Vega still optimistic

Sal Vega might be the most optimistic guy in Hudson County.

In a primary where his opponent for 33rd district State Senate is almost universally considered the easy victor, Vega still thinks he can pull it off. 

By noon today, he had been standing next to a polling station at Public School 2 for four hours, and he planned to stay there for most of the rest of the day, as he has in his previous three contested elections.  The polling station, directly across from a high rise apartment building with a large senior citizen population, is Vega’s strongest district in his strongest ward. 

“I feel good.  We have a great organization in town, and things are looking good,” said Vega, just before a campaign worker walked by him and flashed a thumbs up, saying “turnout looks good.”

But Vega admitted that the turnout is short of phenomenal.  “I’d say it looks about average for a primary,” he said.  But Vega will need to have a strong showing in West New York if he’s going to make a dent against Stack, who will run strong in Union City, the top vote-producing municipality in the district.

Even some of Vega’s campaign volunteers admitted that Vega is unlikely to win, but profess a loyalty to their Mayor.  Dan Rodriguez, a Hudson County maintenance worker, said he’s had bottles thrown at his head while campaigning for Vega in Union City.  But Vega’s uphill battle made him want to help. 

“I know it’s a long shot, but that’s why I’m giving my support to the Mayor,” said Rodriguez. 

Vega said he had no regrets about the way he ran his campaign.  While many observers consider his steadfast refusal to allow the Cuban Day parade to march through West New York the last straw for his already struggling campaign, Vega said he didn’t think it would have any effect on his chances. 

“Most people who advised me told me not to do it, but I see it as two different things,” he said.  “The parade is over, now we focus on the election.”

As always, “The Freedom Wagon,” was parked just a hundred yards or so from where he stood.

“I’m going to miss it.  And what I think I’m going to miss the most is how excited people get about it,” said Vega.