Campaign Roundup: Senate Dems Push Ahead on Fundraising
By Mike Connery on 10/04/2010 @ 04:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP - Our daily roundup of campaign news.- Democrats Make Fundraising Comeback - Liz Benjamin reports that the Senate Dems have made a "fundraising comeback," outraising the GOP 3 - 1 in the latest filing.
- Susan Savage: We Need To Do Things Differently - Susan Savage's campaign released a new web video today, highlighting her work reaching out across the aisle to move legislation and lower taxes for her constituents. Watch the video here.
- Dave Valesky Leads Andrew Russo by 10 Points in 49th Syracuse.com reports on the latest Siena poll, which shows incumbent Dave Valesky up 10 points on Republican challenger Andrew Russo.
- Tight Races for Two Open Senate Seats, Says Siena - A new poll from Siena is out today, showing tight races for open seats vacated by Vincent Liebell and William Stachowski
- Fight Back New York's Next Target - Political Action Committee Fight Back New York has its sites set on taking out Frank Padavan in the general election.
- Stewart-Cousins Leads McLaughlin in Campaign Funds - LoHud reports that incumbent Andrea Stewart-Cousins has 6 times more cash-on-hand than her opponent, Liam McLaughlin.
- Avella Picks Up UFT Endorsement - The United Federation of Teachers endorsed Tony Avella today at Queens Borough Hall.
Women for Kaplowitz Launches
By Mike Connery on 10/01/2010 @ 10:11 AM
Cross-posted from 16% and Rising.
Down in Putnam, Dutchess and Westchester Counties, issues of major importance to women have been front and center in the campaign—even though both candidates are men. Mike Kaplowitz is running on a strong platform of commitment to women’s reproductive rights and to ending pay discrimination on the basis of gender. His opponent, well, you can see for yourself some of what he stands for.
Many women in the Senate District would obviously prefer to be represented by someone who will fight for them, rather than someone who trivializes their concerns and wants to interfere in their private lives. So last weekend, 70 or more of these women held a rally to get the word out about Mike. And they’ve launched a website—Women for Kaplowitz—to keep the energy up and the focus on a candidate who will advocate for what the women of his district need. If you live nearby, check out the website and sign up to volunteer.
Campaign Roundup: Tea Party Declares War in SD-59
By Mike Connery on 09/30/2010 @ 04:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our daily roundup of campaign news.- SD-59: Tea Party Coalition Declares War on Republican Nominee - in SD-59, where Dale Volker's retirement is leaving an open seat, Tea Partiers have declared war on the GOP nominee, opening up a 4 way contest that could help Cindy Appleton, the only Democrat on the ballot.
- Mike Kaplowitz is Out to Balance New York's Checkbook - The Putnam County Courier takes a look at the campaign of Mike Kaplowitz (subscription required).
- The 40th Senate District Makes a List - Capitol Confidential takes note that Mike Kaplowitz's campaign made the DLCC's list of priority state legislative races.
- "Tax Hike Mike" and "The Real Greg Ball" Take Aim for Each November - The Capitol reports on the contest to replace Vincent Leibell in SD-40, in this profile of both the Democratic and Republican campaigns.
- An Open Letter to Senator McDonald - Writing in The Saratogan, Democratic challenger Joanne Yepsen calls on her opponent to denounce Carl Paladino.
- College Offers Venue for 44th District Debate - Susan Savage is challenging Republican incumbent Hugh Farley to several public debates in the district. Fulton-Montgomery Community College is ready to host, the question is will Farley agree to attend?
- Who is Jennifer Maertz? Suffolk Times profiles Jennifer Maertz, the candidate challenging Ken LaValle in SD-1.
Campaign Roundup: Klein: We're Working with Cuomo
By Mike Connery on 09/28/2010 @ 04:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP . . . Our daily roundup of campaign news.- Klein: We're Coordinating with Cuomo, He's Helping - In a conference call with reporters today, New York Senate Dems Chair Jeff Klein discussed what it will take to grow the Democratic Majority. Klein sited a need to "localize" races, and working with Andrew Cuomo's campaign on a joint field effort.
- Ball Fails to Show for Debate Schedule - Plan Putnam reports that Assemblyman Greg Ball failed to show up at a scheduled meeting to negotiate the details of seven public debates agreed to by his campaign and that of his opponent Mike Kaplowitz. This is not the first time Ball has been declared MIA in the district.
- Republican vote to split three ways in November: Appleton endorsed by Democracy For America : In SD-59, the State Supreme Court reinstated David DiPietro's name on the Tea Party line, bringing the number of GOP candidates in the race to three. That could spell good news for Democrat Cynthia Appleton, whose campaign was recently endorsed by Democracy For America.
- Eye on Albany Spotlight: Senator David Valesky, 49th Senate District - Eye on Albany finishes a lengthy interview with Sen. David Valesky. Watch the 2nd and 3rd installments of this video series here.
Campaign Roundup: Kaplowitz Makes DLCC Priority List
By Mike Connery on 09/27/2010 @ 04:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our daily roundup of campaign news.- NY Senate Biggest Race Nobody's Watching - The Associated Press takes notice that the race to control the NY State Senate is the most high-stakes question on the ballot in 2010.
- Kaplowitz Makes DLCC Priority List - Democrat Mike Kaplowitz, who is challenging Greg Ball for the seat vacated by Vincent Leibell, was declared a priority race by the DLCC.
- Enthusiastic Crowd at Yepsen Fund-Raiser - The Saratoga Business Journal takes an in-depth look at a recent fundraiser for State Senate candidate Joanne Yepsen. US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep Joe Tonko, and local county chairs all attended the event in support of Yepsen's candidacy.
- Aubertine Hosts Kick-Off Event at Oswego Headquarters - Senator Darrel Aubertine held a campaign kick-off rally in Oswego, where local officials noted that “He is the best candidate in the race and that is not because he is a Democrat—it is because he is a good and honest person."
Kaplowitz Calls on MIA Greg Ball to Debate
By Mike Connery on 09/18/2010 @ 03:00 PM
Democratic candidate Mike Kaplowitz has challenged his opponent - Tea Party favorite Greg Ball, to seven debates on the issues facing voters in SD-40. Ball, who has been MIA on the trail of late, has yet to respond.
Watch a short video of Mike Kaplowitz issuing his debate challenge and read the letter sent to the Ball campaign below. For more information, follow coverage from Gannet.
Campaign Roundup: Skelos Stock Portfolio a $2B Conflict of Interest
By Mike Connery on 09/14/2010 @ 02:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP . . . Our daily roundup of campaign related news and events. The Daily News uncovers a $2 billion conflict of interest in Dean Skelos' stock portfolio. Susan Savage gives Schenectady residents a tax cut. And Mike Kaplowitz sits down with The Albany Project.
- Dean Skelos has stake in companies that do business with state - The Daily News uncovered a $2 billion conflict of interest in the stock portfolio of Republican Minority Leader Dean Skelos.
- Schenectady County Promises a Tax Trim - Thanks to the sound fiscal management of Susan Savage, Schenectady voters can expect a tax reduction for the fourth time in the last six years. According to Savage, "we've had a lot of economic stresses, but instead of just throwing our hands up, we've been able to find real solutions."
- Meet Mike Kaplowitz - The Albany Project sits down with Democratic candidate Mike Kaplowitz for a talk about rebuilding the Tappan Zee Bridge, pension reform, ethics reform, and much more.
Campaign Roundup: Kaplowitz Promotes Green Collar Jobs
By Mike Connery on 09/09/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Mike Kaplowitz moves green collar jobs to the top of the agenda; Greg Ball is AWOL; and two of our women candidates continue to rack up the endorsements.
- Democrat Mike Kaplowitz has a plan to bring green collar jobs to New York. According to reports from Politics on the Hudson, the plan would create 22,000 green jobs, provide up to a 30% tax credit for investments into the manufacture of clean products, and boost economic output by $20 billion.
- Where in the district is Greg Ball? Not at his own town hall forums, according to reports by North County Local. Fortunately Democrat Mike Kaplowitz has shown up in his stead to talk to local Republican voters.
- Didi Barrett received two more endorsements in her bid for the New York State Senate’s 41st district. Local 21 of the Plumbers, Steamfitters and Service Technicians Union, and the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers Political Action Committee both announced their support for Barrett. “This endorsement only magnifies the impeccable record of public service and level of commitment she has displayed in the past. Her integrity, professionalism and high moral fiber are a testament to why she has maintained an unmatched level of respect amongst her peers and the community,” declared Local 21’s endorsement.
- Eleanor’s Legacy, a committee dedicated to increasing women’s roles in politics, endorsed Joanne Yepsen for State Senate. Yepsen is the ninth Democrat running for State Senate that the group has endorsed. "Each [women endorsed] is running to unseat an entrenched incumbent or to reclaim an open seat. Each [woman] promises the change to honest, effective government we need. We are proud to endorse Joanne Yepsen who encompasses these qualities,” ERLC’s President Nora Bredes said in a statement. Eleanor’s Legacy has yet to endorse a Republican for this election cycle.
Mike Kaplowitz Unveils Plan To Save New York's Lakes
By Mike Connery on 08/20/2010 @ 10:18 AM
Mike Kaplowitz unveiled a Lake Improvement Plan that would channel funds from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund to help protect and preserve the Hudson Valley region’s lakes.
"This is a vital program that will improve the quality of life for thousands of residents living within our region’s lake communities, who are already financially stressed with high property taxes. The Hudson Valley has one of the most pristine natural environments in the state and the protection and preservation of the many lakes in the region are essential to our overall quality of life," Kaplowitz said.
Kaplowitz, a Westchester County Legislator, is the first politician in the state who has tried to tap into the environmental fund for lake remediation, which includes a line for water quality improvement. His proposal would offer communities choices from a toolbox of lake-restoring techniques including aerating, dredging, cutting weeds, removing debris, introducing weed-eating carp, improving deteriorated dams and others.
"Restoring these lakes will protect drinking water quality because some lakes flow into reservoirs. It will improve property values in the lake communities, enhance our environment and quality of life, and increase the recreational use of the lakes," Kaplowitz continued.
Kaplowitz's Lake Improvement Plan is only the latest policy initative from his campaign, which was recently profiled by The Albany Times-Union. Kaplowitz has also proposed a pension reform plan that could save taxpayers billions of dollars and has continued to fight hard for a property tax cap that New Yorkers desperately want and need.
Daily Campaign Roundup: More Endorsements For Democratic Candidates
By Mike Connery on 08/18/2010 @ 02:43 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Mike Gianaris endorsed by United Federation of Teachers and Teamsters. Mike DiSanto gains the support of Planned Parenthood of New York City. Susan Savage slams her opponent for misusing state funds -- to complain about wasteful state spending. SRCC pours money into defeating one of its own.
- Mike Gianaris scores major endorsements from United Federation of Teachers and Teamsters - Mike Gianaris received big endorsements from The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the international Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council 16. The UFT has a membership of approximately 200,000 education professionals. Joint Council 16 encompasses 30 Teamster local unions in New York City and has about 120,000 members. “I am honored to have the support of the working men and women represented by these organizations,” said Gianaris in a statement. “I look forward to continuing my advocacy for working people in the State Senate, as we strive to create more jobs, improve our schools and reform state government.”
- Mike Disanto endorsed by Planned Parenthood of NYC - Mike DiSanto, running against Albany politician Martin Golden in SD-22, received the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood of New York City. “I thank Planned Parenthood for entrusting me with the task of defending women's reproductive rights. For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood of New York City has been a beacon of hope for women, and today, I am committed to the next generation of women,” DiSanto said. “The State that started the Women's Rights Movement has failed to provide women with adequate protections and advance women's rights into the 21st century. My opponent is wrong on women's rights, just as he is wrong on so many issues. Reform and progress on public policy is clearly absent from my opponent's agenda.”
- Susan Savage slams her opponent for wasting state funds to complain about wasteful state spending - Susan Savage criticized a mailer that her opponent, 34-year Albany politician Hugh Farley, sent using state funds. The mailer ironically talks about how the state is in money trouble. "This is an outrageous example of what’s wrong with Albany and why voters should fire a 34 year politician who is out of touch, out of ideas and electorally, out of time,” said Savage campaign strategist Doug Forand. “In his letter, Mr. Farley states ‘During difficult economic times, families and businesses tighten their belts and make needed and sensible changes to their spending habits. Government should do the same.’ We couldn’t agree more, and the first place to start would be with his self-promoting, taxpayer-funded mailings.”
Savage says he was using taxpayer dollars on the last possible day he can use his Senate funds before the Sept. 14 Conservative primary between a write-in (Savage) and himself. - SRCC decides to dump money into messy internal battle -The GOP continues to eat its own. The City Hall News reports that the SRCC is pouring money into the SD-40 primary, where Republican Assembly Member Greg Ball is taking on party favorite Mary Beth Murphy. The SRCC spent $55,922 in shared expenditures over the past month on top of $32,608 already spent. Murphy and Ball are involved in a bloody and divisive primary fight. Whoever comes out of the fight will have to face Mike Kaplowitz, who has secured the Democratic nomination and been running a strong campaign in the district for months now.
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.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Empire State Pride Agenda Endorses Slew of Democratic Candidates
By Mike Connery on 08/03/2010 @ 04:17 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. The Empire State Pride Agenda endorses a slew of Democratic incumbents and Democratic challengers -- and not a single Republican. Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz gets independence line.
- The Empire State Pride Agenda endorses a slew of Democratic candidates - The Empire State Pride Agenda, the statewide, bi-partisan civil rights and political advocacy organization dedicated to winning equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers, endorsed seven incumbent Democratic Senators and four Democratic challengers in their second round of 2010 endorsements. Not a single Republican was endorsed by the group. “These endorsements are the product of careful consideration by the Pride Agenda’s staff and Political Action Committee,” said executive director Ross Levi in a statement. “Our decisions are not based on a single issue, but a comprehensive review of a candidate’s positions and record, as well an assessment of his or her leadership qualities.”
- Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz gets Independence line - Mike Kaplowitz has secured the Independence Party line in the November election. He was chosen after an interview and endorsement process. “Voters in the Hudson Valley have shown time and again that they want to be represented by legislators who are independent of the special interests as well as the Albany leadership of both the Republican and Democratic Parties,” Kaplowitz said in a statement. “As an Independent Democrat on the Westchester Board of Legislators, I have been able to lead the way toward cutting millions in waste from the budget, consolidating departments to save money, and reforming pensions.”
Daily Campaign Roundup: Democrats On The Offensive; GOP Busy Attacking Its Own
By Mike Connery on 07/30/2010 @ 03:43 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic Candidate Dave Mejias fights for fair wages for health care workers. Democratic Candidate George Sava calls out Dean Skelos on fiscal hypocrisy. SRCC attacks one of its own.
- Dave Mejias criticizes his opponent for opposing $1-per-hour pay hike - Democratic Candidate Dave Mejias attacked his opponent, 21-year incumbent Kemp Hannon, for opposing a $1-per-hour pay raise for Nassau health-care workers . Mejias denounced Hannon’s position, saying: “A guy who has an extra $60,000 to loan his campaign telling workers they don’t deserve a $1 an hour raise is outrageous. 34 years in Albany has made Kemp Hannon quite comfortable, and he obviously doesn’t care what it’s like to try to feed a family on $20,000 a year.” Hannon has received $19,500 in campaign contributions from the Health Care Providers PAC since 2005. After the representatives from health care providers industry failed to provide evidence that the pay raise would hurt health care providers, an attempt to block the raise was unanimously rejected by the Nassau County Legislature on July 26.
- Democratic Candidate George Sava attacks Dean Skelos over wasteful spending and excessive taxes - After 26-year incumbent and Bruno-successor Dean Skelos criticized Democrats for holding an extra legislative session, George Sava hit Skelos with the sad truth of some hard facts. Sava responded by saying: "Skelos is the expert when it comes to wasting tax money. After all, he voted to double state spending over 14 years, stuck taxpayers with a bill for over $1.2 million to fund his office last year, and allowed property taxes to rise 320 percent since he was elected. Nassau County tax payers are suffering. We need public servants who don't just point the finger but come up with real solutions."
- Senate GOP attacking one of their own - Republican Greg Ball is running for the GOP nomination in SD-40, where Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz has been running a stellar campaign. One major problem for Ball -- the SRCC is actively working to derail his campaign. In response to his organizing a “Women for Ball” event, the SRCC issued the following statement: “This is a tired rerun of what happened two years ago when news first broke that Greg Ball had been hit with an order of protection for stalking his ex-girlfriend. The facts are the facts, and Greg Ball stands accused of groping a waitress at an Albany bar, an account several eyewitnesses confirmed. Today, he trots out a woman whose mother is on the payroll of Ball political ally Steve Katz to spread lies. Those accusations are slanderous and are subject to legal liability. The residents of Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties are tired of the distractions, tired of the conspiracy theories and tired of all of the excuses. You can’t take anything Greg Ball says seriously.” For once, a statement well put by the SRCC.
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: Kaplowitz Calls For Pension Reform
By Mike Connery on 07/26/2010 @ 04:36 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz presents his ideas for pension reform. Democratic Candidate Dave Mejias interviewed by The Albany Project. Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen fights for the future and security of the Saratoga Race Course.
- Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz tackling pension reform - Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz proposed eliminating the use of overtime for calculating a public employee’s pension and called for creating a pension plan for new public employees that would be similar to a 401K plan. Both measures, he said, could save taxpayers an estimated $2.2 billion over the next three years. “The costs of public pensions are killing New York State taxpayers,” he said. By 2013, Kaplowitz said, public employee pensions will cost taxpayers $6.8 billion -- up from $2.4 billion in 2009.
- Democratic Candidate Dave Mejias profiled by The Albany Project - Dave Mejias, running against 21-year Republican incumbent Kemp Hannon on Long Island, was interviewed by The Albany Project. Readers were able to send in questions in advance to ask Mejias, a former Nassau County Legislator. Mejias started out making his case quite strongly: "After 34 years in Albany, Kemp Hannon has forgotten who he represents. He works harder for party bosses and political insiders to maintain the status quo than he does for us. Why else would he have blocked ethics reform, voted to raise taxes over 400 times and most recently voted against restoring school aid?"
- Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen fights for the future of Saratoga Race Course - The head of the state Senate’s racing committee, Sen. Eric Adams, saying he’s concerned about the selection of Aqueduct Race Track’s gaming operator because only one bidder remains. Last week, Adams and Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen held a roundtable at Saratoga National Golf Club to discuss the racing industry’s impact on the local economy. Yepsen said all stakeholders — New York Racing Association, New York City Off Track Betting and the Aqueduct racino operator — should be brought together to deal with racing’s future collectively. Several years ago, NYRA had a management contract with MGM to run Aqueduct’s racino, but the state wouldn’t approve it for unexplained reasons. “We’ve got different people running the state now,” Yepsen said.
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: Wilmot On a Roll; Kaplowitz and Oppenheimer Deepen Commitment To Reform
By Mike Connery on 07/13/2010 @ 12:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Mary Wilmot profiled favorably by local press, pressing Jim Alesi on mayoral control of schools. Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz signs five different reform pledges. Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer signs onto New York Uprising reform pledge.
- Democratic Candidate Mary Wilmot receiving praise and pushing for education reform - Wilmot is posing a strong challenge to Republican incumbent James Alesi. She was profiled by the Rochester City Newspaper's City Blog, where she was compared favorably to Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate and current Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy. The article deemed Wilmot "business-friendly" and identified the key elements of Wilmot's platform -namely cutting taxes, controlling state spending, and cutting soaring pension costs. It also mentioned her support for mayoral control of schools - which Wilmot again called on Alesi to publicly support yesterday. “I feel like the opportunity is now,” said Wilmot during a news conference yesterday. “There has been enough conversation.”
- Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz signs five pledge reforms - Kaplowitz signed all five of the major reform packages meant to clean up Albany yesterday, in an effort to fix state government and help New York's economy. He signed all of them - the Pledge for Change, Call to Action, Enough Already NY, New NY Agenda and NY Uprising — at a news conference in Bailey Park in Somers. "I'm calling it a plan for reform. The stakes are high but the time is now," said Kaplowitz.
- Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer signs New York Uprising Pledge - Sen. Oppenheimer became the latest Democratic candidate to sign on to New York Uprising's reform pledge yesterday. "New York Uprising has brought together the critical reforms needed in New York State, which I have long supported and sponsored. By securing commitments from candidates now, it is my hope that we will have the momentum to make these reforms a reality in 2011," said Sen. Oppenheimer.
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
The Dominoes Continue to Fall - Republicans Contend with Primaries and Retirements
By Mike Connery on 06/06/2010 @ 01:14 PM
Another day and another domino falls in a chain reaction of events that looks to dash GOP hopes of retaking the State Senate in November. Three stories this weekend continue the trend we've been monitoring for weeks.
First up, Capital News reports that a contentious Republican primary between between concert pianist Andrew Russo and East Syracuse Mayor Danny Liedka is setting up the GOP for a repeat (defeat) performance in the district currently represented by Democrat David Valesky:
Six years later, Republicans appear to have a shot at retaking the seat from Valesky, which would considerably bolster their odds of winning back the upper chamber. But a potentially divisive Republican primary between East Syracuse Mayor Danny Liedka and Andrew Russo, a concert pianist, threatens to again thrash GOP hopes.
In addition, Russo has already gotten the Conservative Party’s endorsement to run on its line in November, which would present problems for Liedka and the GOP if he emerges as their nominee. Russo said that he would run an active general election campaign on the Conservative line regardless, unlike Dadey, who Russo said did not actively campaign on the Independence and Conservative lines in 2004.
The primary was sparked, in part, because local Republican county chairs have unable to pick a candidate in the race, announcing in mid-March that they were deadlocked. (Russo won the backing of Onondoga County, which has the highest Republican registration in the district, while Russo took Madison County, which has the second highest registration.)
This local primary is microcosm of a larger trend we've seen among the GOP across the state. New York Republicans are in chaos, unable to field strong challengers from within the party ranks, short on cash and facing primary challengers from the right and left. Indeed, the SRCC appears to be supporting Russo over one of their own purely because of his cash-on-hand advantage over Leidka:
But fearing the consequences of a heated primary in a district they have serious hopes of winning, the Senate Republican Campaign Committee has made no such promises, announcing in mid-May the unusual decision to back Russo in the intra-party struggle. Leadership of the SRCC says that it will be willing to put staffers into the district and recruit elected officials to campaign on Russo’s behalf.
Fundraising was a major factor in the SRCC’s decision: Russo had $96,000 cash on hand as of the January campaign finance filing, while Liedka acknowledges he has raised far less, though he has not made any official financial disclosure.
Meanwhile, both the Ithaca Journal and Democrat and Chronicle published stories examining the difficulties Republicans face due to the large number of retirements. Every week, it seems, brings news of another GOP senate retirement, each of which requires an expenditure of resources to defend previously safe seats and draws the GOP's attention away from top tier races.
Republicans are eagerly hoping they can win back the majority in the state Senate this year, but they unexpectedly face having to defend four seats in which veteran GOP lawmakers are leaving office at year's end.
The four departures complicates Senate Republicans' goal of flipping the tenuous 32-30 seat Democratic majority and regaining control of a chamber the GOP held for more than 40 years before the 2008 elections.
One domino at a time, Republican hopes of recapturing the chamber are fading. While GOP candidates are dropping like flies (or in-fighting like the Lord of the Flies), Democrats are fielding strong challengers in more districts than ever before.
New Yorkers still remember well what 44 years of Republican control of the senate was like. That's why anti-incumbent sentiment is directed strongly at upstate Republicans - holdovers from the reign of Joe Bruno - and why 3/4 of New Yorkers reject Republican control of the Senate.
And that's why 2010 is shaping up to be a good year for Democrats.
Republicans Vote to Shut New Yorkers Out of Their Parks During Memorial Day Weekend
By Mike Connery on 05/28/2010 @ 06:21 PM
As Senate Democrats voted to restore funding to our parks today, Republicans proved themselves once more to be the "Party of No," voting unanimously to reject the funding and putting the profits of polluters ahead of New Yorkers who deserve access to their parks.
What's more, Republicans voted against the economic well being of our state and its citizens. The parks system is an economic engine for New York, generating upwards of $1.9 billion in revenue and over 20,000 jobs across the state. When the parks close, those jobs and revenue go away, leaving areas more economically depressed. Here's a full accounting as to how park closures would affect different areas of the state:
Allegany Region – 1.9 million visitors, 860 jobs created and $62 million in related sales and output generated by Allegany, Lake Erie, Long Point and Midway state parks
Saratoga- Capital Region – 3.3 million visitors, 2,929 jobs created and $249 million in related sales and output generated at Saratoga Spa, Thacher, Grafton Lakes and Moreau Lake state parks to name just a few.
Central Region – 2.3 million visitors, 1,620 jobs created and $134 million in related sales and output generated by Glimmerglass, Green Lakes, Verona Beach, and Chenango Valley state parks to name just a few.
Finger Lakes Region – 3 million visitors, 1,776 jobs created and $141 million in related sales and output generated by Buttermilk Falls, Watkins Glen, Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake state parks to name just a few.
Genesee Region – 1.2 million visitors, 675 jobs created and $58 million in related sales and output generated by Letchworth, Darien Lakes, Silver Lake and Hamlin Beach state parks to name just a few.
Long Island Region – 19.9 million visitors, 3,992 jobs created and $410 million in related sales and output generated by Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Montauk Point and Caleb Smith state parks to name just a few.
New York City – 4.5 million visitors, 716 jobs created and $61 million in related sales and output generated by Roberto Clemente, Riverbank and Gantry Plaza state parks to name just a few.
Niagara Frontier Region - 10.3 million visitors, 4,701 jobs created and $569 million related sales and output generated by Niagara Falls, Evangola, Woodlawn Beach and Four Mile Creek state parks to name just a few.
Palisades Region – 4.4 million visitors, 1,052 jobs created and $94 million in related sales and output generated by Harriman, Minnewaska, Bear Mountain, and Rockland Lake state park.
Taconic Region – 3.1 million visitors, 957 jobs created and $102 million in related sales and output generated by Fahnestock, Hudson Highlands, Taconic and James Baird state parks to name just a few.
Thousand Islands Region – 1.7 million visitors, 882 jobs created and $63 million in related sales and output generated by Cumberland Bay, St. Lawrence, Wellesley Island and Westcott Beach state parks to name just a few.
There was one constituency that Republicans voted for today - polluters. GOP opposition to the measure was predicated upon higher fees imposed on New York’s producers of hazardous waste -- fees that are dedicated to cleaning up the environment.
Republicans have made their priorities clear. They're on the side of corporate polluters over the people of New York, the health of our state's economy, and the open spaces that make our state great. As New Yorkers head to their local parks this weekend to honor our veterans and picnic with their family, I think they would agree that the values displayed by Republicans today are not those of New York.
