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Schumer Cheers For Gillibrand
May 14th - 1:53 pm
During a stop in Syracuse today, Sen. Chuck Schumer praised junior Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and confidently predicted her re-election in November, regardless of which of her three would-be Republican opponents wins the June 26 primary.
In response to a question posed by YNN’s Bill Carey, Schumer said:
“Well, I think the more the merrier. I don’t think any of the three could stack up to Senator Gillibrand. I think over the last several years she’s worked hard, succeeded, gotten to know the voters, so I think she’s going to do real well no matter which of the three is the nominee.”
“…Any party, whether nationally or in New York, that moves too far to the extreme loses. When Democrats move too far to left, they lose. When Republicans move too far right, they lose. And it may be happening to them now.”
Schumer’s comments come on the heels of a Siena poll released this morning that found Gillibrand continues to lead her three GOP opponents – Rep. Bob Turner, Wendy Long and Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos – by more than 30 percentage points.
The same poll found two thirds of Republicans remain undecided about which of the three they will support in the primary.
Gay Marriage Opponent Ties McDonald To Obama
May 11th - 7:12 am
ICYMI: During the CapTon interview last night, the Rev. Jason McGuire gave a hint of what’s to come for Sen. Roy McDonald, seeking to tie the Republican lawmaker to Democratic President Obama on the subject of same-sex marriage.
McGuire chastised McDonald for attending the president’s speech at the NanoTech complex earlier this week, which came just hours before his revelation that he has finished evolving on the topic of gay marriage and now supports letting same-sex couples legally wed.
“Looking in the Capital Region, it was clear that Senator McDonald wanted to rush over to the side of President Obama when he spoke in that area while other Republicans stayed away,” McGuire said.
“I think it gives an indication of where Senator McDonald is lining up – alongside President Obama rather than the traditional Republican Party.”
McDonald was one of the few Republicans present at that event Tuesday.
The rest of his colleagues – including Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who allowed the gay marriage bill to come to the floor and was feted by the Log Cabin Republicans at a fundraiser this week – were in Albany, but stayed down at the Capitol for an auto insurance fraud press conference.
McDonald has lost support from the Conservative Party and some local GOP committees due to his “yes” vote on gay marriage. He’s facing a primary challenge from Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione.
Gay marriage opponents like McGuire and NOM have made it clear they will work to oust the four “yes” voting Republicans this fall.
That task got a little easier this week after Sen. Jim Alesi announced he won’t seek re-election due to his loss of local support due to both his gay marriage vote and his ill-timed (and hastily withdrawn) lawsuit against two constituents who didn’t press charges against him when he trespassed on their property.
McGuire said Obama’s gay marriage announcement will help galvanize the conservative grassroots for Mitt Romney – a group that the former Massachusetts governor has had trouble winning over – and also for GOP primary challengers targeting moderate fellow Republicans here in New York.
US Chamber Of Commerce, NY Bizz Council Debut House Ads
May 10th - 1:14 pm
The US Chamber of Commerce and the state Business Council have unleashed a barrage of ads – both positive and negative – in hopes of influencing competitive House races across New York.
Politics on the Hudson first reported this blitz, which is not officially coordinated with any campaign (because that would be illegal, of course). Now the ads are up on the Chamber’s website.
Two of them appear below.
One opposes Rep. Kathy Hochul, a Western New York freshman who is arguably the most vulnerable member of the Democratic New York members, thanks to redistricting. The spot slams Hochul for her support of so-called “Obamacare.”
The other ad praises Republican Rep. Nan Hayworth, who has five Democrats vying for the right to challenge her in the November general election, for her unwillingness to “punish” small businesses with tax increases.
Other New York members who are either targeted or boosted by the ads include: Democratic Reps. Bill Owens and Louise Slaughter (negative) and Republican Reps. Chris Gibson and Ann Marie Buerkle (positive – corrected, thanks).
There’s also a pro-Randy Altschuler spot. (He’s the Republican businessman making a second attempt at ousting Democratic Rep. Tim Bishop on Long Island.
Interestingly, the ads make no mention of the Business Council’s involvement, though the organization and its president, Heather Briccetti, get top billing in the press release announcing the new campaign.
“New York needs jobs, and now is the time for Washington to focus on policies that will help create them,” Briccetti said.
The release also informs us that this advertising launch is the Chamber’s third campaign in the 2012 cycle and is part of the organization’s largest voter education and grassroots mobilization effort in its 100 year history, aimed at highlighting candidates’ positions on issues critical to the American recovery.
I expect to see a lot more where this came from, thanks to the exponential growth of super PACs in this campaign cycle. So, stay tuned.
Log Cabin Republicans On ‘Disappointing’ Alesi Decision
May 10th - 11:13 am
The New York chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans called Sen. Jim Alesi’s decision not to run for another term “disappointing” but called him a “noble and honorable” legislator.
In particular, the organization was heartened by how Alesi framed his decision as one that would help the GOP keep majority control of the Senate.
“It’s disappointing Senator Alesi has decided not to run for another term, but this was a personal decision for him and Log Cabin Republicans respects that,” the group said. “The driving force behind the Senator’s position was his support of the GOP caucus and his desire to see Republicans maintain the majority in the State Senate in November. Senator Alesi is a noble and honorable legislator, and this decision reflects his loyalty and dedication.”
The chamber is currently divided 32-29, with one vacancy.
Alesi told Liz on Capital Tonight yesterday evening that he was stepping down for “good of the party.”
“What makes it easiest to maintain the majority. And my not running is really the easiest way for the Senate Republicans to work with the Governor in the majority,” Alesi said.
Senate Dems Leave Incumbents To Fight It Out Alone
May 10th - 8:42 am
ICYMI: Sen. Liz Krueger told me on CapTon last night that the cash-strapped DSCC is unlikely to assist conference members who are facing primary challenges from fellow Democrats, saying the democratic process needs to be allowed to play out.
That’s a stark difference from the well-funded Senate GOP, whose leader, Sen. Dean Skelos, has pledged to assist majority members like Sens. Roy McDonald and Mark Grisanti, for example, who are facing tough challenges from fellow Republicans.
Of course, with close to $5 million on hand in their regular campaign committee and housekeeping account, the Republicans can afford to be generous with their colleagues.
The Democrats, who continue to insist they have a shot at winning back the majority this fall despite Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s approval of a gerrymandered redistricting map that benefits the GOP, remain more than $1 million in debt from the 2010 elections in which they lost control of the chamber.
Krueger used to have a hand in fundraising for the DSCC, but now is focused on raising money for her own PAC – No Bad Apples – which supports reform-minded Democrats.
She backed Sen. Gustavo Rivera’s successful 2010 primary challenge to ex-Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr., for example.
Rivera now faces a primary challenge of his own, but Krueger didn’t mention (nor did I ask her) if she’ll be helping Rivera, should he need it.
My discussion with Krueger came on the heels of a CapTon appearance by Albany County Legislature Chairman Shawn Morse, who has launched a primary against Sen. Neil Breslin.
Morse again would not commit to supporting Senate Minority Leader John Sampson for majority leader if he’s elected and the Democrats re-take control of the chamber.
But Morse also stressed that he’s a Democrat and won’t back a Republican in a leadership fight.
“My understanding is that the Democratic Campaign Committee is not getting involved with primaries,” Krueger said. “Obviously, you would need to officially ask Mike Gianaris, the chair of DSCC.”
“I think that Neil Breslin is an extraordinary senator, and I am proud to serve with him. He’s had primaries before, and he has remained in the Senate. And I think he is going to work very hard to make sure that he holds his seat.”
“But as to whether the Senate campaign committee gets involved, my guy and knowledge tell me no, which doesn’t mean that individual senators and elected officials might not choose to help Neil if they see that he is in need of assistance.”
A number of Democrats – including Gianaris himself – have very healthy campaign committee balances, and could send cash Breslin’s way if necessary. As of mid-January, Breslin had $107,853 on hand.
I asked Krueger why she thinks we’re seeing so many intra-party battles on both sides of the aisle at the national and state levels this year. She responded: “Well, I think it’s called democracy.”
Priebus: ‘Chicken’ Obama Is ‘No Cuomo’
May 9th - 7:09 am
ICYMI: RNC Chairman Reince Priebus did some post-presidential speech pushback on CapTon last night, calling the commander-in-chief “chicken” for refusing to make plain his position on same-sex marriage while top aides – including VP Joe Biden – are coming out on the subject.
I asked the chairman if he thinks this is a case of Obama trying to have it both ways – signaling to the LGBT community that he’s indeed in their corner, while not actually declaring that’s the case in hopes of preserving his standing with independents, blacks, Latinos and other key voting blocks that lean right on this issue.
“I wouldn’t put it past the president to purposely keep his position vague, but then bring people around him – like (US Education Secretary) Arne Duncan and Joe Biden and everyone else – talking about that well, the president’s position is evolving,” Priebus responded.
“What does that mean? We have to wait for some bulletin to figure out what the president’s positions are on major issues across America.”
“It’s a pretty chicken thing to do, I think. And I think as president of the United States he ought to have enough guts to just tell everyone what he thinks instead of just trying to play games.”
Priebus isn’t the only one with this opinion.
Even some members of Obama’s own party – including former DNC Chairman and ex-Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell – are calling on the president to make his position on same-sex marriage clear. (Specifically, the plain-spoken Rendell said Obama should “man up” on the issue).
Asked for his opinion on Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is widely speculated to be eyeing a White House run in 2016, Priebus said he doesn’t know “Andrew” – (apparently, they’re on a first-name basis?) – but then added:
“This president is no Cuomo. He’s no Bill Clinton. He’s no John Kennedy.”
“This is a Democrat that does not square with mainstream America – whether you’re mainstream Democrats or mainstream Republican. This is a Democrat that does not square with America’s priorities. And, you know, leadership is doing just that.”
This led to a larger discussion about what it means to be a leader. I noted Cuomo was both widely criticized (by the right) and hailed (by the left) for pushing same-sex marriage through the Legislature last summer, winning his national acclaim.
By Priebus’ standards – a leader says what he thinks and then acts on it – Cuomo would seem to measure up, although they chairman didn’t come right out and say that.
Who Made The Presidential Cut
May 8th - 4:31 pm
Obviously Gov. Andrew Cuomo was front and center during President Obama’s brief visit to Albany today. Ditto Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.
Both New York electeds – Democrats, like the president – greeted Obama on the tarmac at Albany International Airport. But at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, only Cuomo merited a speaking role (he introduced the president, and was introduced himself by SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher).
CNSE CEO and Senior VP Alain Kaloyeros and GlobalFoundries CEO Ajit Manocha both got to speak, (a sort of consolation prize for Manocha, whose project was snubbed by the White House in favor of Kaloyeros’ easier to reach and less baggage-laden baby).
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who has been sparring with Cuomo for CSNE bragging rights, was seated front and center with his former top aide, Dean Fuleihan, who now works for Kaloyeros.
Neither former Gov. George Pataki nor former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, both of whom played a role in the region’s nano-boom, were present – in fact, Pataki, joined by state GOP Chairman Ed Cox, did some pre-speech pushback for the RNC.
Also missing from the VIP section: Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. He was in the area. In fact, he was down at the Capitol, calling on the Assembly to crack down on auto insurance fraud. He also attended the annual remembrance ceremony to honor fallen officers at the Empire State Plaza.
Skelos did not receive an invite to today’s presidential speech until the “last minute,” according to a source familiar with that ask. It probably would have been uncomfortable for him there anyway, since he is the state’s top elected GOP official and has endorsed Mitt Romney against Obama.
Two Republicans of note in the audience: Sen. Roy McDonald and Rep. Chris Gibson. Representing the Senate Democrats: Neil Breslin.
Also not present, although they were invited to attend: State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who delivered the keynote address at the National Conference of Public Employee Retirement Systems in NYC this morning; and state AG Eric Schneiderman, who was prevented by attending by “scheduling conflicts.”
Neither of the state’s US senators – Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand – were in Albany today. They were in D.C., expecting to vote on a Democratic bill to prevent the doubling of some student loan interest rates. The measure was blocked by the Republicans.
Felder’s Ferocious Fundraising (Updatedx2)
May 8th - 7:48 am
Ever since his low-key announcement last month that he’ll run for Senate this fall in the new so-called “super Jewish” district, Simcha Felder has focused on fundraising in hopes of putting up a big enough number come July to scare off any would-be opponents.
Over the last week alone, Felder, who took time off his job as a deputy in NYC Comptroller John Liu’s office to focus on shaking the money trees, received pledges and checks for some $200,000, according to a source familiar with his efforts.
Combined with the $300,000 and change he’s already got in the bank, that brings Felder’s total within spitting distance of the half million mark. And that will only likely grow by the time the July 15 filing is due at the state Board of Elections.
Below is a copy of an opinion obtained in March by Felder’s campaign attorney, Leo Glickman, from the NYC Conflicts of Interest Board that indicates the former NYC councilman is not prohibited from raising campaign cash (on his own time) for a state or federal office the way he would be if he were running for another city post.
Felder’s candidacy has generated a lot of interest because he has been coy about who he’ll support for leader in the event of another closely divided Senate chamber. Officially speaking, Felder says he’ll work with whoever will most help his district.
But City&State has reported while Felder would likely caucus with his fellow Democrats, he would also probably cast a tie-breaking vote – if necessary – for Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos over Minority Leader John Sampson.
UPDATE: An astute (GOP) reader notes the tie-breaking issue is moot, thanks to the state’s highest court, which upheld the creation of a 63rd seat.
UPDATE2: Writes a (Democratic) reader: “If without Felder it is 31 to 31, then Felder indeed does have the tie-breaking vote.” The possibility of that seems slim though, thanks to the four-member IDC, which could side with Skelos if the choice is between him and Sampson. Sen. Jeff Klein has made it pretty darn clear he won’t ever back Sampson as majority leader again.
It has also been reported that Skelos will back – most likely tacitly from behind the scenes – Felder over any other Republicans in the race, if any should actually declare once they realize the lack of support for their candidacies.
So far, Felder is the only formally announced candidate running.
But businessman Nachman Caller has expressed interest in running on the GOP line and said (through an advisor) that he’ll seed his campaign with $100,000 of his own cash.
There’s also the question of what David Storobin will do after a victor is finally declared in the too-close-to-call race in which he is battling Democratic NYC Councilman Lew Fidler for ex-Sen. Carl Kruger’s old seat.
Dems ‘Award’ Brooks For Ducking (Updated)
May 4th - 1:33 pm
Today’s Friday funsie comes compliment of the state Democratic Party, which awarded congressional candidate/Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, the first ever “Congressional Candidate Ducking Issues Award” for (as the press release puts it) “her 46-day crusade to keep voters in the dark revealing no solutions, plans or stances on issues.”
“Maggie Brooks really is a champion of not saying anything and today the New York State Democratic Party is awarding her with our first ever Congressional Candidate Ducking Issues Award for her outstanding service to silence,” said state Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs.
“Yesterday, for the fifth time in a month and a half, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reprimanded Brooks for failing to take a position on the issues that matter to voters. Instead she’s decided to be responsive to DC lobbyists and contributors. If you want someone who won’t say anything on the issues you care about, voters should know, Maggie Brooks is the candidate for you.”
“…”Maggie Brooks is a champion of not telling voters how she feels about the issues they care about. She has really taken to heart that silence is golden.”
Brooks has refused to take a position on any federal issues – from the Ryan budget to the so-called war on women – insiting that Monroe County voters are more than familiar with her ideology and record.
Perhaps, but since she has never been pressed on anything national, like, say the debt ceiling or Social Security, voters (and reporters) could perhaps be forgiven for being curious about where Brooks stands on issues she would voting for (or against) when and if she manages to oust Democratic veteran Rep. Lousie Slaughter.
With Slaughter still recovering from a serious broken leg, Brooks hasn’t had to work terribly hard. But the congresswoman was released from Strong Memorial Hospital today, we’re told, and she has pledged to fight hard for her seat, so Brooks should really be hitting those briefing books.
Brooks might want to talk to her fellow Republican, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, about the danger of ducking issues while seeking higher office. As you’ll recall, (I’m sure Tedisco certainly does), the assemblyman’s refusal to answer questions about how he would vote on the $780 billion federal stimulus bill played a large role in his loss to Democrat Scott Murphy in the 2009 special election for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s old House seat.
(After weeks of being hounded by reporters, Tedisco finally said he would have voted “no” on the stimulus bill, which Murphy supported. The damage was already done, however, and Murphy won in a squeaker. Murphy was defeated by Republican Rep. Chris Gibson in 2010, and Gibson is now trying to win re-election in a district that has been dramatically redrawn).
UPDATE: Brooks spokesman Noah Lebowitz said the county executive’s opponents are wrong when they say she has been ducking important issues, and he provided two lengthy statements from her on the Ryan budget and the war on women.
Both appear after the jump.
Skelos Nudged On Womens’ Issues
May 4th - 12:10 pm
Seven female Senate Democrats have signed a letter urging Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to back bills on pay equity, reproductive health and domestic abuse.
The letter is the start of a concerted effort the conference is making heading into an election year highlighting their support of womens’ causes, as Senate Democrats hope to draw some of the fire over the so-called “war on women” that has played out so far on the national stage.
The hope, in part, is to at least get Senate Republicans off message and discuss what the GOP base considers politically unsavory topics.
“Women are facing increasing pressure and continued assaults on their hard-won rights to equal treatment and reproductive healthcare,” the lawmakers write in the letter sent to the majority leader’s office this morning. “These attacks are part of a radical agenda that has no place in New York, yet your conference has acted in ways that suggest many of its members share these restrict and frightening views.”
Democrats earlier this year tried to push the conference on abortion rights after Republicans heavily edited a resolution recognizing womens health week.
In general, the minority conference have shuffled their agenda after losing the redistricting battle and pushed the Legislature and governor to address hydrofracking, campaign finance reform and increasing the state’s minimum wage.
Republicans hold a 32 to 29 majority, not counting the four member IDC, which conferences separately.
Women’s Issues Letter to Senator Skelos
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