He said that the inauguration instilled a great sense of pride and patriotism, mentioning the display in Washington of American flags past and present. The event was not only beautiful but well produced, Hynes added.

Now that the inauguration is past, he said, attention will turn to the 2013 elections. The Democratic committee will remain in its office in Valley Stream at least through the end of the year. In November, town and county seats are up for election.

Presidential fact

Barack Obama is the third president in a row to be re-elected, following Bill Clinton (1992, 1996) and George W. Bush (2000, 2004). This is the first time that has happened since the early 19th century, when Thomas Jefferson (1800, 1804) was succeeded by James Madison (1808, 1812) and James Monroe (1816, 1820).