To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

The word 'refreshing' could be heard among many Queens voters when asked about the outcome of Tuesday's primary races -- a sentiment political experts say is not surprising.

"They will bring new energy and new perspectives," said Queens College Professor Michael Krasner.

While Assemblyman Mark Weprin won the Democratic primary for the council seat his brother David is giving up, several new faces also advanced in primaries for seats being vacated by candidates seeking other offices.

Kevin Kim, a lawyer and community liaison for Congressman Gary Ackerman, is seeking the seat being vacated by Councilman Tony Avella.

Taiwan immigrant and businesswoman Yen Chou is eyeing John Liu's council spot and James Van Bramer, an officer of the Queens Public Library, wants to take over Eric Gioia's seat.

Teacher, union leader and gay rights activist Daniel Dromm defeated incumbent two-term Councilwoman Helen Sears, who was seeking re-election.

"I think people like Dromm and Bramer and some of the others benefited considerably from the fact that they are not associated with what looked like business as usual, politics as usual," Krasner said.

Looking towards the general election, Krasner says the candidates need to build on their grassroots efforts.

"The big question is will they have the persistence and keep their connections to the grassroots in a way that will allow them to make those new perspectives and new ideas effective within the structures that already exists," Krasner said.

Part of the political structure includes the borough's Democratic party machine. Even though some candidates were able to win without the machine's blessing, Krasner says the organization is still very strong.

"The county leadership is in great hands so I don't expect to see a great diminishing of their power," Krasner said.

The Democratic candidates in Queens will face general election challenges from Republicans who are also fresh faces in the political arena, which some voters say is a welcome change as well.