I really don't wish to pile on the seemingly hapless Staten Island GOP too much today, but this SI Advance story is just too good to let go.
While the seat is considered the crown jewel of borough politics, top Republicans have been hesitant to get in the race. Two other top-tier candidates, District Attorney Daniel Donovan and County Clerk Stephen Fiala, took their names out of consideration last week.
The party's inability to lock in a high-profile candidate is not sitting well with some Republicans.
WAKE-UP CALL
"It's a wake-up call," said one. "We can't be one-personcentric. Because when that one person goes down, we all go down."
The borough GOP has been accused of becoming too reliant on Fossella in recent years at the expense of developing a strong enough bench.
"Talk about dysfunctional?" said another. "This is dysfunctional."
Ouch. Don't feel too bad for them though as it appears help is on the way:
Also being interviewed by the party were artist Scott LoBaido and community activist Dennis McKeon.
"Somebody has to take on this fight," Yost told the Advance.
Yost, a retired detective, pointed out that he'd raised $360,000 for the Vitaliano race, and said that he was confident he could raise the big bucks necessary to mount a congressional run.
LoBaido, known for his politically controversial paintings, said that he was inspired by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who also used a career in the arts as a springboard to public office.
You are going to have to be able raise the big bucks, Mr. Yost. You'll be on your own, mate. As for you, My LoBaido...um, yeah. Best of luck with that. |
