Some politicians seal Election Day victories with handshakes.
Others mark wins with smiles and hugs, maybe a brandy toast at party headquarters.
James P. Houlihan celebrated success in style on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1961. He sealed it with a kiss.
It actually looked like Mrs. Houlihan’s idea. She grabbed her grinning husband by the neck on Election Night and gave the new Schenectady Police Justice an affectionate peck. The smooch made the front page of the next day’s Schenectady Gazette. Posted on November 2, 2009.
Democrat James P. Houlihan received the most votes — and a kiss from his wife — on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 1961. Houlihan's Election Night triumph put him in the office of city police justice.
D. Vincent Cerrito and his wife — Dr. Catherine Welsh — flash victory smiles on Election Night 1960. The celebration came after vote totals showed Cerrito had won re-election to the post of Schenectady County district attorney.
Schenectady Mayor Malcolm Ellis offers a nervous smile on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 1963. Ellis was locked in a tight Election Day race with Democratic opponent Dr. Fred Isabella — a race Ellis would eventually win by 127 votes. Providing support are, from left, Thomas Moynihan of the Schenectady County Republican Committee and campaign workers George “Tom” D’Annunzio and Robert Kochendorfer.
Dr. John C. Sherman is the center of attention at his Rugby Road home on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 1960. Family members and friends congratulate the doctor after he was re-elected Schenectady County coroner.
Schenectady Republicans smile and wave on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1950 - Election Day. The reason for the mirth was a county-wide endorsement of GOP candidates by local voters.
Schenectady voters helped elect President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 8, 1960. Democrat boosters carried signs and led a donkey through city streets to rally support for their candidate.
