Tom Libous Defends his Pal(adino)
By Mike Connery on 07/12/2010 @ 04:28 PM
Jon Campbell writes today for Gannett about SRCC chair Tom Libous’ appearance over the weekend with Tea Party-backed gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino in Broome County.
In the article, Libous takes offense with our depiction of him as a cash-starved deal-maker willing to break with his own party for dirty campaign funds. He tells Campbell that his appearance at the event was simply motivated by his shared beliefs with Paladino:
"They're criticizing me for being joined by a gentleman that wants to cut taxes, reduce spending and create jobs in New York state," Libous said. "Is there a problem with that?"
Leaving aside the fact that Carl Paladino is no gentleman, we sure do have a problem with this statement. A brief look at Libous' record of fiscal mismanagement reveals a career completely at odds with the values he claims to hold.
According to the legislative tracking system StateWatch, Libous has voted “yes” for over 500 separate tax and fee increases since 1990. What did that cost to New York state taxpayers? $29.2 billion.
And under the less than watchful eye of Tom Libous, the former Republican Majority amassed massive state debt to fund their special interest projects. How much debt? Between 1997 and 2008 the state’s debt grew a whopping 57 percent.
Fiscal conservative, Libous is not. So why would Paladino want to associate with a tax-and-borrow Republican like Libous? And why is Tom Libous up in Broome County meeting with disgraced candidate Carl Paladino?
Political opportunism - plain and simple.
After failing to secure the Republican line, and having his bigotry publicly exposed, Paladino is grasping at straws to remain credible. Meanwhile, Libous knows his SRCC is in trouble. Without the special interest funds that once flowed freely to the SRCC, Libous is willing to cozy up to anyone with deep pockets - no matter how odious their personal politics (remember he also met with turncoat Steve Levy to discuss using $4 million of Levy's funds).
In a bid for Paladino's cash, Libous is willing to give lip service to the Tea Party line on taxes and spending. His record tells us something different though.
How Low Will Tom Libous Go?
By Mike Connery on 07/09/2010 @ 11:28 AM
Tom Libous, chair of the cash-starved, shoe-string SRCC, continues to make strange political bedfellows. Just a few weeks ago, he was making deals with Democrat-turned-Republican gubernatorial hopeful Steve Levy. Today, Libous will appear at a Tea Party event with none other than multi-millionaire turncoat Carl Paladino.
All of this leads us to wonder - how low is Tom Libous willing to go in his desperate bid for more campaign cash?
Carl Paladino's campaign crashed and burned when his proclivity for racist, sexist email forwards was revealed. Now he is attempting to keep his candidacy alive by throwing his millions into petitioning efforts across the state. He's even exploring the possibility of using his cash to create a new ballot line -- creatively dubbed the "Taxed Enough Already" (T.E.A.) Party.
Already politically toxic for bigoted, anti-immigrant statements made during his tenure as Suffolk County Executive, Steve Levy also refuses to give up his failed bid for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, and may pursue a third party run. What's more, he is now embroiled in a fresh scandal involving improper contracts granted to his wife's business.
As these two - bigots and turncoats both - tear apart the Republican Party for their own ambition, what, exactly do Libous and the Senate Republicans stand to gain by lending their support? How much of Levy's war chest will make its way into SRCC coffers? And how deep will Paladino go into his personal piggy bank to help out the sputtering SRCC?
Tom Libous is sinking to new lows by lending his support to Levy and Paladino. When the campaign finance filings are revealed on Wednesday, we'll see if the SRCC's support of these turncoats is worth the price tag.
GOP Politics Makes For Strange Bedfellows
By Mike Connery on 06/28/2010 @ 04:25 PM
The pathetically desperate Albany-style relationship between Steve Levy and the Senate GOP has continued to fester.
A few weeks ago, Capitol Confidential reporter Jimmy Vielkind revealed that Tom Libous and Levy were conducting a backroom deal to salvage their sinking political fortunes.
Now, Liz Benjamin of The Capitol Report details how Levy is working closely with additional Senate Republicans – chief among them 34-year incumbent Ken LaValle– to promote what Levy describes as “economic development.”
Levy, a turncoat Democrat and practitioner of the politics of bigotry, is desperate to revive his political career after a disastrous attempt to capture the GOP gubernatorial nomination. His only asset is $4 million leftover from his failed bid.
Libous, chair of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, finds himself the head of a cash-starved organization that is a shadow of its former self. The Capitol reported earlier this year that the SRCC had just under $1 million on hand at the end of January. That was less than a fifth of what it had on hand at the same point in the 2008 cycle when the GOP lost 3 seats.
LaValle, who has been in the Senate since 1976, finds himself in a battle for his political life out on Long Island. He is facing a serious challenge from formidable Democrat challenger Regina Calcaterra, a proponent of government reform and fiscal responsibility who has successfully represented the pension funds of police, firefighters, and teachers, and strengthened the enforcement of labor laws, as a corporate fraud lawyer.
With no party to call home, it is clear that Levy wants to buy his way into the good graces of a GOP that already rejected him on the merits. The desperate GOP, meanwhile, is willing to look the other way at Levy’s hate-mongering, ideological flip-flops, and even their own conference’s rejection of Levy in order to inject some life into a Senate GOP that looks DOA.
Benjamin summed it up best: “The point here really isn’t what the party-switching county executive is calling for, but rather that he’s continuing to stand with the Republicans even after their county leaders rejected his effort to run on their line for governor.”
Levy has refused to endorse GOP gubernatorial hopeful Rick Lazio. Levy has also refused to rule out a third party bid for governor. Despite this, Senate Republicans –from the top of the SRCC leadership in Albany down to the endangered 34-year incumbent on Long Island – look the other way in a desperate bid to grab whatever cash they can get a hold of.
Maybe one day the Senate GOP will define “economic development” in jobs and growth for New Yorkers, and stop measuring it in the amount of dirty campaign cash they can convince Steve Levy to shower them with.
Democrats Help New Yorkers While GOP Helps Themselves
By Mike Connery on 06/28/2010 @ 11:45 AM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Regina Calcaterra fights for higher quality and lower tuition at SUNY schools. Tony Avella stands with Queens residents in protesting MTA service cuts. Democrat Edward O'Shea to run against Republican incumbent Michael Nozzolio. Steve Levy and Senate GOP still desperately plotting. Sens. Aubertine and Johnson passing comprehensive legislation that will help New Yorkers across the state.
- Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra assails opponent’s support of SUNY tuition hikes while fighting reform – Calcaterra criticized her opponent, 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle, for fighting much-needed reforms throughout SUNY while being on record as supporting regular tuition hikes for students and their parents. "Before students and their parents have to pay one more additional dollar in tuition at SUNY, we need to institute major accounting and oversight reform throughout the entire state university system," she said. "Ken LaValle has it exactly backwards. He's fighting reforms even though he's previously said publicly he'd be OK if SUNY increased tuition on a regular basis."
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella stands with Queens residents in protesting MTA service cuts – Avella is standing with the residents in Queens who are irate over the recent MTA service adjustments that severely effect the country’s service. One of the most controversial changes was with the Q15A, a new alternate route of the Q15 bus meant to pick up riders stranded by the elimination of the Q14. The route has now routed down a residential stretch of 10th Ave. that residents say is too narrow. Avella stood with dozens of Queens residents yesterday in front of one of the Q15A buses in a show of solidarity and support.
- Edward O’Shea to challenge 18-year Republican incumbent Michael Nozzolio in SD-54- O’Shea, the vice chairman of the Wayne County Democratic Committee, announced he is running against Nozzolio - only the third person to do so in the past 18 years. O'Shea is an English professor at the State University of New York at Oswego. "When our main government agency, our legislative body, is not working for us, that's a major problem," he said. "Senator Nozzolio has been in office for 18 years, and if he were a reform-minded person, he would've done something about this already."
- Steve Levy continues desperate political maneuvers, teams up with Senate GOP – Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, who left the Democratic party in a failed effort to win the GOP gubernatorial nomination, is now looking to remain politically relevant by working with incumbent GOP lawmakers, Liz Benjamin of Capital Tonight reports. As she writes: “The point here really isn’t what the party-switching county executive is calling for, but rather that he’s continuing to stand with the Republicans even after their county leaders rejected his effort to run on their line for governor.” Levy’s presence continues to be a potentially divisive issue for Republicans as he has not yet endorsed GOP candidate Rick Lazio, nor has he ruled out running on a third party line.
- Sen. Craig Johnson passes legislation that will improve quality of life for seniors, upgrade New York’s infrastructure- Sen. Johnson was successful in pushing two integral legislative packages through the Senate last week. Sen. Johnson passed a comprehensive legislative package that will expand and increase access to services for seniors on Long Island and across New York. “After a lifetime of hard work and providing for their families, our seniors deserve fundamental protections and services in order to continue to lead healthy and active lives,” he said. “My legislation would expand the opportunity for seniors to get the tax relief for which they are entitled. While more needs to be done, this package will help more seniors stay in their homes and in their communities.”
Sen. Johnson was also responsible for the passage of a comprehensive strategy to build safer roads and highways which will cut costs for municipalities and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the state. “This is a blueprint that will help Long Island and the rest of New York State plan better and plan smarter,” he said said. “I am proud of this legislative package, which will help make Long Island more pedestrian friendly, less congested and more environmentally sustainable.” - Sen, Darrell Aubertine fights to restore crucial agriculture funding and pushes local trade benefits for district – Sen. Aubertine continued to fight for the additional funding and support of local businesses in his district last week. Aubertine first made sure that the most recent budget moved around limited revenue for agriculture programs to better target essential programs, while also restoring key funding the governor’s budget would have omitted. “This budget agreement restores more than $2.5 million in local funding for agriculture and reprioritizes funding to help our state’s number one industry,” Sen. Aubertine said.
Also, a bill sponsored by Sen. Aubertine that would extend Foreign Trade Zone benefits from Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority's industrial park and port to businesses throughout St. Lawrence County passed the Senate last week. This was a step officials said would be required to argue for the change to the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone Board, who makes the final decision. "We need to give our communities the ability to create and sustain jobs, and this legislation is part of a larger effort to grow the economy of St. Lawrence County," he said. - Sen. Brian Foley hosts forum to educate school administrators about addressing bullying – Sen. Foley hosted a forum for school administrators his school district to inform them on how to best address the issue of bullying within their schools. "Bullying is something that cannot be tolerated among our students, whether it occurs within the four walls of the school or within the limitless walls of the internet after school hours," said Foley. "The goal of today's event is to give school administrators the most up-to-date information about the known dangers and effects of bullying, the legal aspects of it and how administrators can best work with parents to address concerns.”
Daily Campaign Roundup: Democrats On Top Of Ethics Reform
By Mike Connery on 06/24/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Sen. Craig Johnson and Regina Calcaterra commit to comprehensive ethics reform. Sens. Valesky and Stewart-Cousins helping New York's citizens and businesses. GOP-linked BP to be sued by State of New York
- Sen. Craig Johnson and Democratic Candidates Regina Calcaterra and Didi Barrett sign New York Uprising pledge - Sen. Johnson, Calcaterra, and Barrett signed the New York Uprising pledge yesterday, committing to bring reform to Albany. Sen. Johnson said "If sunshine is the best disinfectant, then these common sense proposals are the solar flare that is needed to truly reform Albany." Calcaterra added: "State government is a mess created by decades of bad decisions... These pledges represent an honest step toward improving New York's government, and I proudly sign my name to them." Barrett explained: “Albany is in desperate need for reform. The Brennan Center for Justice describes New York State government as one of the most dysfunctional in the nation. I decided to become a candidate because I have the skills and determination to change the way things are done, or not done, in Albany.”
- Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins pushes Small Business Energy Assistance & Advocacy Services Program through Senate - Legislation to reduce energy costs on small businesses, sponsored by Senator Stewart-Cousins, passed in the Senate yesterday. The bill is part of a legislative package that will significantly reduce the costs of energy for homeowners and businesses, putting money back into the pockets of families and making businesses more competitive.
- Senate Passes Sen. David Valesky's legislation that creates system to locate missing vulnerable adults - Legislation sponsored by Senator Valesky that will create a “Gold Alert” adult alert system for vulnerable and elderly New Yorkers passed the Senate yesterday. “Too many lives have been lost as a result of adults with cognitive impairment wandering from home,” Senator Valesky said. “The Gold Alert puts their safety, and the peace of mind of their families, at the forefront.”
- BP getting sued by New York State over pension funds - State Controller Thomas DiNapoli announced that he is suing BP on behalf of the state pension fund. In a statement, DiNapoli accused BP of misleading investors about its safety procedures and its ability to respond to events like the ongoing oil spill. "We're going to hold it accountable. It's my duty to protect the interests of the fund and the retirees and employees who rely on it," DiNapoli said. This is more bad news for the Senate GOP, whose extensive ties with GP we already exposed
The SRCC Runs from a Tarnished Brand
By Mike Connery on 06/24/2010 @ 02:26 PM
The latest example of GOP dysfunction gets a self-conscious twist with the launch of the New York Republican State Senate Campaign Committee’s “updated” website.
A quick look at the site reveals a Senate Republican Campaign Committee aware that their brand is so outdated and tarnished after decades of malfeasance that they’ve given up on it completely. The site abandons Republican’s traditional red color scheme for a cool Democratic Blue.
Most tellingly, the word “Republican” only shows up twice on the homepage – once as a small subtitle, and again in the legally mandated attribution line.
It’s not hard to see why Republicans would run so hard from their own branding. Just look at the polling. A recent Siena poll showed that 66% of New Yorkers reject a GOP-controlled Senate, preferring to see the Democrats make gains in the chamber (34%) or see the Senate remain closely divided (32%) among the parties.
Unable to come up with a single new solution to the pressing issues facing the state, the new SRCC website recycles the same old dated concepts, just refashioned with 36 political buzz words for their “priorities” and “ideas.”
The “Candidates” page – which should be the star of any committee website - reveals that the SRCC was able to dig up just six candidates willing to sign on to their platform of phony reform and a fiscal conservatism that rings hollow in the face of four decades of Republican economic mismanagement.
Republicans are clearly trying to get back to a time when things were good for them. After all, both the design and the policies are straight out of 1997 — back when now-convicted felon Joe Bruno and the Republicans ran amuck in the state, bilking us out of billions for their special interest friends.
Bereft of quality candidates, new solutions, or public support, the new SRCC website reveals a Republican party same as it ever was – same stale ideas, same stale candidates.
The only thing missing is their pride.
GOP Pit Bull or Just Plain Bully? DeFrancisco Votes Against Schoolchildren
By Mike Connery on 06/23/2010 @ 01:25 PM
15-year Republican incumbent John DeFrancisco is in unfamiliar territory.
While the Senate was under the Republicans control of convicted felon Joe Bruno, DeFrancisco was the “go-to guy for people seeking money” and became accustomed to doling out “tens of millions of dollars of pork.”
Now, with the Democrats in the majority and attempting to clean up the GOP mess, DeFrancisco has taken on another reviled role: that of “GOP pit-bull.”
DeFrancisco may take pride in being a pit-bull, but his constituents need a real representative, not a rabid dog on Dean Skelos' leash. As the GOP pit-bull, and prime spokesperson, DeFrancisco will have to defend numerous questionable activities – such as voting 12 times to shut down state government by opposing recent budget extenders, and masterminding last year’s GOP Senate coup that paralyzed government for over a month.
Most recently, this GOP pit-bull turned into a flat-out playground bully. This week, Derancisco was one of only three senators – to vote against legislation that will protect school students from bullying.
Thankfully, it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, and the residents of Onondaga county may finally get the representation they deserve. This year, DeFrancisco faces his “first serious contender in years” in the form of Democratic candidate and Syracuse Councilor-at-Large Kathleen Joy.
Onondaga County residents need and deserve a leader that will fight to lower taxes and protect their children -- not a GOP attack dog doing the bidding of Dean Skelos, and certainly not a school-yard bully like John DeFrancisco.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Kathleen Joy vs "the Pit Bull"
By Mike Connery on 06/21/2010 @ 04:22 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic contenders Kathleen Joy and Mary Wilmot continue to receive attention; Democratic challenger Mark Coppola take stance against 'fusion' voting
- Kathleen Joy dubbed serious contender against "pit-bull" John DeFrancisco - Kathleen Joy has been called the "first serious contender in years" against 17-year incumbent DeFrancisco by local Syracuse media. DeFrancisco is referred to as a "pit-bull" who will have to defend some questionable activities- such as opposing 12 budget extenders in the curent budget negotiations, and pushing the coup that shut down government for over a month last year.
- Democratic Candidate Mary Wilmot's campaign announcement still receiving attention- Mary Wilmot's entrance into the race in SD-55 against incumbent James Alesi has continued to garner press. Wilmot officially entered the race this past weekend.
- Democratic Candidate Marc Coppola promoting reform, shuns minor party lines - Former State Senator Marc Coppola, currently running against incumbent Republican Michael Ranzenhofer in SD-61, made the bold announcement that he will not seek any minor lines on the election ballot this November. Coppola wishes to end 'fusion voting,' as he explains: “We’re in just a small minority of states that still engage in it,” he said. “[The minor parties] hold a disproportionate amount of influence, and it’s high time we get away from this breeding ground for corruption.”
- Sen. Andrew Stewart-Cousins protecting children's health and nutrition - The Yonkers Insider ran a release from Sen. Stewart-Cousins hailing legislation she pushed through the Senate that will preserve good health and nutrition as part of early childhood development.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Democrats Fighting For New Yorkers
By Mike Connery on 06/21/2010 @ 03:22 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democrat Mary Wilmot announces she is running against James Alesi in Monroe County; Democratic efforts to help seniors and preserve libraries recognized
- Democrat Mary Wilmot declares candidacy - Mary Wilmot will be running in Monroe County, against 14-year Republican incumbent James Alesi, in SD-55. Her announcment was met with widespread enthusiasm and has received a lot of media attention.
- Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer stands up to save libraries - Leadership from 13 district libraries stood with Sen. Oppenheimer at the White Plains Public Library in an effort to save libraries whose funding is potentially at risk.
- Republicans continue to get slammed on microstamping - The Senate GOP are still getting flak for their refusel to support microstamping legislation . A Daily News Op-Ed, described the GOP vote being about "pleasing gunmakers, not protecting children." Sen. Eric Schneiderman has signaled his intention to bring the bill back to the Senate floor for another vote.
- Senate Democrats praised for helping seniors- The Senate Democratic Majority is getting kudos for last week's passage of a comprehensive package of legislation expanding and increasing access to services for senior citizens.
Senate Republicans: The Party of No-Show?
By Mike Connery on 06/17/2010 @ 02:25 PM
By now, New Yorkers are accustomed to the Senate GOP voting as the Party of No, but perhaps Martin Golden’s actions this week signal the beginning of a new Republican strategy: being the Party of No-shows.
Golden sat down with Liz Benjamin of Capital Tonight yesterday, in an effort to explain his bolt from the Senate floor during the microstamping vote on Tuesday. When asked by Benjamin about the ‘phone call’ he uses to explain his odd disappearance, Golden replied: “I had some business to take care of and I took care of the business.”
The people have a right to know – and Golden should have the common decency to tell them: What “business” exactly was he taking care of?
The people have a right to know: What “business” is more critical to Golden and the Republicans than fighting for police officers and the public -- and standing up against murderers?
The people have a right to know: what “business” is more important to Golden and the Republicans than the business of New York?
Golden did let New Yorkers know, however, that if he had any courage and “had been on the floor,” he would have sided with the Party of No – and gun lobbyists and criminals – by voting against the bill. Golden’s lesson in political cowardice illustrated once again that when it comes to taking care of the business of the people, Republicans simply can't be counted on.
Senate Republicans Shoot Themselves in Foot on Microstamping
By Mike Connery on 06/16/2010 @ 05:02 PM
Senate Republicans continued to shoot themselves in the foot yesterday – this time by siding with gun-toting criminals and refusing to support a microstamping bill. In turn, the cash-starved bunch has likely lost one of their biggest financial backers- billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Bloomberg met privately with Republican leadership before the vote and said he emerged from the meeting "hopeful that they will do what's right."
Boy, was he wrong. In the end, one lone Republican committed to supporting the bill. Another -- Martin Golden -- literally ran out of the chamber before a vote could be called – displaying an utter lack of character and leadership that has come to define the Senate GOP.
"This was a defeat for our police officers, district attorneys, and the public -- and a victory for criminals who use illegal guns to shoot and kill innocent people,” Bloomberg exclaimed.
The Republicans’ vote against common sense will surely cost them -- in dollars and cents. Bloomberg has contributed $1.2 million to the Senate GOP since 2003, and cut a $500,000 check to them back in 2008. “I would say the relationship suffered a major setback,” said a source intimately involved in the debate.
It may have taken Bloomberg some time, but he apparently now recognizes what New Yorkers have for known for quite some time: that Senate Republicans are out of touch and out of control.
Bloomberg summed it up best himself: “The senators who voted against this common-sense measure listened to the special interests” -- and not the public interest.
On Microstamping and Marriage, Republicans Side with Criminals and Against Families
By Mike Connery on 06/16/2010 @ 12:02 PM
The Republican Senate Conference sunk to new lows yesterday, when they stood against New York families in crisis, and in favor of criminals, by voting against microstamping and marriage bills on the floor of the Senate yesterday. These bills provided needed assistance to police and families, yet instead of supporting New York's citizens and first responders, Republicans played politics and sided with special interests.
Microstamping
Microstamping is a technology that enables the firing pin on a gun to stamp an identifier onto the shell casing of a fired bullet. The identifier is unique to the gun, and can help police track down the owner of a weapon used at a crime scene. Advocates liken the technology to "DNA" for guns.
The bill, heavily supported by Mayor Bloomberg, was rejected by Republicans, who stood with gun lobbyists and against police officers who supported the legislation. Most notable in their opposition was Martin Golden, the lone Republican in Brooklyn. As an ex-police officer, one would think that Golden would support legislation that assists police in catching criminals, but Golden walked out of the chamber during the vote, a cowardly - and highly political - act that avoided a "no" vote on the legislation, but showed the senator either unwilling to stand by his principles, or afraid to cross party bosses and gun lobbyists.
Democratic Senate spokeman Austin Shafran said it best: "We could say we saw Senator Golden at his worst, but we did not see him at all - he was absent when it counted most."
Marriage Reform
Divorce is messy and difficult even in the best of circumstances. Yet New York's antiquated marriage laws make it even harder than necessary on families in crisis. Under current law, blame must be assigned before the granting of a divorce, and New York couples seeking an amicable settlement are forced to lie about each other - making baseless claims of adultery, abandonment, or worse. New York is the only state in the country that does not allow for "no-fault divorce,"
Yesterday, the Senate narrowly passed legislation to bring New York's divorce laws in line with the rest of the county. No fault divorce provides a greater degree of control over their marital lives to all women in New York. What's more, it is critical to victims of domestic violence, because it allows for a safer end to the marriage without the need for the abusive spouse’s cooperation.
Yet this common sense measure was opposed by 28 Republicans - including 26 men - who chose to stand against New York's families and women. Asked to explain their vote, Republicans invariably say that "divorce should not be easy," yet that ignores the fact that while divorce is never easy - for the spouses or children - it does not have to be acrimonious. New York's women and wives should not be disadvantaged - and spouses should not be forced to lie to a judge - to satisfy the nebulous moral concerns of 26 men.
Hypocritical Republicans Vote Against Schools and Families
By Mike Connery on 05/29/2010 @ 10:26 AM
Yesterday, Democrats passed a landmark charter reform bill, more than doubling the number of charter schools allowed in the state, and banning private companies from profiting off students. Unanimously supported by Democrats, the measure sets up New York to receive $700 million in crucially needed, federal Race to the Top funds.
The measure was opposed by half of the Republican conference - a bizarre turn of affairs that exposes the hypocrisy and lack of substance behind the GOP's position on the issue. Just one month ago, when New York failed to secure a grant in the first round of Race to the Top awards, the GOP claimed that more action was needed to raise the cap on charter schools, and only Republican support could ensure that a bill passed in the Senate. Dean Skelos even released a statement criticizing the Democrats for inaction on charter schools.
Yet when time came to stand behind their words and stand up for New York's future, it was Skelos's conference that tried to obstruct much needed aid to our schools. Half of all Republicans voted against the measure, proving themselves once again to be the party of "no," and reminding New Yorkers just what Republican rule in the Senate was all about - empty rhetoric and broken promises made at the expense of their constituents.
Here's the rogue's gallery of naysayers from yesterday's vote, and the list of Democratic challengers fighting to replace them in November and bring real change to Albany.
- Farley - Susan Savage
- Flanagan
- Golden - Mike DiSanto and Claudio DeMeo
- Griffo - Maria Pavelock and Mike Hennessy
- Owen Johnson
- Larkin - Harley Doles and Larry Delarose
- LaValle - Regina Calcaterra
- Libous
- Maziarz
- McDonald - Joanne Yepsen
- Nozzolio
- Padavan - Tony Avella
- Saland - Didi Barrett
- Young
Republicans Vote to Shut New Yorkers Out of Their Parks During Memorial Day Weekend
By Mike Connery on 05/28/2010 @ 06:21 PM
As Senate Democrats voted to restore funding to our parks today, Republicans proved themselves once more to be the "Party of No," voting unanimously to reject the funding and putting the profits of polluters ahead of New Yorkers who deserve access to their parks.
What's more, Republicans voted against the economic well being of our state and its citizens. The parks system is an economic engine for New York, generating upwards of $1.9 billion in revenue and over 20,000 jobs across the state. When the parks close, those jobs and revenue go away, leaving areas more economically depressed. Here's a full accounting as to how park closures would affect different areas of the state:
Allegany Region – 1.9 million visitors, 860 jobs created and $62 million in related sales and output generated by Allegany, Lake Erie, Long Point and Midway state parks
Saratoga- Capital Region – 3.3 million visitors, 2,929 jobs created and $249 million in related sales and output generated at Saratoga Spa, Thacher, Grafton Lakes and Moreau Lake state parks to name just a few.
Central Region – 2.3 million visitors, 1,620 jobs created and $134 million in related sales and output generated by Glimmerglass, Green Lakes, Verona Beach, and Chenango Valley state parks to name just a few.
Finger Lakes Region – 3 million visitors, 1,776 jobs created and $141 million in related sales and output generated by Buttermilk Falls, Watkins Glen, Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake state parks to name just a few.
Genesee Region – 1.2 million visitors, 675 jobs created and $58 million in related sales and output generated by Letchworth, Darien Lakes, Silver Lake and Hamlin Beach state parks to name just a few.
Long Island Region – 19.9 million visitors, 3,992 jobs created and $410 million in related sales and output generated by Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Montauk Point and Caleb Smith state parks to name just a few.
New York City – 4.5 million visitors, 716 jobs created and $61 million in related sales and output generated by Roberto Clemente, Riverbank and Gantry Plaza state parks to name just a few.
Niagara Frontier Region - 10.3 million visitors, 4,701 jobs created and $569 million related sales and output generated by Niagara Falls, Evangola, Woodlawn Beach and Four Mile Creek state parks to name just a few.
Palisades Region – 4.4 million visitors, 1,052 jobs created and $94 million in related sales and output generated by Harriman, Minnewaska, Bear Mountain, and Rockland Lake state park.
Taconic Region – 3.1 million visitors, 957 jobs created and $102 million in related sales and output generated by Fahnestock, Hudson Highlands, Taconic and James Baird state parks to name just a few.
Thousand Islands Region – 1.7 million visitors, 882 jobs created and $63 million in related sales and output generated by Cumberland Bay, St. Lawrence, Wellesley Island and Westcott Beach state parks to name just a few.
There was one constituency that Republicans voted for today - polluters. GOP opposition to the measure was predicated upon higher fees imposed on New York’s producers of hazardous waste -- fees that are dedicated to cleaning up the environment.
Republicans have made their priorities clear. They're on the side of corporate polluters over the people of New York, the health of our state's economy, and the open spaces that make our state great. As New Yorkers head to their local parks this weekend to honor our veterans and picnic with their family, I think they would agree that the values displayed by Republicans today are not those of New York.
Siena Poll: Nearly Three-Quarters of New Yorkers Reject Republican Control of Senate
By Mike Connery on 05/24/2010 @ 11:21 AM
Buried in the cross tabs of this morning's poll from Siena College is yet more evidence that 2010 could be a bad year for Republican incumbents.
When asked if the election for State Senate were held today would you vote to re-elect your incumbent Senator or would you prefer someone else?, 49% of respondents expressed a desire to throw out their incumbent Senator - the highest number ever in a Sienna poll.
Among upstate voters - the Republican base - 53% want to see someone new represent them.
When asked would you prefer to see the Democrats win a larger majority, would you prefer to see the Republicans win control of the Senate, or would you prefer to see the Senate continue to be closely divided between Republicans and Democrats? a plurality of respondents - 36% - wanted to expand the Democratic Majority in 2010.
Most significantly, almost three quarters of respondents outright rejected Republican control of the Senate
For those paying close attention, you'll recognize this as yet another in a string of polls, studies and retirements, the sum total of which all point to one conclusion: Across the political spectrum, New Yorkers keenly remember what 44 years of Republican rule did for the state, and they're not ready to return to power the same party whose tax-and-spend (and borrow) approach drove our state to fiscal crisis.
For those who need a refresher course:
- A study of voter enrollment data conducted by NYPIRG in April revealed that Democrats saw enrollment gains in 51 of 62 Senate Districts, and that Democrats held an outright registration advantage in 45 districts.
- A poll by Quinnipiac in May showed results similar to those revealed by Siena today. Quinnipiac found anti-incumbent sentiment at its highest point in the poll's history, with Republican base voters showing the highest levels of dissatisfaction.
- Republicans suffered three high-profile retirements in recent months: Leibell, Volker, and Morahan.
- Former Republican Majority Leader Joe Bruno was convicted on two felony corruption counts.
- And the shallowness of the Republican political bench was revealed very publicly in a New York Times story in which potential GOP Senate candidates revealed that they declined to run due to a lack of confidence in the Republican leadership.
Middle-class families and our small businesses can’t afford to do business the way Republicans have done business. That is why they continue to reject GOP and are ready to grow the Democratic Majority in 2010.
Republicans Give Their Own Party a Vote of No Confidence
By Mike Connery on 05/05/2010 @ 10:00 AM
An article in today's New York Times paints a dim picture of Republican prospects up and down the ticket this cycle.
With the Republican State Convention approaching, the party is plagued by infighting, short of money and struggling to assemble a competitive slate of statewide candidates for the fall, leaving many party leaders worried that they are poorly positioned to exploit what might be the most favorable political climate for New York Republicans in years.
At the top of the ticket, the GOP's most viable candidate is all but invisible, eclipsed by Paladino's racist emails, and a media-grabbing challenge by a former Democrat with a history of anti-immigrant rhetoric. High profile candidates have taken a pass at challenging Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and a Republican has yet to announce for the AG race.
The situation has party leaders and potential candidates all expressing dismay at the state of the party's political bench, all the way down to the State Senate:
“I’m just disappointed at the inability to attract top-level candidates in some of the statewide and Congressional and State Senate races,” said Henry F. Wojtaszek, a former chairman of the Niagara County party who lost a bid for state chairman to Mr. Cox last fall.
...
Elizabeth N. Feld, former mayor of the Westchester village of Larchmont, ran a spirited race in 2008 against the local Democratic state senator, but decided against a rematch this year.
“A lot of Republicans who might have run for office this year said, ‘I don’t have faith in this leadership,’ ” Ms. Feld said.
This is another piece in a string of bad news for Senate Republicans' political prospects. Unmentioned in the piece are the retirements of two Republican Senators - Dale Volker and Vincent Leibell. In both races, it looks as if a bruising primary season is in store for Republican candidates. A recent Quinnipiac Poll showed greater dissatisfaction and anti-incumbent sentiment among Republican base voters than among Democrats, and a NYPIRG study of voter enrollment data showing gains for Democrats in 51 of the Senate's 62 districts.
By contrast, Senate Democrats already have challengers announced in half a dozen races, and will bring the fight to many more Republican incumbents this cycle.
Friday Fun - Republican Conference on Facebook
By Mike Connery on 04/30/2010 @ 05:26 PM
Here's some comic relief for you on a Friday afternoon. With Leibell and Volker both retiring, and bad news from the Q-poll and NYPIRG numbers, it's not a good time to be an incumbent Republican.
Here's a little GOP conference drama playing out over Facebook.
Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to add us to your RSS reader, or join us on Facebook and Twitter for more updates, analysis, and fun jabs at the NYGOP.
Quick Hits from the Trail: Bonacic and Griffo Gain Challengers
By Mike Connery on 04/28/2010 @ 11:01 AM
The latest news from the Democratic conference, candidates and campaigns:
- An editorial in the Auburn Citizen explains why the GOP "tax cap proposal" was nothing more than a political ruse.
- Oneida County Democrat and small business-owner Maria Pavelock will challenge incumbent Republican Joe Griffo in the 47th District.
- Republican John Bonacic may get a challenge from two county legislators.
- A new Marist poll indicates that New Yorkers are down on Wall Street.
- Finally, it looks like Thomas Duane's HIV/AIDS Housing bill is finally set to pass.
The Truth About Budget Extenders
By Mike Connery on 04/27/2010 @ 12:18 PM
Yesterday the Democratic Majority Conference passed another round of budget extenders. The extenders are receiving the lion's share of media attention this morning, so it's worth taking some time to know what exactly is included in the extender, and why Republicans who vote against the extenders are not only hypocritical, but also working against the interests of the public, who rely on the jobs and services the extenders provide.
First, a look at what, exactly, the extender's fund:
- $2.57 billion mandated payments to schools for General Aid Payments not associated with the Executive’s delays of school aid payments.
- $2.5 billion for local providers of the Medical Assistance Program including:
- $1.45 billion for payments to Medicaid providers including:
- $900 million for medical services provided by State facilities operated by OMH, OMRDD and OASAS.
- $311 million for nursing home services.
- $261 million for managed care services.
- $234 million for long term care services.
- $172 million for hospital inpatient services.
- $137 million for pharmacy services
- $67 million for non-institutional and other spending.
- $30 million for outpatient and emergency room services
- $29 million for clinical services
- $12 million for transportation services
- $7 million for dental services
- $40 million for contracts approved prior to April 1, 2010 where payments must be made during the period from April 1, 2010 to May 2, 2010.
- $40 million for contracts approved in the period from April 1, 2010 to May 2, 2010 where payments must be made during the same period.
As is readily apparent, these are all vital services that New Yorkers rely upon, and represent thousands of jobs that are putting food on the table and a roof over the heads of New York families. Those who support this extender are supporting our troopers, guardsmen, corrections officers, nurses, and social service workers who care for our veterans, the homeless, and mentally disabled.
Which leads me to my next topic. Seventeen Republicans voted against the extender: DeFrancisco, Flanagan, Golden, Hannon, O. Johnson, Larkin, Libous, Marcellino, Maziarz, Nozzolio, Ranzenhofer, Seward, Skelos, Volker, Griffo, Winner and Young. Many of these Republicans have been in office for a decade or more. They had no problem voting for budget extenders when they controlled the chamber.
- 2008: 9 days late/ 2 extenders
- 2004: 133 days late/ 12 extenders
- 2003: 42 days late/ 5 extenders
- 2002: 42 days late/ 8 extenders
- 2001: 125 days late/ 12 extenders
- 2000: 39 days late/ 3 extenders
- 1999: 126 days late/ 19 extenders
- 1998: 14 days late/ 4 extenders
- 1997: 126 days late/ 10 extenders
- 1996: 104 days late/ 14 extenders
- 1995: 68 days late/ 10 extenders
Plainly, Republican opposition to the budget extenders isn't about taking a principled stand. It's about showboating for voters and shirking tough decisions. It's playing politics with people's lives and jobs. New Yorkers deserve more.
What Danny Liedka Really Believes About Dave Valesky
By Mike Connery on 04/23/2010 @ 01:26 PM
It tells you something about a person's character and convictions when someone isn't willing to stand behind their words. It tells you even more when that person actually pretends to be someone else to hide their words.
Earlier today, Liz Benjamin reported that East Syracuse Mayor Danny Liedka sent a dishonest attack into Senator Valesky's district. The attack - a letter - was printed on letterhead made to look like it was issued from Valesky's office and it was written as if it was a personal letter from the Senator. It was even signed "Dave."
The message was quite different from another letter sent out by Liedka's office almost exactly one year ago. In a letter to the editor sent to the Syracuse Post-Standard, Liedka rightly praised Senator Valesky for his extensive work to bring good government to Albany and serve his constituents.
Liedka actually put his name on that letter. I think we all know which one represents an accurate depiction of Senator Valesky and his record.
To the Editor:
Your editorial suggested state Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, no longer deserves his title of poster boy for reform because he didn't prevent a closed budget process in Albany. As leaders of municipalities within his district, we intend to keep up his poster.
Since being elected in 2004, he has risen to the heights of the state Senate because of tenacious advocacy for his community and passion for good government. His is an example to emulate.
These are tough economic times that call for tough choices. Like you, our constituents look to Washington and Albany for leadership and direction. To suggest one person could influence an entrenched Albany political institution is misleading. If Sen. Valesky could have, he would have.
Your editorial noted the senator's discouragement over the process, and that he didn't point any fingers. Having known Sen. Valesky over the years, we can assure you finger-pointing isn't his style. Rather, he fights tenaciously for good government and his community.
John Becker, chairman, Madison County Board of Supervisors
John Heindorf, mayor
North Syracuse
Chet Dudzinski, supervisor
Town of Cicero
John Klink, supervisor
Town of Owasco
Mark Tetley, supervisor
Town of Manlius
Dan Liedka, mayor, East Syracuse
