A huge night for Burlco Dems

MOUNT LAUREL – There was a loud roar when State Sen. John Adler took the stage to make his congressional victory speech at the Marriott Hotel tonight.

“I guess that’s what it sounds like when you wait 122 years to vote for a Democrat,” said Adler.

It was a huge night for South Jersey Democrats.

Not only was it a good night for Adler, the first Democrat to represent this district since the late 19th century, but for the Burlington County Democrats, who picked up a County Clerk seat and two freeholders – routing the Republicans this time around. That Barack Obama looked to be on a sure path to victory against John McCain didn’t dampen the mood either.

“I take this vote as a mandate for positive change for society,” said Adler.

Adler got the concession call from his opponent, Medford Mayor Chris Myers, shortly before taking the stage. But in his victory speech, he didn’t mention that. In fact, he didn’t mention Myers once. Instead, he praised outgoing U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton.

“I know I’m replacing someone in Congress who’s been a great friend to many people in this district for many years, and we should take a minute to acknowledge Jim Saxton. There was never a moment that we questioned his integrity,” he said, adding that they didn’t always agree, but that Saxton always had his constituents at heart.

“I heard the message from voters throughout the district – they were tired of the bickering, the negativity, the sleaziness that some people in this campaign chose to use and I chose not to use,” he said.

Burlington County Democratic Chairman Rick Perr, however, made a remark that served to remind the audience just how short a term in the House is, and that Republicans would likely be looking to recapture this seat.

“Hey John, when does reelection start?” he said.

The winning freeholder candidates, Chris Brown and Mary Anne Reinhart, also took the stage to speak, as did the next county clerk, Tim Tyler. Tyler remarked that there were more people in the room than in his home town of Fieldsboro, population 522.

Brown spoke, but he could hardly be heard. As he spoke, Barack Obama crossed the 270 electoral vote threshold. The crowd went wild.

“I’ve been upstaged,” he said, smiling.