read more

Sen. Hillary Clinton endorses Tonello's bid for State Senate
New York Sen. Hillary Clinton today endorsed John Tonello in the race for the 53rd District State Senate seat. Read more

Tonello proposes increasing N.Y.'s outdated gas royalty rate to help landowners
John Tonello announced that as Senator he will lead an effort to increase the minimum royalty New York farmers and landowner can earn on a gas well leases from 12.5 percent to at least 16 percent, a move that will help protect landowner interests and save taxpayers money. Read more

Setting the record straight
During our recent public appearances, my opponent has repeatedly distorted my positions on several issues, including taxes. I want to set the record straight. Read more

Winner falsely attempting to take credit for local economic growth, Tonello says
John Tonello said his opponent George Winner in his campaign commercials, print ads, and speeches is trying to take credit for creating local jobs that had nothing to do with him or the state Senate. Read more

Assemblywoman Lifton endorses Tonello for Senate
Calling him "a true champion of the middle class," Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D-125th) endorsed John Tonello of Elmira in his run for the 53rd District State Senate seat. Read more

Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters endorses Tonello
The Council that represents 15,000 carpenters across the State of New York from Montauk to Buffalo, has endorsed John Tonello's bid for the 53rd District state Senate seat. Read more

Sen. Schumer endorses Tonello for State Senate
New York's senior senator, Charles Schumer (D-NY), endorsed Elmira Mayor John Tonello for State Senate, calling Tonello a "middle-class reformer who knows how to solve problems that face all New Yorkers." Read more

Tonello on the issues
The Elmira Star-Gazette ran a series of stories on John and his opponent in the 53rd District State Senate race Oct. 12. Read John's responses to key questions. Read more

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