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.
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."
Campaign Roundup: Slumlord Cohen Caught Doctoring Video
By Mike Connery on 10/05/2010 @ 04:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our daily campaign roundup of campaign news.- Oppenheimer Sticks it to Slumlord Bob Cohen - Celeste Katz reports that Suzi Oppenheimer's campaign is up on the air with an ad pointing out that Bob Cohen's real estate businesses have been hit with numerous violations, including dangerous conditions and turning a blind eye to drug dealing on the premises.
- Cohen Caught Selectively Editing Oppenheimer Video - Celeste Katz at Daily Politics also points out that the Bob Cohen campaign has been caught selectively editing video footage of Oppenheimer for dishonest political purposes.
- 5 Candidates Endorsed by Emily's List - Emily's List released endorsements for 5 Senate Democratic Candidates today: Susan Savage, Mary Wilmot, Didi Barrett, Joanne Yepsen and Pam Mackesey.
- Duffy Endorses Mary Wilmot for Senate - Rochester Mayor and Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Robert Duffy endorsed Mary Wilmot for state senate.
- Carlucci Supporters Come Out in Rain and Cold - in a demonstration of strong support and organizing, supporters of David Carlucci turned out in full force - despite rain and cold - for a speech about the fiscal irresponsibility of Carlucci's opponent.
- A Dozen Tax Liens in Three Years for Jack Martins - City Hall News discovers that Jack Martins' businesses have a history of not paying their taxes on time.
- SD-3 Race Goes National - 16% and Rising notes that radical Republican Senator Jim DeMint is raising money for Lee Zeldin.
- Close Race in Senate District - The Times Union reports that Joanne Yepsen is giving Roy McDonald a run for his money in SD-43. On why she's running, Yepsen says: "Right now, nothing is getting done in this district," she said. "I fully believe that I can do a better job."
- NYPRIG: State Dems Winning Legislative Cash Contest - At the Daily News, NYPIRG confirms that Dems have a cash-on-hand advantage over Republicans in the race to control the legislature.
- Farley Gets Nasty - Sen. Hugh Farley goes negative - and gets caught lying - as Susan Savage presents a real challenge to his reelection.
- Domagalski Withdraws from 59th State Senate District Race - Citing fear of a Democratic victory by Cindy Appleton, Jim Domagalski has withdrawn from the 59th State Senate District race.
- New York's Year of Democratic Women - 16% and Rising reminds us that there are an unprecedented amount of women candidates on the Democratic Senate ticket this year.
- Environmental Advocates Release Scorecard, Gives George Winner "Oil Slick" Award - A hearty congratulations for Senator George Winner, for his "oil slick" award - granted for his service to the energy industry in opposing a moratorium on hydrofracking.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Endorsements Continue To Pile Up
By Mike Connery on 07/23/2010 @ 04:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Numerous Democrats endorsed by Human Rights Campaign New York. Tony Avella received major union endorsement. Republican incumbent Stephen Saland spends $19,000 on dinner.
- Human Rights Campaign New York endorses Democratic candidates for State Senate - The Human Rights Campaign New York endorsed numerous Democratic challengers and incumbents who are all supporters of marriage equality and whose election will "put New York on a path to fairness and equality for same-sex couples in the state." They endorsed incumbent Senators Brian Foley, Craig Johnson, Tom Duane, and Dave Valesky -- and Democratic candidates Dave Mejias, Tony Avella, and Regina Calcaterra. Not a single Republican was endorsed by the group.
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella endorsed by major retail union - Tony Avella, running against 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, was endorsed Thursday by a massive retail union yesterday. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents 100,000 workers across the United States and Canada, gave Avella the nod Thursday, calling him “an independent voice for working New Yorkers and taxpayers.” “He’s exactly the kind of reformer we desperately need in Albany right now,” said Stuart Applebaum, the union’s president.
- Republican senator Stephen Saland spends $19,000 on dinner - Showing just how out of touch he really is, Saland attended a $19,000 black-tie dinner for his re-election campaign that was thrown by a politically connected couple in April at their Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, estate. The $19,000 dinner was listed as an in-kind donation to Saland's campaign. That means it was for services rendered for a political function, but not a direct monetary contribution. "There's a lot of trust with the reporting by the campaigns," said Dick Dadey, executive director of Citizens Union, a good-government group. "There's very little if any verification."
Daily Campaign Roundup: Savage Stands With Nurses As SRCC Stands With Paladino
By Mike Connery on 07/08/2010 @ 03:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic Candidate Susan Savage pickets with nurses demanding a fair contract. SRCC Chair shows desperation, set to appear with Carl Paladino. Sen. Craig Johnson gets support of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
- Democratic Candidate Susan Savage stands with nurses in demanding fair contract – Savage, running against 34-year Republican incumbent Hugh Farley, walked a picket line with nurses in her district who are seeking a new contract. The nurses are asking for, and have so far been denied, a combination of fair wages, health care benefits, and nursing ratios.
- SRCC chair Tom Libous teaming up with Carl Paladino – Libous, chair of the SRCC, will appear at a Tea Party event tomorrow with multi-millionaire turncoat Carl Paladino. Libous and Senate Republicans must be desperate to court Paladino, who is still petitioning to get the GOP gubernatorial nomination (despite having been rejected by the party at their nominating convention) and is using his cash to create his own political party in an apparent attempt to siphon support away from the GOP.
- Sen. Craig Johnson gets support of Mayor Michael Bloomberg – Mayor Bloomberg is lending his name to a fundraiser next Monday to support Sen. Johnson. Mayor Bloomberg had pledged to help legislators who lead on issues of great importance to him. Charter schools are such an issue for the Mayor, and Sen. Johnson has been a fierce proponent of charter schools at the state level.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Calcaterra On The Offensive On Education
By Mike Connery on 06/30/2010 @ 04:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Regina Calcaterra slams Ken Lavalle on school funding. Sen. Craig Johnson toughens New York's drug laws.
- Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra slams Lavalle’s apathy towards education funding – Calcaterra called her opponent, 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle out of touch for saying that Suffolk County school districts may not feel much pain without hundreds of millions of dollars of restored state school aid funding. "LaValle says most school districts may not feel much pain if this important funding is not restored. Try telling that to the overtaxed, overburdened, out-of-work residents in our neighborhoods and communities from Port Jefferson to Mastic to Montauk,” Calcaterra said. "During the past 20 years alone of Ken LaValle's 34 years in Albany, Suffolk County property taxes have risen by more than 550 percent. That's too much pain already.”
- Sen. Craig Johnson’s legislation toughens drug laws – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Johnson which toughens existing laws to make it so a person who sells a controlled substance that causes a death would be charged with manslaughter passed the Senate yesterday. “A gravely serious heroin epidemic is gripping Long Island's youth and those who sell death to our children must be held accountable. This legislation will give prosecutors one more tool to protect our communities and safeguard our future,” Sen. Johnson said.
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
Quick Hits from the Campaign Trail: Yepsen Announces, Arizona's Immigration Law Hits New Yorkers
By Mike Connery on 04/29/2010 @ 11:01 AM
The latest news from our conference, candidates, and campaigns.
- At 2pm today, Joanne Yepsen will announce her candidacy for the 43rd Senate District, challenging Joe Bruno heir Roy McDonald. The Troy Record and Albany Times Union have already covered the announcement.
- More information is coming out on Republican Sullivan County Legislator Dave Sager, who wants to switch his party affiliation to Democrat and challenge incumbent Republican John Bonacic.
- Local teacher Glenn Dannaham is also running to unseat Bonacic.
- Tom Libous took time out of his busy schedule to bash video games. Next week he'll be yelling at kids to get off his lawn.
- Two of the Republicans vying to replace Vincent Leibell - Mary Beth Murphy and Jim Borkowski - get profiled in the Lewisboro Ledger.
- Craig Johnson is calling on those disappointed with the Arizona law to not take out their anger on AriZona Iced Tea, which is actually a Long Island-based company.
- José Peralta, and José Serrano slammed Arizona's new immigration enforcement law:
Craig Johnson Announces Taxpayer Abuse Assessment Legislation
By Mike Connery on 04/13/2010 @ 07:07 PM
Craig Johnson announced new legislation today that would end one of the more glaring misappropriations of tax payer dollars. As it currently stands, the state and municipalities are paying millions of dollars in pensions to former employees who used their positions to embezzle money.
The proviso in New York’s public pension system that ensures even convicted embezzlers can continue to collect retirement benefits has long been a sore point with a lot of people, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Long Island community of Roslyn where the former school superintendent Frank Tassone fleeced taxpayers for more than $2 million and was sent to prison in 2006.
Now, a pair of Long Island Democrats, Sen. Craig Johnson and Assemblyman Charles Lavine, are offering a measure that could end this benefit — not by changing constitutionally protected pension laws — but by calling for an assessment or tax on the pensions of criminals who abused public monies. The “taxpayer abuse assessment” would be equal to the annual pension of the person in question.
At a time when the state and local municipalities are pinching pennies to get by, we can't afford to subsidize the retirements of criminals who stole from taxpayers.
Here's Johnson discussing the legislation:
Dirty Tricks From Senate Republicans
By Mike Connery on 04/06/2010 @ 11:01 AM
Republicans were just caught red-handed lying to Nassau residents in Craig Johnson's district.
Constituents in Johnson's Nassau County district reported receiving an email around midnight on the first night of Passover last week from "nysobserver@gmail.com" with the subject line: "Property Taxpayers Alert!"
The email purported to highlight "Albany's property tax double-cross," in which the Senate passed legislation sponsored by Johnson that "allows school districts to increase school district spending and property taxes against the will of local voters."
...
The email not originate from everyone's favorite salmon pink weekly, as it turns out.
The "opt-out" link at the bottom of the missive reveals it came from none other than the NYSSRCC. (For the uninitiated, that's short for "New York State Senate Republican Campaign Committee).
Craig Johnson's spokesman, Rich Azzopardi, has it right:
"The Albany Republicans and their stooges know that they have no credibility with the residents of the 7th Senate District, so it's no surprise that they tried to hide their identity," said Johnson spokesman Rich Azzopardi.
"Fortunately, they couldn't mask their hypocrisy and classlessness, no matter how deep they try to hide in the shadows of the Internet."
It's no wonder Republicans would try to hide behind a dirty trick to hit Democrats on taxes. The Republican record on taxes is abysmal and nowhere is that more apparent than in Nassau County.
Between 1985-2009 property taxes rose by 320% in Nassau County. According to the Tax Foundation, Nassau has the 3rd highest property taxes in the nation, with a median property tax bill of $8,306. Voters won't soon forget that record, no matter how hard Republicans try to lie or hide from their history.
