Good news. Governor Paterson, who will be joining us later today at 4pm, has just announced his endorsement of Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley in SD-3. From an emailed release:
Governor Paterson Endorses Brian X. Foley for State Senate
Patchogue, NY - Governor Paterson, who has been a leading proponent of proactive leadership and fiscal responsibility during these uncertain times, endorsed Brian X. Foley for State Senate in his race against 36-year incumbent Caesar Trunzo. The endorsement is a clear message that drastic change and fiscal responsibility is urgently needed in the State Senate.
"I am proud to be supporting Brian X. Foley for Senate because he shares my values for New York State's future," Governor Paterson said. "In these uncertain times, we need Brian's strong leadership to confront issues like rising property taxes, out of control energy costs, and spiking healthcare premiums. I look forward to working with him to bring the same integrity and common sense approach to Albany that he used to turn around Brookhaven and deliver millions of dollars in tax relief to its residents."
Foley thanked Governor Paterson. "I am deeply honored to receive Governor Paterson's endorsement. The time has come to set aside the broken policies of the past and bring in new leadership that answers to the people first, not corporations or Wall Street."
SD-3 challenger Brian X. Foley has released his second TV spot today and it pulls no punches. The ad goes right after Caesar Trunzo (R-FL) and his decades long enabling of the Wizards of Wall St that have driven our economy off a cliff. It is titled "Bull" and it is very, very good.
While Brian Foley appears in his own ads, Foley's Republican opponent Sen. Caesar Trunzo is apparently employing a strategy of staying out of his.
You might remember Trunzo's ad from last month, which is very similar to the one he has unveiled today. The ad in August featured nothing but Trunzo supporters talking about how great Sen. Trunzo was and what he supposedly has done or will do for the community. The new ad is much of the same.
If I were a voter in the 3rd Senate District, I would have to really consider my options here. You have a more youthful candidate who is qualified and ready to lead going up against a candidate who is 82 years old and can't even appear in his own TV ads.
I don't know how Caesar Trunzo could even be called a viable option. If he can't even be shown on camera in his own TV ads, what makes you think he can lead?
SD-3 Democratic challenger Brian Foley is out with his first ad, and directly takes on out-of-touch octogenarian incumbent Caesar Trunzo's message that 'you don't fix what's not broken'.
The ad unintentionally highlights one of the central dynamics of this entire election: people are sick and tired of things as they are. Locally, it's property taxes; at the state level, an un-democratic, dysfunctional legislature coupled with a culture of secrecy and legalized bribery of legislators, special-interest groups, and citizens themselves, all while the budget tanks and nobody has a clue what to do about any of this; nationally, with a war we didn't need to fight, with a financial sector in meltdown, with job losses that will top a million before Christmas and, of course, with millions of Americans losing their homes. Trunzo's decision to call for continuity - other republicans, notably New York Senate republicans, are trying to make the same argument - flies in the face of everything that we know about public opinion in this cycle.
The Senate republicans have made a number of bad choices this cycle, recruiting a weak field of candidates and spending millions of dollars to go on offense without moving the needle much, if at all, in their targeted races. Trunzo's stay-the-course messaging - and similar efforts by other members of his conference - may prove to be a similar mistake.
SD-3 Challenger Brian X. Foley has launched his first TV spot of the cycle and it's a good one. It's an introductory ad and its tone is mostly positive overall. It also makes a change argument by contrasting the past with the promise of the future. From an emailed release:
The Foley for Senate campaign launched its first TV ad today, a day after a public poll by the Siena Research Institute showed that Brian X. Foley and 36 year incumbent Caesar Trunzo are in a statistical dead heat going into the final 5 weeks of the campaign.
"After 36 years of skyrocketing property taxes, the failed economic policies of the Albany status quo, and a relentless negative campaign that included three commercials and countless glossy mailings, the Trunzo campaign has failed to convince voters that he deserves another two years in Albany," stated Ibrahim Khan, Communications Director for the Foley campaign. "Now voters will hear our message of integrity, proven results, and change for a brighter future."
The ad portrays voters at a voting booth. The narrator starts speaking as voters close the curtains and step into the booth:
"It's pretty simple. This year when you enter the voting booth, you can vote for the way things have been for 36 years, or vote for the way things can be. Brian Foley will fight for lower property taxes and clean government. As Brookhaven Town Supervisor, he eliminated a $15 million debt, saving taxpayers millions and banned second-hand smoke to protect our kids. Now, it's up to you. You can vote for the past or you can vote for your future. Choose wisely. Brian Foley for Senate."
The 30-second ad points out a stark contrast between Trunzo and Foley. Trunzo, a poster child for special interests and member of the Albany status quo for almost four decades, represents the past. Foley, who used innovative approaches to turn around Brookhaven by cutting taxes and helping move working families forward, is the future.
The commercial will play on cable stations starting Friday across Islip and Brookhaven and has been described as a "robust" buy by Communications Director Ibrahim Khan.
"With the Siena Poll showing Trunzo and Foley neck and neck and the massive support of organized labor for Foley this week, we clearly see momentum swinging towards our campaign for change," said Khan. "This commercial launch ends a great week for Brian Foley, middle-class families, and seniors looking towards the future and turning the page on 36 years of failed policies."
I think it's a pretty strong first effort. Check it out:
This is a really good sign. SD-3 challenger, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley, has picked up the backing of 7 unions in his bid to unseat perpetual incumbent Caesar Trunzo (R-FL). From an emailed release:
Strength in Numbers:
Seven Unions Throw Their Weight Behind Foley
Leaders of seven labor unions announced their support for State Senate candidate Brian X. Foley today. CWA District 1, CWA Local 1108, UFCW Local 1500, RWDSU, UAW Region 9A, SEIU 32BJ, and New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council each endorsed Foley.
In a District where the Republican machine has courted organized labor for generations, these seven endorsements are a dramatic illustration of Foley's momentum across Islip and Brookhaven. Foley's opponent, 36-year incumbent Caesar Trunzo, has been a fixture of the Albany status-quo for the better part of four decades.
"Brian X. Foley has always put the needs of working men and women first," said Peter Ward, President of the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council. "He knows that a strong community needs quality jobs that pay workers a living wage and provides respect and dignity. Foley is a leader we can truly believe in: he promises job growth, and he delivers. Foley will provide the leadership we need in Albany to ensure that economic development programs designed to spur job growth, actually create good jobs for our community. We enthusiastically endorse Brian X. Foley."
"I am honored to have the support of hard-working men and women who make up the bedrock of our economy," said Foley. "Together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Long Island and take our communities into a brighter future."
The seven endorsements signal the unions' confidence that Foley will be a force for change in the State Capital. "The endorsements underscore union confidence in Foley's commitment to change in Albany," said Shirley Aldebol, Local 32BJ's Long Island District Leader and member of the Long Island Federation of Labor. "Corporate interests should not be allowed to trump the interests of working people."
"Many politicians talk about creating jobs, but few can point to real accomplishments like Brian can," said Bob Morrow, Executive Vice President of CWA Local 1108. "In the past 6 months alone, he created hundreds of union jobs in Brookhaven. His Veteran Jobs and Education Fair drew hundreds of veterans from across Long Island. Working families can be confident that when he's in office, Brian X. Foley will put their interests on the top of his agenda."
President Bruce W. Both of UFCW Local 1500 added, "As Town Supervisor, Brian Foley has always supported UFCW local 1500 and the UFCW/RWDSU International Union in their campaign to hold Wal-Mart accountable for its irresponsible business practices that hurt workers and taxpayers. He has also been a proponent of smart, responsible development that is not done purely for benefit of developers, but considers the needs of the community as well. As a Senator, Brian Foley will put the needs of Main Street first, not the greed of Wall Street."
I can tell you that after spending some time out on Long Island with the campaign last week and another announcement like this one, it really feels as if Foley is definitely building some momentum here.
The Siena poll out later today may be able to give us a somewhat better picture as to where this race is at the moment, maybe not. I mean, this was the same outfit that told us a couple of weeks ago that McCain was trailing Obama by a mere 5 points in New York, which is, to be frank, absurd.
But I really like what I see in this race. Foley is a great candidate, he's got a great staff and now we are seeing some institutional muscle get behind the campaign.
Here again in the 3rd SD today with Foley campaign. They are having their big kickoff celebration today with their biggest canvass to date. I arrived to find the candidate speaking to a an overflow crowd here at the campaign office. These folks, I'd say around 100 or so, are now about to hit the streets with Foley and knock on doors all over the district.
It's a simply stunningly beautiful day here in Suffolk County, perfect weather for picking up a walk list and pounding some pavement for change.
If you are in or near the district, you should definitely come on by. Word is that there will be a BBQ for the all the volunteers later this afternoon.
Farmingville Office
757 Horseblock Rd.
Farmingville, NY 11738
Phone: 631.846.8503
I'm on the road today, or on the LIRR as the case may be, visiting the Foley campaign out in Ronkonkoma. The campaign office is buzzing with folks and the energy here is great. That said, check out what I saw as I stepped off the train:
Apparently they can't really bring Caesar Trunzo out in public or anything (and they seemingly think nobody will notice), but they can still buy ads on taxis. Can't say I've ever seen a candidate advertised on a cab before...
From Newsday's Capitol Gains there is this post from Howard DeMartini:
Howard DeMartini: Trunzo should debate
State Senator Caesar Trunzo should debate Brian Foley, but don't hold your breath. Do you really think he wants to go head to head with a more articulate opponent? Do you really think he wants you to see an 82-year old incumbent debating a much younger opponent in a year when voters are crying out for change? Trunzo will stick to his tried and true game plan, which is greeting voters at shopping centers, handing out potholders and pounding the airwaves with commercials extolling his virtues while beating up on his opponent's record. Unfortunately for Trunzo, there is no Republican army to help him anymore. He's driven the Islip GOP into the ground. Nobody is there to help him. That is his major problem. Whether it is insurmountable, or not, is still in question. A lot will depend on how Foley runs his campaign.
It was three weeks ago today that Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley challenged Senator Caesar Trunzo (R-FL) to a series of five debates. It's been at least that long since anyone has seen or heard anything from him. The Foley campaign just sent this release:
3 Weeks & Counting: Trunzo Still Ducking Debate
Highlights
- Brian X. Foley challenges Caesar Trunzo to debate in SD3 election
- Trunzo refuses to answer whether or not he will debate issues affecting SD3 voters
- Constituents frustrated with Trunzo's absence in district
Farmingville, NY - Three weeks ago State Senate candidate Brian X. Foley challenged 36-year incumbent Sen. Caesar Trunzo to a series of debates focusing on issues affecting voters in the 3rd Senate District. Twenty-one days later, Trunzo's constituents are still waiting for him get out of hiding and answer questions about his role as part of the Albany Republican establishment.
While Trunzo has been dodging a real debate with his opponent, he has focused instead on misleading television ads and glossy campaign pamphlets.
"In a recent TV ad, Caesar Trunzo says that 'you don't fix what's not broken;' but I have been going door to door talking to voters, and they know Albany is broken," said Foley. "I'm asking Senator Trunzo for an answer. Will you debate me? If not, why not?"
Constituents are frustrated that, after 36 years, Trunzo refuses to offer solutions to their problems. Over the last 10 years, Trunzo has presided over a 64% increase in property taxes in Suffolk County. Voters in the Third District are ready to hold their State Senate representative accountable. "Elected officials aren't supposed to hide from the very people that they claim to represent," said Bob Kaufer, a resident of Bayport. "I'm about ready to start a search party for him."
"Senator Trunzo has ads up around town claiming that he will 'work to keep our taxes low,'" says Maryann Morton, an East Patchogue resident. "Who is he kidding? My taxes haven't been low since Caesar Trunzo came into office 36 years ago! The Senator owes it to voters like me to debate with Foley. He can't just patronize us by putting up flashy ads and hoping we won't lift the curtain."
Foley will continue to call upon his opponent to debate with him in the public square. "It's time to end the status quo of partisan gridlock in Albany. Voters want a more responsive government," said Brian X. Foley. "Senator Trunzo has time for pre-packaged, scripted ads, but I want to know whether he has time to defend his record before the hard-working people of Islip and Brookhaven."
The schedule of the debates is as follows:
Patchogue: Education, Wednesday, September 24th 6-8pm
West Sayville: Property Tax Reform, October 8th 6-8pm
Holbrook: Healthcare, October 15th 6-8pm
Mastic Beach: Environment, October 22th 6-8pm
Central Islip: Economic Development, October 30th 6-8pm
I really don't think these debates will ever happen. Trunzo's handlers know that he just can't do it. There's a reason no one has seen him for weeks now.
1. He's at home in Florida where he actually lives.
2. He' simply not able to campaign for himself, let alone debate anyone about anything in public any longer.
As Caesar Trunzo continues to hide, Brian X. Foley is out engaging voters and talking issues. Today he was talking about his plans for property tax relief in Ronkonkoma.
Ronkonkoma, NY - State Senate candidate Brian X. Foley stood with supporters on the lawn of a middle-class family in Ronkonkoma, New York today, with two checks symbolizing the thousands of dollars working families in Islip and Brookhaven would be saving with a property tax cap and circuit breaker.
"Brookhaven and Islip residents are struggling with property taxes that are crippling their finances. Working families can't pay their medical bills, are getting crushed by high gas costs, and in too many cases, can't afford to send their children to college. It's time state government started working for the people. Let's start saving voters big bucks today," stated Brian X. Foley. "We need real relief, right now."
Supervisor Foley supports a plan, called a circuit breaker, which provides immediate tax relief and puts money into the pockets of working families making under $250,000/year, with a tax refund of 70% of what they pay over a percentage of their income.
"My opponent Caesar Trunzo has had 36 years to help lower property taxes and he's simply been unable to get the job done - instead, he's made the problem worse by raising our property taxes with unfunded mandates. Now that he is facing a tough race, he thinks that limiting the growth of our taxes to 4% without any actual relief is enough. It's not. My plan offers real relief, right now: big savings for seniors and working families," stated Foley.
Regina Corby Graham, a Mastic resident whose property taxes have doubled in the past decade, has a household income of $44,200/year and pays $6,400 annually in property taxes. Under the circuit breaker, she would receive a rebate of $2,624. "Since Caesar Trunzo came into office, property taxes have increased 384%," Corby Graham says. "It's outrageous that property taxes have risen so much. We need someone in Albany who will represent the interests of working people, and retirees like myself."
Young families, seniors, and those living on a fixed income, will also benefit from the circuit breaker plan. A senior living on a $70,000 fixed income with a total property tax bill of $8,000 would be entitled to a $2,660 rebate. This legislation does not affect the Enhanced Senior STAR program, nor the basic STAR exemption.
"Caesar Trunzo's plan is classic Albany double-speak," explained Beccah Watson, a spokesperson for the Foley for Senate campaign. "Instead of cutting property taxes and providing real relief, it raises taxes by 4% per year, with no actual money going back to overburdened taxpayers."
Brian Foley supports the "Tax Relief Triple Play" (S.8733), proposed by Senators Jeff Klein and Craig Johnson. The legislation is a three-pronged reform of New York's broken property tax system that controls spending with a sensible cap on property taxes, eases unfunded mandates on local schools and governments, and provides real relief to taxpayers through a circuit breaker tax rebate that is tied to income.
Feel some compassion, if not for Caesar Trunzo, then at least for his campaign manager. It can't be pleasant running easily the most high-profile Senate campaign in the state with a candidate whom you can't allow to be seen in public.
At least, that's the clear deduction from the fact that Brian Foley, the Democratic candidate for that seat, challenged Trunzo to five debates on August 27th, and has yet to hear even a response. Is Trunzo so decrepit and out of touch that his campaign is trying to hide him from voters looking for signs of life in their Senator?
Or maybe they're afraid that Trunzo will say things that cast a cloud over his ability to serve. Apparently, in an endorsement interview some time ago, the Senator spoke of looking forward to working with Majority Leader Bruno; some weeks after the latter had retired, roiling his caucus in a vicious and high-profile fight over the succession. Kind of hard to miss that, unless you're more focused on Florida shuffleboard, or just can't focus, period.
Where on Earth is Caesar Trunzo? Will they roll him out at all before November? Do they really think they can keep him hidden forever?
(Get used to this. Trunzo simply can not campaign for himself. Period. The local GOP flacks, who seem to be rather bitterly divided, are going to have to campaign for him. Should be interesting to watch. - promoted by phillip anderson)
I am updating for the TAP community the most recent events of SD3. Brian Foley is up and running with a beautiful new website! Please visit it at Foley for Senate.
This past Wednesday night, 34 year incumbent Caesar Trunzo (R-FL) was a no show for a meeting of the Montauk Merchants Association in Mastic. Congressman Tim Bishop and his opponent were there as was State Senator Ken Lavalle (R-Brookhaven) who is unchallenged in his re-election. This is known to be a very Republican leaning audience of small business owners in the Shirley/Mastic area. Here is an accounting from Kirk Cronk of the Foley campaign of the event.
I'm sure you remember that last week Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley challenged Caesar Trunzo (R-FL) to a series of five debates. So far, the Trunzo camp has not responded. I'm not holding my breath either. From the Foley campaign:
Trunzo Dismisses Town Hall Debates
Supervisor Foley calls on Incumbent to Respond
Farmingville, NY - One week ago, Supervisor Brian Foley challenged 36-year incumbent Caesar Trunzo to a series of 5 Town Hall debates across Islip and Brookhaven. The challenge was hand-delivered to a Trunzo campaign staffer in the campaign's Patchogue office. Seven days later, Caesar Trunzo has not responded.
"In a recent TV ad, Caesar Trunzo says that 'you don't fix what's not broken,'" said Supervisor Foley. "But I have been walking the District and talking to voters, and they have told me a far different story. The Senator and I owe it to the community to debate whether we should take a new approach to problems such as property taxes, health care and education, or whether the status quo is working-as Senator Trunzo believes."
Supervisor Foley proposed 5 town hall debates in Patchogue, West Sayville, Holbrook, Mastic Beach, and Central Islip:
Patchogue: Education, Wednesday, September 24th 6-8pm
West Sayville: Property Tax Reform, October 8th 6-8pm
Holbrook: Healthcare, October 15th 6-8pm
Mastic Beach: Environment, October 22th 6-8pm
Central Islip: Economic Development, October 29th 6-8pm
"Senator Trunzo has served in the New York State Senate for 36 years, and he has been reluctant to debate his opponents in the past," Foley said. "But I have always felt the community deserves a real discussion of the issues, beyond 30-second ads. I call on Senator Trunzo to stop giving 'no comment' to the press and hiding behind spokespeople. He needs to say in his own words whether he will debate the issues with me. And if he won't, he owes the voters an explanation as to why he can't stand before them and answer their questions."
So, no word from Trunzo's handlers. And there won't be any either. They simply can not let Caesar Trunzo (R-FL) debate anyone. As I said last week, they can't even put Caesar in his own TV ads.
SD-3 challenger Brian X. Foley is challenging incumbent Caesar Trunzo (R-FL) to a series of five town hall debates. This is a challenge that I'm pretty damn certain will not be accepted. I'd be surprised if there was a single debate, let alone five of them. The fact is, I don't know anyone who believes that Trunzo is any shape to do any such thing. I mean, they can't even put Caesar in his own TV commercials. They aren't about to put him out there for a debate. Via email:
Brian X. Foley Challenges Caesar Trunzo To Five Town Hall Debates
Supervisor Brian Foley challenged 36-year incumbent Senator Caesar Trunzo to a series of 5 Town Hall debates across Islip and Brookhaven. The debates will each focus on an issue facing working families of the district.
"After 36 years in the State Senate, people are waiting for solutions from Caesar Trunzo and they're not going to get answers from his 30-second ads which tell us that 'you don't fix what's not broken," said Supervisor Foley. "I believe Albany is broken and I want to have a debate on how we're going to fix it."
Supervisor Foley proposed 5 town hall debates in Patchogue, West Sayville, Holbrook, Mastic Beach, and Central Islip:
Patchogue: Education, Wednesday, September 24th 6-8pm
West Sayville: Property Tax Reform, October 8th 6-8pm
Holbrook: Healthcare, October 15th 6-8pm
Mastic Beach: Environment, October 22th 6-8pm
Central Islip: Economic Development, October 30th 6-8pm
"Throughout my career in public service, I have always debated my opponents, because our community deserves the opportunity to hear from us in person and to ask questions of us," Foley said. "Throughout his 36 year career, Senator Trunzo has been reluctant to debate his opponents. Unlike many of those opponents, I will have the resources to share my message with the public, but I believe we owe them more than 30-second TV ads and soundbites."
Foley added, "For the voters of this district, the choice is clear: they can vote for more of the same tired policies that have failed them for 36 years, or they can choose the change that we need, here at home and in Albany."
No way they can put Caesar out there like this. It's a win-win for Foley.
This is rich. The campaign of Caesar Trunzo (R-FL) has just released their first TV spot of the cycle. It's remarkable for a number of reasons. The first should be the most glaring. There's no Caesar Trunzo in it. Not even a photograph. There are certainly reasons for this, some quite obvious.
Secondly, the ad has some rather interesting messaging. The talking heads spend the first half of the ad complaining about how things are bad and describing problems. "Many people on Long Island are having a very tough time." "I definitely feel our property taxes are through the roof." The ad ends with a voiceover saying "You don't fix what's not broken." Um, sure. Albany is definitely broken. These people just told us so.
I especially love the graphic saying that Senator Trunzo is "leading the fight to cap property taxes." Um, OK. I think it's hard for just about anyone to imagine Senator Trunzo "leading the fight" on anything these days. I mean, they can't even put him in the ads, if you know what I mean.
There will be no Democratic primary in the 3rd SD. Jimmy Dahroug officially endorsed Brookhaven Supervisor Brain X. Foley at a press conference this afternoon. From an emailed release:
Jimmy Dahroug Endorses Brian X. Foley for State Senate Democrats Unite to Fight for the Working Families of Islip and Brookhaven
HOLBROOK, NY - Jimmy Dahroug today endorsed Brookhaven Supervisor Brian Foley for State Senate. Suffolk County Democratic Chair Rich Schaffer and Islip Democratic Chair Ivan Young joined Dahroug at the Holbrook event to show their commitment to Party unity and their support for Foley.
"I am proud to endorse Brian Foley for State Senate," said Jimmy Dahroug. "It is time for change and I encourage all my supporters to join me in supporting and actively helping elect Brian Foley to the State Senate."
Foley, a lifelong resident of Brookhaven, has spent the past 15 years working on behalf of those in his community both as a member of the Suffolk County Legislature and in his current position as Brookhaven Supervisor. He has a proven record of fighting for fundamental reforms and fiscal responsibility. As Brookhaven Supervisor, he cleaned up a notoriously corrupt town government, ended no-bid insurance contracts that cost taxpayers millions, protected open space and put the Town in its strongest fiscal position in decades.
"The Democratic Party is united and ready to fight for the change our working families so desperately need," said Suffolk County Democratic Chair Rich Schaffer. "Brian Foley will be an independent voice for change in the Senate, not someone beholden to the special interests in Albany."
Islip Town Democratic Chair Ivan Young added, "We are united in our support of Brian Foley and look forward to actively helping elect him to the State Senate."
Foley formally announced that he would run for State Senate in the Third District at the end of May. He has been running an aggressive campaign over the past months and continues to gain momentum and support throughout the Brookhaven-Islip area.
"I thank Jimmy and our Democratic leadership for their support. Only together, united, can we end the stranglehold of special interests in Albany. It is time for change and I look forward to continuing my campaign for the working families of Islip and Brookhaven," stated Foley.
This is all good. I am very, very excited about this race.
This is a classy move by Jimmy Dahroug. Tomorrow, he will formally endorse Brookhaven Supervisor Brian X. Foley in the SD-3 race against Caesar Trunzo (R-FL). From an emailed release:
TOMORROW: Jimmy Dahroug to Endorse Brian X. Foley for State Senate
Jimmy Dahroug will call for Party unity and formally announce his support of Brian Foley for State Senate, TOMORROW, Wednesday, August 13 at an event in Holbrook. Suffolk County Democratic Chair Rich Schaffer and Islip Democratic Chair Ivan Young will also be in attendance.
WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, August 12 - 3:00 PM
WHAT: Endorsement event for Brian X. Foley
WHERE: 4250 Veterans Memorial Highway
Holbrook, NY
It appears that there will not be a Democratic primary in the 3rd SD after all. Last night, lawyers for Democratic SD-3 hopeful Brian Foley dropped their challenge to their primary opponent, Jimmy Darhoug's nominating petitions. Newsday got a statement from Dahroug's lawyer that included the following:
He confirmed that Dahroug has scheduled a news conference next Wednesday, but could not disclose what the candidate planned to discuss.
Well, it looks like we won't have to wait until next week to find out what Jimmy Dahroug wanted to discuss. This morning, Dahroug has asked that his name be removed from the September 9th primary ballot. I'm told that a statement from the Foley campaign is forthcoming shortly. I assume we may have something from the Dahroug camp as well later today.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a nominee. Now, let's go beat Caesar Trunzo (R-FL)
A proven environmental track record for Suffolk County
PATCHOGUE, New York --- The New York League of Conservation Voters, the political voice for New York's environmental community, today announced its endorsement of Brian Foley for the Third State Senate District in Suffolk County. The announcement was made at a news conference at Patchogue's Mascot Pier & Marina, on the shore of the Great South Bay.
Since taking office as Town Supervisor in 2006, Brian Foley has made Brookhaven Town a leader in energy efficiency and the preservation of open space. Last year, Brookhaven became the first municipality on Long Island to require that new homes be constructed to federal Energy Star standards, which will reduce energy demands and save costs. In addition, more open space has been protected during the Foley administration - more than 1,100 acres - than ever before in Brookhaven's history.
But there is only so much one town can do. That's why true leaders are essential on the state level - and that's why Brian Foley is the right choice for the Third Senate District. Brian Foley is committed to tackling the substantive, long-term issues that confront the Third Senate District, issues like overdevelopment, traffic congestion, protecting our waterfront and ensuring that green, clean energy is available and affordable here on Long Island.
"Many elected officials care about our environment, but only a few have made fighting climate change and caring for our natural resources central to their own agendas," said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "Time and time again, Brian Foley has stood up to be counted as a friend of the environment, taking courageous and controversial stands to do what is right. That is the kind of leadership we need in Albany, and that is why we endorse Brian Foley as the next senator from the Third District."
In response to the endorsement, Supervisor Foley said: "I'm honored to have the support of the New York League of Conservation Voters as we move forward fighting for the working families of Islip and Brookhaven. Together in Brookhaven we took on the special interests and became a leader in energy efficiency and land preservation in Long Island. Together, we must take that same determination to change the status quo and fight for what is right to Albany."
In a District where the Republican machine has courted organized labor for generations, these seven endorsements are a dramatic illustration of Foley's momentum across Islip and Brookhaven. Foley's opponent, 36-year incumbent Caesar Trunzo, has been a fixture of the Albany status-quo for the better part of four decades.
"Brookhaven and Islip residents are struggling with property taxes that are crippling their finances. Working families can't pay their medical bills, are getting crushed by high gas costs, and in too many cases, can't afford to send their children to college. It's time state government started working for the people. Let's start saving voters big bucks today," stated Brian X. Foley. "We need real relief, right now."
PATCHOGUE, New York --- The New York League of Conservation Voters, the political voice for New York's environmental community, today announced its endorsement of Brian Foley for the Third State Senate District in Suffolk County. The announcement was made at a news conference at Patchogue's Mascot Pier & Marina, on the shore of the Great South Bay.
