The latest news from Governor Paterson has got me scratching my head. According to Irene at the Capitol Confidential, he has new thinking about "who he will pick to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton. In a press conference, Gov. David Paterson said, 'I’m having new thinking about who I’m intending to appoint, and am having a few follow-up conversations with some of those people who’ve put themselves forward.' When asked whether he regrets having taken so long to make the decision, Paterson replied, 'No. I feel that in situations like this, there are always intervening events that can change them.'
What are the new events? If it is poll results than he is looking away from Kennedy and he is being pushed from NOW and other women's groups to go with a women. Carolyn Maloney was in Albany today pushing her own candidacy, according to the Daily News. Is he aiming toward Maloney now?
The Governor either has a really good poker face or he has no cards he likes so he keeps drawing new cards until he has one he can play. Which is it? I'm thinking he doesn't like his hand. The question is: is he going for a royal flush, a straight or high pair. Whatever it is, he's playing a high stakes game, and he doesn't like the cards he's holding.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Field Narrows as Race Comes Down to the Wire
With eleven days before the inauguration of President-Elect Obama and the transition of Senator Clinton to her appointed post of Secretary of State, a couple of new developments appear to be narrowing the field of replacements, and Nassau County Exec Tom Suozzi may be one among those still in the field, and since he continues to be fighting for property taxpayers he should be.
First. Governor Paterson yesterday suggested publicly that Caroline Kennedy is not qualified. He said that her lack of legislative experience hurts her in comparison to her office-holding rivals.
The TU put Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand’s chances on the front page of their paper this morning, but also admits that her relationship with Speaker Pelosi could hurt her chances. She is ambitious...and has a new website: www.selectgillibrand.com.
Others still appearing to be in contention—Reps. Steve Israel (long island) and Caroline Maloney (long island), Suozzi (long island).
While all the jockeying is going, Mr. Suozzi is again making inroads with his efforts on behalf of New York’s property taxpayers. He was in the Daily News last week pushing his idea for a federal takeover of Medicaid, a move that would take local government and local property taxpayers out of paying for the gigantic government-run health care program, see Want a fast stimulus? Have feds pick up Medicaid tab.
Another move that demonstrates Suozzi’s leadership on behalf of taxpayers? The Federal Stimulus package being drafted in congress right now targets more federal Medicaid funding directly to counties, including Nassau, Suffolk and every other county in NYS.
The field is narrowing and as we move closer to January 20th, will narrow even further. It’s time for Governor Paterson to put in place the best qualified leader and most able campaigner to be the next Senator from New York.
First. Governor Paterson yesterday suggested publicly that Caroline Kennedy is not qualified. He said that her lack of legislative experience hurts her in comparison to her office-holding rivals.
The TU put Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand’s chances on the front page of their paper this morning, but also admits that her relationship with Speaker Pelosi could hurt her chances. She is ambitious...and has a new website: www.selectgillibrand.com.
Others still appearing to be in contention—Reps. Steve Israel (long island) and Caroline Maloney (long island), Suozzi (long island).
While all the jockeying is going, Mr. Suozzi is again making inroads with his efforts on behalf of New York’s property taxpayers. He was in the Daily News last week pushing his idea for a federal takeover of Medicaid, a move that would take local government and local property taxpayers out of paying for the gigantic government-run health care program, see Want a fast stimulus? Have feds pick up Medicaid tab.
Another move that demonstrates Suozzi’s leadership on behalf of taxpayers? The Federal Stimulus package being drafted in congress right now targets more federal Medicaid funding directly to counties, including Nassau, Suffolk and every other county in NYS.
The field is narrowing and as we move closer to January 20th, will narrow even further. It’s time for Governor Paterson to put in place the best qualified leader and most able campaigner to be the next Senator from New York.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Kennedy shortcircuited by her un-campaign?
Caroline Kennedy’s Un-Campaign May Be Working Against Her
Will the blowback from Caroline’s uncampaign help Paterson not pick her? The answer should be yes, and let’s all (and by all I mean Governor Paterson) and pick a viable, suitable, experienced and up-for-the-job candidate to be the next U.S. Senator from New York. Oh yeah, and she’s not planning to attend the Governor’s State of the State address on Wednesday. Will she fill out the 28 page financial disclosure form that Governor Paterson sent to potential Hilary replacements?
An editorial in yesterday’s Times Union put it nicely:
“Just because she's quite sure she's the best candidate to succeed Mrs. Clinton — "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I would be the best," she said in one of her clearer statements to the Times — doesn't make it a majority sentiment.
Those waiting for Governor Paterson to cast the one and only vote in this high-profile election would be forgiven for finding Ms. Kennedy's case for herself to be short on specifics.
Her problem, in essence, is the "why" question. She hasn't come close to answering it.”
Today Maurice Hinchey’s name was floated. Ok, now we are talking about more qualified candidates. At least he's run for elections...and won...several times.
Back to the Sate of the State…I wonder if there will be a hint coming from the Governor in his speech. If he’s leaning one way or another you’d think he’d start elevating (leaking trial balloons). His choice is going to seriously hurt or help the beginning of his 2010 run for Governor. Who does he need most over the next two years and how can one of these individuals help him. He needs voters, money and diversity, in that order. More on this later.
Will the blowback from Caroline’s uncampaign help Paterson not pick her? The answer should be yes, and let’s all (and by all I mean Governor Paterson) and pick a viable, suitable, experienced and up-for-the-job candidate to be the next U.S. Senator from New York. Oh yeah, and she’s not planning to attend the Governor’s State of the State address on Wednesday. Will she fill out the 28 page financial disclosure form that Governor Paterson sent to potential Hilary replacements?
An editorial in yesterday’s Times Union put it nicely:
“Just because she's quite sure she's the best candidate to succeed Mrs. Clinton — "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I would be the best," she said in one of her clearer statements to the Times — doesn't make it a majority sentiment.
Those waiting for Governor Paterson to cast the one and only vote in this high-profile election would be forgiven for finding Ms. Kennedy's case for herself to be short on specifics.
Her problem, in essence, is the "why" question. She hasn't come close to answering it.”
Today Maurice Hinchey’s name was floated. Ok, now we are talking about more qualified candidates. At least he's run for elections...and won...several times.
Back to the Sate of the State…I wonder if there will be a hint coming from the Governor in his speech. If he’s leaning one way or another you’d think he’d start elevating (leaking trial balloons). His choice is going to seriously hurt or help the beginning of his 2010 run for Governor. Who does he need most over the next two years and how can one of these individuals help him. He needs voters, money and diversity, in that order. More on this later.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year, countdown hits 20 days and counting
Happy New Year.
There are 20 + days to go now until Senator Hillary Clinton becomes the Secretary of State and Governor David Paterson appoints her replacement to the U.S. Senate from New York.
It has been over a month since my last post and what a bizarre time it has turned into on many fronts. The most bizarre of which has been the entry of Caroline Kennedy into the mix. She has inserted herself into a mix that she doesn’t belong in. There is no shortage of highly qualified candidates out there to fill this post. Any of those mentioned before on this blog and in many news reports—from congressional representative Brian Higgins, Nydia Valesquez, Nito Lowey, Kirsten Gillibrand, Steve Israel; to AG Cuomo and of course Tom Suozzi. All of these potential replacements are elected officials who have campaigned, have been vetted by the media and New York voters and have governed.
Granted, the Kennedy name is attractive and the access to fundraising cash is attractive. But we could do a lot better for Upstate New York and for all of New York, to pick a more qualified person who understands the plight of New Yorkers who have been waiting for 20 years for a turn around that would help to put the state back in the right direction. Picking Caroline Kennedy would do nothing to put NYS back in the right direction.
Picking a two year place holder like Mario Cuomo or Bill Clinton or Carl McCall or someone else for a two year stint until voters can pick in a primary would be a lot better for New York and New Yorkers than to anoint a Senator with little or no experience with the issues that matter most to most New Yorkers.
Please, Mr. Governor, don’t pick Caroline Kennedy.
There are 20 + days to go now until Senator Hillary Clinton becomes the Secretary of State and Governor David Paterson appoints her replacement to the U.S. Senate from New York.
It has been over a month since my last post and what a bizarre time it has turned into on many fronts. The most bizarre of which has been the entry of Caroline Kennedy into the mix. She has inserted herself into a mix that she doesn’t belong in. There is no shortage of highly qualified candidates out there to fill this post. Any of those mentioned before on this blog and in many news reports—from congressional representative Brian Higgins, Nydia Valesquez, Nito Lowey, Kirsten Gillibrand, Steve Israel; to AG Cuomo and of course Tom Suozzi. All of these potential replacements are elected officials who have campaigned, have been vetted by the media and New York voters and have governed.
Granted, the Kennedy name is attractive and the access to fundraising cash is attractive. But we could do a lot better for Upstate New York and for all of New York, to pick a more qualified person who understands the plight of New Yorkers who have been waiting for 20 years for a turn around that would help to put the state back in the right direction. Picking Caroline Kennedy would do nothing to put NYS back in the right direction.
Picking a two year place holder like Mario Cuomo or Bill Clinton or Carl McCall or someone else for a two year stint until voters can pick in a primary would be a lot better for New York and New Yorkers than to anoint a Senator with little or no experience with the issues that matter most to most New Yorkers.
Please, Mr. Governor, don’t pick Caroline Kennedy.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Suozzi Commission Calls for Property Tax Cap
Meanwhile, while he doesn’t appear to be openly campaigning, Tom Suozzi spent yesterday in Albany addressing one of the top issues, if not the top issue, facing Upstate New Yorkers—property taxes. The Nassau County Executive, who has served as Chair of the Governors Commission on Property Tax Relief, presented Governor Paterson with the commission’s recommendations.
“The report contains 32 recommendations, including a property tax cap and several additional proposals designed to rein in school districts’ costs, therefore addressing the root causes of high property taxes. Included in those recommendations are consolidation measures, mandate relief, mayoral control of school districts in the “Big Four” cities, and a STAR “circuit breaker," according to the Gov's release.
Mr. Suozzi has successfully brought the issue of property taxes to the forefront of the public debate in this state…the main reason for the creation of this blog…if he can bring a resolution to the issue—if he can bring about a cap or somehow lead legislators to address property taxes—than he will be adopted by our Upstate communities that have been screaming about property taxes since before George Pataki came into office. Yes…I go back that far…and I was part of the call for change. Unfortunately it never came and we continue to look to Albany and Washington for help. Suozzi has been looking to fix Albany and a presence in Washington will give him the platform he needs to get us the help we need.
Bring on the property tax cap and then send Mr. Suozzi to Washington. We need a Senator who will carry our cause to the Capitol.
“The report contains 32 recommendations, including a property tax cap and several additional proposals designed to rein in school districts’ costs, therefore addressing the root causes of high property taxes. Included in those recommendations are consolidation measures, mandate relief, mayoral control of school districts in the “Big Four” cities, and a STAR “circuit breaker," according to the Gov's release.
Mr. Suozzi has successfully brought the issue of property taxes to the forefront of the public debate in this state…the main reason for the creation of this blog…if he can bring a resolution to the issue—if he can bring about a cap or somehow lead legislators to address property taxes—than he will be adopted by our Upstate communities that have been screaming about property taxes since before George Pataki came into office. Yes…I go back that far…and I was part of the call for change. Unfortunately it never came and we continue to look to Albany and Washington for help. Suozzi has been looking to fix Albany and a presence in Washington will give him the platform he needs to get us the help we need.
Bring on the property tax cap and then send Mr. Suozzi to Washington. We need a Senator who will carry our cause to the Capitol.
Clinton Nomination Clears Way for Rampant Speculation
With President-Elect Barack Obama’s nomination of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State now formally announced, we can expect the speculation of who will replace her in the Senate to increase.
Here are some names I’ve seen and heard in the last 36 hours: Bill Clinton…yes, that’s right...Bill Clinton; Carolyn Kennedy; and Robert Kennedy Jr. Friends of Robert Kennedy have launched a group on facebook.
Nita Lowey says she doesn’t want it. Steve Israel does….as does Carolyn Maloney. Kirsten Gillibrand did not respond either way when asked. Nydia Valezquez is in the mix, as is Gregory Meeks. Brian Higgins, from Western New York is as well. Tom Suozzi and Andrew Cuomo are often mentioned together. Who did I miss?
A day after the nomination and speculation is running high. The question is will we have to wait another 49 days to know?
Here are some names I’ve seen and heard in the last 36 hours: Bill Clinton…yes, that’s right...Bill Clinton; Carolyn Kennedy; and Robert Kennedy Jr. Friends of Robert Kennedy have launched a group on facebook.
Nita Lowey says she doesn’t want it. Steve Israel does….as does Carolyn Maloney. Kirsten Gillibrand did not respond either way when asked. Nydia Valezquez is in the mix, as is Gregory Meeks. Brian Higgins, from Western New York is as well. Tom Suozzi and Andrew Cuomo are often mentioned together. Who did I miss?
A day after the nomination and speculation is running high. The question is will we have to wait another 49 days to know?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Statement from Governor Paterson on Clinton's Appointment
“Since the founding of our nation, New York has often sent our best leaders to Washington where they confronted the great challenges of their day. We are proud that Senator Clinton will join that venerable tradition as Secretary of State. She is the leader we need to partner with President-Elect Obama to confront the international challenges we face today. I can think of no one more qualified for the position at this critical moment in our history.
“New York will lose a powerful voice in the Senate. But the nation will gain a powerful voice in the world. Senator Clinton's wisdom and record of leadership will make her a strong advocate for the cause of liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. Her courage and experience will give our nation a tested warrior in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank Senator Clinton for her service to this State. I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new capacity.
“In order to appoint the best possible candidate to replace Senator Clinton, I am consulting with a wide variety of individuals from all across New York State. I expect to announce Senator Clinton’s replacement when the position becomes officially vacant.”
The clock is now ticking...the Inauguration is on January 20, 2009...50 days.
“New York will lose a powerful voice in the Senate. But the nation will gain a powerful voice in the world. Senator Clinton's wisdom and record of leadership will make her a strong advocate for the cause of liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. Her courage and experience will give our nation a tested warrior in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank Senator Clinton for her service to this State. I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new capacity.
“In order to appoint the best possible candidate to replace Senator Clinton, I am consulting with a wide variety of individuals from all across New York State. I expect to announce Senator Clinton’s replacement when the position becomes officially vacant.”
The clock is now ticking...the Inauguration is on January 20, 2009...50 days.
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