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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.
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.”
Here And Now, Evolution Edition
May 10th - 7:35 am
Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be in Westchester and NYC today. At 1:30 p.m., he will present his legislation to protection people with special needs and disabilities at Maura Hall, College of New Rochelle.
President Obama’s announcement that he supports gay marriage was both “risky” and “inevitable,” says Adam Nagourney. While some make LBJ comparisons, the president was in many ways “late to the party.”
Here’s the transcript of Obama’s interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts.
“(O)ne of the things that you see in a state like New York that ended up legalizing same-sex marriages, was I thought they did a good job in engaging the religious community. Making it absolutely clear that what we’re talking about are civil marriages and civil laws.”
“…I asked myself right after that New York vote took place, if I had been a state senator, which I was for a time, how would I have voted? And I had to admit to myself, ‘You know what? I think that I would have voted yes.’”
Obama made his decision prior to his trip to Albany Tuesday.
…yet Cuomo continues to insist the two did not discuss the issue during the president’s brief visit here.
Cuomo called Obama’s decision a “major advancement.”
Aides now insist the president intended since early this year to make his position known before his re-election nomination in September.
They initially thought the moment would come during an appearance on “The View” next Monday, but VP Joe Biden changed that.
The WSJ is pleased Obama “spared the public the ruse of waiting until after the election to state the inevitable” and doubts this issue alone will decide his political fate.
Romney’s former staffer who says he resigned under pressure because he’s gay, believes Obama is on the “right side of history.”
Speaking on CBS This Morning, Rudy Giuliani said Republicans should “stay the hell out of this issue.” The former mayor supports domestic partnerships, and thinks Obama’s decision was “political.”
Extras
May 9th - 5:00 pm
The White House canceled today’s daily briefing by press secretary Jay Carney – a sign that the president’s advisers wanted his comments in the ABC News interview to be the only public ones from the administration on this issue today.
Here’s a timeline of President Obama’s evolution on gay marriage.
First Lady Michelle Obama played a role in changing her husband’s mind.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand predicted this would happen.
Richard Socarides on why Obama couldn’t wait. He argues the president’s “evolutionary days were numbered” from the moment Gov. Andrew Cuomo decided to take on gay marriage as a new governor – and won.
Obama heads to LA Thursday for a mega-fund-raiser hosted by George Clooney that will be attended by national marriage equality supporters – including director Rob Reiner, a board member of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which organized the federal lawsuit against California’s Proposition 8.
Two prominent gay Republican groups blasted Obama for announcing his support of gay marriage today, criticizing him for the news’ proximity to the passing of a gay marriage ban in North Carolina.
Mitt Romney reiterated his opposition to gay marriage AND civil unions after initially ducking questions during a campaign stop.
NOM pledged pro-marriage Americans will defeat Obama in November as payback for his decision to “abandon” traditional marriage.
Attorney Jason Otaño, who works in Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s office, is laying the groundwork for a primary to Sen. Martin Dilan.
The US Chamber of Commerce and state Business Council are teaming up to run ads in key New York House races.
Cuomo spokesman David Doyle is reportedly taking Morgan Hooks old job as spokeswman for SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.
Sen. Adriano Espaillat says Mitt Romney twisted himself into a “xenophobic pretzel” during the GOP primary.
Federal Judge Frederic Block issued an “Allen Charge” – a set of instructions telling the Pedro Espada trial jury to give deliberations “one last chance” to reach a unanimous verdict.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced changes to New York’s College Savings Plan.
DiNapoli is boosting the pension fund’s investment in start-ups.
The Joint Landowners Coalition of New York presented its “Declaration of Rights” today for property owners who wish to drill on their land.
The SD-27 recount will resume Monday.
NYCLU issued a new stop-and-frisk report on the NYPD.
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.
Here And Now
May 9th - 6:48 am
Now that the excitement of President Obama’s visit has subsided, it’s back to business in Albany.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is still in town. He’s holding a cabinet meeting at 11 a.m. in the Capitol’s Red Room.
“Cuomo-in-chief” (for now, it was just for one day).
Tom Precious says the president’s brief Albany trip “served as a stark reminder that the rest of upstate, which is not on Obama’s economic development tour, has a long way to go.
A Mitt Romney spokesperson slammed the 5 point congressional to-do list Obama unveiled in Albany, saying: “No amount of ‘to-do’ lists can hide the fact that the President’s policies have failed to make life better for the millions of Americans who are struggling in the Obama economy.”
“Who would have thought Albany would become a metaphor for political cooperation?”
The president’s trip allowed him to bask in the glow of a popular governor, whose approval rating in his home state is even higher than Obama’s.
After Obama’s third trip to the Capital Region, Rochester would like its first presidential visit.
Obama was “disappointed” by the success of North Carolina’s gay marriage ban vote.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell thinks Obama should “man up” and reveal his personal position on gay marriage.
Michael Goodwin agrees, but he’s not holding his breath.
Wayne Barrett won’t be covering Cuomo now that his wife is going to be working for the governor.
Veteran Indiana Sen. Dick Lugar lost a GOP primary to Tea Party backed Richard E. Mourdock, the state treasurer.
Extras
May 8th - 5:29 pm
President Obama: “I want what’s happening in Albany to happen all across the country, places like Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Raleigh.”
“This guy.”
While in Albany, Obama unveiled a five-point Congressional “to-do list” for the remainder of this election year. He’s going to be taking this message on the road over the coming weeks.
Some AP photos of Cuomo with Obama today.
The Cuomo and Obama rode together in the presidential limo from Albany International Airport to NanoTech.
Obama abruptly cancelled a visit today to North Carolina, where a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and civil unions is on the ballot.
On Air Force One en route to Albany, Obama spokesman Jay Carney was pressed – again – about the president’s position on gay marriage.
There was speculation Cuomo, who won national acclaim for pushing same-sex marriage through the Legislature last year, might lobby Obama on the topic. But there was no indication that conversation occurred.
Mayor Bloomberg noted his former his former administration member, Shaun Donovan, who’s now at HUD, supported gay marriage a few months ago, but also said it’s up to Obama to “decide what he believes and what he wants to do.”
Gay rights advocates pushing for GENDA (transgender rights) at the Capitol had to compete with Obama for media attention.
Former Assembly Minority Leader/2006 GOP gubernatorial hopeful John Faso to Obama: “America has a math problem.”
Coca-Cola Refreshments, Pepsi-Cola Bottling of NY Inc. and Dr Pepper Snapple Group have formed the industry’s first city-based trade group to battle ongoing attacks against sugary soft drinks by NYC and state officials.
A judge ruled in David Storobin’s favor in the never-ending NY-27 race. Now all contested ballots must be counted.
RIP Maurice Sendak, who was a rather irreverent individual.
Fred Dicker says CNN contacted him to talk about Cuomo 2016, but according to a network spokesperson, the project has been shelved for now.
Absent any sign from NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, NYC’s GOP county chairs told Errol Louis they’re back to being bullish about John Catsimatidis’ potential mayoral run in 2013.
Hillary Clinton is “relieved” to have reached a stage of her life when she’s less concerned about her appearance.
Clinton: “(I)f want to wear my glasses, I’m wearing my glasses. If I want to pull my hair back, I’m pulling my hair back. At some point, it’s just not something that deserves a whole lot of time and attention. If others want to worry about it, I’ll let them do the worrying for a change.”
The DSCC reserved $14.1 million worth of air time in three key states – Missouri, Montana and Virginia. (Not New York).
Mr. Met was honored by the state Senate.
Sen. Chuck Schumer is endorsing Sen. Toby Stavisky
Obama’s Albany Blueprint (Updated)
May 8th - 3:25 pm
Here’s the full video of President Obama’s speech at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering this afternoon, during which the president praised the Capital Region tech sector and said: “I want what’s happening in Albany to happen all across the country.”
“This school and this community represent the future of our economy. Right now some of the most advanced manufacturing work in America is being done right here in upstate New York,” Obama said.
“Cutting edge businesses from all over the world are deciding to build here and hire here…We know the true engine of job creation in this country is the private sector, it’s not Washington. But there are steps we can take as a nation to make it easier for companies to grow and to hire.”
The president was on the ground in Albany for just over two hours. His speech clocked in at slightly over 21 minutes. Prior to the speech, he took a private tour of the facilities with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who also met Obama on the tarmac at Albany International Airport.
Obama praised Cuomo for the “extraordinary leadership he’s showing here in the great state of New York,” adding: “He is doing outstanding work.”
Other presidential shout-outs: Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings (“give the mayor a big round of applause; don’t be shy”), SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher (“we appreicate very much), Dr. Alain Kaloyeros (“I want to make sure I say that right, folks mess up my name all the time”), a couple members of Congress – Reps. Paul Tonko, Chris Gibson.
No mention of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, though Cuomo acknowledged him during his introduction of the president, or the various and sundry state and local lawmakers in the room (Sens. Roy McDonald and Neil Breslin, Assemblymen Ron Canestrari, Keith Wright, Denny Farrell, Earlene Hooper, Carl Heastie and Jack McEneny – to name a few).
UPDATE: The full text of the president’s speech appears after the jump.
Silver Claims Bragging Rights
May 8th - 12:27 pm
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver just issued a statement claiming the lion’s share of credit for the NanoTech complex being visited by President Obama today.
This is a continuation of a verbal tussle over who deserves the most credit for the center’s credit. Obviously, the speaker isn’t willing to let this one go.
Here’s his statement in full:
“What began 15 years ago with a proposal by Dr. Alain Kaloyeros and a $5 million commitment from the Assembly, the first commitment of state funds, has transformed the University at Albany into a global leader in nanotechnology education, job training, research, development and commercialization.”
“It established here, in upstate New York, the largest, most state-of-the-art, high-tech complex in the academic world; a complex that is attracting the biggest players in the semiconductor industry, the best and brightest talent, spinning off new ventures, and creating and retaining more than 3,000 jobs.”
“That President Obama chose the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) as the venue for his remarks on economic development attests to the enormous success of our vision and our efforts.”
“The innovative partnership at CNSE, which includes IBM, Intel, Tokyo Electron, Global Foundries and a host of other leading high-tech corporations, is a prime example of American ingenuity and American leadership.”
“Working with Governor Cuomo, we will continue to employ this highly successful university/industry partnership model to nurture high-tech economic development and job creation in Buffalo and Rochester, Syracuse and Utica, here in the Capital Region, and in every region of our Empire State.”
“I join with my colleagues in the Assembly to call upon the United States Congress to invest in America’s future and help us create more jobs for working families.”
Pressuring POTUS On Fracking
May 8th - 11:36 am
IOGA’s latest “postcard” in its pro-fracking campaign focuses on President Obama, coinciding with his visit to Albany today.
This card features a quote from Obama’s Jan. 24 State of the Union address, during which he pledged his administration would “take every possible action” to safely develop natural gas as an alternative resource to help end the country’s dependance on foreign oil.
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