Fight Back New York

RACE #3 FIGHT BACK NEW YORK TARGETS FRANK PADAVAN

Our first general election target was Frank Padavan from Queens. During his 37-year career in the state senate, Padavan was a leading advocate for passing a so-called "defense of marriage act." Our research showed that Padavan was incredibly well-known and popular but could be effectively targeted with anti-Albany messages. Using this research, we sent 275,000 pieces of mail (see below) to 34,757 prime voters letting them know that Padavan had lost touch with the district over the 37 years he had been in Albany. In the previous four years, he had spent more than $3 million on day-to-day expenses, had some of the most highly compensated staffers at the Capitol, and voted three times to raise his own salary. Automated calls to 22,500 voters reinforced these messages. On Election Day, Padavan received only 47 percent of the vote while is opponent, outspoken marriage supporter City Councilman Tony Avella, received 53 percent of the vote.

The story of Frank Padavan demonstrates that even a popular, well-entrenched legislator can be effectively targeted with a tested message and sufficiently resourced campaign to take out someone who voted against equality.

Fight Back New York's direct voter contact in Padavan's district:

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