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Becker Looks For House In New NY-18
Mar 1st - 3:17 pm
Democratic Congressional Candidate and Cortlandt Town Board Member Rich Becker just sent out a statement saying he is committed to defeating Rep. Nan Haywroth this year. So committed that he is already planning on moving into the district if he needs to.
“As soon as we saw the maps at midnight last night, my wife and I began a search for a house in the any of the district’s proposed iterations. Even though no lines are yet finalized, we are fully prepared to see this through,” Becker said in a statement.
He goes on to blast “special interests groups” and Republicans for drawing him out of a competition with Hayworth – though doesn’t specify who the special interests are.
“I am in this campaign to win it despite any attempts by special interests groups or Republican power brokers in Albany to disenfranchise the voters of the Hudson Valley by drawing the strongest Democratic candidate by far out of the district. We are 100% committed to defeating Nan Hayworth and once again electing a Congressman who’ll fight for all of us and not just the political and financial elites,” Becker said.
As we mentioned earlier today, Becker is one of 5 Democrats who has announced that they are challenging Hayworth. The lines proposed separately by the Senate Republicans and Assembly Democrats leave only one of those candidates in the same seat as Hayworth – Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander.
Alexander Sees Victory In New NY-18
Mar 1st - 2:01 pm
There’s considerable upset throughout the state about the House lines released late last night by the Senate and Assembly majorities, but Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander is not complaining.
In fact, Alexander, one of five Democrats in various stages of vying for the right to take on freshman Republican Rep. Nan Hayworth in NY-19, is more than pleased with the maps, noting he’s the only one of the top three challengers to remain within the confines of the newly-drawn district, now NY-18.
Under the Assembly plan, Hayworth would lose all of Orange County, move further north into Dutchess County and pick up the city of Newburgh.
The Senate plan keeps the district roughly intact, but does grow north into the city of Newburgh as well – a stronghold for Democrats that could shift the district in their favor.
Alexander’s campaign manager TJ Helmstetter noted that the new maps pretty much eschew Westchester – wiuth the exception of Hayworth’s home town of Somers Bedford – in favor of Putnam, Orange and Dutchess.
Cortlandt, which is the home base of Richard Becker, a town board member and another Hayworth challenger, would no longer be located in the district. The same goes for Duane Jackson, a Times Square vendor who helped thwart a terrorist car bomb plot there in 2010.
The new lines also don’t benefit Tuxedo Park Mayor Tom Wilson, who threw his hat into the ring against Hayworth back in January. (He has yet to file any fundraising reports with the FEC).
“We’ve known from Day One that Matt Alexander is the only Democrat in this race with the necessary experience and abilities to beat Nan Hayworth,” Helmstetter said. “The news today is that he is the only remaining Democratic candidate who lives in the renumbered district, has raised money, and generated endorsements.”
“As a local mayor who had to lobby Hayworth for municipal aid, Matt Alexander has seen first-hand the destructiveness of her Tea Party ideology, which puts ‘the free market’ above the families in her district. We have an important job to do in replacing her.”
“The judge will make the final decision, but we have a rough idea where the chips will fall. It’s time to stop saying ‘when the lines are drawn’ and for Democrats and progressives everywhere to hit the ground running in this campaign.”
Another potential Hayworth challenger, Ann Jacobs Moutrie a registered nurse and SEIU 1199 vice president, remains within the confines of the new NY-18, but hasn’t filed any paperwork with the FEC as of yet.
There is no residency requirement to run for Congress.
UCFW Local 1500 Attacks Grimm Over Alleged Wage Theft
Feb 24th - 8:39 am
One of the state’s largest supermarket workers union is calling on troubled Congressman Michael Grimm to give the $500 thousand questionable political contributions, first reported by the New York Times, to former employees at the restaurant he use to own – where the workers sued alleging they were cheated out of pay.
In a press release, it says “Grimm should use those ill-gotten and questionable funds to pay the workers he ruthlessly took advantage of.”
“Congressman Grimm’s shady business practices and horrible treatment of workers is yet another example of his questionable, shady record. His despicable behavior toward his former employees is shameful and he should use his campaign funds to pay those employees the wages they’ve rightfully earned,” said Pat Purcell, UFCW Local 1500’s Special Projects Director.
UFCW Local 1500 was one of several unions including the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) that pushed for the passage of the Wage Theft Prevention Act in the state legislature. It requires that employers provide adequate notice to their employees of their rates of pay, designated pay day and other pertinent information. (Earlier this year you might have had to sign off that you were aware of your salary – as we did here at Time Warner Cable)
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Empire State Bldg Declines Grimm’s Request To Honor New Cardinal
Feb 23rd - 3:59 pm
The Empire State Building Company has declined Rep. Michael Grimm’s request that it light the inconic building red to honor newly-minted Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
In a letter to the Republican congressman, the company said the matter has been given “careful consideration,” but ultimately was denied – no specific reason was given for this decision.
The Politicker’s Colin Campbell reported earlier today that Grimm, who has been under fire of late (thanks largely to the New York Times), “burnished his Catholic credentials” yesterday by asking for Dolan to be recognized. He’s now asking for the decision to be reconsidered, saying:
“I am disappointed that the Empire State Building’s Lighting Partner Committee has declined the opportunity to honor New York’s Cardinal Dolan, and I strongly encourage them to reconsider their position. Cardinal Dolan is more than just a man of faith, he’s a beloved leader in our community and a hometown hero.”
“His new role is something all New Yorkers can be proud of, which is why I couldn’t think of a better way to show our pride than by lighting the top of the Empire State Building ‘cardinal red.’”
There was a religious overtone the last time there was a controversy over lighting the Empire State Building, if memory serves. It was back in 2010 when the owners refused to mark what would have been Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday by lighting the building in blue and white.
You can see the list of individuals, events and holidays that have been celebrated in lights here.
2.23.12 Lighting Partnership Rejection of Cardinal Dolan Lighting
Becker Uses Grimm To Get To Hayworth
Feb 23rd - 12:48 pm
Richard Becker, one of three Democrats vying for the right to challenge Rep. Nan Hayworth in November, is calling on the Republican congresswoman to return over $62,285 she raised last quarter through a joint federal fundraising PAC with her fellow NY House freshmen – including embattled Rep. Michael Grimm.
In a press release, Becker “sharply questioned” Hayworth’s decision to continue raising money through the New York Congressional Victory Committee 2011 while Grimm remains affiliated with it.
During a town hall meeting last night, Hayworth was again asked about the joint committee and whether she has any concerns about being linked to Grimm at a time when his personal fundraising is under fire. (Grimm again insisted earlier this week on “Inside City Hall” that he has done nothing wrong, and has voluntarily turned over all his fundraising information to the US Justice Department in an attempt to clear his name).
In a video posted by the Becker campaign, Hayworth responded that her fundraising is “completely transparent” and she said has no fears related to the news stories about Grimm.
“He’s a colleague in the House of Representatives the way 433 other people are. I don’t have any direct financial dealings with him, and I don’t have any further comment on that issue. It’s under investigation, and I hope that it gets resolved quickly for the sake of everybody involved.”
Given the existence of the joint fundraising committee, which also benefits Reps. Ann Marie Buerkle, Chris Gibson, Richard Hanna and Tom Reed (but not Bob Turner or Pete King), Becker called Hayworth’s response inaccurate, saying:
“With the Justice Department reviewing Michael Grimm’s fundraising, and his biggest fundraiser in investigators’ crosshairs, it is unacceptable for Nan Hayworth to keep the $62,285.41 the two raised together. Continuing to partner with Grimm to raise money while he’s under investigation for illegal fundraising is mind boggling.”
“It’s bad enough to try and ignore or downplay allegations of corruption about a fellow member; it’s much worse when you might directly benefit from those alleged activities. Hayworth needs to give back this tainted money and stop working with Grimm to raise more of it. Anything less would raise serious questions about her commitment to an ethical Congress and the people of the Hudson Valley.”
The New York Congressional Victory Committee 2011 was formed last October. Its treasurers are Lisa Lisker and Keith Davis, partners in the D.C.-based political accounting firm Huckaby Davis Lisker, who also work with the National Republican Campaign Committee.
Lisker is also Grimm’s campaign treasurer.
Bellavia Prepares For Potential Challenge To Hochul
Feb 22nd - 8:54 am
Iraq War veteran David Bellavia, who was passed over by GOP leaders in last spring’s NY-26 special election won by Rep. Kathy Hochul, is raising campaign cash to gauge support to a potential challenge to the Democratic congresswoman this fall.
Bellavia sent a web video and missive to some 400,000 people, urging them to help him decide whether to take on Hochul and “try to help save this country.”
The video includes footage of a live firefight that took place in Fallujah, Iraq, where Bellevia received a Silver Star and a Bronze Star. He was also nominated to receive a Medal of Honor.
In the lengthy letter that accompanies the video, Bellavia casts Hochul as a “rubber stamp” for President Obama and calls her out for opposing the Keystone Pipeline project, saying: “Hochul is a reason our families pay so much for gas today! What is she thinking?”
It sounds like Bellavia is ready to go full steam ahead with a challenge to Hochul, but he’s holding off due to redistricting.
“(H)ere’s why I can’t jump in this race just yet: liberal New York politicians are creating new Congressional Districts,” Bellavia wrote.
“They’ve been holding back for months, dragging their feet and drawing secret lines to help Democrat incumbents like Rep. Hochul.”
“It’s hard to believe – we simply don’t know what district we live in yet! But the courts have forced the politicians to announce those new districts in the next few weeks, and I need your donation if I am to get in this race as a strong competitor.”
If I have the support of patriotic Americans like you and your family, I know I can run and win.
Bellavia is getting assistance from veteran Western NY political operative Michael Caputo, who is also currently assisting Sen. Mark Grisanti behind the scenes and is perhaps best (or at least most recently) known for his rocky relationship with Carl Paladino after he worked on the Buffalo businessman’s failed 2010 gubernatorial bid.
Bellavia isn’t the only Republican mulling a challenge to Hochul.
Former County Executive Chris Collins and Amherst Supervisor Barry A. Weinstein have both said they’re waiting for the district lines to be finalized before making a decision about whether to enter the race.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has said that WNY is ripe to lose a district – by seeing existing districts combined, potentially forcing incumbents into primary battles or so-called fair fights – due to its loss of population over the past decade.
Grimm: I’ve Turned Over All Fundraising Documents To Justice
Feb 22nd - 8:34 am
ICYMI: During an interview with my NY1 colleague Errol Louis on “Inside City Hall” last night, embattled Rep. Michael Grimm continued to defend himself against allegations in the New York Times that he engaged in illegal fundraising and questionable business practices.
The Staten Island Republican (NY-13) has repeatedly insisted he did nothing wrong and has attacked the Gray Lady for what he says was politically motivated and shoddy reporting.
Grimm, a former FBI agent, said he has undertaken a campaign to clear his name, which includes voluntarily compiling and turning over all his fundraising documents to the US Justice Department.
“As soon as this happened – my name means more to me than my political career – the first thing I did was assemble a team to reach out to Justice, the Department of Justice, to the FEC, and to Congressional Ethics,” the congressman told Louis.
“And they said: Well, why do you want to be so proactive? I said: Because this is my name. My name means more to me than the political arena. I want you to initiate constructive contact, engage them now, and put together all of my documents, every single contribution, and give it over.”
“That’s what I want, because otherwise, how do I clear my name? Do you think the New York Times when it comes back that I’m exonerated, you think they’re going to put that on the front page? We all know they’re not. So it’s up to me to initiate these contacts.”
“It’s all being compiled now, it’s given to my team, and my team has already made contact. How much they’ve already given, that’s up to the relevant agencies how they take possession of the documents, and we’re giving over stuff as we’re compiling it.”
Grimm also again rejected reports that he is no longer a surrogate for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, saying he hasn’t yet heard from the former Massachusetts governor and was never an official representative of his White House bid anyway because he doesn’t have enough time to do that.
Grimm campaigned for Romney in New Hampshire and Florida and appeared on national TV shows (and Capital Tonight) during the run-up to the Granite State primary to defend the candidate after his “I like be able to fire people” gaffe.
The congressman also told Louis that he had asked his political mentor, former Staten Island BP Guy Molinari, to remove himself and Rep. Nan Hayworth from the list of Romney’s national GOP convention delegates long before the NYT stories broke, reasoning that they would have floor passes as House members and should make room for people without that privilege.
Fran Becker Wants To ‘Finish The Job’ vs. McCarthy
Feb 22nd - 8:12 am
Nassau County Legislator Fran Becker, a conservative Republican who came surprisingly close to unseating Rep. Carolyn McCarthy in 2010, has announced his intention to launch a re-match against the veteran Democratic congresswoman, even as he acknowledges her district could be redrawn out of existence.
A Long Island Republican forwarded an email he received from Becker last night, in which the candidate said he doesn’t intend to repeat his 2010 mistake of getting off to a “late start” in his effort to oust the “ultra-left” McCarthy, whom he deemed “one of the most radical and incompetent members of Congress.”
“Together we got within a few thousand votes of reclaiming this seat in 2010 – for the first time in her 14-year lock on our Congressional seat! 2012 is the year we finish the job and prove that we want serious and competent leadership for our community,” Becker wrote.
“…While we do not yet know exactly what the new district will look like, I am ready to challenge Carolyn McCarthy and her radical left-wing ideology this November.”
“Let us not forget her reckless and unwise support for Obamacare, the single most destructive legislation that has even been passed in our country’s history. Left in place, it will destroy the economy and the fabric of our country.”
“We all remember her incoherent advocacy of this monstrous bill; we owe it to each other and our children to demand a higher standard from our elected officials.”
Becker referenced a recent news report that state lawmakers could redraw McCarthy into a primary battle with her fellow Democrat, Rep. Gary Ackerman.
Albany observers are now betting against that scenario, suggesting it’s more likely, given the population loss in Western New York, that two of three upstate Democrats – Reps. Brian Higgins, Kathy Hochul and Louise Slaughter – could end up in some kind of head-to-head contest, while retiring Rep. Maurice Hinchey’s district (NY-22) is obliterated to meet one half of New York’s two-seat loss requirement.
But Becker is betting the old tradition of Democrats and Republicans splitting the baby to lose one seat each will hold this year, adding: “I am sure that it will not be (Rep.) Peter King.”
Becker is trying to harness the power of the Internet to raise copious amounts of campaign cash, urging supporters to create a “chain connection” through social media and urge like-minded conservatives across the country to make a small dollar donation to his cause.
In his email, Becker helpfully provided a template for his backers to use in hopes of spurring others to match their contributions.
The missive touts his pro-life ideology and calls McCarthy “a darling of Hollywood, NOW and other rich left wing organizations which provide her with millions in contributions to support their radical agenda which has put our country on the path of endless unemployment, debt, and decline.”
More Trouble For Grimm
Feb 19th - 12:33 am
Embattled Republican Rep. Michael Grimm (NY-13) has suspended his director of community relations, Liam Ambrose McCabe, after McCabe was arrested Friday and charged with misdemeanor assault of his teenage son.
“These are serious charges that have not been taken lightly,” the Staten Island congressman said in a statement sent to NY1.
“Liam has been a hard-working member of my staff; however, I have suspended his employment in my office until the results of the official investigation become known.”
McCabe, a 33-year-old Brooklyn resident, was arrested yesterday afternoon at 1 p.m., according to the NYPD. The incident occurred while McCabe was responding to a disciplinary incident at his son’s school, according to a source familiar with the details.
No other details were immediately available.
McCabe is an old college friend of NYC Councilman Eric Ulrich and also managed Ulrich’s successful campaign in 2009. He was later terminated by Ulrich for poor performance, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
This is the latest in a series of bad headlines for Grimm.
In recent weeks, the NYT has published articles alleging the congressman has engaged in illegal fundraising and questioning his past business dealings.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, for whom Grimm was an outspoken surrogate during the New Hampshire primary, distanced himself from the congressman this week.
Grimm is also no longer a Romney surrogate for the National GOP convention in Tampa – a decision made by the congressman’s ally and mentor, former Staten Island BP Guy Molinari.
At a rally at the Staten Island GOP HQ today, Grimm insisted yet again that the allegations against him are false and attacked the paper. His supporters noted the stories impugning the congressman have relied heavily on anonymous sources.
“People know who I am,” Grimm said at the event. “They know I’m honest. They know my honor, they know my integrity.”
The Staten Island Advance also reported Grimm told a story about his dog Sebastian leaping, “fangs out,” in an attempt to bite the mailman.
“I told my staff, ‘It’s OK, Sebastian just thought that he was delivering The New York Times,’” Grimm joked.
Gillibrand Aghast, ‘Outraged’ At All-Male Contraception Hearing
Feb 17th - 1:37 pm
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand weighed in this morning on the Senate floor about yesterday’s House hearing on President Obama’s controversial contraception coverage mandate that included no women on the witness list.
The lack of female representation caused New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Washington, D.C. Democratic Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton to walk out of the hearing.
Committee Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa, a California Republican, was asked by the Democrats to let women testify. But he refused, reasoning that the hearing was not about reproductive rights and contraception but instead about the Obama administration’s actions “as they relate to freedom of religion and conscience.”
Gillibrand, who has made a name for herself by trying to get more women elected to Congress through her “Off the Sidelines” initiative, applauded Maloney’s actions yesterday and decried Issa’s decision.
“Just when I thought I couldn’t be any more dumbfounded by the debate around here in terms of denying access to women’s health services, there was a hearing yesterday in the House of Representatives on the topic on contraception, and all of the witnesses were male,” Gillibrand said.
“My colleague Carolyn Maloney had it quite right when she walked out on that farce. Let me clear once again, 99 percent – 99 percent! – of all America’s woman have used contraception at some time in their lifetime. When will they get this simple, nondebatale fact: The power to decide whether or not a woman will use contraception lies with her, not her boss, not her employer. What is more intrusive than trying to allow an employer to make medical decisions for someone who works for them.”
Gillibrand insisted this has “nothing to do with religious freedom,” and then cited a 1990 majority opinion written by conservative US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in Employment Division vs. Smith that decreed religious liberty is insufficient grounds for being exempt from laws.
Gillibrand also sent an email to supporters today proclaiming herself “outraged” by yesterday’s hearing. The email included a photo of the all-male panel.
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