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.
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.
Pam Mackesey on Women in Politics, Ninety Years After Women's Suffrage
By Mike Connery on 08/27/2010 @ 02:24 PM
Daily Campaign Roundup: Kaplowitz Fights For Property Tax Cap
By Mike Connery on 08/09/2010 @ 04:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz fights for property tax cap. Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen leading the way to save New York's racing industry. Republican Senator puts personal profit ahead of public health.
- Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz fights for property tax cap – Mike Kaplowitz denounced The State Assembly for failing to pass the property tax cap that the Democratic Majority in the State Senate passed last week. “It is disappointing that the Assembly left town for the summer without also passing the property tax cap. This is Albany dysfunction at its worst. There is no excuse for the Assembly’s failure to enact the cap into law.” Kaplowitz brought attention to the fact that New Yorkers pay the highest property taxes in the country and that local property taxes in New York grew by 73% from 1998 to 2008 -- more than twice the rate of inflation. “Unless the Assembly enacts a property tax cap immediately, more New Yorkers will lose their homes, more families will be forced to leave our state, and more jobs will be lost,” Kaplowitz said.
- Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen on Aqueduct Deal: Seal It Now - Joanne Yepsen is urging the state to act quickly on New York State Lottery Division’s recommendation to award the Aqueduct Race Track video lottery terminal contract to Genting Inc. “New York state is losing $1 million a day in revenue until the VLTs are up and running at Aqueduct, forcing taxpayers to pick up the difference in funding state programs. Tragically, this nine-year delay has cost $2.5 billion in revenue to New York state, all at a time when our deficit and unemployment rate are of great concern,” Yepsen said.
Last Friday, Yepsen met with Sen. Eric Adams, chair of the Senate Racing Committee, to talk about the Aqueduct Race Track bidding, argue for the necessity of capital investment in the Saratoga Race Course, and highlight the local jobs and economic activity tied to such a project. Yepsen has been leading on this issue for quite some time and has continually stressed the importance of this revenue stream, “not just to Saratoga but to our entire state." - Republican Senator George Winner deemed “poster boy for Albany ethics mess” – Republican George Winner failed to disclose “a glaring, previously hidden conflict of interest on an issue of grave concern to all water-drinking New Yorkers.” The issue is hand is permitting hydrofracking in New York -- something Winner is a vocal proponent of. It was revealed that Winner’s his law firm has done work for some of the very companies who are seeking to make millions off the process and are lobbying the Senate to be able to drill upstate. In a true act of political cowardice, Winner is refusing to say who exactly his clients are -- or how much they are paying him. This led The New York Daily News to call this a “slam-dunk example of why the state Legislature needs ethical scrubbing.” Democrat Pam Mackesey is running to replace Winner, who is retiring, in the 53rd Senatorial District. Mackesey supports a moratorium on hydrofracking until all New Yorkers can be assured that it will not negatively impact their health in any way.
Republican Senator Puts Profits Ahead of Public Health
By Mike Connery on 08/09/2010 @ 03:36 PM
Republican corruption and ethical violations in the State Senate are nothing new. So what did it take for Republican incumbent Senator George Winner to be coined the “poster boy for Albany ethics mess” by The Daily News?
New Yorkers know that Winner is one of the most vocal supporters of permitting hydrofracking - a controversial and dangerous method of extracting natural gas from a miles-deep rock formation known as the Marcellus Shale. What New Yorkers didn’t know was that Winner’s law firm has done work for some of the very companies who are seeking to make millions off the process and who are lobbying the Senate to be able to drill upstate.
For a slam-dunk example of why the state Legislature needs ethical scrubbing, look no further than state Sen. George Winner.
The Daily News' Ken Lovett reveals that Winner has a glaring, previously hidden conflict of interest on an issue of grave concern to all water-drinking New Yorkers.
A Republican from upstate Elmira, Winner has been one of the Legislature's most outspoken proponents of opening New York to hydrofracking - a controversial and dangerous method of extracting natural gas from a miles-deep rock formation known as the Marcellus Shale.
What Winner managed to keep secret until now is that his law firm has done work for some of the very companies hankering to drill upstate.
Winner says that he is for full disclosure, but he failed to mention his stake in the outcome of the hydrofracking debate when it came up in the Senate last week. And in a true act of political cowardice, Winner is refusing to say who exactly his clients are -- or how much they are paying him. The Daily News put it mildly when they said this kind of corruption is simply “unacceptable, given the high stakes for New York's water quality. Not when one bad well sunk too close to New York City's reservoirs could ruin the drinking supply for millions.”
Fortunately, Winner is retiring at the end of his term. Republicans are locked in a primary to determine who will run for his open seat, but the Democratic candidate is already chosen, and she's ready to protect our environment and our drinking water. Pam Mackesey is running a strong campaign in the 53rd Senatorial District. Mackesey supports a moratorium on hydrofracking until all New Yorkers can be assured that it will not negatively impact their health in any way.
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: '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.
George Winner Joins the Parade of Republican Retirements
By Mike Connery on 06/02/2010 @ 05:07 PM
Politics On the Hudson reports that Republican incumbent George Winner will not seek reelection in the fall, bringing the total number of Republican open seats to four:
Sen. George Winner, R-Elmira, made a surprise announcement today that he will not run for re-election this fall, making him the fourth veteran Republican senator this year to abandon his re-election plans.
Sens. Thomas Morahan of Rockland County, Vincent Leibell of Putnam County and Dale Volker of Erie County are leaving the Senate at year’s end, putting pressure on Republicans to hold seats they have long viewed as safe GOP districts.
This is yet another blow to Republicans in what should have been a banner year for their candidates across the board. To recap:
- Vincent Leibell, Dale Volker and Thomas Morahan - all Republican incumbents - have retired or are seeking higher office this year, leaving a string of weak challengers and contentious primaries in their wake.
- A study of voter enrollment data conducted by NYPIRG in April revealed that Democrats saw enrollment gains in 51 of 62 Senate Districts, and that Democrats held an outright registration advantage in 45 districts.
- A poll by Quinnipiac in May showed results similar to those revealed by Siena today. Quinnipiac found anti-incumbent sentiment at its highest point in the poll's history, with Republican base voters showing the highest levels of dissatisfaction.
- Former Republican Majority Leader Joe Bruno was convicted on two felony corruption counts.
- And the shallowness of the Republican political bench was revealed very publicly in a New York Times story in which potential GOP Senate candidates revealed that they declined to run due to a lack of confidence in the Republican leadership.
The New York Republican Party continues to disintegrate in front of our eyes.
