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.
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.
Campaign Roundup: Kaplowitz Makes DLCC Priority List
By Mike Connery on 09/27/2010 @ 04:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our daily roundup of campaign news.- NY Senate Biggest Race Nobody's Watching - The Associated Press takes notice that the race to control the NY State Senate is the most high-stakes question on the ballot in 2010.
- Kaplowitz Makes DLCC Priority List - Democrat Mike Kaplowitz, who is challenging Greg Ball for the seat vacated by Vincent Leibell, was declared a priority race by the DLCC.
- Enthusiastic Crowd at Yepsen Fund-Raiser - The Saratoga Business Journal takes an in-depth look at a recent fundraiser for State Senate candidate Joanne Yepsen. US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep Joe Tonko, and local county chairs all attended the event in support of Yepsen's candidacy.
- Aubertine Hosts Kick-Off Event at Oswego Headquarters - Senator Darrel Aubertine held a campaign kick-off rally in Oswego, where local officials noted that “He is the best candidate in the race and that is not because he is a Democrat—it is because he is a good and honest person."
New York Receives $700 Million In Race To The Top Funding
By Mike Connery on 08/25/2010 @ 12:24 PM
New York has placed second among 16 states in the federal Race To The Top funding competition, awarding the state with $700 million over four years to help build a statewide system for tracking student progress and implementing a new statewide curriculum.
The hard work of the Democratic Senate Majority is largely responsible for New York attaining these funds. After placing 15th among 16 finalists in the first round, The New York Senate Dems passed legislation that lifted the cap on charter schools to 460 from 200, links teacher evaluations to student performance, and brings more local school districts and unions on board.
Senator Suzi Oppenheimer who chairs the Senate Education Committee, sponsored the landmark reforms that paved the way for the victory."I was confident that if we all came together, we could transform our state’s educational policies to enrich the learning experience for all students, while bolstering our application for this extremely competitive grant program. Achieving consensus on the necessary reforms was not easy," Sen. Oppenheimer said.The announcement that New York State will receive funds means public school districts throughout the entire state will see increased funding. New York City's public schools are set to receive hundreds of millions of dollars, while schools upstate will receive much needed cash as well.
“This funding could not come at a better time considering the difficult decisions made to close a $9 billion budget gap. Add that to the $600 million from the federal government’s jobs bill and we are looking at significant restorations for our schools,” said Sen. Darrel Aubertine.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Sens. Aubertine And Valeseky Stand Up For Farmers
By Mike Connery on 08/11/2010 @ 03:43 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Sens. Aubertine and Valesky deliver for farmers. Tony Avella catches attention of The New York Daily News. Didi Barrett is hearing the concerns of voters in her district. Joanne Yepsen expresses optimism over Aqueduct's bid being approved by Senate. Kathleen Joy endorsed by colleagues. Robin Wilt profiled by The Albany Project.
- Sens. Darrel Aubertine and Dave Valesky praised for standing up for farmers – Farmers across New York applauded Sens. Aubertine and Valesky for leading the effort to defeat the Omnibus Farmmworker Labor Bill that would have had catstrophic effects for farms across the state. Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau, said he was grateful for Sen. Aubertine’s hard to educate other Senators on “the devastating effects this bill would have on agriculture and the rural economy.” He also praised Sen. Valesky for recognizing “that the bill was totally incompatible with farming today, which depends on unreliable weather to plant and harvest crops. He cast his vote in favor of our local farmers and the future of local foods and the rural economy.”
- Tony Avella’s campaign catches attention of The Daily News – Celeste Katz of The Daily News ran a piece on Tony Avella and his campaign to unseat 38-year Albany politician Frank Padavan earlier today. Katz referred to Avella as a “die-hard maverick reformer.” Avella had to say this about his vision for Albany: “We need new leadership in Albany and we need fresh voices and we need reform, and I think Sampson understands that. As I say, I've spoken to a number of the incumbent Democratic state senators and they look forward to having me up there. They want another voice to speak out and say we need change."
- Didi Barrett listening to voters, addressing their concerns – Michael Boyajian, of Room Eight Politics, trailed Didi Barrett as she knocked on doors in her district introducing herself to voters. Boyajian reported an overwhelming anger with the politics of Albany and described voters who liked that Barrett “was not a politician but a concerned citizen called to duty because of what was happening in the state capital” and who were happy they “someone like Didi who was listening” to their concerns. You can read Boyajian’s full account here.
- Aqueduct deal a step closer to completion after Senate Democrats accept bid - Genting New York LLC's status as the likely vendor to build and operate an Aqueduct racino is closer to completion Senate Democrats accepted the Division of Lottery's recommendation. This was welcome news to Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen, who has been outspoken in demanding a timely consideration of the bid. “The VLTs have been an issue for many years, but it’s especially stressful right now because everyone’s out of money,” said Yepsen. “If the deal doesn’t go through this year, New York State will have to find another industry to bring to the forefront, because people are at the end of their economic ropes.” Yepsen has been underscoring the impact a struggling racing industry. “The industry alone provides 35,000 jobs, to say nothing of all of the spin-off business it generates,” she said. “This isn’t just a Saratoga issue, or a Queens issue.”
- Democratic Candidate Kathleen Joy endorsed by local politicians, declares herself an independent voice – Kathleen Joy was endorsed by some of her colleagues on the Syracuse Common Council earlier today. Joy declared that she will be a voice of independence in Albany, despite pressures that may exist to vote with her party. She pointed to this year's budget negotiations as a perfect example in demonstrating the need for such a perspective. "This was not the best way to go. If I were in Albany, I would have done things differently. Again, it goes back to collaboration. Let's work hard. Let's sharpen up our pencils. Let's get something done," said Joy.
- Robin Wilt profiled by The Albany Group - Robin Wilt had her campaign in the 56th SD profiled by The Albany Project. She described her candidacy for the State Senate as a “natural extension of the experiences I have accrued over the past several years as a small business owner, a parent, and a community activist advocating for policy that will help working families.”
Wilt also explained how an economic resurgence in Rochester is possible: “Rochester is blessed with a highly-educated population that historically has been very entrepreneurial. With targeted development funds, Rochester could become a center for green-based technologies, and we could create opportunities in educating a work force trained in implementing those technologies." You can check out the rest of the interview here.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Eleanor's Legacy Endorses Three More Democratic Candidates
By Mike Connery on 08/06/2010 @ 03:28 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Eleanor's Legacy endorses three more Democratic candidates. Sen. Darrel Aubertine receives major union endorsement. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gilliibrand to attend brunch for Democratic candidate Joanne Yepsen. Democratic candidate Robin Wilt to be interviewed by The Albany Project.
- Eleanor's Legacy endorses three more Democratic candidates - The Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee, an organization focused on bringing a new generation of Democratic women candidates, informed voters, and political activists throughout New York, endorsed Susan Savage, Kathleen Joy, and Carol Gordon yesterday - bringing the total of endorsed Democratic candidates to 10. Eleanor's Legacy previously endorsed Didi Barrett, Cynthia Appleton, Regina Calcaterra, Pam Mackesey, Mary Wilmot, Robin Wilt, and Joanne Yepsen. They called these women leaders in their community that "will be powerful voices in Albany" and "who represent the new face of leadership in New York."
- Sen. Darrel Aubertine receives major union endorsement - The Central Trades and Labor Council endorsed Sen. Aubertine yesterday in his bid for reelection. The council represents more than 24,000 AFL-CIO members in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. "This is a huge endorsement," Mr. Aubertine said. "Clearly, having the support of the labor community is a huge asset. I'm gratified that it went the way it did." Sen. Aubertine's principled vote earlier this year against the furlough of workers in a budget extender was important, and was made in consultation with labor leaders, he said. "It wasn't cavalier," he said. "That decision wasn't made in the dark of night."
- U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to attend fundraising brunch for Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen - Joanne Yepsen is getting a little help from a big name in her effort to unseat Republican incumbent Roy McDonald. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will be attending a fundraising brunch Aug. 14 to benefit Yepsen’s campaign. In a show of the tremendous local support of her campaign, she outraised McDonald by more than $30,000 -- and had $76,000 cash on hand -- in her last filing.
- What would you ask Democratic Candidate Robin Wilt? - In their third installment of interviews of Democratic State Senate challengers, The Albany Project will be interviewing Robin Wilt, who is challenging Republican incumbent Joe Robach in the 56th Senatorial District. You can send your questions in for Robin here.
Daily Campaign Roundup: New York A Finalist For Race To The Top Funding
By Mike Connery on 07/27/2010 @ 05:13 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. New York announced as a finalist for $700 million in Race To The Top Funding. Women's Campaign Forum endorses four Democratic candidates. Democratic candidate Mike Kaplowitz profiled by Albany Times Union. Sen. Darrel Aubertine proud of his independent support.
- New York a finalist for $700 million in Race To The Top funding - New York state is a finalist for up to $700 million in federal education funds as part of the Race To The Top competition. This is a direct result of the Senate Democratic majority pushing through major legislation in recent months that allow test scores to be used in teacher evaluations and that raised the number of charter schools in the state to 460 from 200.
- Women's Campaign Forum endorses four Democratic candidates - The Women's Campaign Forum has endorsed four Democratic candidates: Didi Barrett, Regina Calcaterra, Mary Wilmot, and Robin Wilt. The WCF is dedicated to advancing the political participation and leadership of women who support reproductive health choices for all. WCF, founded in 1974, is a non-partisan national network dedicated to achieving parity for women in public office.
- Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz profiled by Albany Times Union - Mike Kaplowitz's campaign in Westchester was covered by Jimmy Vielkind on The Albany-Times Union's Capitol Confidential blog today. Vielkind mentioned Kaplowitz's pension reform ideas, which could potentially save taxpayers billions. In the piece, Kaplowitz spoke about how the GOP primary schism in the district is sure to play to his advantage. “There’s no question that the schism between the two of them will benefit me, because there are a lot of rank and file Republicans very angry with and very unhappy with the shenanigans of Assemblyman Greg Ball,” Kaplowitz said. (They include an allegation that Ball denies that he groped a woman at an Albany bar, sleeps with a gun under his bed and once found a dead goat on his driveway). “Particularly unhappy with him are the businesses, because he has been an assemblyman forfour years and has accomplished nothing. People call him Greg All-Talk-No-Accomplishment Ball.”
- Sen. Darrel Aubertine pleased to have endorsement of independent voters - Sen. Aubertine said yesterday that he is honored to have the endorsement of independent voters throughout his district. “I’m so pleased and honored to have the endorsement of the local independent voters and the Independence Party ballot line this fall,” Sen. Aubertine said. “Working for all of us means working together. I want to thank all nine members of the local Independence Party Committee and all of the local voters who signed petitions for your support and endorsement.” Over the past year, more than 50 pieces of legislation sponsored or co-sponsored by Sen. Aubertine passed the Senate.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Democrats' Fundraising and Petitioning Numbers Continue To Impress
By Mike Connery on 07/16/2010 @ 03:19 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Newsday profiles Democratic confidence and strength. Joanne Yepsen outraises her opponent by three-to-one margin. Didi Barrett raises over $160,000, collects over 3,700 signatures. Sens. David Valesky, Darrel Aubertine and William Stachowski outraise opponents, post impressive fundraising numbers.
- Newsday: On and off L.I., state Senate Dems tout petition and fund totals - Dan Janison, of Newsday, wrote a piece on how Senate Democrats are "blowing our political horns" with our impressive fundraising and petition totals. He specifically mentioned the strength of two Long Island campaigns: Sen. Brian Foley's campaign, which has over $240,000 cash on hand and who filed 4,073 Democratic signatures with the Suffolk County Board of Elections -four times the amount required to qualify for the ballot; and Regina Calcaterra, who raised over $260,000 since announcing her candidacy this year and now has nearly $180,000 in cash on hand to help her unseat 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle. He also mentioned the fundraising prowess of Susan Savage. Savage raised $75,000 over the past six months - almost doubling the haul of her opponent, 34-year Republican incumbent Hugh Farley.
- Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen outraises her opponent by more than three to one margin - Joanne Yepsen announced that she has raised more than three times as much as her opponent since she announced her candidacy less than three months ago. Yepsen brought in a total $70,000, and currently has $60,000 cash on hand. Her opponent, Roy McDonald, shockingly announced that his cash on hand actually went down over the past six months. After starting January with $48,000 in the bank, he now has just $44,000. "We raised money the old fashioned way," said Yepsen. "We have connected with our supporters on a grassroots level, collecting many small checks -- they add up quickly."
- Democratic Candidate Didi Barrett raises over $160,000, gathers over 3,700 signatures - Didi Barrett reported yesterday that she raised over $160,000 since declaring her candidacy just three months ago. The number far surpasses the amount of cash her opponent, a 30-year Albany insider, had on hand when Barrett entered the race. The campaign also collected 3,700 signatures -- almost four times the required amount to get on the ballot. Signatures were collected from every town in the district, evidence of the incredibly large and diverse group of supporters of Barrett’s campaign.“We’re very happy,” said Marian Rivman, Barrett’s communications director. “There’s been a wonderful response to Didi, and the numbers have exceeded our expectations—especially given that she’s a first time candidate.”
- Sen. David Valesky posts impressive fundraising totals - While his Republican challengers are mired in a costly primary battle, Sen. Valesky has continued to hum along. Valesky raised $200,000 over the past six months, and has $465,580 in his campaign coffers.
- Sen. Darrel Aubertine outraises his opponent - Sen. Aubertine outpaced his Republican challenger's fundraising total by about $24,000 during the first six months of the year. Sen. Aubertine raised over $87,000 in the period, and now has over $159,000 in cash on hand - or about $110,000 more than his opponent.
- Sen. William Stachowski has over $287,000 in cash on hand, gathers over 3,000 signatures - Sen. Stachowski announced that he now has over $287,000 in cash on hand, after raising nearly $142,000 over the past six months. He also submitted 3,447 signatures for his ballot peition, well over the required amount to gain ballot access. "Voters in my district are coming to appreciate the importance of qualified, independent representation," he said.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Independence Line in Doubt for Some GOP
By Mike Connery on 07/14/2010 @ 01:54 AM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Sen. Darrel Aubertine receives education award, called a "hero" by state's largest farmer advocacy organization. Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra slams her opponent for deceiving voters about his record. Republican Candidates Frank Padavan and Andrew Como to possibly lose important Independence Line ballot access.
- Independence Party divide threatens to boot Republican Candidates Frank Padavan and Andrew Como from ballot line – Dysfunction within the Independence Party could cost two Republican State Senate candidates the crucial Independence line this fall, according to State Independence Party chair Frank MacKay. 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, who is being challenged by former New York City Council Member Tony Avella, and Anthony Como, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Joe Addabbo, have been using signature gatherers from the State Independence Party’s rival New York City faction to help them petition onto the Independence line. “This certainly doesn’t help their cause with the executive committee,” said MacKay.
- Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra slams opponent for playing politics as usual and voting to kill small business fund he is now praising – Calcaterra criticized her opponent, 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle, for knowingly deceiving voters on Eastern Long Island about his support for jobs creation, saying he supports a measure to fund small businesses even after he voted to kill the legislation. In a press release dated July 9, LaValle touted the recently funded Small Business Revolving Loan Fund as "a valuable resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs" that "encourages job creation." He boasts, “I have always supported creating and protecting jobs throughout the state and, more specifically, our local region." However, LaValle omitted the fact that he voted against that very program by voting against the 2010-11 state budget. “Newsflash for Mr. LaValle: press releases do not create jobs, actions do," said Calcaterra. "This is the worst kind of hypocrisy, taking credit for a program you voted against. Once again we see Republicans playing political games that are typical of an Albany insider. We need honest representatives in the Senate who vote their convictions, not try to score points by playing with people’s jobs.”
- Sen. Darrel Aubertine receives Rural Schools Association ‘Appreciation Award’, deemed a ‘hero’ by New York Farm Bureau – The New York State Rural Schools Association honored Sen. Aubertine with its annual Appreciation Award for his work on behalf of rural schools. “We’d like to acknowledge the contributions the Senator is making as chair of the Rural Resources Commission and his continued support for both the Center for Rural Schools at Cornell and the Rural Education Advisory Committee,” said Lawrence A. Kiley, executive director of the Rural Schools Association. “It’s all indicative of the support the Senator is showing the small and rural school districts of New York State. Particularly in times like these, our association is appreciative of the fact that we have someone who advocates for and understands rural New York.”
Sen. Aubertine also received strong backing from the New York Farm Bureau this week after his Republican challenger, Patricia Ritchie, attacked Democrats for cutting funds for agriculture programs over the past two years. The state's largest farmer advocacy organization came to Sen. Aubertine’s defense and consider him to be "a hero," said Peter Gregg, a New York Farm Bureau spokesman. "Agriculture was almost exclusively the only portion of the state budget that was able to restore at least partial funding," he continued. "We are extremely grateful for Sen. Aubertine. He worked miracles to get the funding restored at the levels at which he did. There was absolutely no money and he somehow found it… He worked really hard this spring and this early summer on this farm labor that would have really wiped us out if it passed," Mr. Gregg said. "He fought for us tooth and nail. And for that, we consider him a hero."
Daily Campaign Roundup: SRCC and Libous Reach New Low
By Mike Connery on 07/12/2010 @ 12:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. SRCC chair Tom Libous forced to defend his appearance with Carl Paladino. Sen. Darrel Aubertine protecting senior citizens from fraud. Sen. Bill Stachowksi creates program to help prevent and recognize concussions.
- SRCC chair Tom Libous forced to answer questions as he appears with Carl Paladino - Gannett notes thatGOP dealmaking and dysfunction was out in full force this weekend as Libous appeared at Tea Party-funded event at in Endwell with GOP gubernatorial hopeful Carl Paladino -- while reiterating that he supports GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio. Pressed to defend his appearance, he replied: "They're criticizing me for being joined by a gentleman that wants to cut taxes, reduce spending and create jobs in New York state. Is there a problem with that?" Libous conveniently left out that Paladino is also actively working to subvert the GOP and their candidates, which one would think should be a problem to a chair of the SRCC.
- Liedka on his way out? We've reported in the past about Andrew Russo, the concert-pianist who is backed by the cash-starved SRCC in SD 49. Fundraising numbers for his primary opponent Danny Liedka were reported today, and the news isn't good (for Liedka, that is). According to the Auburn Pub, Liedka raised $48k and has just $5k cash-on-hand. Russo is reported to have raised 4 times that number, meaning that Libous' hand-picked candidate - a virtual unknown in local politics - will be the likely challenger to Dave Valesky in November.
- Sen. Darrel Aubertine warns seniors of insurance Medicare scammers - Sen. Aubertine is urging North Country senior citizens to listen to the New York State Insurance Department’s warning about scammers trying to profit from Medicare rebates. They are advising senior citizens not to give out personal information to anyone claiming they can deliver or speed up $250 rebates for Medicare Part D now available through federal health care reforms. “Too often we see con artists trying to take advantage of our senior citizens by stealing personal information,” Sen. Aubertine said. “Our seniors need to be aware that in other states there have been reports of people asking for personal information or an upfront fee to expedite these rebate checks. It’s important to remember never to give out bank account information, social security numbers or any other personal information. I want to thank the state Insurance Department for its efforts and local media for helping get the word out.”
- Sen. Bill Stachowski creates program to help In prevention and recognition of concussions - In an effort led by Sen. Stachowski , the Senate passed legislation to establish the Head Injury Awareness and Prevention Act. The measure creates several programs that will improve early intervention and response of coaches and parents by educating them on the proper evaluation and management of concussions. “Thousands of school aged children in New York State are brought to the emergency room each year with concussions,” said Sen. Stachowski, the bill’s sponsor. “Because many concussions happen while students are playing sports on school teams, in gym class, and even accidentally in the classroom, it is extremely important to have properly trained individuals on hand who can correctly evaluate the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Coaches, teachers, administrators, parents, guardians, and students themselves should be educated in recognizing these symptoms. This legislation will do just that by establishing the New York State Head Injury Awareness and Prevention Program.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Sava Campaign Garners Attention
By Mike Connery on 07/01/2010 @ 02:44 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. George Sava receiving press. Sen. Darrel Aubertine provides support for New York's farmers.
- Democratic Candidate George Sava’s candidacy profiled by Long Island media - George Sava, who is running against Minority Leader Dean Skelos in Nassau County, - was profiled by the Long Island Herald. “I’m running for one main reason: Like so many of my friends and neighbors, I’m getting priced out of Nassau County,” said Sava, who is an Army reserve veteran. Sava cited numerous tax-hikes from Albany as a major motivator for his candidacy.
- Sen. Darrel Aubertine pushes legislation that will help farmers - Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Aubertine to increase the amount of linked deposit loans an eligible farm business may receive from $1 million to $2 million and extend the term of linked deposit from four to six years passed the Senate yesterday. “By making more money available and extending the length of loans we are giving farmers greater financial incentives to reinvest in their business,” said Sen. Aubertine. “These capital improvements will increase productivity, cut energy costs and create and maintain jobs.”
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 Continue to Roll
By Mike Connery on 06/17/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Monroe County Democratic Candidate Robin Wilt officially kicks off her campaign; Democratic senators announce legislative progress; Republican's forced to defend Golden's cowardice and Lazio's ties to Bernie Madoff
- Robin Wilt announces candidacy for State Senate – Democrat Robin Wilt is receiving a lot of attention as she announced her campaign against Republican incumbent Joe Robach in Greece County (SD 56). Wilt is running to reform the way Albany works, lower property taxes, and create jobs. "I am tired of a system of legislative horse trading where standing on one's principles is derided as naïve and impractical," she said.
- Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins announces passage of legislation that will end voter coercion and intimidation practices – The Yonkers Insider ran a press release from Sen. Stewart-Cousins detailing the Deceptive Practices and Voter Suppression Prevention Act, a bill she recently helped pushed through the Senate. Read more about it here.
- Sen. Darrel Aubertine praised for education efforts – Education Reform Now, a Brooklyn-based public education advocate, sent mailers lauding Sen. Aubertine for supporting legislation that increases the number of charter schools statewide.
- Sen. Eric Schneidmernan wants another vote on microstamping – Sen. Schneiderman, co-sponsor of the microstamping legislation, is fighting to bring it back to the Senate floor for another vote. "I think the public outrage over essentially voting to protect gun criminals - shooters and murderers - because of some mythical harm that might be done to legitimate gun owners is just not flying," said Sen. Schneiderman.
- Martin Golden skipped microstamping vote in favor of more important “business”- Martin Golden told Liz Benjamin of Capital Tonight yesterday that he skipped out on the microstamping vote because he “had important business to take care of.” He added, however, that had he stayed on the floor and fulfilled his obligations as a senator, he would have voted against the bill.
- GOP Gubernational hopeful Rick Lazio tied to Bernie Madoff – Rick Lazio has more dysfunction and corruption to answer for today, as it was reported that he accepted thousands of dollars from ponzi-schemer Bernie Madoff, and his family, back in the the 1990s. At the time, Lazio was a congressman on the banking committee- responsible for oversight of the SEC, and ostensibly, of funds such as Madoff’s.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Republican Disunity Deepens
By Mike Connery on 06/16/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Republican disunity deepens, and the praise for Dutchess/Columbia County Democratic Candidate Didi Barrett continues to grow.
- The Republican party to become even more divided- Conservative Carl Paladino – scorned by the GOP as he sought their nomination for governor– is now using his millions to form a new right-wing party and is deciding what to name it. We can think of some ideas…
- Possible split between Bloomberg and Senate Republicans- The Senate Republicans' refusal yesterday to support the microstamping bill may cost the desperate bunch the financial support of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg traveled to Albany to lobby for the bill's passage. “I would say the relationship suffered a major setback,” said a source intimately involved in the debate. “The mayor cares very much about guns. If the Republicans couldn’t give him three votes on a microstamping bill, what does that mean if they take back the majority? They’ll never put a gun bill on the floor.”
- SD 41 Democratic Candidate Didi Barrett continues to draw attention- Room 8 New York Politics ran a glowing piece on Barrett, who they say “brings a breath of fresh air to New York State's insular politics that will surely work to clean up the mess that Albany now finds itself in.”
- Sen. Dave Valesky helps orchard, vineyard owners- Sen. Valesky is receiving praise for pushing a law that streamlines a property tax exemption for new or replanted vineyards or orchards. The law will promote growth and investment in vineyards and orchards throughout New York.
- The American Farmland Trust is applauding recently passed state legislation that was co-sponsored by Sen. Darrel Aubertine- Sen. Aubertine’s legislation, signed into law on May 25th, makes it easier for farmers to participate in New York’s Farmland Protection Program. “This will expand the opportunities for farmers throughout the state by enabling land trusts to help farmers apply for preservation grants,” Sen. Aubertine said.
Video: Darrel Aubertine on the Budget, Power for Jobs, and Property Tax Relief
By Mike Connery on 04/29/2010 @ 12:26 PM
Here's Darrel Aubertine explaining the importance of the Power for Jobs program, the state of budget negotiations, and why Democrats' call for property tax relief makes sense in the overall scheme of the state's finances. (hat tip to Oswego Democrat)
Quick Hits from the Trail: Skelos's Conflict of Interest, Klein's Legislation, Stewart-Cousins Responds
By Mike Connery on 04/27/2010 @ 11:01 AM
The latest news from the Democratic conference, candidates and campaigns:
- Andrea Stewart-Cousins responds to an attack by Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone.
- Senator Auburtine wants to make the Power for Jobs program permanent.
- 10 new Sunshine laws sponsored by Democrats were signed into law yesterday.
- Republican Leader Dean Skelos' Long Island law firm has a lobbying arm that raked in $284k last year, making it the third fasted growing lobby in the state. Conflict of interest anyone?
- Some of the grassroots are lining up behind Senator Breslin. Here's a positive post on the Senator by a blogger at The Albany Project.
- Senator Jeff Klein passed a bill to protect homeowners from loan modification scams. Watch him talk about the need for the bill in this video:
