| Hey TAPers- it's that time of year again. Last year, you chose Pedro Espada as the biggest Albany embarrassment. Thankfully, he lost his re-election bid and is now likely to serve several years in jail. So who you pick for this certaily can have consequences!
As usual, only pols in the state government are included, so that is why the likes of Lee Zeldin or Charlie Rangel aren't included. This year the nominees are:
Carl Paladino for being a racist, tea-party freakjob who brought political discourse in our state to new lows. The fact that he even captured the Republican nomination shows how far the NY GOP has devolved into the fringe. Luckily voters realized how dangerous he is and his 15 minutes of fame is now over.
David Paterson for intimidating a domestic violence victim from testifying against her alleged abuser, his aide DavidJohnson. Paterson also lied about accepting Yankees World Series tickets as an illegal campaign contribution and was fined over $60,000 for doing so. His actions in governing weren't much better. He also vetoed a Hydrofracking moratorium and pardoned a man, John White, who had been convicted of commiting a hate crime murder. All in all, I can't remember a politician so far in over his head in such a powerful position since W. Bush.
Rick Lazio for basing his entire campaign for governor on the hatred of Muslims. His pathetic demagoguery has no place in the 21 century, or the 20th for that matter. Bigots are losers and luckily, Lazio reaffirmed that.
John Sampson, Malcolm Smith, and the Senate Democratic Leadership for abusing the trust the voters put in the Senate Democrats in 2008. We thought we were getting change when we flipped the chamber in 08 but the Senate Leadership quickly revealed their true colors, being almost as corrupt and clueless as the Republicans that we got them to replace, and thus gave voters absolutely no incentive to keep them in power.
Dean Skelos and the Republican Leadership for stymying much of the good policy Senate Democrats tried to implement, chiefly marriage equality. Despite voting no on that, Skelos said he would bring it up for a vote if the GOP retook the chamber. He got his wish, but somehow I don't see the GOP-led Senate passing marriage equality next year.
Richard Brodsky for being the only AG candidate to oppose the Cordoba House. If his rhetoric was against any other religious or ethnic group in this country, he would have become a pariah.
Sheldon Silver, just for being Sheldon Silver.
Greg Ball for being the craziest person ever to hold elective office in this state and unfortunately getting elected to the Senate this year.
Ruben Diaz Sr for continuing to be a bigoted, homophobic stain on our party.
Carl Kruger for being a terrible, corrupt asshole who knocked his primary opponent off the ballot, thus ensuring that no accountability reaches him as usual.
Poll after the flip, and as usual, let me know if I'm forgetting anyone! |
