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.
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: League of Conservation Voters Endorses Numerous Democrats
By Mike Connery on 08/02/2010 @ 03:23 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. The NYLCV endorses 14 Democratic incumbents and five Democratic challengers. New York in contention for Race To The Top Funding because of leadership of Sen. Sampson and Senate Democrats. Democratic Candidate Tony Avella speaks of tax caps and a more transparent Senate in an interview with The Albany Project. Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra bringing a "different style" in her campaign out on Long Island.
- New York League of Conservation Voters endorses a slew of Democrats - The NYLCV, a non-partisan, policy making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority, announced their support of numerous Democratic Senators and candidates this morning. They endorsed 14 incumbent Democrats and 5 challengers - Dave Mejias, Susan Savage, Joanne Yepsen, Kathleen Joy, and Mary Wilmot. NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn had this to say specifically about Savage: “Susan Savage is exactly the kind of 21st century leader that New York needs. Susan knows that a healthy environment, green jobs and clean energy are not luxuries for the good times – they are the ways forward to a stronger, more economically vibrant New York.”
- If New York wins $700 million in Race To The Top funding, Senate Democrats are to thank - Joe Williams, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform, wrote an op-ed in The New York Daily News today that argued the leadership of Senate Majority Leader John Sampson and his fellow Democratic senators are responsible for New York still being in the race for federal dollars. Going forward, Williams argued, "the commitment the Democrats demonstrated for reform needs to be matched by elected officials, school districts and unions across the state."
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella interviewed by The Albany Project - Tony Avella, running against 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, was interviewed by The Albany Project. Readers were free to send in questions in advance to ask the former City Councilman. When it came to taxes, Avella declared that he believes that "it is essential to place limits on the ever increasing property taxes and address increases from annual property tax assessments." On the way the Senate operates, Avella said that "clearly, the Senate must have greater transparency, allow members greater opportunities for input and have much stronger ethics rules."
- Newsday: Regina Calcaterra brings "different style" in State Senate Race - Dan Janison, of Newsday, profiled the race between Regina Calcaterra and 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle. He mentioned that Calcaterra is" hailed by her supporters as a sharp, energetic fighter" and mentioned her work representing the state's pension system in the high-profile lawsuit against WorldCom.
Daily Campaign Roundup: 'Year of the Woman' Continues
By Mike Connery on 07/19/2010 @ 03:56 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Jimmy Vielkind of Albany Times Union looks into the 'Year of the Woman' and our slate of female candidates. NARAL New York endorses Democratic Senate candidates. Republican candidate Lee Zeldin gets angry and heated at a candidate screening. Democratic fundraising totals dwarf GOP numbers. Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen's fundraising haul still garnering press.
- ‘Year of The Woman’ continues –After POLITICO’s piece dubbing 2010 ‘Year of the Woman’ in New York in reference to our crop of female candidates, Jimmy Vielkind of the Albany Times Union chimed in, wondering if “dissatisfaction with state of state cause voters to think gender at polls?” He noted that our crop of 10 women candidates may benefit from the palpable anti-incumbency sentiment.
- NARAL Pro-Choice New York endorses numerous Democratic candidates - NARAL Pro-Choice New York announces their first round of endorsements in the 2010 election and named the following Democratic candidates for State Senate as 100% pro-choice candidates: Regina Calcaterra, Dave Mejias, Carol Gordon, Mike Gianaris, Didi Barrett, Susan Savage, Kathleen Joy, Pam Mackesey, and Robin Wilt. Not a single Republican Senate candidate was endorsed by NARAL.
- Lee Zeldin “turns angry” at candidate screening – Newsday reported that at a screening for a possible endorsement of Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate running against Democratic Sen. Brian Foley, Zeldin “turned angry” when his military record came up. James LaCarrubba, Brian Foley's top aide, said no one questions Zeldin's service, just his demeanor. "We appreciate his service. But this is a man who wants to represent 300,000 people. And a candidate in a room full of people should be able to control his temper," he said.
- Senate Democrats significantly outraise GOP foes – With all the numbers in, Senate Democrats can now report a combined $25 million in fundraising for re-election efforts over the last 20 months, $10 million more than GOP lawmakers. "I think we'll expand the majority," said Sen. Jeff Klein, the chairman of the DSCC.
- Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen’s impressive fundraising haul continues to garner attention - The Saratogian became the latest media outlet to focus on Yepsen’s fundraising numbers. Yepsen announced last week 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.
Year of the Woman Hits NY
By Mike Connery on 07/16/2010 @ 04:40 PM
Writing at POLITICO, Maggie Haberman profiles Democratic women challenging incumbent Republicans in the State Senate, and notes that The Year of the Woman Hits New York :
The Year of the Woman candidate has arrived in New York for the 2010 cycle, with an unprecedented slate of 10 female hopefuls vying for legislative office on the Democratic side in a state known as politically progressive but lagging at the state level.
With help from EMILY's List over the last few years, the state Senate Democrats now have 10 women competing in districts ranging from swing-county Suffolk in Long Island to more rural areas of upstate New York.
"I think it is reflective of a larger pattern throughout the country," said state Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), who is the recruitment chair for the political arm of the Senate Democrats. "Women in both parties throughout the country are looking at who's in office and saying, 'Oh hell, I can do better than that!'"
Women make up 52% of the population in New York State. So it's shameful that only 16% (just 10 out of 62) of our state senators are women. The slate of women candidates run by the New York Senate Dems could double the number of women serving in the state senate, and clear the way for progress on a host of issues including ethics reform and marriage equality. But what these women bring to the table goes far beyond reform and social issues that have defined past campaigns by women.
The slate of candidates looking to unseat 1/3 of the republican conference demonstrate a strong a track record of economic achievement around which they are focusing their campaigns. These women created jobs at the county level; they increased investment in green jobs; they even took on Wall Street giants – and won. They’re fighting not only to end the dysfunction in Albany, but to put our state back on sound economic footing
"I think what sets these women apart is they're accomplished in their own rights and own careers and now want to turn their attentions [to government]," said state Sen. Jeff Klein, adding that those running are not being pigeonholed into campaigning on what are typically considered "women's issues," a fate that has befallen some other female Empire State candidates.
This election cycle, the stakes have never been higher. Democrats hold a razor-thin, one vote majority in the State Senate. The outcome of these races will determine how effective we are at moving a Democratic Agenda in 2011 and putting our state back on track.
As Susan Savage, the Democratic challenger to 34-year incumbent Hugh Farley, says – “We're not going to change Albany until we change the people that we send to Albany.” With your help, these women will unseat Republican obstructionists who created Albany’s corrupt culture, help revive our economy, and give New Yorkers the government they deserve.
Below is a quick look at the New York Senate Dems class of women challengers. Click the links for more information, or to join and contribute to their campaigns.
- Susan Savage - Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, she created thousands of jobs and brought millions in investments into the county. She is challenging 34-year incumbent Hugh Farley in the 44th Senate District.
- Joanne Yepsen - As Saratoga County Supervisor, Joanne Yepsen held down local taxes and helped local businesses. She is now challenging Joe Bruno’s hand-picked-successor, Roy McDonald, in the 43rd Senate District.
- Didi Barrett - A leader in the non profit world for decades, and a strong advocate for women in New York, Didi Barrett is challenging 20-year incumbent Steve Saland in the 41st Senate District, the seat once held by FDR.
- Mary Wilmot - As Regional Director for the Governor and the New York State Senate, Wilmot has extensive knowledge of the challenges Upstate New York faces, and she is determined to revitalize New York’s economy through investments in clean energy. Wilmot is challenging 14-year incumbent James Alesi in the 55th Senate District.
- Robin Wilt - As community activist, real estate agent, and small business owner, Wilt has seen first-hand the economic challenges facing Monroe County. She is the co-founder of the Genesee Valley chapter of Progressive Democrats of America, and is challenging seven-year incumbent Joe Robach.
- Regina Calcaterra - A corporate fraud lawyer who took on Wall Street and won, Regina Calcaterra is now taking the fight to thirty-four-year incumbent Ken LaValle in Suffolk County’s 1st Senate District.
- Kathleen Joy - Syracuse Common Counselor-At-Large and Majority Leader Kathleen Joy has a record promoting green infrastructure. She’s now challenging 18-year incumbent, and self-described GOP “pit bull” John DeFrancisco in the 50th Senate District.
- Cynthia Appleton - A three-term Village Trustee in Warsaw, NY, Appleton has first-hand experience with the impact of Albany’s dysfunction at the local level, and is ready to clean up the capital. She is running for the open seat vacated by retiring Republican Senator Dale Volker.
- Pam Mackesey - As a union organizer, she witnessed first-hand the struggles that everyday Schuyler, Steuben, and Chemung county residents face, Pam Mackesey is determined to defeat six-year incumbent George Winner in the 53rd Senate District.
- Carol Gordon - As a Mental Health Clinic Manager and Patient Advocate at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Carol Gordon served our veterans for 25 years. Now she is challenging twelve-year incumbent Charles Fuschillo in the 8th Senate District.
Daily Campaign Roundup: DSCC Posts Record Fundraising Numbers
By Mike Connery on 07/15/2010 @ 03:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. DSCC announces record fundraising haul. POLITICO profiles the 10 Democratic candidates, declares 2010 "Year of the Woman.' New Siena poll spells more trouble for Senate GOP. Democratic Candidate David Mejias running strong on Long Island. Democratic Candidate Susan Savage outraises opponent by almost 2-1 margin since declaring candidacy. Westchester business group withdraws endorsements for local Republicans.
- Senate Democrats announce record fundraising numbers - We at the DSCC filed stellar fundraising numbers today - which The New York Times CityBlog described by saying "Senate Democrats Flush With Campaign Money". Capital Confidential said "we are rolling in it." We raised a historic $3.5 million during the first six months of the year, while spending less than $2 million. We now have $3.5 million in cash on hand - more than twice the amount of money we had at this point two years ago, when we went on to pick up two seats in the November elections and take control of the Senate for the first time in decades. “We are raising more money than ever before, competing in more regions of the state than ever before, and engaging with campaigns earlier than ever before. That’s why, in November, Democrats will win more seats than ever before,” said Sen. Jeff Klein, DSCC chair. “Today’s filing clearly shows that New Yorkers recognize that we have begun the work of putting government back in the hands of the people.”
- 'Year of the Woman' Hits New York - Maggie Haberman of POLITICO coined 2010 the 'Year of the Woman' in an extensive piece earlier today that hailed our "unprecedented slate of 10 female hopefuls... in districts ranging from swing-county Suffolk in Long Island to more rural areas of upstate New York." She quotes Democratic Candidate Susan Savage, who is running against 34-year incumbent Hugh Farley as saying: "I think we're not going to change Albany until we change the people that we send to Albany. "Many of these incumbents have been there a very long time ... I really do understand that there's a lot that needs to be accomplished and it's very hard to do that with the group of people that are in the Senate now." Haberman also pointed out that the Senate GOP are fielding just two women, one of whom is in a contentious primary battle.
- Siena Poll spells trouble for the Senate GOP - Siena released its most recent election poll earlier this morning, showing that less than one in four voters want a Republican Senate, and 69% of voters preferring the existing or an enlarged Democratic majority. In upstate New York - where Republicans sit in most of the Senate seats - just 26% of those polled wanted Republican control of the Senate, as opposed to the 68% who favored Democratic control. Voters upstate are far more pessimistic about the direction of the state - with 86% saying we are on the wrong track - and more likely to vote their incumbent Senator out of office. This is the just the latest in a series of polls that have consistently indicated trouble for Republicans and their electoral prospects this November.
- Democratic Candidate Dave Mejias running strong against Albany dysfunction - Former Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias , who is running agsinst 21-year Republican incumbent Kemp Hannon, announced today he has raised $116,925 and has $112,921 cash on hand. Mejias also released a campaign kick-off video, in which he denounced the dysfunction in Albany. “I am grateful to all those who are supporting my campaign to clean up the most dysfunctional state government in America,” Mejias said in a press release. “I’m especially proud of those grassroots supporters who have given what they could afford because they believe I am the best candidate to fix our broken government.”
- Democratic Candidate Susan Savage's fundraising efforts are solid - Susan Savage, running against 34-year Republican incumbent Hugh Farley, reported today that she raised more than $75,000 for her campaign -- almost twice what Farley reported raising over the same time period. Savage said that if we want to change Albany, we have to change who we send to Albany. This filing is a clear sign that the people of New York agree," said Doug Forand, one of Savage's campaign advisers.
- Westchester business group retracts Republican endorsements in state senate races - A Westchester County business group backed off supporting three Republican candidates for state senate after some members expressed alarm over the sudden foray into partisan politics. The Business Council of Westchester offered an apology to its members and retracted a June 28 letter that touted meetings with Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos, provided de facto endorsements in three races and called on members to "join the $99 club" by anonymously donating money to these campaigns. Council President and CEO Marsha Gordon, in an e-mail to members, apologized "for deviating from our tradition of being nonpartisan" and promised to return any checks.
Daily Campaign Roundup: RNC Cash Can't Stop Didi Barrett
By Mike Connery on 07/02/2010 @ 12:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic Candidate Didi Barrett's campaign catches the attention of RNC and Michael Steele. Democratic Candidate Kathleen Joy opens new campaign headquarters. Sen. Brian Foley opens up funding for schools.
- Democratic Candidate Didi Barrett's campaign scares Michael Steele and RNC into dumping cash in her district - Barrett is running against Republican Stephen Saland. The national GOP has recently announced it will be funneling cash for local elections directly to county leaders in New York. One of the first areas to receive RNC dollars will be Dutchess county, which entails 80% of SD-41, where Barrett is running against Republican Stephen Saland. The GOP is definitely on the defensive and Barrett's campaign definitely has them scared. She summed it up best herself: "Clearly our message of creating jobs and reforming Albany is resonating with voters – the GOP is running scared – and they’re going to pour money into this district to try and hold this seat and influence your vote."
- Democratic Candidate Kathleen Joy opens new campaign headquarters - Joy, running against 18-year Republican incumbent John DeFrancisco, opened the doors to her new campaign headquarters inside the State Tower Building. Surrounded by supporters and local elected officials, she emphasized the need for a new perspective for her district. “For decades, my Senate District, which includes much of Onondaga County, suffered from politics as usual in Albany. Important decisions, like the budget, were done behind closed doors. That’s not the way to get things done. Democrats have made progress, but we have to continue to reform the way we do business in Albany,” she said.
- Senator Brian Foley increases school district access to reserve funds - Senator Foley sponsored legislation, which passed the Senate this week, that will increase the ability of school districts to access their reserve funds. Under the legislation, the total savings for the 653 eligible school districts in New York would be $486.1 million. The total savings for eligible districts within the third senate district would be $45.7 million, with an average savings among districts being $3.8 million."As legislators, we must do everything we can to protect public education and to ensure that our students receive the best possible education without allowing taxes to be raised to the point that families are driven out of our state," Foley said. "By providing districts with another avenue through which to use reserve funds to offset or eliminate tax increases and staffing cuts, both of the goals will be accomplished."
GOP Pit Bull or Just Plain Bully? DeFrancisco Votes Against Schoolchildren
By Mike Connery on 06/23/2010 @ 01:25 PM
15-year Republican incumbent John DeFrancisco is in unfamiliar territory.
While the Senate was under the Republicans control of convicted felon Joe Bruno, DeFrancisco was the “go-to guy for people seeking money” and became accustomed to doling out “tens of millions of dollars of pork.”
Now, with the Democrats in the majority and attempting to clean up the GOP mess, DeFrancisco has taken on another reviled role: that of “GOP pit-bull.”
DeFrancisco may take pride in being a pit-bull, but his constituents need a real representative, not a rabid dog on Dean Skelos' leash. As the GOP pit-bull, and prime spokesperson, DeFrancisco will have to defend numerous questionable activities – such as voting 12 times to shut down state government by opposing recent budget extenders, and masterminding last year’s GOP Senate coup that paralyzed government for over a month.
Most recently, this GOP pit-bull turned into a flat-out playground bully. This week, Derancisco was one of only three senators – to vote against legislation that will protect school students from bullying.
Thankfully, it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, and the residents of Onondaga county may finally get the representation they deserve. This year, DeFrancisco faces his “first serious contender in years” in the form of Democratic candidate and Syracuse Councilor-at-Large Kathleen Joy.
Onondaga County residents need and deserve a leader that will fight to lower taxes and protect their children -- not a GOP attack dog doing the bidding of Dean Skelos, and certainly not a school-yard bully like John DeFrancisco.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Kathleen Joy vs "the Pit Bull"
By Mike Connery on 06/21/2010 @ 04:22 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic contenders Kathleen Joy and Mary Wilmot continue to receive attention; Democratic challenger Mark Coppola take stance against 'fusion' voting
- Kathleen Joy dubbed serious contender against "pit-bull" John DeFrancisco - Kathleen Joy has been called the "first serious contender in years" against 17-year incumbent DeFrancisco by local Syracuse media. DeFrancisco is referred to as a "pit-bull" who will have to defend some questionable activities- such as opposing 12 budget extenders in the curent budget negotiations, and pushing the coup that shut down government for over a month last year.
- Democratic Candidate Mary Wilmot's campaign announcement still receiving attention- Mary Wilmot's entrance into the race in SD-55 against incumbent James Alesi has continued to garner press. Wilmot officially entered the race this past weekend.
- Democratic Candidate Marc Coppola promoting reform, shuns minor party lines - Former State Senator Marc Coppola, currently running against incumbent Republican Michael Ranzenhofer in SD-61, made the bold announcement that he will not seek any minor lines on the election ballot this November. Coppola wishes to end 'fusion voting,' as he explains: “We’re in just a small minority of states that still engage in it,” he said. “[The minor parties] hold a disproportionate amount of influence, and it’s high time we get away from this breeding ground for corruption.”
- Sen. Andrew Stewart-Cousins protecting children's health and nutrition - The Yonkers Insider ran a release from Sen. Stewart-Cousins hailing legislation she pushed through the Senate that will preserve good health and nutrition as part of early childhood development.
Change Albany Now: Senate Class of 2010
By Mike Connery on 05/26/2010 @ 05:01 PM
Earlier today at the State Party Convention, Senator Sampson introduced the Democratic Party, and all of New York, to the Senate Class of 2010. You can read his full remarks here (video coming soon).
As Senator Sampson noted in his address, these are the women and men in whom we are investing our hopes for the future. They are challenging Republican incumbents across New York State - from Monroe County all the way out to the tip of Long Island. They are running to Change Albany Now. But they need your help.
They need your help to get our candidates on the ballot. They need your help to staff the phone banks and stuff the mailers. They need your help to knock on doors and rally Democrats around this state.
And with your help, they'll win in November and bring real change to Albany.
Meet the Democratic Senate Class of 2010, and listen to their vision for a reformed New York. Then go out into your districts, recruit your friends and family, and help make that vision a reality.
Text of Kathleen Joy's Announcement Speech
By Mike Connery on 05/11/2010 @ 07:07 PM
Here's the full text of Kathleen Joy's announcement speech this morning, in which she talks about reviving a spirit of collaboration to achieve real results for the citizens of New York:
Thank you Mayor, I am honored to have you here with me. Thank you for those kind words.
Stephanie and I have worked together for many years both as Common Councilors and as Mayor and Majority Leader, and the direction she’s taken the City is a good example of a new style of leadership. And that has been a welcome change. Thank you again for your support here today.
This morning, I am here to officially declare my candidacy for the New York State Senate, for the 50th District.
I intend to unseat an 18 year incumbent, because it's time for a new perspective.
That New Perspective is based on an old concept, but one that some politicians have gotten away from.
My perspective is one of public service, not politics.
It’s about making decisions that serve our community, not serve personal political gain.
Some politicians are in office for so long that they forget that its not about them, its about US.
I want to bring that perspective of pubic service back to Albany, NO, it’s not just Albany, I’ll bring that service back to YOU- our community.
My New Perspective is one of dialogue, not disagreement; collaboration, not competition; results, not restrictions; and possibilities, not power plays.
For too long, the voters in this community have not had an opportunity for change in the Senate’s 50th District.
Today, we do.
I know that the people standing behind me, and the people in this community are ready for that change.
Between now and November, I’ll be sharing my perspective with the voters throughout the district & I’ll be hearing yours.
You’ll learn more about me as I learn more about you.
You will discover that I am just like most people in this district:
I’m tired of politics as usual. Labels of Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative have put up barriers to reaching the real goals of this community.
I am a voter, frustrated with the gridlock in Albany & I want to do something about it, not be part of it.
I am a parent, concerned about the well being of my children. I want to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed & to stay in this area as adults.
I am an employee. I go to work every day and worry about having a job tomorrow.
I was a small business owner, who had to close its doors. I know about the challenges of doing business in New York State and I can use that experience to promote a better business climate.
I live in the City and I love living there, but I have rural roots that I’m very proud of. I grew up on a farm, growing grapes, corn and other crops. I share the values of family farmers and of a rural community.
I might not have all the answers today, but that’s what a New Perspective is all about. Learning, Listening and carrying your message to Albany as part of the solution.
I chose to make my announcement at Onondaga Lake because it is a symbol of a New Perspective.
Onondagas regard this lake as sacred. Their perspective on Service to their community is to make decisions based on the experience of 7 generations past & the opportunity for 7 generations in the future.
My public service comes from my ancestor’s too. Ethan Allen of the Green Mountain Boys on my mom’s side and my grandfather on my dad’s side was the mayor and trustee for 22 years in the small town where I grew up. I come from a long line of revolutionaries who had a New Perspective and the courage to do something about it.
This lake is also a symbol of the New Perspective of collaboration and results.
Once one of the most polluted lakes in the world, today, because of a common goal, it’s turning around. For the past 20 years, I’ve worked together with all levels of Government, representatives of the Onondaga Nation, citizens and scientists to come up with a solution. We have collaborated toward a common goal to clean up the lake & promote green technologies – and we’re getting results.
The waters of Onondaga Lake & its tributaries run through the 50th Senate District. The dialogue that I continue to have about a community wide perspective crosses political boundary lines. Leadership should break down those restrictions and work toward the results.
That attitude that has been missing in the 50th District.
We need a new way of doing the people’s business in Albany. The people want a new perspective and for that reason, I am running for State Senate.
Thank you.
Kathleen Joy to Challenge John DeFrancisco
By Mike Connery on 05/11/2010 @ 12:07 PM
Syracuse Common Counselor-At-Large Kathleen Joy announced this morning that she will challenge 18-year incumbent John DeFrancisco for New York's 50th Senate District.
KATHLEEN JOY ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR 50TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT City Councilor-At-Large Will Bring Fresh Perspective to the 50th District (Syracuse, N.Y.)--Kathleen Joy, Syracuse City Councilor-At-Large, announced that she is officially a candidate to represent the 50th District in the New York State. The 50th district comprises parts of both Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse.
“The people of the 50th Senate District are hungry for a change in the way we do the people’s business in Albany. I am ready to bring public service back to the community, making decisions which serve our community, not serve personal political gain,” Kathleen said.
She will be joined by City of Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner, Onondaga County Democratic Chairwoman Diane Dwire and dozens of supporters at Onondaga Lake Park today to kick off her candidacy.
“As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Kathleen has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocating for smart economic development policies designed to create
Kathleen Joy is a serious candidate with a history of working across the aisle to get things done for her community. She has regularly sponsored legislation to promote green infrastructure, building standards and open space, and she also initiated many of the housing programs embraced by the Syracuse City Administration and adopted by the Common Council.
But she's going to need help to defeat an 18 year incumbent in what will surely be a tough-fought race. You can sign up to volunteer, or make a small donation to her campaign at http://kathleenjoy.org.
