Albany Times Union: Time to Fix Election Laws
By Mike Connery on 12/29/2010 @ 10:50 AM
As disappointing as Senator Craig Johnson's loss to Jack Martin's was to Democrats, the manner in which he lost should disturb all New Yorkers. As a piece in today's Albany Times Union today makes clear, current election law robbed Nassau residents of the right to have their vote counted, and betrayed the trust of our citizens in the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.
The court battle over one particularly close state Senate race may be over, but neither side should be happy with the outcome. Nor should New Yorkers, no matter whom they were rooting for.
Republican Jack Martins may well have been the legitimate victor in the 7th Senate District race on Long Island. Then again, it might have been Democratic Sen. Craig Johnson. We'll probably never know, thanks to New York's election laws. [...]
That last flaw was exposed in this year's 7th Senate district race, in which Mr. Martins drew 451 votes more than Mr. Johnson -- a margin of just a half of one percent of the roughly 85,000 votes cast.
In a number of other states, from Connecticut to Florida to Alabama to New Mexico, such a close margin would be cause for an automatic recount.
Not so in New York, where that decision is left largely up to the courts, which in this case decided that a recount wasn't necessary -- despite errors that were found in a sampling of three percent of the machines in the district. One machine, for example, had more votes counted than actual ballots; two others had fewer votes recorded than the number of ballots cast.
Those and other errors netted two extra votes for Mr. Johnson. The courts, though, reasoned that since Mr. Martin would still win if all the machines had the same rate of error, and since there was no evidence of foul play, a full hand count of ballots wasn't necessary.
As the Times Union makes clear, the law must be changed to mandate recounts in close contests such as the one that occurred in SD-7 in 2010. To do otherwise is a recipe for further disillusionment and declining civic participation.
Senator-Elect Gianaris Named New DSCC Chair
By Mike Connery on 12/28/2010 @ 10:50 AM
In case you missed it amidst all the holiday hoopla, Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson announced last week that he has appointed Senator-Elect Michael Gianaris as the new Chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee. You can read the official announcement here.
Senator-Elect Gianaris appeared on Capital Tonight with Liz Benjamin recently to discuss his appointment and his plans for a leaner, meaner DSCC to help retake the majority in 2011.
Meet Your New Senator: Gustavo Rivera
By Mike Connery on 12/09/2010 @ 10:50 AM
Gustavo Rivera: Every Vote Must Be Counted
By Mike Connery on 11/23/2010 @ 02:50 PM
Leader Sampson on Capital Tonight
By Mike Connery on 11/19/2010 @ 10:50 AM
Momentum Swinging Towards Dems in Three Races
By Mike Connery on 11/16/2010 @ 03:50 PM
Two weeks after New Yorkers went to the polls, three State Senate races remain too close to call, and the outcome of those races will determine which party controls the State Senate. Here are the latest updates from the field on these crucial races:- In Nassau County, Senator Craig Johnson has cut into Jack Martin's lead by well over 50%. As of last night, just 211 votes separate Johnson and Martins. Approximately 4,000 absentee and affidavit ballots remain to be counted, and an audit of the voting machines is set to begin on Wednesday. This remains an incredibly competitive race and the momentum is swinging our way.
- In Westchester, Senator Oppenheimer continues to lead her opponent by 504 votes with over 5,000 absentee and emergency ballots yet to be counted. Republicans are artificially slowing down the process, but we're confident that when all the votes are counted, Senator Oppenheimer will retain her seat by a comfortable margin.
- In Buffalo, major problems were reported today in Erie County during a recanvass of voting machines. Memory sticks proved to be unreadable when examined by technicians. We are far from an accurate accounting of votes in Erie County. Additionally, over 4,000 absentee and affidavit ballots remain to be counted. We expect these ballots will break in Senator Thompson's favor.
We're committed to ensuring a full and fair accounting of very vote. But make no mistake, Republicans are going to use every trick in the book to rush the process and prevent an honest account of the votes.
The New York Times reported yesterday that national committees like the NRCC, and independent conservative groups like the anti-choice Susan B. Anthony List are already pouring money into New York to help Republican candidates in these legal battles.
We've responded by mounting the largest election protection effort in the history of the state of New York, and we won't give up until the voices of all New Yorkers are heard. When all the votes are in, Senate Democrats will retain the majority.
Meet Your New Senator: David Carlucci
By Mike Connery on 11/09/2010 @ 03:50 PM
On November 2nd, 29-year-old reform candidate David Carlucci surprised New York's political establishment when he captured the seat of the late Senator Thomas Morahan. Meet the new state senator from Rockland County.Senator-Elect Gianaris on the Vote Counting
By Mike Connery on 11/09/2010 @ 03:50 PM
Every Vote Must Be Counted
By Mike Connery on 11/08/2010 @ 03:50 PM
On Tuesday, New York voters spoke loud and clear in favor of change, electing reform-minded candidates like Tony Avella, Gustavo Rivera, Tim Kennedy, and David Carlucci to the state senate. These were great victories, but the fight is not yet done. Three State Senate races remain too close to call.
- In Westchester, Suzi Oppenheimer appears to have won and is leading Bob Cohen by 466 votes.
- In Long Island, Craig Johnson trails by a few hundred votes with thousands of absentee and provisional ballots yet to be counted.
- In Buffalo, Antoine Thompson also trails by a few hundred votes with thousands absentee and provisional ballots yet to be counted.
Election Day saw the use of new voting machines in New York, and there were reports of significant problems at polling sites across the state. In Suffolk County alone, initial returns have shown varying outcomes, underscoring the need for full and fair recounts. What's more, thousands of legitimate votes cast on Election Day - absentee and provisional ballots - have yet to be counted.
These votes will determine which party controls the state senate and sets the agenda next year, and it is imperative that we ensure a full and fair process that results in an honest accounting of all votes cast. But the GOP is already rushing to judgment, proclaiming victory in an attempt to sway the results before all the votes are counted. They're lawyering-up and will do everything in their power to pull their candidates over the finish line - deservedly or not.
We can't let New York in 2010 become Florida in 2000. Every vote must be counted.
Can you contribute $10, $25 or $50 today to help protect the votes of all New Yorkers?
Your contribution will help us put in place a strong legal team to beat back the GOP's dirty tricks and ensure a fair process that protects every vote.
If you can’t donate, I hope you’ll consider helping in other ways. If you are a resident of the Buffalo Metro area, Nassau County, or Westchester County, sign up to join a Volunteer Corps to help protect the vote in your district.
As a reminder of what is at stake, watch this video and remember the the months-long recount that ultimately led to the election of Senator Al Franken in 2008:
Leader Sampson Congratulates Our Winners, But It's Not Over Yet
By Mike Connery on 11/03/2010 @ 04:50 PM
Polls are closed, but the State Senate is still at stake.
We picked up a few big wins, but at least three races are too close to call.
We'll post updates as they come in. Below find Majority Conference Leader Sampson's statements on the victories of Democrats David Carlucci, Tony Avella and Tim Kennedy.
Your New Senators:
“Senator-Elect Tony Avella has a long record of reform and political independence – the perfect antidote to 38 years of status quo Albany dysfunction. Senator-Elect Avella ran a tireless campaign. He went door-to-door in Queens to make his case and I am particularly proud he made women’s rights and healthcare a centerpiece of his campaign. I look forward to working with Senator-Elect Avella to regain New York’s trust in government, and to make sure the Senate continues to advocate for those most in need.”
"I want to congratulate Senator-Elect Carlucci for running a shoe-leather, door-to-door campaign, and welcome him to our Conference. Rockland and Orange County residents deserve a reformer, a non-partisan Senator in the tradition of Tom Morahan. David Carlucci will make those who trusted him with their vote proud. He comes to Albany with great promise, and working together, we will continue to reform Albany and work with our next Governor to renew our economy and lower taxes."
"Tim Kennedy is the reformer Albany needs. For more than a year, he has run against the status quo, and it’s that kind of attitude that will change Albany. We need jobs, and I will do everything I can to make sure Senator-Elect Kennedy is successful in renewing and revitalizing Western New York’s regional economy."
Campaign Roundup: Hear Women Roar
By Mike Connery on 11/01/2010 @ 04:50 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our daily roundup of campaign news.- On Tuesday, Hear Women Roar - Errol Louis of the Daily News sees the potential for women voters to play a pivotal role in NY's elections.
- Growing Signs that Latinos Will Jam Polls for Midterms - Louis's DN colleague Albor Ruiz sees a similar situation happening with Latino voters.
- Calling for Change in the 44th - YNN profiles the stark contrast between Democratic candidate Susan Savage and long time Albany incumbent Hugh Farley.
- 23 Reasons Frank Padavan is Bad for Women - Tony Avella has been on the stump all week, hammering Padavan for his atrocious record on women's issues. NY1 has the video.
- Journal News Endorses Oppenheimer - The Journal News endorsed the reelection of Senator Suzi Oppenheimer over the weekend.
- Fair Campaign Group Sides with Oppenheimer - Westchester County Fair Campaign Practices Committee ruled against Republican Bob Cohen, saying that his mailers were inaccurate and misleading.
- Locals Seek Senate, Hoping Anger Will Help Them - The Post Star profiles the campaigns of challengers Joanne Yepsen and Susan Savage.
- Cuomo Endorses Susan Savage - Andrew Cuomo has endorsed another Democratic Senate challenger.
Campaign Roundup: A Few Good Candidates
By Mike Connery on 10/29/2010 @ 04:50 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our roundup of campaign news.
- Senate Dems to GOP: Bull - New York Senate Dems are on the air with a new ad hitting Republicans for their atrocious 4 decade history in the Senate.
- Bill Samuels: Why Electing More Women Will Help Reform Albany - In a year when Democrats are running 12 women candidates, Bill Samuels writes in the Huffington Post about the crucial role of women in delivering on reform.
- A Few Good Candidates - The New York Times comes out strong for Democratic candidates Tony Avella, Mike Kaplowitz and Didi Barrett.
- Saland Hit With Ethics Complaint After Pressuring Firefighters - Steve Saland gets caught muscling local firefighters into supporting his reelection by threatening their grants.
- Schumer Endorses Carlucci, Kaplowitz - US Senator Chuck Schumer makes his first state senate endorsements.
- A Fresh Face for Albany - It's been a long time since the Saratogian endorsed a Democrat for State Senate, but today Joanne Yepsen breaks the streak.
- State Dems: Zeldin Too Extreme for the Senate - The NY Democratic Party is out with a new web video hitting Lee Zeldin for his extremist views and supporters.
- When Principle Matters - The NY Post endorsed the reelection of Senator Craig Johnson today.
- Cuomo Endorses Savage - Andrew Cuomo has endorsed Susan Savage in her race against Hugh Farley.
- LoHud Endorses David Carlucci - The Journal News endorsed David Carlucci today.
- Pretty Angry in Pink - Hugh Farley has offended just about everybody during this final week of the campaign - from the mentally handicapped to LGBT New Yorkers to environmentalists. Susan Savage is calling for an apology.
- Albany Times Union Endorses Savage, Breslin - Two Dem endorsements in today's Albany Times Union.
- Outsiders Juice Up Ads for Quinn, Kennedy - TV ads by outside groups, including Fight Back NY, are flooding the airwaves in SD-58. This is a big race for marriage equality advocates.
- If You Like Carl Paladino, You'll Love Greg Ball - NARAL sends mailers into state senate districts on behalf of Democratic candidates.
No More Republican Bull - Volunteer!
By Mike Connery on 10/29/2010 @ 02:34 PM
For 44 years Republicans wrecked our state. Now they say they've changed. We're pretty sure we know what you call that . . . Watch our final TV ad and then volunteer to help a campaign near you.Your Volunteer Hours Can Make the Difference!
Only 4 more days until the election. Have you signed up to volunteer yet? Every hour you give will increase the votes for your favorite candidate, so sign up today.
Find out which candidates are near you using our Battleground Map.
New York City
Phone banks for many State Senate races
Email will.volunteer@gmail.com
Tony Avella SD-11
Campaign HQ: (718) 747-2137
Email tonyavellafornewyork@gmail.com.
Upstate, Hudson Valley, and Long Island
Cindy Appleton, 59th Senate District
Campaign HQ (585) 615-2986
Email cynthiaappleton2010@gmail.com
Didi Barrett, 41st Senate District
Hyde Park HQ (845) 233-5577
Email didi@didiforsenate.com
Francesca Carlow, 6th Senate District
Campaign HQ (516) 749-1850
Email vote4francesca@gmail.com
David Carlucci SD-38
Campaign HG: 845.634.0686
Email sandi@carlucci2010.com
Brian X. Foley, 3rd Senate District
Central Islip HQ (631) 234-3340
Email info@brianxfoley.com
Carol Gordon, 8th Senate District
Massapequa HQ (516) 777-0738
Email info@carolagordonforsenate.com
Kathleen Joy, 50th Senate District
Syracuse HQ (315) 476-2010
Email joyforsenate@gmail.com
Mike Kaplowitz SD-40
Campaign HQ: 845-228-9830
Click here to volunteer
Pam Mackesey, 53rd Senate District
Tompkins County HQ (607) 319-4596
Email gotv@pamforsenate.net
Jennifer Maertz, 1st Senate District
Middle Island HQ (631) 775-8560
Email jennifermaertzfornysenate@gmail.com
Susan Savage, 44th Senate District
Schenectady HQ (518) 382-9412
Email susansavageforsenate@gmail.com
Mary Wilmot, 55th Senate District
Rochester HQ (585) 340-6901
Email steve@marywilmot2010.com
Robin Wilt, 56th Senate District
Rochester HQ (585) 286-1289
Email campaign@wiltforsenate.com
Joanne Yepsen, 43rd Senate District
Saratoga Springs HQ (518) 587-9409
Email chandler@yepsenforsenate.com
Greg Ball: "I Am The Malcolm X"
By Mike Connery on 10/28/2010 @ 04:34 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our daily roundup of campaign news.- Fairness Panel Rules Ball Campaign Mailer Mostly Misleading - Once again the Fair Campaign Practices Committee has ruled against Greg Ball for lying in his campaign literature.
- I Am The Malcolm X - Greg Ball, the "Carl Paladino" of the Hudson Valley, can now boast a new name. Mike Kaplowitz's tracker caught the controversial assemblyman comparing himself to Malcolm X.
- Gillibrand for Kaplowitz - Senator Gillibrand endorses Mike Kaplowitz in his race against Greg Ball.
- Tony Avella Slams Frank Padavan on Women's Issues - Frank Padavan has been a disaster for women in Queens, and Tony Avella is bringing that issue to the fore of his campaign.
- Patty Ritchie Ignores AARP - In what has become standard procedure, Patty Ritchie is again ducking constituents - this time seniors.
- Candidates, Parties Pour $2million into 49th - The race between Dave Valesky and Andrew Russo is getting expensive.
- McDonald Takes Cash from Downstate Bosses He Rails Against - Joanne Yepsen's campaign is pointing out that Senator Roy McDonald has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from downstate bosses.
- An Interview with Jeff Klein - Our Deputy Majority Leader and DSCC Chair sits down for an interview with one of his local papers.
- Carlucci Pushes Strong Ethics Reform - In a new Op-Ed, David Carlucci pushes for strong ethics reform and property tax caps.
Frank Padavan Lied About His Role in the State Senate Coup
By Mike Connery on 10/22/2010 @ 04:45 PM
Campaign Roundup: Greg Ball Caught Lying by NY Times
By Mike Connery on 10/21/2010 @ 04:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our Daily Roundup of Campaign News
- NY Times Catches Greg Ball in a Lie - An expose by the New York Times catches Greg Ball lying to voters in his most recent television ad, and outlines the many reasons Ball is not fit for public office.
- Post Messenger Endorses Mary Wilmot - Mary Wilmot picks up another big local newspaper endorsement. The Post-Messenger called Wilmot a "thoughtful, qualified newcomer."
- Ritchie Again Fails to Show Up for Debate - Yet again, Patty Ritchie fails to show up for a debate with Darrel Aubertine, leaving us all to wonder, where (and why) is Patty Ritchie hiding?
- Aubertine Endorsed by United Health Care Workers East - Another endorsement for Darrel Aubertine.
- NARAL Pro Choice NY Endorses Senate Democrats - NARAL reveals its endorsements for State Senate.
- Scott Vanderhoef's Connection to Albany Corruption - Vanderhoef tries to tie Carlucci to dysfunction in the legislature, but as the Albany Project ably points out, Vanderhoef has much closer ties to those who caused the dysfunction.
- Women Rally for Susan Savage - At a recent Women for Savage rally, Gail Cook of SEIU 1199 endorsed Susan Savage. Watch the video.
- Case of the Missing Education Formula - At a recent debate, Andrea Stewart-Cousins threw the book at Liam McLaughlin (literally) to put a stop to his misleading comments. Watch the Video.
- Unions Drop $200k in Support of Dems - Unions are putting money into Democratic campaigns like that of Brian Foley to bolster the chance of seeing Wall Street reform. Their first ad hits Long Island Republican Lee Zeldin.
Meet the Women Ready to Reform Albany
By Mike Connery on 10/18/2010 @ 10:05 AM
Republicans had 44 years to turn New York around. They failed and New York is the worse for it. Meet 12 women candidates who are ready to bring real change and relief to New York.We can't change Albany until we change the people that we send to Albany.
No One Cares Less Than Frank Padavan
By Mike Connery on 10/14/2010 @ 12:05 PM
Women for Tony Avella launched a new video today, highlighting Frank Padavan's atrocious record on women's issues and featuring women from the district calling for the election of Tony Avella.Hitting a similar theme today, Planned Parenthood takes political protection to a new level. The group is distributing condoms at bars in the 11th Senate District warning voters to protect themselves from incumbent Frank Padavan.
Andrew Cuomo: This Election is About Our Values
By Mike Connery on 10/14/2010 @ 12:03 PM
In this new video from the Brian Foley campaign, Andrew Cuomo endorses Senator Foley and calls for local voters to rise above the politics of hate on display at a recent local Tea Party rally by Zeldin supporters.Zeldin's Supporters Disrupt Women for Foley Rally
By Mike Connery on 10/11/2010 @ 05:03 PM
Lee Zeldin's supporters showed their true colors at a Women for Foley rally this weekend. Protesters waved a South Carolina secessionist flag and signs supporting Arizona's harsh anti-immigrant laws. One protester was caught on film making an obscene gesture towards Foley supporters.
You stay classy Zeldin supporters.
Behind the paywall at Newsday, Dan Janison also covered the antics of Zeldin supporters, and City Hall News has a follow-up today, including a statement from the Brian Foley campaign:
“Yesterday’s insulting display by Zeldin supporters shows once again that my opponent does not share the values of Long Islanders. It is disgraceful and offensive that a flag of division and hatred is the symbol of Lee Zeldin’s campaign,” Foley said in a statement. “Outside interests from other regions of the country who are bankrolling this campaign of fear, lies and distortions are not welcome in our community and I am confident that Long Islanders will reject Zeldin’s extremist agenda.”
The Zeldin campaign has yet to issue a statement. What are they waiting for?
