Orleans leader elected to Congress

Orleans leader John Hall, who was elected to Congress on Tuesday night (November 7th), made sure to thank some of his best-known supporters during his victory speech, including Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Graham Nash.

Hall was singing part of the Jackson Browne song "I Am A Patriot" when he took the podium to address his supporters, and at the end of his speech he saluted his famous friends and what they meant to his campaign: "I want to especially also thank, by long distance, all the musicians who have contributed to this campaign. (cheers) You know, the power of music and musicians has been a spiritual recharge -- just when we reached a point where the work was getting too hard, just when we reached a point where we thought the money wouldn't be enough, just when we reached a point where it was too serious, the music was there to lift us up."

Hall ended his speech by leading the packed ballroom at the Colonial Terrace in Cortlandt Manor, New York, in an a capella version of "I Am A Patriot," which was written by E Street Band guitarist and Sopranos star Little Steven: (Hall sings "I Am A Patriot") )

Although Hall claimed victory, his opponent in the race, six-term incumbent Sue Kelly, has refused to concede until all the ballots were counted.

Hall, who has held local elected offices in the past, previously told us that he would give up his position in Orleans to devote all his energy to his Congressional duties.

He represents the 19th Congressional District of New York, which includes some of the suburbs north and west of New York City.
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