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: 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: Endorsements Continue To Pile Up
By Mike Connery on 07/23/2010 @ 04:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Numerous Democrats endorsed by Human Rights Campaign New York. Tony Avella received major union endorsement. Republican incumbent Stephen Saland spends $19,000 on dinner.
- Human Rights Campaign New York endorses Democratic candidates for State Senate - The Human Rights Campaign New York endorsed numerous Democratic challengers and incumbents who are all supporters of marriage equality and whose election will "put New York on a path to fairness and equality for same-sex couples in the state." They endorsed incumbent Senators Brian Foley, Craig Johnson, Tom Duane, and Dave Valesky -- and Democratic candidates Dave Mejias, Tony Avella, and Regina Calcaterra. Not a single Republican was endorsed by the group.
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella endorsed by major retail union - Tony Avella, running against 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, was endorsed Thursday by a massive retail union yesterday. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents 100,000 workers across the United States and Canada, gave Avella the nod Thursday, calling him “an independent voice for working New Yorkers and taxpayers.” “He’s exactly the kind of reformer we desperately need in Albany right now,” said Stuart Applebaum, the union’s president.
- Republican senator Stephen Saland spends $19,000 on dinner - Showing just how out of touch he really is, Saland attended a $19,000 black-tie dinner for his re-election campaign that was thrown by a politically connected couple in April at their Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, estate. The $19,000 dinner was listed as an in-kind donation to Saland's campaign. That means it was for services rendered for a political function, but not a direct monetary contribution. "There's a lot of trust with the reporting by the campaigns," said Dick Dadey, executive director of Citizens Union, a good-government group. "There's very little if any verification."
Daily Campaign Roundup: '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: 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: 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: 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."
Empire State Pride Agenda Releases First Round of Endorsements
By Mike Connery on 07/13/2010 @ 02:58 PM
Empire State Pride Agenda has announced their first round of candidate endorsements, and a number of New York Senate Dems candidates made the list, including Regina Calcaterra, Brian Foley, Tony Avella, Mike Gianaris, Mike Kaplowitz, Didi Barrett, and Dave Valesky.
Statement from Empire state Pride Agenda below:
New York, NY, July 13, 2010— The Empire State Pride Agenda, New York’s statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, has announced today its first round of endorsements for the 2010 Primary and General Elections. The 20 candidates endorsed have either been strong allies of the LGBT community in the New York State Legislature on issues at the top of the Pride Agenda’s public policy agenda, or have pledged their support on such issues including marriage equality for same-sex couples, ending legal discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and increasing funding for LGBT health and human services providers. The complete list of issues that candidates were questioned on can be seen on the Pride Agenda’s candidate questionnaire at:
http://prideagenda.org/Portals/0/campaigns/Pride%20Agenda%20State%20Legislative %20Candidate%20Questionnaire-2010.pdf.
“We view this election as a crucial step toward accomplishing our governmental priorities for New York’s LGBT community,” said Executive Director Ross Levi. “We need—and will only be endorsing—candidates who already are or will be unabashed legislative allies who demonstrate their support for LGBT equality and justice with complete clarity.”
Daily Campaign Roundup: Calcattera, Democrats Fighting For Long Island
By Mike Connery on 07/09/2010 @ 03:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Long Island to be battleground in November elections. Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra praised by local media. Press questions SRCC chair Tom Libous' ties to Steve Levy and Carl Paladino.
- Long Island a fertile battleground for Democrats this November – Newsday profiled this year’s Senate races yesterday and identified various races across Long Island as being competitive for Democrats this year. Mentioned as the most vulnerable Republicans were 34-year incumbent Ken LaValle, who is being challenged by Regina Calcaterra, and 21-year incumbent Kemp Hannon, who is being challenged by Dave Mejias.
- Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra praised by local press – T.J. Clemente, the most recent reporter to profile Calcaterra in her race against 34-year incumbent Ken LaValle, lauded her as a “young gifted fighter with energy and ideals.” He also added: “There are forces at work when she speaks. Every word about this election seems to bring up a passion seen only in individuals with a singularity of purpose.”
- The New York Observer also questions SRCC chair Tom Libous’ ties to political turncoats– We weren’t the only ones to bash SRCC chair Libous’ ties to Steve Levy and Carl Paladino. The New York Observer also found it puzzling, calling it “somewhat odd that Libous would appear alongside Paladino, since Rick Lazio is now the GOP's gubernatorial designee, and Paladino is threatening to run on a third party line.”
Daily Campaign Roundup: Calcaterra On The Offensive On Education
By Mike Connery on 06/30/2010 @ 04:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Regina Calcaterra slams Ken Lavalle on school funding. Sen. Craig Johnson toughens New York's drug laws.
- Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra slams Lavalle’s apathy towards education funding – Calcaterra called her opponent, 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle out of touch for saying that Suffolk County school districts may not feel much pain without hundreds of millions of dollars of restored state school aid funding. "LaValle says most school districts may not feel much pain if this important funding is not restored. Try telling that to the overtaxed, overburdened, out-of-work residents in our neighborhoods and communities from Port Jefferson to Mastic to Montauk,” Calcaterra said. "During the past 20 years alone of Ken LaValle's 34 years in Albany, Suffolk County property taxes have risen by more than 550 percent. That's too much pain already.”
- Sen. Craig Johnson’s legislation toughens drug laws – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Johnson which toughens existing laws to make it so a person who sells a controlled substance that causes a death would be charged with manslaughter passed the Senate yesterday. “A gravely serious heroin epidemic is gripping Long Island's youth and those who sell death to our children must be held accountable. This legislation will give prosecutors one more tool to protect our communities and safeguard our future,” Sen. Johnson said.
GOP Politics Makes For Strange Bedfellows
By Mike Connery on 06/28/2010 @ 04:25 PM
The pathetically desperate Albany-style relationship between Steve Levy and the Senate GOP has continued to fester.
A few weeks ago, Capitol Confidential reporter Jimmy Vielkind revealed that Tom Libous and Levy were conducting a backroom deal to salvage their sinking political fortunes.
Now, Liz Benjamin of The Capitol Report details how Levy is working closely with additional Senate Republicans – chief among them 34-year incumbent Ken LaValle– to promote what Levy describes as “economic development.”
Levy, a turncoat Democrat and practitioner of the politics of bigotry, is desperate to revive his political career after a disastrous attempt to capture the GOP gubernatorial nomination. His only asset is $4 million leftover from his failed bid.
Libous, chair of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, finds himself the head of a cash-starved organization that is a shadow of its former self. The Capitol reported earlier this year that the SRCC had just under $1 million on hand at the end of January. That was less than a fifth of what it had on hand at the same point in the 2008 cycle when the GOP lost 3 seats.
LaValle, who has been in the Senate since 1976, finds himself in a battle for his political life out on Long Island. He is facing a serious challenge from formidable Democrat challenger Regina Calcaterra, a proponent of government reform and fiscal responsibility who has successfully represented the pension funds of police, firefighters, and teachers, and strengthened the enforcement of labor laws, as a corporate fraud lawyer.
With no party to call home, it is clear that Levy wants to buy his way into the good graces of a GOP that already rejected him on the merits. The desperate GOP, meanwhile, is willing to look the other way at Levy’s hate-mongering, ideological flip-flops, and even their own conference’s rejection of Levy in order to inject some life into a Senate GOP that looks DOA.
Benjamin summed it up best: “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 has refused to endorse GOP gubernatorial hopeful Rick Lazio. Levy has also refused to rule out a third party bid for governor. Despite this, Senate Republicans –from the top of the SRCC leadership in Albany down to the endangered 34-year incumbent on Long Island – look the other way in a desperate bid to grab whatever cash they can get a hold of.
Maybe one day the Senate GOP will define “economic development” in jobs and growth for New Yorkers, and stop measuring it in the amount of dirty campaign cash they can convince Steve Levy to shower them with.
Democrats Help New Yorkers While GOP Helps Themselves
By Mike Connery on 06/28/2010 @ 11:45 AM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Regina Calcaterra fights for higher quality and lower tuition at SUNY schools. Tony Avella stands with Queens residents in protesting MTA service cuts. Democrat Edward O'Shea to run against Republican incumbent Michael Nozzolio. Steve Levy and Senate GOP still desperately plotting. Sens. Aubertine and Johnson passing comprehensive legislation that will help New Yorkers across the state.
- Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra assails opponent’s support of SUNY tuition hikes while fighting reform – Calcaterra criticized her opponent, 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle, for fighting much-needed reforms throughout SUNY while being on record as supporting regular tuition hikes for students and their parents. "Before students and their parents have to pay one more additional dollar in tuition at SUNY, we need to institute major accounting and oversight reform throughout the entire state university system," she said. "Ken LaValle has it exactly backwards. He's fighting reforms even though he's previously said publicly he'd be OK if SUNY increased tuition on a regular basis."
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella stands with Queens residents in protesting MTA service cuts – Avella is standing with the residents in Queens who are irate over the recent MTA service adjustments that severely effect the country’s service. One of the most controversial changes was with the Q15A, a new alternate route of the Q15 bus meant to pick up riders stranded by the elimination of the Q14. The route has now routed down a residential stretch of 10th Ave. that residents say is too narrow. Avella stood with dozens of Queens residents yesterday in front of one of the Q15A buses in a show of solidarity and support.
- Edward O’Shea to challenge 18-year Republican incumbent Michael Nozzolio in SD-54- O’Shea, the vice chairman of the Wayne County Democratic Committee, announced he is running against Nozzolio - only the third person to do so in the past 18 years. O'Shea is an English professor at the State University of New York at Oswego. "When our main government agency, our legislative body, is not working for us, that's a major problem," he said. "Senator Nozzolio has been in office for 18 years, and if he were a reform-minded person, he would've done something about this already."
- Steve Levy continues desperate political maneuvers, teams up with Senate GOP – Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, who left the Democratic party in a failed effort to win the GOP gubernatorial nomination, is now looking to remain politically relevant by working with incumbent GOP lawmakers, Liz Benjamin of Capital Tonight reports. As she writes: “The point here really isn’t what the party-switching county executive is calling for, but rather that he’s continuing to stand with the Republicans even after their county leaders rejected his effort to run on their line for governor.” Levy’s presence continues to be a potentially divisive issue for Republicans as he has not yet endorsed GOP candidate Rick Lazio, nor has he ruled out running on a third party line.
- Sen. Craig Johnson passes legislation that will improve quality of life for seniors, upgrade New York’s infrastructure- Sen. Johnson was successful in pushing two integral legislative packages through the Senate last week. Sen. Johnson passed a comprehensive legislative package that will expand and increase access to services for seniors on Long Island and across New York. “After a lifetime of hard work and providing for their families, our seniors deserve fundamental protections and services in order to continue to lead healthy and active lives,” he said. “My legislation would expand the opportunity for seniors to get the tax relief for which they are entitled. While more needs to be done, this package will help more seniors stay in their homes and in their communities.”
Sen. Johnson was also responsible for the passage of a comprehensive strategy to build safer roads and highways which will cut costs for municipalities and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the state. “This is a blueprint that will help Long Island and the rest of New York State plan better and plan smarter,” he said said. “I am proud of this legislative package, which will help make Long Island more pedestrian friendly, less congested and more environmentally sustainable.” - Sen, Darrell Aubertine fights to restore crucial agriculture funding and pushes local trade benefits for district – Sen. Aubertine continued to fight for the additional funding and support of local businesses in his district last week. Aubertine first made sure that the most recent budget moved around limited revenue for agriculture programs to better target essential programs, while also restoring key funding the governor’s budget would have omitted. “This budget agreement restores more than $2.5 million in local funding for agriculture and reprioritizes funding to help our state’s number one industry,” Sen. Aubertine said.
Also, a bill sponsored by Sen. Aubertine that would extend Foreign Trade Zone benefits from Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority's industrial park and port to businesses throughout St. Lawrence County passed the Senate last week. This was a step officials said would be required to argue for the change to the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone Board, who makes the final decision. "We need to give our communities the ability to create and sustain jobs, and this legislation is part of a larger effort to grow the economy of St. Lawrence County," he said. - Sen. Brian Foley hosts forum to educate school administrators about addressing bullying – Sen. Foley hosted a forum for school administrators his school district to inform them on how to best address the issue of bullying within their schools. "Bullying is something that cannot be tolerated among our students, whether it occurs within the four walls of the school or within the limitless walls of the internet after school hours," said Foley. "The goal of today's event is to give school administrators the most up-to-date information about the known dangers and effects of bullying, the legal aspects of it and how administrators can best work with parents to address concerns.”
Daily Campaign Roundup: Democrats On Top Of Ethics Reform
By Mike Connery on 06/24/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Sen. Craig Johnson and Regina Calcaterra commit to comprehensive ethics reform. Sens. Valesky and Stewart-Cousins helping New York's citizens and businesses. GOP-linked BP to be sued by State of New York
- Sen. Craig Johnson and Democratic Candidates Regina Calcaterra and Didi Barrett sign New York Uprising pledge - Sen. Johnson, Calcaterra, and Barrett signed the New York Uprising pledge yesterday, committing to bring reform to Albany. Sen. Johnson said "If sunshine is the best disinfectant, then these common sense proposals are the solar flare that is needed to truly reform Albany." Calcaterra added: "State government is a mess created by decades of bad decisions... These pledges represent an honest step toward improving New York's government, and I proudly sign my name to them." Barrett explained: “Albany is in desperate need for reform. The Brennan Center for Justice describes New York State government as one of the most dysfunctional in the nation. I decided to become a candidate because I have the skills and determination to change the way things are done, or not done, in Albany.”
- Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins pushes Small Business Energy Assistance & Advocacy Services Program through Senate - Legislation to reduce energy costs on small businesses, sponsored by Senator Stewart-Cousins, passed in the Senate yesterday. The bill is part of a legislative package that will significantly reduce the costs of energy for homeowners and businesses, putting money back into the pockets of families and making businesses more competitive.
- Senate Passes Sen. David Valesky's legislation that creates system to locate missing vulnerable adults - Legislation sponsored by Senator Valesky that will create a “Gold Alert” adult alert system for vulnerable and elderly New Yorkers passed the Senate yesterday. “Too many lives have been lost as a result of adults with cognitive impairment wandering from home,” Senator Valesky said. “The Gold Alert puts their safety, and the peace of mind of their families, at the forefront.”
- BP getting sued by New York State over pension funds - State Controller Thomas DiNapoli announced that he is suing BP on behalf of the state pension fund. In a statement, DiNapoli accused BP of misleading investors about its safety procedures and its ability to respond to events like the ongoing oil spill. "We're going to hold it accountable. It's my duty to protect the interests of the fund and the retirees and employees who rely on it," DiNapoli said. This is more bad news for the Senate GOP, whose extensive ties with GP we already exposed
Eleanor's Legacy Endorses 5 Women Candidates
By Mike Connery on 06/10/2010 @ 02:26 PM
Today, Eleanor's Legacy took the unprecedented step of making early endorsements of 5 women challengers running for State Senate:
- Didi Barrett, challenging Steve Saland in SD 41/ Dutchess & Columbia Counties.
- Regina Calcaterra, challenging Ken LaValle in SD1/Suffolk Couny
- Mary Wilmot, challenging James Alesi in SD 55/Monroe County
- Robin Wilt, challenging Joe Robach in SD 56/Monroe County
- Joanne Yepsen, challenging Roy McDonald in SD 43/Rensselaer & Saratoga County
With only 9 women serving in the state senate out of 62 total senators, the concerns of women are not being adequately represented in Albany. This endorsement from Eleanor's Legacy is a recognition that this needs to change, and that the fight to overthrow incumbent Republicans must begin today.
These campaigns need your support - to petition and get on the ballot, and to raise enough money to compete against heavily entrenched incumbents. Read the full endorsement from Eleanor's Legacy below, and sign up to support these great candidates win their fight.
Dear Friend,
Of the 62 members in the State Senate, just 10 are women. That's less than 16%. And we are determined to change that.
Breaking with precendent, we are providing early endorsement and support to 5 stellar candidates for the State Senate: Didi Barret, SD 41/Dutchess & Columbia; Regina Calcaterra SD 1/Suffolk; Mary Wilmot SD 55/Monroe; Robin Wilt SD 56/Monroe; Joanne Yepsen SD 43/Rensselaer & Saratoga. Learn more about these candidates.
We know that to see action finally taken on the issues important to our lives, women have to be at the table. We have to send these 5 women to Albany.
Help Didi, Regina, Mary, Robin, and Joanne get to Albany. Make a donation today.
It won’t be easy. These women are challenging entrenched incumbent Republican men who will have high name recognition in their districts. But we have something these Republican incumbents do not: a network of passionate, active women across the state.
Didi, Regina, Mary, Robin, and Joanne will be counting on our support from now until Election Day.
Click here to contribute today. Your finanical support means we can help these candidates level the playing field and get their message out to the voters.
Stay tuned for more updates from the campaign trail. It is going to be an exciting summer.
Nora Bredes President
East Hampton Star Profiles Regina Calcaterra
By Mike Connery on 05/27/2010 @ 05:01 PM
The East Hampton Star is running a great profile of Regina Calcaterra, who is challenging 32-year incumbent Ken LaValle in Suffolk County (SD-1).
One why she's running:
Ms. Calcaterra said Tuesday that the idea to run came to her during the election of 2008, when she voted in New Suffolk, where she lives, and was surprised to see that Mr. LaValle was running unopposed. “I think everyone should have a challenger,” she said. “I made some simple inquiries. How come the Democrats didn’t have a strong candidate? There was a perception that he was unbeatable.”
But, she said, in that election only 81,000 of the 161,700 who turned out actually cast a vote for him. “For 50 percent of the turnout not to vote for State Senate seemed pretty powerful.”
On her history:
Ms. Calcaterra has the kind of biography that seems to have come out of a movie script or an Oprah’s Book Club selection. She was one of five siblings left by an alcohol and drug-addicted mother and different fathers. When they lived with their mother “we were evicted from every home we lived in.”
They were in and out of foster homes, but also lived in homeless shelters and abandoned cars in order to stay together. They often found refuge in libraries, where they read to one another and taught themselves when they couldn’t get to school, she said.
When she was 14, she realized that in order to go to college she would need to stay in one place to complete high school. “No one in social services knew what to do with someone who wanted to go to college. It was not their typical experience.”
She gained emancipation from her mother and stayed with a family in Centereach until she was accepted in the State University of New York system. She started at Stony Brook and completed her studies in political science at New Paltz.
Her first job out of college in 1988 was with the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, a group of Korean and Vietnam War vets who were paraplegic or quadriplegic. At the time, they were lobbying for the Americans With Disabilities Act, which became law in 1990. Once it passed, she continued to work with the group to follow the law’s implementation.
At 26 she began to take classes at a law school at night while she continued to work as legislative director for the New York City Comptroller’s Office. In passing 10 laws governing things such as public pension funds and prevailing wage laws, she said, from a Democratic city office she was able to build coalitions among the Republican state senators and governor and Democratic members of the Assembly.
Regina is a living example of what good, efficient government and public services can do when we invest in people. Her campaign has LaValle on the run (after decades unchallenged, he's already knocking on doors) and she's got a real shot at winning this race. Check out the full profile, and sign up to volunteer with her campaign to bring real change to Albany.
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.
Convention Preview: Regina Calcaterra on Why She's Running
By Mike Connery on 05/26/2010 @ 01:01 AM
New York Senate Dems are in Rye this week for the State Party Convention. Tomorrow we'll unveil a slate of candidates that are ready to challenge incumbents and bring real change to Albany.
As a quick teaser to our announcement, here's video of Regina Calcaterra, the Democratic challenger to incumbent Ken LaValle in Suffolk County. Regina addresses the crowd at a New York Senate Dems reception, and talks about why she was compelled to run in 2010.
Be sure to watch through to the end to hear Regina's great knock on LaValle, and check back tomorrow to see our full slate of announced candidates.
Ken LaValle is #1 at Wasting Taxpayer Millions on Mailers
By Mike Connery on 05/11/2010 @ 05:07 PM
Ken LaValle is #1. At least when it comes to spending taxpayer money on legislative mailers. That's according to a recent report conducted by Gannett's Albany bureau, and his opponent, Democrat Regina Calcaterra, is calling him out on it.
“While New York has been careening out of fiscal control, lawmakers have been wastefully spending millions of taxpayer dollars on legislative mailers telling us how great they are – a practice that must be reined in immediately,” she said in a statement.
She added, “It shouldn’t take a investigative report by one of the country’s biggest newspaper companies to uncover how much lawmakers spend on constituent mail.”
Behind the paywall at Newsday, there's more from Calcaterra on LaValle's spending habits and how we can efficiently reform the system for legislative mailings to take advantage of 21st Century communications channels:
"The amount that the money LaValle spent on the mailers could have:
- Paid a full-year salary for between three and five teachers in Eastern Long Island Schools;
- Paid the salaries of five state troopers;
- Or paid a full year of tuition for 71 students at SUNY Stony Brook Southampton.
"It shouldn't take a investigative report by one of the country's biggest newspaper companies to uncover how much lawmakers spend on constituent mail," said Calcaterra, who is running in New York's First Senatorial District. "Every piece of mail from a New York State legislator should contain a line that clearly identifies the exact cost of the mailer to the taxpayer.
"But even that's not enough," she said. "Email, websites and social networking can clearly eliminate much, if not most, of the ridiculous cost both parties have racked up in constituent mailing. The budget for franking privileges should be cut to a fraction of what it is today. This abuse must stop now."
The Calcaterra campaign is holding the grand opening of their campaign office this weekend, followed by door knocking in the district. If you are in Suffolk County, stop in and help her out.
