John Ferro

Poughkeepsie Journal

NEW PALTZ - Five months after he swept into Marist College with his populist message and fervent following, Sen. Bernie Sanders came back to the mid-Hudson Valley Friday with a different message.

"That 'Bernie!' " he said of the chant frequently heard at his rallies,"has got to be transferred to 'Zephyr.' "

So it was Friday that the progressive liberal from Vermont, whose spirited campaign challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination, offered his support for Zephyr Teachout, the progressive Democrat seeking to represent the 19th Congressional District in Congress.

"I would not be here today," Sanders said, "if I were not deeply impressed about the person that Zephyr is and the campaign she is running."

Teachout is running against Republican John Faso of Kinderhook.

Rep. Chris Gibson, also a Republican from Kinderhook, is vacating the seat after his term ends this year.

The rally sought to connect Teachout's campaign with the deep wellspring of support, particularly among young people, that propelled Sanders to the brink of the presidential nomination.

"I was so happy to endorse Bernie Sanders last year," Teachout said, "but not nearly as happy as I am today to have Bernie Sanders join us in this critical race."

Teachout's campaign has echoed many of the same issues that Sanders' did — an opposition to big-money influence in politics, a rejection of international trade deals and the safeguarding of the environment.

"Thank you Bernie Sanders for having the guts in leading all of us in standing up against the billionaires who are trying to take over our democracy," she told the crowd. "Thank you Bernie Sanders for being an incredible voice to stop the fracked gas pipelines and invest in renewable energy."

The crowd, estimated to be more than 1,000 people, drew young and old, locals and visitors.

Michelle Primiano, a 24-year-old Ulster Park resident, said she was familiar with Teachout's political views and had seen some of the candidate's social media videos. Friday offered a chance to learn something else.

"I would actually like to see, in person, what she is like," Primiano said.

Two yellow buses from New Paltz High School disgorged about 75 students. The field trip sought to offer the students a first-hand look at the political process, according to Joel Neden, who teaches journalism at the high school.

"We talk about history in history books. We look at it on the news. This is a chance to see what Democracy looks like," Neden said. "We are not preaching a particular candidate. Rarely do you have the opportunity to be in the same space as a very successful presidential candidate."

Sanders returned to the campaign trail after the Labor Day weekend, stumping for Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire. He will do so again Saturday in Ohio.

"When you look around you here today, this is what we have," he said, shaking his fist. "They have billionaires. We have the people and when people stand together, people win."

"I know his campaign for the presidency is over," said Mimi Schmidt, a 20-year-old SUNY New Paltz student from Highland Falls. "I wanted to experience and see that wonderful face one more time."

John Ferro: 845-437-4816; jferro@poughkeepsiejournal.com; Twitter: @PoJoEnviro