Democratic Grup

2011-06-08T22:52:00.001-05:00

HI! What's up? I've found a funny site! Hurry up!. http://hugheselectronics.org.uk/friends.links.php?hihotmailID=91v6

2011-06-08T22:51:00.001-05:00

Innovation in loosing weight!.. http://seewebtv.net/friends.links.php?iwesiteid=39r1

Stringer loses another from Press office

2009-08-19T15:00:00.003-05:00

Scott Stringer seems to have lost a considerable portion of his press shop. First Lee Landor for Facebook-ing from work; now his Dick Riley, Stringer's Press Secretary is leaving to go to work for UFT.

Stringer Deputy Press Sec Slams “O-dumb-a,” Defends Racial Profiling

2009-07-28T11:42:00.003-05:00

Stringer Deputy Press Sec Slams “O-dumb-a,” Defends Racial Profiling

Not that I agree with her sentiments but firing (or requesting resignation) your staff for the opinion they express, and such a mundane opinion, is sort of offensive. President Obama in his attempt to ratchet it down last week expressed an opinion that both the professor and the cop acted uncivil, also that it wasn't racially motivated but rather 2 guys that both were having a bad day (even though the professor continues claim it was racially motivated).

Ms. Landor certainly should have been reprimanded as it is her job to be the public face for an elected official and probably should have sent a message to all those that read the her status update while deleting her original status, but she should not have been forced out of her job.

Updated: 1:48PM 7/28
I did not intially realize the comments were made while on the clock at the elected official office, essentially have tax payers pay for her facebooking time. Of course Ms. Landor should have been fired for goofing off at work, I did not realize that at first and apologize for defending her right to self expression. She still has a the right, its just shouldn't be done on someone else's dime.

21st City Council Special Election

2009-02-25T09:15:00.002-05:00

Julissa Ferreras, former Monserrate Chief of staff as well as Chairwoman of a non-profit that received $250,000 of slush funds from her office, won the special election to fill her boss's seat. Monserrate became the State Senator last November, and has had a scandal involving alleged beating his girlfriend with a drinking glass @ 3AM then driving her past several hospitals bringing her to LIJ hospital near the Nassau border. There was a dearth of talent on the ballot but in my humble opinion the worst candidate won.

DAVE DOOMS SELF TO LOSE VS. ANDY - New York Post

2009-01-31T11:05:00.000-05:00

DAVE DOOMS SELF TO LOSE VS. ANDY - New York Post

I befuddled why Governor Paterson chose a conservative Upstate Congresswoman who brings very little to the state wide ticket in 2010, when every other corner of New York State Democratic establishment would have preferred Cuomo or Kennedy or even Maloney. Cuomo will probably run against Paterson and leave the winner weakened cofers empty to run against the fascist Giuliani. There is also strong possiblity that Gillibrand will not survive the Democratic primary allowing Congressman Peter King to become the next Senator.

Even if Paterson and Gillibrand win their respective election they won't be driving a huge mess of Democratic votes to the polls and its possible the Republicans could retake the State Senate. Even if there is not one seat lost to Republicans, Kruger, Diaz, and Espada could flip if they perceive weakness.

Monserrate Still at Precinct, Smith Has No Comment

2008-12-19T12:58:00.001-05:00

Monserrate Still at Precinct, Smith Has No Comment

Not only does this guy weasel $400,000 from city council slush fund, hit a tow truck driver with his car on primary day in 2001 (which gets buried under the historic attacks that also happened that day), but he just got arrested for hitting a 30-year old woman early this morning and is sitting in the precinct house.

Monserrate is a thug, and we could not have a less honorable representative that will likely get re-elected to Albany. It is likely we will catch this wannabe gang banger slinging crack rock, and shooting dice in the alley by the end of the year.

Bloomberg: Council Made the 'Right Choice' on My Plan | The New York Observer

2008-10-23T18:41:00.001-05:00

Bloomberg: Council Made the 'Right Choice' on My Plan | The New York Observer

29 Yeas
22 Nays

Absolute shame that 29 city councilman overturned the voice of the voter. Bloomberg will probably win re-election, but there will be higher than usual losses of incumbents (there might be 2 to 3 compared to the usual zero).

Bloomberg Called Ready to Announce Third-Term Bid - NYTimes.com

2008-09-30T15:46:00.002-05:00

Bloomberg Called Ready to Announce Third-Term Bid - NYTimes.com

You know how you can tell the good guys from the bad guys... good guys follow the rules. I remember a Bullwinkle cartoon where Boris breaks down the fourth wall tells the audience "you know I'm the bad guy because I even cheat at solitaire." Changing the rules for themselves in the middle of the game is exactly what the current bumper crop of cartoonishly evil elected officials in the city council and the mayor's office.

The 25th Amendment which installed term limits on the president was ratified during the Truman presidency, but couldn't take effect until he left office (because it would have been Un-American to change the rules of presidency in the middle of the presidency.) Bloomberg does not hold to the same ethical standard, and feels compelled to change the law that was put directly to voters twice and was overwhelmingly approved of both times.

This is New York City not some sort of third world dictatorship where elections are overturned by executive fiat. If the city council and the mayor really felt that term limits actually hurt the city and it is not simply a desperate power grab and a continuation of their jobs then they would rescind term limits but leave office under the terms that they entered it, serving only 2 terms.

NY-13 Mystery Deepens - The Daily Politics

2008-09-24T13:38:00.001-05:00

The Daily Politics - NY Daily News

Why in the world would the Staten Island GOP think that running Vito Fossella improve their chances keeping the congressional district?

GOP Officials Clash With Black Delegate - NY Daily News

2008-09-04T20:31:00.000-05:00

Mouth Of The Potomac - NY Daily News

G-d bless Republican racism, because without it the Democrats would lose social conservative African Americans.

McCain's VP choice will become a grandmother... maybe abstinence only education doesn't work.

2008-09-01T14:20:00.002-05:00

ARLINGTON, VA - Today, Sarah and Todd Palin issued the following statement regarding today's Reuters story:

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support."Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates."

Philadelphia for Obama

2008-08-23T15:42:00.001-05:00

I'm watching the Philies vs Dodgers and right behind home plate is a woman wearing an Obama T shirt. Free advertising for Barack in a swing state is never a bad thing.

upstate.dem@gmail.com

M.T.A. Says It Plans to Seek a Second Fare Increase, This One in 2011

2008-07-24T00:41:00.004-05:00

M.T.A. Says It Plans to Seek a Second Fare Increase, This One in 2011 -NYTIMES

In a very accurate observation Mayor Michael Bloomberg is quoted in the NY Times “That’s just poor management.”

In 2003 a base fare increase was supposed to come with an increase in services; In 2005 another fare increase but only the unlimited metrocards (majority of commuters use only the unlimited metrocards), we saw a multi-Billion dollar bond issue put forward to a vote and it won overwhelmingly, the MTA had a billion dollar surplus, attempted to give $700-$900 million gift to the Jets in the promise of building of a new stadium the result of this disaterous year: a 3 day TWU strike; In 2007 an introduction of the possiblity of congestion pricing; In 2008 an increased fares of unlimted metrocards, and announcement that yet another fare increase to take effect next year with further empty promises of increases of service as ridership far out paces current services, the transit hub at the World Trade Center site over budget and years late with no known schedule for completion, MTA admits that they will not be able to keep to the previous capital plan and will not follow through on any station reconditioning.

Thank goodness congestion pricing failed! If it had gone through it would have been an extra $2-3 billion dollars for the MTA to burn through. If their were a congestion price implemented, it better be by an all British (specifically London) mangement at the MTA, since our homegrown mangement are step below feces hurling monkeys one could find in the Bronx Zoo. Hemmdinger, Kalikow, Sander, and the rest of the MTA apes need to throw in the towel since I don't think they could manage a lemonade stand.

NYPD Hostage negotiation team on Corona Avenue

2008-07-17T10:20:00.001-05:00

Baldeo is denying that he attempted to extort a judgeship from Queens Dems

2008-07-02T11:03:00.003-05:00

Times Ledger article below reports that Albert Baldeo claims he never tried to get a judgeship for dropping out of the primary against Addabbo for the Serph Maltese Senate Seat

http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2008/07/01/forest_hills/forest_hills_ledger/news/forest_hills_ledger_newsbaldeooffe06262008.txt

NY Daily News article a couple of weeks earlier reports that Baldeo would have accepted a judgeship in return for dropping out of the race.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/06/10/2008-06-10_albert_baldeo_hints_at_thirdparty_run_fo.html

FW: News from Valerie Keehn

2008-06-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

Joe Bruno’s seat will be contested by former Mayor of Saratoga Springs. Probably won’t win but it spreads the GOP out to yet another Senate seat they have to defend.

From: Brucie Rosch [mailto:brucie@brucierosch.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:02 PM
To: Brucie Rosch
Subject: News from Valerie Keehn

Dear Friends,

I have exciting news and a request for your help.

As you are probably aware, I have decided to “look at my options and explore the possibilities" of making a run at Senator Bruno’s seat in the 43rd District.

I wasn’t planning on running for any office this time around. But with Senator Bruno’s retirement, an opportunity has been handed to us that we can't let slip away.

When I heard about Sen. Bruno’s decision, I began exploring the feasibility of collecting petition signatures — the first requirement to run. Early Tuesday, I started calling people who could advise me, as well as offer tangible support. The reaction has been encouraging. I will be getting some help with signatures around the district, which extends from Moreau through Clifton Park, Rensselaer and Troy, and to many other communities near the Massachusetts border and as far south as Schodack and Nassau. I will continue enlisting support today and tomorrow.

We also must do our part here in Saratoga. I know many of you have been circulating petitions already. I’m asking you for just a bit more effort to make this happen. We have until July 10 and I know we can do it.

“Every hour that passes is an hour wasted.” I've already started walking and I'll be out there this weekend, along with others. I'm asking for your help. I'm really excited about taking this on and want you all to join me.

You can pick up my petitions, Democratic walk sheets and instructions at:

Ron Kim’s law office

36 Long Alley

(the alley just behind the Post Office on Broadway)

or on my enclosed front porch:

41 Benedict Street

If it will help, we can also drop off materials. Call or email. You can work Farmer’s Market and the upcoming July 4 events too. If you have contacts in Ballston Spa, Malta, Milton, Round Lake, Clifton Park, South Glens Falls, Stillwater, Hoosick Falls or in the Troy area, please consider enlisting them and getting us their info.

Let us know that you're in! Conctact Brucie by email, brucie@brucierosch.com or phone, 583-2767.

Thank you again for your support and friendship,

Valerie

Jewish Support for Obama in the wild

2008-06-22T10:17:00.002-05:00

This picture is a Toyota Prius with a Hebrew Obama sticker in the middle of Elmhurst, Queens. I have no idea why an orthodox jew from New Jersey came to a neighborhood that is known for its diversity (with the omission of our semitic friends) but maybe he was visiting his Chinese, Columbian or Indian brother-in-law.

Along with this picture we have Bloomberg pushing Obama in Boca Roton, FL; Isac Weinberger on the Politicker stating why he is strongly supports Obama

John McCain advertising on QueensCourier.com

2008-06-19T11:22:00.003-05:00

When you are so far behind in fundraising to your opponent, you should waste money in States there is no possible chance of winning, and congressional districts without Republican challengers to boot.

Good Job, John McSame!

Como's sliver of a win in a special election

2008-06-11T11:33:00.002-05:00

The unusual reaction of the Queens GOP that Como nearly getting beat by a less than adequate candidate whose only attribute to the campaign whose her last name and the familial obligation that the Queens Democratic Chairman felt towards her, was that if Liz Crowley can't win a Special Election as a Democrat in 30th City Council District then there is no way that Addabbo cannot possibly Beat Serf Maltese.

Baldeo without any money, any endorsements, simply with voter enrollment in his favor came several 100 votes away from knocking Maltese off in 2006. It would be hard to argue that Republican Brand in Queens has improved in the last 2 years, and with Obama at the top of the ticket there will be a large Democratic turnout. Addabbo will have as much money as he needs, Malcolm Smith will make sure he as much, if not more, feet on the ground than Crowley recieved for the special election. New York City Democrats are a little embarassed to have 3 republican State Senators that do not represent the Republican bastion of Staten Island (2 of the 3 in are in Queens).

DNC Rules Committee (aka the Ann Taylor Riot)

2008-05-31T18:11:00.003-05:00

Like 2000's Florida Brooks Brother Riot outside of Broward County Board of Elections office, the Hillary Clinton supporters boisterous cheers and jeers at every turn in the meeting dominated the public hearing of the DNC Rules committee more so than any member on the committee.

The Clinton Narrative-Ben Smith's Blog

2008-04-22T16:09:00.005-05:00

Ben Smith's Blog - Politico.com

Ben Smith writes about the rationale why Hillary continues to be covered as if she still has chance to be nominee, even though mathematically she does not. I would venture to guess their is a dark subconscious reason Hillary will stay in the race (well after all primaries have been decided in Obama's favor) and that reason is we have never had a presidential candidate with such a likelihood of being assassinated as we have in Barack Obama.

If a tragedy does befall Obama, Hillary will likely be this generation's Herbert Humphrey and loose to McCain in the fall. If Barack Obama lives to a ripe old age, then our generation will have what the 60's didn't: a charismatic leader that we are left with faults and all. With the on going adulation the media has been giving Obama, and repeatedly being compared to a Kennedy it is not entirely good for him to fulfill the presidential path of JFK or RFK. Both Kennedys presidential aspirations (achieved and potential) tends to be over hyped through the rose colored glasses of nostalgia in my opinion. Had JFK not been killed, he may very well have lost re-election, though probably not to Goldwater but an ideological middleground candidate. RFK would not have been able to carry all of the hopes, dreams and aspirations that the deaths of JFK and Martin Luther King Jr. put on his shoulders, and would have been a tredmoundous let down.

Well, the Republican Presidential Primary doesn't matter in DC

2008-04-17T10:59:00.004-05:00

The Associated Press

The secretary of the state of Utah, Ben Ysursa, after realizing he let a prisoner in Texas onto the Utah Democratic Presidential primary opined "The good thing is the Democratic presidential primary has absolutely no legal significance," Ysursa said.

The prisoner, Keith Judd, will be released in 2013. That means he should be ready run for Secretary of State in Utah in 2014 to challenge the bumbling idiot Ben Ysursa. His motto of course would be "I would never let imprisoned felons onto our state's ballots!"

Congestion Pricing- Aftermath

2008-04-08T22:23:00.002-05:00

Congestion Pricing (the plan to charge drivers from outside of Manhattan's business district $8 for driving south of 60th Street) died in the both the State Assembly and State Senate. Mayor Bloomberg's delusion that if it were brought to the floor for a vote from the full Assembly and State Senate and would pass, is on the cusp of insanity.

If in reality there was such groundswell of a desire to throw a regressive tax on themselves the constituents of the Assembly Majority and the Senate Majority wouldn't those sitting in the majority want to record the vote even if the congestion pricing plan eventually lost? How much confidence does Bloomberg have in the MTA? These are the same people that contiually announce that they have operating budget surpluses, but cannot seem to make ends meet to get get service improvements, projects done, or avoid a union strike (come on! Peter Kalikow must have an IQ of a cocker spaniel to brag about supluses while trying to give away the West Side Rail Yards to the Jets for a song and all a couple months before TWU's contract was due to be renegotiated in 2005.) The only thing that Bloomberg had a right to complain about is that the State Legislature should have figure out how to keep $330 million of the $340 million from the Federal DOT that were supposed to go towards transit improvements without the congestion pricing (or get by implementing drastically waterdown version of the congestion like charging only livery cabs at 2 in the morning.)

Assemblyman Michael Benjamin

2008-04-02T21:43:00.003-05:00

Assemblyman Michael Benjamin (D-~~Brooklyn~~ Bronx) on the floor of the assembly just made the point that his apartment was robbed. For $80,000 a year, can't he get a apartment in a better neighborhood?

The Tanya Harding Option

2008-03-26T15:50:00.003-05:00

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/03/dnc-official-cl.html

There is impending sense of desperation both within the Clinton campaign and amongst Clinton supporters. Though the ‘Tonya Harding option’ is the term from an anonymous DNC staffer, it is apt description of Hillary’s situation. Like a insanely jealous ex-lover she would rather no one can have the nomination if she can’t. Her willingness to commit political murder-suicide with Obama, is apparent when Bill Clinton is let off the leash and implies that Obama doesn’t love America. As it becomes more and more likely that she will not become the Democratic Nominee for 2008, she will throw everything in the works even it insures a McCain’s victory.

Super Tuesday Aftermath

2008-02-07T09:54:00.000-05:00

To the defenders of GOP's policy of splitting Michigan and Florida delegates, we won't see the benefits of either DNC or GOP reaction to states breaking party rules until 2012. If in 2011 every republican primary is moved a full year forward to catch a jump on the other states knowing the worst the RNC will do is halve their delegates, so be it, Chris Mathews and Brian Williams and Tim Russert and Faux News will still fawn over any state that flouts RNC directions. On the other hand if Dean shows his back bone and really will not seat the delegates from states that broke party rules then certainly no state would be willing cross the DNC 4 years later.
As far as the super delegates, there are over 800 of them! Seriously if you think that Hillary can win the nomination with the 160 she has today, sorry it just won't happen. Obama's 50 super delegates aren't going to win him the nomination either. The 600 super delegates that are waiting to see how the primaries result in a clear winner and/or looking to see who will poll better against McCain in the general election they will be the king makers. John Edwards and his 26 pledged delegates are looking pretty influential now that delegate results (sans super delegates) are nearly tied.

Finally, if Hillary can not raise any money from the grassroots simply because she is uninspiring then she certainly is the one that Howard Dean will have to coax out of running. I;m from NY and almost a tautology of elected officials here are for Hillary mostly because of fear that Obama isn't tough enough, too much of a peacenik to make a strong argument that he will be able to keep the country safe. President Bush certainly isn't lacking machismoism and bravado; He will never be considered a dovish politician and yet the country has certainly lost security through his bellicose foreign policy. On September 12th, 2001 there were 6 Billion inhabitants that could easily recognize who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. On September 12th, 2001 there were millions of muslim, arabic, and or middle eastern Americans that had already rejected religous fundamentalists of their old home countries and chose America over the culture of fake-martydom that Sayyid Qutb, and Osama Bin Laden promotes. On September 12th, 2001 we could say that the World Trade Center was the largest in muslim deaths of any single terrorist attack or single western Military attack. Alqueda began with the bombing of Kobar towers attacking fellow muslims and yet the U.S. continues to frame the problem with ourselves against all muslims and that the problem can be solved militarily. Sen. John McCain, President George W. Bush, and Sen. Hillary Clinton all suffer the same perspective in that the tool they have in the tool box is hammer (military), therefore every problem looks like a nail (a war).

Barack Obama was willing to stick his head out to be cut back in 2002, when he openly opposed the invasion and occupation of Iraq despite it being massively popular. He supports the war in Afghanistan, therefore is far from a pacifist. He is the only plausible next-president that actually can and wants to make peace in the world.

Greatest Episode Ever!

2008-01-07T10:53:00.000-05:00

I could not be more satisfied than by last night's Simpsons.

Iran: Zero Margin for Error - December 5, 2007 - The New York Sun

2007-12-05T10:06:00.000-05:00

Iran: Zero Margin for Error - December 5, 2007 - The New York Sun

August 8th , 2001: Presidential Daily Briefing entitled "Osama Bin Laden intent to strike within the United States"

August 2003: Bush is told by Stephen Hadley, member of National Security Council, that we have new intelligence regarding Iran NUCLEAR program. Bush response (according to his statement yesterday) was nothing; the President had no response at all!

Today DINO (Democrat in name only) New York Assemblyman Rory Lancman becomes a Bush apologist, writing this article for the New York Sun that puts forth the article that because we have been erratic with our military and threaten Iran with everything from an airstrike to preemptive invasion to a first-use of bunker busting nuclear weapons against Iran. This revelation that Iranian madman Mahmoud Ahmadinejad can scared into not developing nuclear weapons by allowing our president act like a crackhead... oh wait Ahmadinejad wasn't president when we found out that the Iranian Nuclear program was halted. Moderate Mohammad Khatami was the one that halted the nuclear program so the argument that the U.S.'s saber rattling had a positive result with our dealings with Iran is entirely specious. In August 2003 the White House made no mention of Iranian influence in Iraq, made head fake towards military action towards Iran, made no threat that Iran could have reacted to to halt their nuclear program.

I would like you, dear reader, to think back of the time that our government learned that Iran halted their nuclear program. Bush administration had still been claiming there was WMDs in Iraq despite occupying the country for five months. White House spokesman Ari Fleisher was stating from behind the podium their isn't that much looting "its the same vase being carried out, just shown over and over." Vice President Dick Cheney claiming that just dead-enders are fighting American troops. Viceroy Paul Bremer was embarking on the de-baathification of Iraq.

Amidst all this, OUR nation's intelligence service confirmed that the Iranian nuclear program was halted.

According to Bush's statement yesterday he discovered this fact that last Wednesday! Will this revelation change the minds of pro-war hawks and DINOs like Sen. Joe Lieberman and NY Assemblyman Rory Lancman? Nope, actually it appears to strengthen their resolve to send even more of other's sons and daughters to harms way. Who cares if China gets another Trillion dollars of our debt, crazy war-hawks want to invade and occupy another country. Who cares that our addiction to petroleum is leading to our nation's destruction, lets build and use nuclear weapons against a nation that doesn't have nuclear weapons. Who cares that we are building a perpetual permanent war-time economy without the benefit of national full employment, lets ignore the warning of the last 5 star general in Eisenhower's "Military Industrial Complex" speech.

It is highly possibly that we have a change party in the White House and yet not have a change in bellicosity towards the rest of the world. The truth is that no matter whom resides in the White House we have always been at war with Eastasia or Eurasia. There may be a point the future that we can not even imagine a world without Big Brother (or Sister) calling the dance; telling us this week we have always owned and occupied and have historical rights to natural resources of Iraq or Iran or Valenzuela or Nigeria. It matters that OUR government withholds the truth from us. We can entrust the neo-cons (of both parties) to seek the truth, they are like street prostitutes who are beaten by their pimps and say 'but really loves me.'

Black voters tilt toward Clinton: study - 2008 Presidential Campaign Blog - Political Intelligence - Boston.com

2007-11-28T18:59:00.000-05:00

Black voters tilt toward Clinton: study - 2008 Presidential Campaign Blog - Political Intelligence - Boston.com

I just watched this story on MSNBC's Tucker. Tucker Carlson commented that it is unusual that "blacks, who are the quite possible the most liberal voting block seem to be supporting the the most liberal the least, Edwards coming in at 45%, and supporting the most conservative candidate Hillary Clinton at 83%." Though I share Tucker's surprise that Barak Obama did not do better in the survey (with 75%) but he is taking a huge misstep confusing Democratic party loyalty with liberal beliefs on social issues since African-Americans and Caribbean-Americans socially are some the most socially conservative people in our country. It is only the GOP elite and the party's rank-and-file own bigotry that bars them from taking back the black vote (Republicans were until the 1964 Civil Rights Act the party of Lincoln and had the loyalty of African-Americans.)

As far as long-term partisan political strategy, I am thrilled with the fact that Republicans are either too dumb or too racist to take advantage of the innate commonality between African-Americans (and Latin-Americans to a lesser extent) and social conservatives.

John Edwards is he petitioning in New York?

2007-11-08T07:17:00.002-05:00

I've found out recently that the John Edwards campaign will attempt to gain state wide ballot access in New York via all volunteer petitioning effort. The Edwards campaign will probably lean heavy on the California State SEIU State Council to do the grunt work to get on California's ballot, and will likely go the volunteer route for Illinois as well.

Does the Edwards campaign really think they will have a decent Super Tuesday if they don't get on Illinois and New York ballots?

Hiring: Carrion, Brooklyn Assemblyman | The New York Observer

2007-10-01T09:41:00.000-05:00

Hiring: Carrion, Brooklyn Assemblyman | The New York Observer

Jackson Heights constituent liaison
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/gov/421564532.html

Rory Lancman is also looking for a constituent liaison since June (the holder of that position is still sending out email updates).

Jeff Klein runs through staffers like tissues so if he isn't looking for a community liaison this week he will be looking for one next week.

Bill DeBlasio's is also looking for a new Chief of Staff

State senator faces DWI charge in Albany

2007-09-28T13:11:00.001-05:00

State senator faces DWI charge in Albany -- Newsday.com

It does not surprise me that much that Senator John Sabini (D-Jackson Heights) was caught drunk driving in Albany. The first time I had met him he recognized what neighborhood I lived in by the proximity of bars that were in the neighborhood. He is an individual that has a reputation throw back drinks whenever he can.

Reminiscing about fatherly advice

2007-09-19T09:45:00.000-05:00

This from CityHallNews.com's 40 rising stars under 40

Ryan Toohey
Principal, Global Strategy Group
age: 32
Nickname picked: Fritz

“One of the things that my father taught me and practiced was a level of access and openness that I thought was very cool,” Ryan Toohey said, reflecting on growing up the son of the then Assembly parliamentarian Timothy Toohey and godson of Joe Crangle, then the Democratic state chair.

Ryan Toohey's name may sound familiar since last time he was in the news was as Spitzer campaign manager as he was arrested for DUI. Irony of invoking what his father has taught him and practiced is that when his father came to the police precinct to bail him out, Timothy Toohey consequently was arrested for DUI as well. A family that drinks together stays in the klink together.

7Online.com: New York City and Tri-State News from WABC-TV

2007-09-06T17:29:00.000-05:00

7Online.com: New York City and Tri-State News from WABC-TV: "George Bubaris"

This guy owned a 3 family house in Woodside, I've met this guy when I was looking for a apartment. Now it turns out he allegedly picked up an immigrant in his police cruiser who was suffering from internal bleeding then dropped him off out of the Mt. Kisco precinct he was working in and into neighboring Bedford, NY. The immigrant subsequently died, and Police Officer Bubaris has been indicted for negligent homicide.

What a small world!

Obama: the 2008 Howard Dean model

2007-08-23T16:13:00.000-05:00

The Dean campaign around the same time in cycle in 2003 were attracting the same size crowd (though with less money raised) yet were able to use the grassroots for the free labor to control the crowds. Obama seeming to have even less planning than Dean's campaign could end up the same way as Howard Dean.

A little advice to Senator Barack Obama, please remember to take your loss in Iowa calmly and not to take it as an opportunity to pump up your supporters that just spent months in the cold to see you come in 3rd.

The point of the Dean-Obama comparison is that Obama has all the media buzz, like McCain before Dean, and Perot before McCain. Dean's campaign had state by state infrastructure which had ten thousands people at rallies in Vermont (for the kickoff), Austin, TX, Boston, MA as well as a huge rally in Bryant Park here in NYC. The Dean campaign had a more authentic grassroots creation, nearly every aspect of the campaign was directed by the supporters, while Obama's campaign seems to be overwhelmed at every step. Even Obama's blog is simply to be just running account of press releases.

The problem with both the Obama campaign and the Dean Campaign is that they need/ed to focus with just states the first 4 states. IA, NH, NV, & SC campaign staff has to be native to the state. The 3,000 orange capped out of staters that descended onto Iowa in the name of Dean for America, had more to do with his defeat than his scream/yelp.

Some guy stating that invading Iraq would be a mistake.

2007-08-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

The ballsy-ness of Dick Cheney!

MTA weighing '08 fare hike

2007-08-03T11:14:00.000-05:00

Times Ledger - MTA weighing '08 fare hike

2008 MTA will be threatening fare increases, and December of the same year will be negotiating with Transit Workers Union. Who would like to bet that right after the fare increase (despite having budget surpluses) that the TWU will again saber-rattle a strike and this time if they are smart they will create the good will by fighting for fare freezes.

Wanted: New Finance Director for Christine Quinn | The New York Observer

2007-07-24T14:20:00.000-05:00

Wanted: New Finance Director for Christine Quinn | The New York Observer

Hilary Keller, Gur Tsabur's ~~campaign manager~~ finance director for his failed City Council Campaign in 05, as well as one of innumerable fundraisers for Eliot Spitzer leaves Council Speaker Christine Quinn's Mayoral Campaign. This time in 2003 Council Speaker Gifford was first in fundraising, it could be a professional choice on the part of Ms. Keller to avoid being part of a sinking ship or Speaker Quinn made the decsion that Ms. Keller could not propel her past Congressman Weiner and Boro Pres. Carrion in fundraising.

The Daily Politics: At Long Last, A Deal? (Updated x2)

2007-07-18T22:07:00.000-05:00

The Daily Politics: At Long Last, A Deal? (Updated x2)

Sort of a deal on congestion pricing between the three men in the room will probably not make the mayor very happy.

Bloomberg Heading To Albany

2007-07-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

The Daily Politics: Bloomberg Heading To Albany

Bllomberg could avoid a contentious fight with Speaker Silver and Assemblyman, and Senators from the city who oppose the the congestion pricing by thoroughly enforcing traffic laws. After a week of every commuter that drives into Manhattan getting a ticket for not using their turn signal, not driving within the painted lanes, and every other infraction that regular occurs when one drives into Manhattan would certainly give incentive for the commuters who drive to look towards mass transit as the alternative to getting $50-$125 tickets.

More On Gallagher Raid

2007-07-10T11:55:00.000-05:00

The Daily Politics: More On Gallagher Raid

Its good to see an elected official from the city in possible legal (maybe even criminal) trouble, that isn't a Democrat. Keeping the regular pace of elected officials coming under a cloud of criminal accusations. The Senator Efrain Gonzalez of the Bronx was the last elected to be indicted less than 6 months ago, the September before was Queens Assemblyman, Union Leader, and apparent Soprano wanna-be (read the quotes of his in the indictment, it really sounds like Tony Soprano) was indicted. Before that, there was criminal charges against State Senator Ada Smith for throwing coffee in a staffer's face, before that there was Brooklyn Assemblywoman Diane Gordan for receiving a small bribe on camera... the small bribe: an entire house for free!

Could we expect just a little more from our elected officials, you know not committing crimes. I know it is a lot ask the 263 elected officials (both houses of the state legislature, and New York City Council) beyond to live up to standards that are: being genial to the 10% of voting population that vote in partisan primary; to be a member of the party that over whelms the district's voter roles; being the appropriate ethnic group for the district. Though it is very likely that a vast majority are literate, I would not go as far to say that it is impossible that an illiterate adult could be elected to office. There are certainly alchohlics, illicit drug user, sex addicts, and other afflicted individuals that "serve" the public.

2007-07-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

I'm Glad to Be out of That Pressure-Cooker!
TSA guard #1: You're new here, right?
TSA guard #2: Yeah. I worked at the Gap before, so this is different.

--JFK
via Overheard in New York, Jun 28, 2007

Congestion Pricing

2007-06-25T08:54:00.000-05:00

The 2006-2007 legislative session comes to an end without doing anything about congestion pricing within Manhattan during business hours. The biggest complaint that came from elected officials has been that the people that would have to pay the $8/day would be the car owners in the outer boroughs and suburbs they represent. A question to those that believe $8 would be too onerous to the daily commuters... where are you parking for free?!? There is no where in Manhattan where these people are parking for less than $40/day so save your money and take the train or bus into the city.

This is the huge failure of Robert Moses a generation ago who refused to construct any mass transit infrastructure. So as the elected officials from State Sen Sabini and State Sen Padavan to Assemblyman William Brennan and Assemblyman Rory Lancman all oppose this common sense approach to solving traffic and encourage use of green transit solutions, the city and the greater New York metropolitan area suffocates from the exhaust and drown in the traffic.

The same legislators that refuse to create the revenue to fix mass transit claim the reason that congestion pricing should not take effect is because their needs to be mass transit improvement before hand. Proposing the Chicken-Egg paradox is simply ducking the issue. Anyone who opposes the congestion pricing simply wants the status quo to rule our lives and are practicing the type of politics that belittles us all.

NY1: Top Stories

2007-06-23T11:49:00.000-05:00

NY1: Top Stories

Police brutality charges on the officers and a Sargent of the 77th precinct in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights is the catalyst for City Councilman Charles Barron's and Civil Rights lawyer Michael Warren's campaign to bring justice to the NYPD. Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes, on NY1 admittedly denied any wrong doing by the 77th Precinct (blanket denial of police wrong doing ala-Giuliani) could be the seeds for the end of Mr Hynes tenure as District Attorney. In 2005, African-American State Sen. John Sampson won 35% of the vote while the incumbent White Mr. Hynes won with 40%. In another crowded of white or jewish candidates with one black candidate Mr Hynes certainly will not win again.

Democratic GAIN: Job posting of the ever annoying and excessively ambitious State Sen. Jeff Klein

2007-06-18T15:03:00.000-05:00

Search for another job »
Details about Job Posting no. 9438
Company NYS Senator Position: Fundraiser Job Category: Campaigns Post Date: 08/Jun/2007 Salary: Competitive / Yearly
Summary: Democratic NYS Senator seeks a high energy, fundraiser with strong track record of success.
Description: Responsibilities: Responsible for day-to-day fundraising efforts for multi-million dollar committee budget; Assist with development & implementation of finance plan; Manage call time program; Make outbound calls to solicit pledges; Perform donor research; Set, track & chart measurable goals, i.e. Overall Call Time, Revenue/Calls per Hour, Per Pledge average, New Donors, and Efficiency goals; Develop & implement new and small donor plan; Plan & execute fundraisers and other events; Develop & implement donor communications program, including direct mail, fully utilizing campaign website, writing & e-blasting (via fax & email) newsletters, updates, etc.; Maintain all contribution databases; Prepare correspondence; Prepare compliance and filing documents; Position may require Travel with the Senator Senator ; Perform additional duties as needed.

Requirements: Immediate full time position that requires a meticulous, goal-oriented, self-starter with the following abilities: Exceptional telephone techniques & skills, using strong communication (sales) and persuasion skills; Personable, clear, concise with the ability to work a room and develop and maintain strong relationships; Excellent written communication skills; Professional appearance & demeanor are essential; Must work independently with little supervision; Strong work ethic, self-motivated, performance driven, with the ability to set & track daily measurable goals; Able to prioritize well; Highly organized & detail oriented; Pro-active, possessing a positive attitude at all times; Ability to listen, take direction, follow through and multi-task; Must excel under pressure & meet changing requirements in a face-paced environment; Flexible schedule, ability to work nights and weekends as required; Knowledgeable about NYS politics and stays informed of current political news; Proficient computer & research skills; Knowledge of NGP database helpful, but not required; Hours are long and the work is hard but the opportunity to network and learn is incredible; Own Car is preferred.

HOW TO APPLY:
Forward resume, cover letter (which should include political affiliations and leanings), references and salary history. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Qualified candidates will be contacted.

City: Bronx State: NY Region: Northeast Positions Available: 1 [Photo] [Photo]
This job posting will expire in 82 day(s) on 9/08/2007.
Click here if you would like to preview (in another window) the application the employer will see, if you send your application.

For Queens in ’09, Candidates in Spades

2007-06-17T10:33:00.000-05:00

For Queens in ’09, Candidates in Spades

Along with nearly all of the county's City Council members seeking promotions to Boro Prez, Public Advocate, Comptroller, or Avella's quixotic Mayoral run, there are staffers already set up to run for city council runs. Shirley Huntley's Chief of staff Rubin Wills and Greg Meeks District office manager Brian Simmons will be running for Leroy Comrie's and James Sanders' seats respectively.

Community activists have also made intentions known such as Phil Goldfeder (community liason for the Mayor's office), David Reisch (city council candidate in 2001), Kevin Forestal (president of advisory council for Queens Hospital Center), will all likely be running for Jim Gennaro's Seat.

Bloomberg running for Prez, & what the candidates are riding around town in

2007-05-14T07:44:00.000-05:00

Politics1 - American Politics, Elections, Candidates & Campaigns

Mayor Bloomberg relaunched his campaign website as well as Chuck Hagels' appearence on Face the Nation stating that Bloomberg would be a great candidate to run with in independent run for president.

HYBRIDS: The AP asked the leading Presidential candidates "What car or cars do you drive?" The answers showed a surprising number of hopefuls in both parties said they drove hybrids as their personal vehicles. The hybrid drivers: Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Sam Brownback and Tom Tancredo. Dennis Kucinich drives a compact, but not a hybrid one. Joe Biden drives a classic 1967 Corvette. Mitt Romney prefers a Ford Mustang convertible. Bill Richardson drives a Jeep. Mike Huckabee and Duncan Hunter prefer large SUVs. John McCain and Barack Obama drive luxury sedans. The most surprising answer came from Rudy Giuliani: "I don't drive." No answers were reported from the other hopefuls.

Giuliani's answer is telling of his problem in the GOP primary: he is first and foremost a New Yorker before he is a Republican. If Giuliani and Bloomberg fail in their presidential runs it will occur because the rest of the country is so far behind NYC that the city should start looking into breaking off into a Singapore-like City-State. Maybe the city should keep the counties that lead up to the Canadian border because the Adirondack State park was the idea of a Manhattanite (Teddy Roosevelt) and the city needs the reservoirs in Ulster, Putnam, et al counties. Western NY can be appended to Pennsylvania (if PA wants economically backwards cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse) .

Legislative Correspondence Associaiton Roast

2007-05-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

Blacks are unemployed because there are too many broken 40 oz. bottles

2007-05-04T23:15:00.000-05:00

Barak Obama speaking to 1199SEIU union staffers and excutive council members had a question posed to him by Kym Platt of askthisblackwoman.com asked the junior senator from Illinois "the African-American community suffer from a large unemployment problem, especially here in New York, what would your adminstration do to solve this problem?"

Barack Obama's response was to state

"that our government has failed them but also there seems to be too many broken 40 oz bottles in the streets."

Sen. Obama pivoted off the racial faux pas by pointing out that in Iowa the problem of unemployment leads to hopelessness as well and that they also turn to drinking. When he finally got around to answering the question he returned to an earlier answer about energy conservation and environmental concerns that would lead to "many new jobs for our young men and women." Obama, in my opinion, did not adequately dodge the racial issue that was couched in the question, nor did he answer the question in anything close to a straight forward manner.

A-ROD $TARRING ON RUDY A-TEAM By MAGGIE HABERMAN and IAN BISHOP - Nationalnews - New York Post Online Edition

2007-04-14T10:13:00.000-05:00

A-ROD $TARRING ON RUDY A-TEAM By MAGGIE HABERMAN and IAN BISHOP - Nationalnews - New York Post Online Edition

The over paid Yankee that chokes in any clutch play, is now coming out of the closet as a Republican. It sort of makes sense if you were unreasonable overcompensated for sub-par performance you certainly would not consider yourself a Democrat.

The New York Observer Politicker: Another Legal Hurdle for Eugene?

2007-04-06T12:34:00.000-05:00

The New York Observer Politicker: Another Legal Hurdle for Eugene?

Legal pilates for City Council candidate Mathieu Eugene. He created the vacancy that the second special election is being held for so it is being argued that he is ineligible to run for the City Council again, even after he has finally moved into the district.

Anita Daly Clifton Park County Supervisor will be

2007-04-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

Looks like Republicans will be forming a firing circle, with longtime former Congressman Sweeney pal Anita Daly facing a primary this upcoming September for her seventh term. The Saratoga Conservative Party has never been to thrilled with Mrs. Daly's flagerant infidelity, and looks like the Clifton Park GOP's general indifference towards female elected offcials (Town Councilwoman Lynda Wolinot was challenger was endorsed by town committee in 2001) is sending the signal that primarying incumbent Anita Daly would be welocomed. Paul Vandenburgh announced the name of the challenger, but I did not recall it by the time I started this post.

Albany Leaders Near Deal on a Budget - New York Times

2007-03-28T11:28:00.000-05:00

Albany Leaders Near Deal on a Budget - New York Times

According to my sources, Spitzer's budget opposition (1199 SEIU) have halted their statewide operation. It looks like Spitzer has come to a compromise, State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno realized the budget had to be cut somewhere, Speaker Silver was already pushing for a middle ground. The budget cuts to healthcare will affect 96, 000 healthcare workers compared to the 300,000 as originally feared.

Muslim cab drivers tell airport they won't bend in alcohol dispute - International Herald Tribune

2007-03-27T21:45:00.000-05:00

Muslim cab drivers tell airport they won't bend in alcohol dispute - International Herald Tribune

Private business people making decisions based upon their personal religious beliefs to turn down who they provide service to. One side of the ideological aisle outraged by that fact that personal religious beliefs are being imposed on the general public. Am I writing about taxi cab drivers turning down fares... or pharmacists refusing to fill Plan B (emergency contraception) and contraception prescriptions.

A wide range of conservatives have worked themselves up into a fury about Somali Taxi cab drivers in the Twin Cities turning down fares from the airport because of their religious belief in following Sharia law that forbids them to be in the even near alcohol. So Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, Michelle Malkin, and paleo-bloggers filled to the rafters have taken aim at these people of faith (just not the right faith in their eyes) with outrage exclaiming "how dare you force sharia law onto us!?!"

Why wouldn't these same paleo-thugs come out and defend the general public in the case of radical christianity being imposed on the general public? The answer: because they are basically dishonest, and lack any integrity. The same way that private businesses cannot deny their products or services based on gender, color, creed or national origin, the taxi cab drivers do not have the the right to withhold services due to their personal belief. If the cab drivers cannot perform the duties that could reasonably be expected of them (until prohibition comes back into fashion includes carrying people after they have stopped in at the airport duty-free shop with a bottle of wine) they should not seek out employment that conflict with their beliefs.

An observant jew should not expect to get a job at Burger King and refuse to touch a cheeseburger or a egg & bacon croisanwich and to continue to hold that job. A Catholic medical student should not do a rotation at a Planned Parenthood with expectation that they can deny their professional obligations to provide less than Pro-Choice medical service. A muslim truck driver cannot be chosey as to what cargo he is hauling (as long its legal). A budhist cannot apply for to be a waiter at Peter Luger's Steakhouse expecting to only be serving tofu.

New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission has spent the last 10-15 years cracking down on taxi drivers that pass on African-American fares, and the same type of crack down should occur in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

Spitzer Eases Up on Tough Talk of a Shutdown - March 27, 2007 - The New York Sun

2007-03-27T09:46:00.000-05:00

Spitzer Eases Up on Tough Talk of a Shutdown - March 27, 2007 - The New York Sun

Coming to his senses a little bit Governor Spitzer turns down the steamroller rhetoric, admits the possibility there can be compromise from his plan of take nearly all the money from healthcare and give it to middleclass property cuts and suburban schools, and Senator Joe Bruno's plan giving away the store as if money grows on trees. In my honest estimation I do believe closing the government would play very well in the press for more than 2-3 days. The NY GOP needs some issue to make Spitzer look like the bad guy and the healthcare workers getting screwed by the Governor's budget would be able to mobilize school districts that depend on the budget being on time to form their budget that goes to people to be voted on in late May. When everyone is trapped in their own hyperbole of how horrible the other side is problems never can get solved and Spitzer being the most visable face he will get most of the blame. Joe Bruno and Speaker Silver will never win a popularity contest statewide but they do not need to, they only need half their conference (in the Senate and Assembly repectively).

Spitzer closing up shop to show he has big huevos

2007-03-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

IT'S ELIOT'S MOVE - Editorials - New York Post Online Edition

The difference between Clinton's government shut down in 1994 and Spitzer's threat of government shut down next week; they are on opposite sides of the same issue. Spitzer fearful of raising taxes on corporations or the wealthy (which he is) boxes himself into a corner and forced to make the argument that the large aspects of social service are not necessary. Clinton's government shut down showed how much we did need a government which made Newt Gingrich kowtow back to Clinton and open up the government with new taxes on the wealthy that led to the budget surpluses in late 90's. Spitzer should have never made the campaign promise that he would never raise taxes since he has four years in which babyboomers retiring and going to all need social services like Access-a-ride, prescription drug benefits, Medicare and even Medicaid.

Enough with the Ivy League bravado, Eliot, tax the wealthy and give the people of New York the government we deserve.

Charles Hynes is a screwup

2007-03-23T09:19:00.000-05:00

Editorials - Opinions - NY Daily News

NY Daily News jumps on the bandwagon to justifiably blame Charles Hynes for not doing his job to protect and serve the people. Hopefully the black establishment backs someone that is more capable than State Senator John Sampson to run against Hynes in 2009. Paul Wooten who had been a candidate in 2005 seemed more than capable to take over the DA's office from Hynes, and he would not be hindered by the traffic on the Marine Parkway Bridge in the morning since he lives in Fort Greene. Brooklyn needs a new DA in 2009, and the demographics of the Democratic Primary almost ensures that the next DA will be black.

P.S. State Senator John Sampson maybe a good senator and if wanted higher officer he probably should run for Brooklyn Boro President, but for god sakes this man should never be a public prosecutor. I saw him on the campaign trail 2005 he never really could speak in complete sentences, and he advocated that if he were elected as DA he would open grand juries to the public. Opening up grand juries to the public is not what a competent lawyer or law student who has taken Con Law would ever propose, since it is clearly stated in the constitution and precedence of common law.

WHAT DID JOE HYNES KNOW?

2007-03-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

WHAT DID JOE HYNES KNOW? - Editorials - New York Post Online Edition

Charles "Joe" Hynes incomptence cost the life of young woman who was being stalked by a mentally deranged rapist who had a history of threatening his victim so as she would not testify in court about the rape.

Walsh targeted over war vote

2007-03-22T14:32:00.000-05:00

Walsh targeted over war vote

Edwards Campaign to go on despite wife having a recurrance of cancer detected this week

2007-03-22T11:43:00.000-05:00

The New York Observer Politicker: Edwards' New York Crew

This probably was quite a relief to latest staffers added just a couple of days ago all from NY

Do OVER!: Candidates file for Brooklyn City Council seat again

2007-03-22T09:48:00.000-05:00

Ledger3-21at12am.pdf (application/pdf Object)

These are the candidates that filed for the second special election to fill the Congresswoman Yvette Clark's city council seat.

Mathieu Eugene

Harry L Schiffman

Darly Brutus

Marie Gina Faustin

Wellington Sharpe

You may ask yourself why is there a second special election? The Febuary 20th Special Election for the 40th City Council District was won by Mathieu Eugene to become the first Caribean born elected official in NY and possibly the nation, but he had not actually lived within the district by election day. So now we have the Extra Special election on April 24th. Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes broke precedent and donated $250 to Mathieu Eugene's campaign, which directly the opposite of what he did to John O'Hara in 1996 when his address came into question.

John O'Hara had run against the Brooklyn Democratic establishment in the early 90's and became an annoyance to Charles Hynes so the District Attorney decided to prosecute Mr. O'Hara with misdemeanor of perjury for living at his girlfriends while being registered at an apartment he was still paying rent on several blocks away. Both addresses were within the Assemblyman Brennan's district (the district he ran to represent in Democratic primaries) and yet the Breazy Point, Queens, NY resident DA Hynes felt that O'hara deserved prosecution.

Latest poll may dispel fears of Clinton losing the general

2007-03-22T08:51:00.000-05:00

Ohio (OH) Poll * March 22, 2007 * Clinton, Obama, Edwards Run Be - Quinnipiac University

This latest poll of 2004 ultimate battleground state O-HI-O, has former first lady leading America's Mayor Giuliani by 3%. Though within the MOE it shows a big get in the general election for Hillary, since Giuliani is leading the pack of Republicans running for Prez. Ohio along with Arkansas, and maybe Colorado* could all go Hillary's way that didn't go for Kerry or Gore.

*With hosting 2008 Dems Convention and Congressman Mark Udall running for the open US Senate and likely will win due to lack of a bench for the GOP in Colorado.

Sleepers: Life imitates Film

2007-03-21T15:56:00.000-05:00

Texas Senate Votes to Fire Youth Board - New York Times

How is this not making it onto cable news for their regular repetition of stories. This far more interesting and affects far more people than Anna Nicole Smith or last year's never ending story Natalie Hollawell disappearing in Aruba. 250 children being molested while being held in juvenile detention. The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) holds 2,700 youth prisoners, 9% of the prison population were repeatedly raped and molested by the prison guards! I am guessing the story is not being reported as much because the children that are being molested are poor and non-white. The news rooms of this nation are entirely off their rocker. The catholic priest scandal that truly broke in the summer 2002 didn't any where nearly as many children sexually abused and certainly not all in the same state.

Republican Jim Walsh: loves when our soldiers are killed

2007-03-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Daily Kos: Republicans fail to learn the Vote Vets lesson; still voting to kill troops

Republicans like James Walsh voted to send our troops to war without proper body armor. Dan Maffei didn't seem to be the guy to take him last November, but in CNY has to do the right thing on behalf of our brave soldiers and send him packing in 2008.

Memory like a Goldfish

2007-03-20T17:03:00.000-05:00

President Bush just had press conference stating that the White House will not allow any staff to testify under oath regarding AG Gonzalez firing 8 US District Attorneys for political reasons. Bush stated that the only way protect Executive privilege is never allow White House staff to testify under oath.

Bill Clinton testified via video conference to Whitewater investigation under oath, as well as a good deal of his White House staff. Executive privilege is still intact.

It was in the first months of the Bush Administration that Vice President Cheney chaired the Energy Committe compromised of... right the administration says they have to have unfettered access to people's opinion so they cannot even let out who was actually on the committee or the fragile executive privilege would disappear forever.

If you lived your life as if everything you did or said would appear on the front page of the New York Times, you would never do anything that would embarrass yourself. What does it say about the Bush administration that seems to never want anything it ever does to be in the public light.

If we were to put the Bush administration under the same moral metric that the president puts on the victims of the Patriot Act, that if you do not have anything to hide and nothing improper was done then why be concerned about your staff telling the truth under oath.

Putting Students First - March 19, 2007 - The New York Sun

2007-03-20T15:33:00.000-05:00

Putting Students First - March 19, 2007 - The New York Sun

So after being endorsed by 1199 just about a year ago, Spitzer is willing and able to leave the union and its members out to dry. You think that SEIU 1199 would have been so eager to push Spizter had they known that they would have made out to be the enemy in Spitzer's very first budget.

What of the rest of organized labor's bretheren? No other union is even attempting to put the squeeze on Spitzer or other state elected officials. This New York Sun article spells it out succinctly that next year the teachers union will be on the chopping block as Spitzer builds his street cred for being brass-balled-take-no-prisoner-tough. Spitzer for all his ivy league bravado fails see that weakening the bulwarks of the progressive establishment in New York State, weakens his own base.

To paraphrase Martin Niemöller
When Spitzer came for the Healthcare workers,I remained silent;I was not a I did not work in hospital. When Spitzer locked out the teachers, I remained silent; I was not a teacher.When Spitzer came for me,there was no one left to speak out.

United Press International - Consumer Health - Report: College substance abuse rampant

2007-03-15T18:10:00.000-05:00

United Press International - Consumer Health - Report: College substance abuse rampant

23% of full time college students abusing illegal drugs and the mindless Rockerfeller Drug laws should mean that District Attorneys all across New York State should find some chutzpah and bring it home to lily-white suburbanites parents that it is their kids and their money that fuel the drug trade. Rockerfeller Drug Laws would fall within a week if New York County DA Morgenthau arrested & prosecuted the Olsen twins, or Albany County DA David Soares arrested 20% of the SUNY Albany campus. Soares being a strong opponent of the Rockerfeller drug laws should be looking at this as a great opportunity push this issue to the forefront of public policy.

New NY State Comptroller... in the closet

2007-02-20T19:16:00.000-05:00

From my sources that knew Tom DiNapoli from High School, the new State Comptroller is gay. This is entirely just crass gossip, but it must irk Sean Patrick Maloney if true since Maloney ran last year as a ground breaking first openly gay statewide official.

New York Politics Capitol Confidential : Albany Times Union : timesunion.com : Capitol confidential » DiNapoli Responds

2007-02-09T17:17:00.000-05:00

New York Politics Capitol Confidential : Albany Times Union : timesunion.com : Capitol confidential » DiNapoli Responds

So DiNapoli is going to be the new Comptroller, this is a sign of how much control Silver has over that actual workings of the state. Spitzer wants to be seen as the steamroller but he just got rolled, as DiNapoli was not on Spitzer's committee search list, and DiNapoli came from silver's democratic conference without any discernible financial background or competency other than keeping his personal checkbook balance.

State Senator Serph Maltese nearly gets defeated

2006-11-06T19:31:00.000-05:00

GOP State Senator Serph Maltese won re-election by 900 votes against Albert Baldeo, a man who was accused in his failed run for city council of pulling a gun on his opponent's wife. If there was a real candidate or Spitzer had any coat tails this seat would be in the hands of the Democrats bringing the total of seats needed for the Dems to regain control of the Senate to 2. Liz Krueger, who chairs the New York Democratic Senate Campaign Committee and is responsible for candidate recruitment for the State Senate, should most diffidently step down as she has utterly failed. With a tidal wave of democratic votes only one State Senate seat traded hands, Nick Spano lost to Andrea Stewart Cousins after the rematch from 2 years ago by 19 votes, Senator Kruger could have done just as well had she done nothing at all

Spitzer Vows to Push for Gay Marriage - New York Times

2006-10-08T16:06:00.000-05:00

Spitzer Vows to Push for Gay Marriage - New York Times

It is very unlikely that Eliot will be expending any political capital on gay marriage, it will not help him out when he runs for president 2012 or 2016. By the time it will be a political strength to a national campaign and it will look like Spitzer is doing a me-too and doesn't really have the umph that it would have he pushed forward in the first 100 days of governorship. He could simply make it state policy to recognize same sex partnerships among state employees (as the chief executive it would not require state legislature approval) and allow them to share benefits. If he really wanted to push for equality will take the first step having the state recognize domestic partnerships, he probably will not even mention anything regarding gay marriage for the first term.