John Hall, former rock star and member of the band Orleans, a progressive Democrat, who campaigned without major support from the DCCC, defeated Sue Kelly (of Foley scandal infamy) in a major upset in New York’s 19th Congressional District:
John Hall, leader of the rock group Orleans that recorded such hits as “Still the One” and “Dance With Me,” has won a stunning upset in his race for Congress in upstate New York, narrowly defeating Republican incumbent Sue Kelly 51%-49%.
Hall’s views on the differences between political and music journalists were recently profiled on E&P Online. At one point, he had to struggle to be taken seriously by the press as a policy man.
The upset was more surprising, as this contest was never on the national Democratic Party’s list of most likely pickups.
Hall closed his victory speech by singing Steven Van Zandt’s song “I Am A Patriot.” Numerous musicians played benefits for Hall throughout the campaign, though he was still badly outspent by his opponent. They included Bonnie Raitt, Steve Earle, Pete Seeger and Jackson Browne.
Hall, who ran as an antiwar candidate, is also an environmental activist. He was a key organizer of the fabled “No Nukes” concert and movie in 1979.
