“I’m extremely proud and honored and look forward to working on the progressive issues,” said Smith after the victory.  “Fourteen years of ineffective leadership.  We need real innovative solutions to the issues facing the voters.”
  
“Jonathan Smith shows me that he is part of the solution and that he will galvanize our communities to help tackle many of the problems we are facing,” said Ed McCormick, Char of the LaGrange Democratic Committee.  “From immediate property tax reform, excellence in education and universal health care, to revitalizing our economy with jobs in the new energy economy.  Jonathan is talking about true solutions.”
 
  Smith said, “I am dedicated to providing that kind of leadership and to working with all of our residents to turn our state around.”
  
The 102nd Assembly District is comprised of the towns of Clinton, Fishkill, Hyde Park, LaGrange, Poughkeepsie and Wappinger.
  
“I am so proud to have the endorsement of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee,” said Smith.  “I wish to thank my dedicated supporters for all their great energy and enthusiasm.  The people of this district are hurting and they need immediate relief.”
  
Smith has organized an experienced campaign team, with members who worked on the congressional races of Maurice Hinchey, John Hall and Kirsten Gillibrand.  “We’re geared up for the race,” said Smith.  His campaign was the second highest fundraising effort in the state for Assembly races.  He added, “America is ready to go in a new direction, both locally and nationally.”
 
  In defeat, Levine said, “I got 40 percent of the vote against a life long progressive democrat with a war chest.  I am going to continue.”  Levine received plenty of positive feedback from rank and file Democrats after the nominating convention.  “The voters haven’t spoken, only the committee,” he said.  “I’m totally pleased with the amount of support.  People are calling me, don’t give up.”
  
Levine said the average person can’t afford to live in the local area.  “Paying taxes, food on the table or gas in the tank.  How do we protect our homes and communities?”
 
  When asked about the September 9 Primary, Smith said he’s ready and also prepared for the general election on November 4.  “We have a great campaign team and we’re geared toward this race.”
  
“For a number of reasons our campaign is well suited to win a primary in September, and then the general election in November.  The Democratic base and the district tend to be less progressive than the committee members.  I grew up in Dutchess and have practiced law here for 28 years.  Above all, people trust me to get the job done,” Levine concluded.
  
Dutchess County Democrats unanimously nominated Joan Posner as its candidate for Dutchess County Family Court Judge to run this November.  If elected, she would replace Republican incumbent Damian Amodeo who is retiring.
  
Posner has spent the last 20 years as Court Attorney, chief legal counsel for Judge Amodeo.  She was the principal author of the Dutchess County Domestic Violence Bench Manual, for town and village justices.
   
County Democratics also endorsed Ronald Ray of Beacon in the 100th Assembly District, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill in the 101st District, and Ken Dow in the 41st State Senate District race. 
    The party backed Congressman John Hall in the 19th District, Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand in the 20th district and Congressman Maurice Hinchey in the 22nd district.
  
Dutchess County Republicans endorsed Assemblyman Tom Kirwan in the 100th District, Assemblyman Joel Miller in the 102nd District and Assemblyman Marc Molinaro in the 103rd District.  The county GOP also backed incumbent State Senator Vincent Leibell in the 40th district and State Senator Stephen Saland in the 41st district for another term.
 
  Republicans also endorsed Kieran Lalor in the 19th District for Congress, Sandy Treadwell in the 20th Congressional District and George Phillips in the 22nd Congressional District.
    Primary day is Tuesday, September 9 and the general election is Tuesday, November 4.