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.
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."
Weekend Senate Update: Montgomery's Bill; Ball Gets Dropped; Bruno in Chains
By Mike Connery on 04/26/2010 @ 11:01 AM
Senator Joe Addabbo is hosting a hearing on campaign finance reform today from 10 - 1pm. Watch live:
- Velmanette Montgomery introduced legislation that would restore funding to successful community-based rehabilitation programs for low-risk juvenile offenders. The New York Times enthusiastically endorsed the bill in an op-ed this morning.
- Tea Bagger Greg Ball got caught lying to donors and the GOP is not happy.
- Senator Antoine Thompson hosted a jobs fair in Buffalo, and has another one in the works.
- LGBT advocate and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt endorsed the reelection of Democrat Bill Stachowski.
- Assembly Member Rory Lancman (25th Assembly District) announced his endorsement of former City Council Member Tony Avella for the New York State Senate (11th Senate District).
- Finally, the US Department of Justice filed a sentencing memo recommending that convicted felon and ex-Republican Leader Joe Bruno be locked away for more than 8 years. Read the sentencing memo here.
Democrats Pass Earth Day Environment 2010 Agenda
By Mike Connery on 04/22/2010 @ 01:01 PM
Yesterday, the Senate Democrats passed a package of reforms that will protect our environment and the health of our children. The reforms, sponsored by Senate Dems Daniel Squadron, Antoine Thompson, Liz Kreuger, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Brian Foley, included:
- S3593 / Krueger: Institutes a rechargeable battery producer and retailer sponsored take back program at no costs to consumers.
Two Republicans voted No on the bill: Betty Little and John Flanagan. - S6141B / Squadron: Requires Auto Dealerships to post a Gallons Per Mile Fuel Savings Guide within the dealership that presents information developed by the DEC.
26 Republicans voted No on the bill: Alesi, Bonacic, DeFrancisco, Farley, Flanagan, Fuschillo, Golden, Griffo, Hannon, Owen Johnson, Larkin, Leibell, Libous, Little, Marcellino, Maziarz, McDonald, Nozzolio, Ranzenhofer, Robach, Saland, Seward, Skelos, Volker, Winner, and Young. - S6047A / Thompson: Establishes a comprehensive State-wide electronic equipment reuse and recycling program.
- S4983C / Foley: Limits pesticide exposures for school and daycare aged children by prohibiting certain outdoor, non-essential applications on playgrounds, turf, and athletic or playing fields.
22 Republicans voted No on the bill: Bonacic, DeFrancisco, Farley, Golden, Griffo, Hannon, Owen Johnson, Lanza, Larkin, Leibell, Libous, Little, Marcellino, Maziarz, Nozzolio, Ranzenhofer, Saland, Seward, Skelos, Volker, Winner, and Young. - S3296-G / Thompson: Prohibits the manufacture, distribution and sale of child care products such as pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups that contain Bisphenol.
- S5119 / Stewart-Cousins: Reduces the State’s waste by prohibiting the purchase and use of non-recyclable paper/mailing products.
21 Republicans voted No on the bill: Alesi, Bonacic, DeFrancisco, Farley, Flanagan, Golden, Griffo, Owen Johnson, Larkin, Libous, Little, Maziarz, McDonald, Nozzolio, Ranzenhofer, Saland, Seward, Skelos, Volker, Winner and Young.
Watch a video of the Democrats' press conference on the passage of this legislation package:
