The Republican Party recaptured the Dutchess County Legislature back in November '09, and today marks their official return to power. Republicans now control 18 seats compared to 6 for the Democrats and 1 for the Conservatives. As the Poughkeepsie Journal points out in today's paper, the 18 Republican seats gives them a veto-proof majority. The last time Republicans had a veto-proof majority was 2002.

Republicans also control the other five county-wide elected offices (e.g., County Executive). 

The real question is, what will the Republicans do with their power? Will they reduce the size of county government and control spending or will they continue to grow county government and use budget shortfalls to justify tax increases?

We'll find out later this month when the legislature will consider repealing the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear under $110. The county sales tax rate is currently 8.125%.

One thing is for sure. The Democrats campaign to "Turn Dutchess Blue" failed miserably.