Ferrer Concedes Runoff At Union Headquarters

It was hot and loud inside Service Employees International Union Local 1199 Headquarters on 43rd Street last night as a few hundred supporters of Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer came in hopes of celebrating their candidate's victory in the Democratic mayoral runoff.

At one point it looked like the night might be a long one, with the video screens tuned to NY1 reporting a two-point differential between Ferrer and his opponent, Public Advocate Mark Green. Then disappointment overcame the group, many clad in purple Ferrer T-Shirts and clutching miniature American flags and white noisemakers, as a picture of Green appeared on the screen, with the word "winner" at the bottom. The screen was promptly switched from the television news feed to a Ferrer campaign logo.

Throughout the night, many clergymen, politicians, and union leaders addressed the crowd. Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, looking every one of his 76 years, told the crowd not to be dismayed that they weren't in the lead and noted that many Ferrer supporters vote later in the evening, making them less likely to be included in exit polls.

Perhaps remembering election night less than a year ago, many in the room held out for Ferrer with optimism. The looks on the faces of the public officials gathered, and many of whom were talking on their cell phones, though, told a different story.

After 10:30 p.m., the bright lights atop of the 14 television cameras on a riser in the back of the room came on, adding a feeling of anticipation to the room and fueling the rising temperature.

Just before 11 p.m., cheers erupted as Ferrer entered from the rear of the hall to make his way to the podium for his concession speech.

The soon-to-be-former candidate stopped to hug supporters as he made his way through the crowd, reserving his longest embrace for Reverend Al Sharpton, whose support he had been counting on to carry him to victory.

Frank Sinatra's voice eventually stopped bellowing the lyrics to "New York, New York" over the speakers, and Ferrer began his remarks. At the mention of Green's name, the crowd, sweat dripping from their brows, began to boo. Ferrer, foreshadowing the role the theme of unity would play in his speech, told them to stop.

Not surprisingly, unity was a major theme of the night. Many in the room were sporting miniature American flags on their lapels (some pins with sequins), and Ferrer spoke of uniting the city after what had turned into a bitter campaign against Green.

"We all have a stake in his success," he said of the city's next mayor, "and I will work to make him a success."

"We must work together, now more than ever," Ferrer concluded.