Last night Barack Obama became the United States’ 44th President [elect], in an event being ranked among other historical firsts such as Brown vs. the Board of Education in ‘54; the integration of the U.S. armed forces in ‘48; to Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclimation of Jan. 1, 1862. Inspiring some of the most celebration among New York’s African American community some say not seen since Joe Louis beat Max Schmeling; both figures brought together by history, two symbols of their communities, “prisoners of politics” – sent to captivate the world.
In Bay Ridge, however, yesterday also marked a day of some import in our tiny world of local politics.

Last night, the 13th congressional district – the last remaining stronghold of Republican House influence in the 5 boroughs – turned to a Democrat.

With 100% of precincts reporting, Mike McMahon, a Staten Island moderate Democrat won the district with over 60% of the vote; resoundingly defeating former Republican Assemblyman, Bob Strenaire; and Conservatie Party opponnet – Timothy Cochran.

“Mr. McMahon, a City Council member, had the endorsement of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. His victory means that all of the Congressional seats in New York City will be held by Democrats. The 13th District had been represented by a Republican for nearly three decades.”

Before the May 1 drunk driving arrest — and subsequent unraveling of Fossella’s personal indescretions — the 13 congressional district had been the only district to not turn Democrat in over 20 years.

Fossella’s decision not to seek reelection sent the GOP into a tailspin, setting out on an exhaustive search of Candidates that have either flat out rejected the bid, and, in one case – died.

(Photo Obama/Biden courtesy: Getty via Daily News; McMahon photo courtesy: Daily News)