JEFFERSON COUNTY, NY - In a history-making special Senate race, a Democrat has gained control of a seat on the New York State Senate that was vacated by a Republican senator. The victory narrowed an already thin majority the GOP has for control of the state Senate.

Darrel Aubertine topped Republican Will Barclay during Tuesday’s race, bringing in approximately 2,500 votes more than Barclay at the polls. A jovial group of supporters greeted Aubertine at the Italian-American Club in Watertown to celebrate.

“Honestly, we made history, literally,” said Rich Azzopardi of the Aubertine camp.

Aubertine talked with reporters at the polling site where he cast his vote. Photo courtesy of WWNY TV.

Despite the amount of absentee ballots that are out in the race, Azzopardi explained that Barclay and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno conceded the race at around 10:30 p.m.

“He is the next or current Senator of the 48th Senate District, depending on how you read election law,” he said.

Aubertine’s supporters greeted him with thunderous applause.

“What a night,” Aubertine said. “I am speechless. … What a victory.”

Aubertine said that he started his campaign Jan. 6. The number of things that have happened since, he said, is incredible.

“This whole thing is truly about us,” Aubertine said. “It really and truly is about us; the people who live in Central New York. … This race is over. And now the work begins.

“This is when we start to prove what we’ve said all along,” he added. “We will make a difference. We will be heard in Albany and it starts here tonight.”

Aubertine said he feels privileged to be the person voters chose to change the “status quo” and move forward.

“I will always do whatever I can do, and I will do it all the time,” he said.

Regardless of party, Aubertine said every constituent’s issue will be equally as important to him. While he may not always be successful, he stressed it wouldn’t be for a lack of trying.

Aubertine said he received congratulatory calls Tuesday evening from the governor, US Senator Charles Schumer and Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

“Finally, they are going to hear from us,” Aubertine said.

“The winds of change in Albany are blowing,” Aubertine said. “By God, tonight they are blowing from the north.”

Aubertine could reportedly be sworn into office as early as today.

To read Dave Bullard’s election-night coverage blog, click HERE.

Oswego Harborfest has announced that the popular 50-50 Raffle to benefit Harborfest will return in 2009.

Farnham Family Services, an Oswego-based substance abuse treatment and prevention center, is now selling tickets for its 2009 Changing Lives Raffle.

As this column goes to press the 152nd Oswego County Fair should be in full swing at Sandy Creek. During the previous week the Heritage building was stocked full with many new and unique exhibits. We even brought down a piano for some live music!