Sunday, March 3rd: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
On March 3, 2024, the Northern Dutchess Democrats held their second get-out-the-vote gathering at the Stissing Center in Pine Plains. Nearly two hundred enthusiastic Democrats gathered to welcome U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, State Senator Michelle Hinchey, and State Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, all of whom are running for reelection. Daniel Aymar-Blair, who is running for Dutchess County Comptroller; County Legislator Chris Drago of Stanford; and Michael Dupree, chair of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee, were also present. 
The driving question behind the gathering was straightforward. How can we motivate voters to turn out and help win the critical 2024 election? Although they covered a wide range of issues, the speakers explored possible answers to this important question. The consensus of the candidates and attendees was that 2024 is a watershed election and a strong Democratic turnout is absolutely critical to protect our democracy and safeguard human rights.
Kenya Gadsden, former Fishkill councilwoman and two-time candidate for Dutchess County clerk, gave a rousing introduction to the “two senators.” Gillibrand highlighted her work to combat gun trafficking (particularly to minors) and violence in the military and to promote child mental health. Hinchey emphasized her efforts to empower rural and smaller communities and to pioneer breakfasts and lunches for underprivileged students. 
Both senators agreed that unlike the GOP, the Democrats are a “big tent” party that welcomes diverse points of view. Gillibrand lauded the Biden administration for getting things done, especially with regard to infrastructure and prescription drug prices. Hinchey concurred and praised Democratic Party initiatives after years of Republican-inspired inertia.
What were the takeaways from the event? Democrats need to emphasize President Biden’s record, talk about Republican obstructionism in both houses of Congress, and actively pursue a path to peace in the Middle East. Gillibrand would like to see Democrats push for passage of the ERA, which in addition to being a long-overdue step toward codifying women’s rights will help establish a connection with young voters. Hinchey believes that the Hudson Valley is at the epicenter of Congressional elections and encouraged a strong turnout for incumbent Patrick Ryan. Most important, Democrats must pull together behind candidates up and down the ballot.
Sunday April 21, 2024 :Conversations With U.S. Congressperson Pat Ryan 
Nearly 75 passionate Democrats showed up at Anna Price’s stunning home in Stanford on April 21, 2024, to welcome Congressman Pat Ryan and support his bid for a second term representing CD18 in the House of Representatives.
Stanford Town Supervisor Wendy Burton served as master of ceremonies, welcoming the attendees and introducing Millerton Town Supervisor Chris Kennan, who in turn introduced the guest of honor. Also present were several local officeholders and Daniel Aymar-Blair, Democratic candidate for Dutchess County Comptroller.The congressman provided a rousing critique of Republican dysfunction in the House, beginning with the behavior of Speaker Mike Johnson and filtering down to local congressmen Marc Molinaro (CD17) and Mike Lawlor (CD19). He reminded the attendees that he won by just over three thousand votes, Molinaro won by about six thousand, and Lawler won by about 1,600. So one could say that the Democrats lost control of the House by about 7,500 votes, and that the outcome of the three elections this year could very well determine which party ends up with a majority in the next Congress.
In response to a question from the floor, Ryan checked off a litany of initiatives on which he and other Democrats in the House are working: expanding the Green New Deal, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, repealing the Trump tax cuts, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, guaranteeing housing and health care for poor and working-class people, and ensuring international peace and stability through a reliable American presence on the world stage.
He noted that Democrats are committed to solving problems but that Republicans are only interested in using them to divide the country.In a particularly rousing moment, Ryan quoted from a letter written by Ulysses Grant to his father in 1861 in which the general noted that there were only two parties—the traitors and the patriots. The congressman concluded to the cheering audience, “We are the patriots!”