Squadron Already Changing Albany

by: Roatti

Tue May 19, 2009 at 15:09:23 PM EDT

The meeting, which was broadcast live online, featured amendments (and amendments to amendments) to the bill, debate about specific language and the best ways to address related issues, and clarification questions that helped to define areas where future research is necessary.

In other words, a small but significant part of our legislature is, ya know, actually acting like a legislature.  

This is a perfect example of what can be achieved when we remove dead weight in primaries and fill the legislature with more and better Democrats.

Senator Squadron deserves major kudos for sticking to his campaign promises for reform and for competently carrying them out after being in the Senate for less than half a year.  At this rate, he has a very bright future in Albany.

Squadron Campaign Announces "Squadron Fellows" Program

by: Roatti

Sun Oct 12, 2008 at 14:44:37 PM EDT

Dear Friends,

I wanted to invite you to join a great program that Team Squadron is launching for the General Election: the Squadron Fellows Program for a Democratic New York.

You already know what a historic year this is across the country -- the profound need and incredible potential for change in government and politics. It's true nationally and, as I've talked about throughout my campaign, it's true right here in New York State.

For years, the New York State Senate has been controlled by Republicans. This year, we have the chance to change that by electing a Democratic majority.

A new Democratic majority in the State Senate will mean the end of finger-pointing and passing the buck between parties. It will mean true accountability among our elected officials. It will mean a unique and monumental opportunity to create the change we so desperately need in our city and our state.

The Squadron Fellows Program is an opportunity for you to get involved in politics at the grassroots: to learn about campaigns, be part of a once-in-a-lifetime election right here in New York, and help us create a Democratic majority in the State Senate.

The program will offer a one-day training program, deployment for the last four days of the campaign to one of the hottest races in the state, and a post-election debriefing event. Of course, if you are interested in volunteering but won't be able to commit to the entire program, please sign up to volunteer -- we need you.

But if you are interested in getting more deeply involved, seeing how campaigns work on the inside, and developing close relationships with others who care about bringing change to New York, this program is for you. Check out the details below.

Please visit www.danielsquadron.org to apply today -- the deadline for applications is October 21st. Please also feel free to invite friends and colleagues to participate if you think they may be interested.

As always, thank you for all of your support.

Best,

Daniel

SCHEDULE FOR SQUADRON FELLOWS
Application Deadline -- October 21
Training Program -- October 26
Fellows Deployed to Campaigns -- November 1-4
Post-Election Celebration and Debrief -- November 8

Cheers to Daniel Squadron- he hasn't even been sworn-in yet, and he's already putting his formidable machine to work taking the Senate.  This is a great opportunity for people to get involved and have some fun taking the Senate Back in 3 weeks.  Please consider signing up.

Senate Candidates At City Hall

by: phillip anderson

Wed Sep 17, 2008 at 16:01:33 PM EDT

I was able to speak with a number of them after the press conference and I'll have video shortly of Joe Mesi, Kristen McElroy and Jim Gennarro as well as many more pics. Here's McElroy for now. I have to say that I was quite impressed with both McElroy and Mesi as it was the first time I had met either one.

Jim Gennarro, Dan Squadron, Kristen McElroy and Joe Addabbo.

Video shortly.

UPDATE: Robert has much more one post below.

High Noon, City Hall Steps: Calling Out The Senate GOP

by: phillip anderson

Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 16:29:17 PM EDT

Democratic Senate Candidates Blast Republicans for Failing New York

(New York, NY) Throughout their 40 years in control of the State Senate, Republicans have failed to meet the needs of working class New Yorkers. With a struggling economy, rising energy costs and the potential loss of jobs in the financial sector, New York can no longer afford the unfulfilled promises of Senate Republicans. Democratic candidates for the State Senate are holding a press conference to blast Republicans for failing to make the changes needed to get New York back on track.

Invited:

Joseph Addabbo (SD-15)
Ken Dow(SD-41)
Brian X. Foley (SD-3)
Jim Gennarro (SD-11)
Hiram Monseratte (SD-13)
Larry de la Rose (SD-39)
Daniel Squadron (SD-25)

Where:
City Hall Steps - NYC

When:
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 @ 12 noon

I'm going to try to make this one.

Primary Wrap up

by: Roatti

Wed Sep 10, 2008 at 00:41:21 AM EDT

As I have been covering the AD-64 race with the most interest, here are a few observations.  First off, Shelly does have a Republican opponent, and let me say that I wholehartedly endorse him against his Republican opponent.  While we Democrats have the privilege of being picky in our primaries, even the worst Democrats are better than even the best Republicans any day.  Vote Sheldon Silver in November.  

Secondly, I am hoping Shelly can learn from this primary fight.  Shelly had a roughly 30-1 cash advantage against his opponents, and more importantly, he had the backing of the WFP and every union that decided to endorse in that race. He also had almost every member of the Assembly and their staffs pounding the payment, taxpayer-funded constituent mailers, and $7 million worth of pork to slather his district with.  Newell had 40 volunteers, zero endorsements by any elected officials,  and an office rented in a dance studio.  Shelly also had the downtown Democratic clubs and there were people handing out pro-Shelly literature on virtually every corner of that district today.  And still 1/3 of the Democrats in his district cast votes against him.  Shelly did about 10 points better than Martin Connor did in 2006 (who was facing a much better financed opponent), and we know what happened to Connor tonight.  

To his credit, after Shelly's leadership was challenged from within his caucus in 2002, he got the message and changed his behavior afterwards.  Let's hope he draws the same lessons from today.  If he actually starts passing rules reform in his house and works with out soon-to-be Democratic Senate to pass campaign finance reform and redistricting reform, it will be because of this courageous primary challenge by Paul Newell.  And let me say also, that if Shelly does these things, I will stop railing against him on a daily basis on this blog. But he has to do those things first.

On another note, the real winner tonight was the WFP.  I don't think they lost a single race where they endorsed.  Very impressive.  

And finally, I am looking forward to having a real reformer going to Albany in January by the name of Dan Squadron.  For a challenger to beat the former minority leader by almost 10 points is almost hard to describe in its impressiveness.  With a victory like this, Albany will have to take notice of Squadron's 11-point plan for reform, which includes Clean Money Clean Elections, redistricting reform, and rules reform. I'm looking forward to Squadron taking this plan forward with the same force as did in his enormously successful campaign.  

So celebrate tonight everyone, because we live in a democracy where we can have these discussions in public without fear of government retribiution.  Even if your candidate lost, you can't argue with the voters having their say.  

WFP On Squadron's Victory

by: phillip anderson

Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 22:43:19 PM EDT

Working Families Party Celebrates Squadron's Upset Victory in Senate Primary

Party Plays Major Roll as Progressive Newcomer Defeats 30-year Incumbent

New York - The Working Families Party (WFP) today cheered the victory of Daniel Squadron's insurgent campaign for State Senate, hailing the upset over incumbent Sen. Martin Connor as a huge boost for progressive causes in Albany.

Daniel Squadron is a true progressive who has got the energy and the leadership we need to shake up Albany," said Dan Cantor, the WFP's Executive Director. "We poured our hearts into this race. We knocked on tens of thousands of doors and energized hundreds of volunteers. This was exciting grassroots politics at its best."

"Together, we were able to join with Daniel to excite thousands of New Yorkers with the bold notion that politicians need to do more than talk.  They need to find real solutions to problems facing working families trying to make ends meet as the economy sours and cost of living goes up and up," Cantor added.

The Working Families Party lent 5 full-time staff to work for Squadron's election, played a leadership role in the campaign's field operation, and helped devise campaign strategy. Over the course of the campaign, WFP canvassers, members, and volunteers, knocked on over 40,000 doors, identifying more than 4,000 Squadron supporters.  Hundreds more WFP staff, members, and volunteers, helped turnout the vote this past weekend and on Election Day.

The Working Families Party's renowned field operation has helped push insurgent State Senate candidates over the top before, playing big roles in Sen. Darrel Aubertine's shocking upset in a heavily Republican district (SD 48) in the North Country this past February and in Craig Johnson's successful campaign to become the only Senate Democrat on Long Island (SD 7) in 2007.

The WFP will deploy its field staff and activate its base of supporters in key State Senate races across New York from now until November as it helps Democrats take back control of the body for the first time in a generation.

SD-25, SD-51: Schumer Stumps With Squadron, Hillary Backs Barber

by: phillip anderson

Mon Sep 08, 2008 at 15:49:43 PM EDT

And Hillary Clinton has formally endorsed SD-51 challenger Don Barber.

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) threw her support behind Don Barber (D-Caroline) in his run for a seat in the New York State Senate (51stD). Clinton praised Barber's campaign for taking on the special interests and battling for the middle class.  

In her statement, Clinton said, "Don Barber is a farmer who knows how to protect our precious environment. He's a businessman who knows how to revitalize the upstate economy. He's running a vibrant, grassroots campaign and taking on the special interests that have blocked health care reform. I know Don Barber will put the interests of middle class, working families first. His voice is sorely needed in the New York State Senate. He has my full support."

Barber thanked Sen. Clinton."I deeply appreciate this support and recognition from Senator Clinton.  I am honored to add her endorsement to our list of supporters.  This shows the depth and breadth of the excitement our campaign is generating."

I should not that I also got another email from Hillary this morning urging me to vote for Sheldon Silver. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Update: Robinia beat me to the punch below, but I like the fact that we have two Barber posts up.

SD-25, NY-10: The Hasidim Could Be Key For Squadron, Powell

by: phillip anderson

Mon Sep 08, 2008 at 12:18:12 PM EDT

Hasidic battle brews over state Senate primary

A warring Brooklyn Hasidic sect is divided in a key Democratic state Senate primary that involves some of the city's most powerful political figures - and could affect the '09 mayoral race.

The Satmar faction led by Williamsburg-based Rabbi Zalman Teitelbaum rebuffed an eleventh-hour plea by Mayor Bloomberg to support his candidate, political newcomer Daniel Squadron, in the 25th Senatorial District.

Zalman loyalists are backing Squadron's target, incumbent Sen. Martin Connor, who is championed by Brooklyn Democratic Party boss Vito Lopez and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

The Zalman camp received a visit last week from Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey. He pleaded Squadron's case, but left without a deal, said a source close to Zalman's political adviser, Rabbi David Niederman. Mayoral spokesman Stu Loeser declined to comment.

...

Meanwhile, followers of Rabbi Aron Teitelbaum - who is based in Kiryas Joel in Orange County but has a presence in Williamsburg - are supporting Squadron.

In these low turnout NYC primaries, the Hasidim are often able to exert great influence and, in a race as close as the SD-25 race is expected to be, their votes could be the difference. The UJCARE folks claim they turned out 10,000 people last night at a rally for Squadron and the UJO folks are sticking with Connor at the request of Brooklyn Dem Boss Vito Lopez.

Another race where the Hasidim could prove the difference is the primary race between challenger Kevin Powell and incumbent Ed Towns. The northwest part of the district holds a large part of the South Williamsburg Hasidim. Powell has been aggressively, if not rather clumsily courting them and it seems he's made at least some progress. That said, though there is some anger at Towns in the Satmar community, he's a known quantity to to many.

Both of these races could swing on Satmar votes. Which factions will show up and who they support could very well be decisive.  

Throw the Bums Out (Downstate Edition)

by: Roatti

Sun Sep 07, 2008 at 21:58:52 PM EDT

There is a general political consensus that our legislature is the worst in the country.  

This Tuesday, unless your incumbent legislator is personally known to you to be a genuine reformer (2 names come to mind: Senator Bill Perkens and Assemblyman Jim Brennan), vote for the challenger.  Here are some endorsements in selective races.

SD-25:

This primary pits newcomer Dan Squadron against longtime incumbent and former Senate Minority Leader Martin Connor.  Connor was sacked by his conference in 2002 because of his perceived failure to challenge the Republicans agressively enough either in the caucus or at the ballot box.  

On some level, Connor is probably a well-intentioned Democrat but after 32 years in office, typical Albany behavoir that reeks of conflict of interest has become second-nature to him.  

28-year-old Squadron is promising to make significant reforms to the Albany game.   He is has also refused to accept PAC, corporate, and lobbyist money for his campaign.  

Volunteer for Dan Squadron

AD-64:

This race pits one of the "three men in a room," co-Governor Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver against 2 young challengers, Paul Newell and Luke Henry.  Silver is most likely going to be re-elected despite a career that includes lowlights like never spending an single dime of his campaign contributions to help a Senate Democratic challenger, presiding over one house of the aforementioned "worst legislature in the nation," responding to allegations of rape by a female legislative aide against one of his staffers by holding a press conference in support of that staffer  and keeping the staffer until he pleaded guilty to sexual assault a few years later, and killed the congestion pricing issue without even affording the voters of New York the dignity of seeing where their legislators stood on the issue after taking many campaign contributions from parking garages and auto dealers.

It's too bad Shelly has 2 challengers who will likely split the opposition vote.  Of those 2 challengers, Paul Newell is the stronger one.  In the last filing he raised $40,015 to Henry's $510.  He has deep roots in the district and is waging an energetic campaign.  Newell has been endorsed by the New York Times, the Daily News, the Downtown Express, the Villager, and has the necessary grassroots operation to even have a chance of pulling off the upset of Silver.  It's time to send a message to Albany that the ridiculousness ends now, with a strong message to the upper eschelons of power. Justin Sullivan, a filmmaker, is making a documentary about this race- let's give that movie a happy ending.  

Volunteer for Paul Newell

NY-10:

This congressional primary pits longtime Democratic Congressman Edolphus Towns against former "Real World" star and activist, Kevin Parker.  Towns had some serious "wtf" votes considering he represents one of the most Democratic districts in the country, including his vote for the Bankruptcy Bill and for CAFTA.  On the Bankruptcy Bill alone, Towns deserves to lose his job.  Powell has a compelling life story and appears he will be a good representative for Brooklyn's 10th District.  

Volunteer for Kevin Powell

SD-32:

The "Democratic" incumbent Ruben Diaz Sr. is an outspoken homophobe and anti-choice crusader. He is so conservative on social issues, he was dripping with praise for Sarah Palin last week. He is also  running for the Republican nod in Tuesday's primary. He had one primary opponent who was knocked off the ballot.  Please write-in that opponent, Luis Monge.  

Elsewhere: As mentioned earlier, our legislature is the worst in the country.  Unless you can personally vouch for your incumbent legislator (there are maybe 5 or 10 incumbents that deserve to be re-elected), vote for the challenger.  It's time for some long-overdue accountbility in Albany.  

SD-25: Connor Takes Spin to a Whole New Level

by: Roatti

Wed Sep 03, 2008 at 20:28:51 PM EDT

On its face, there is nothing wrong with that- politicians of all stripes do that all the time.  

However, there are 2 things wrong with it in this instance.  First, it flies in the face of Connor's theme of attacking Squadron as the "rich kid."  He has no right to attack Squadron on this basis if Connor is using his own wealth to bolster his campaign, something that Squadron is not doing (Squadron is also refusing to take corporate, PAC, or lobbyist money, of which Connor has no qualms about taking).  

Second, the level of spin by Connor's campaign about the loan is so disengenuous as to be insulting:

The decision to lend personal money to the campaign is completely unrelated to the race this year, said Mike Barfield, Connor's campaign manager.

Just admit you need the money for the last week before a tough election- what is the shame in that?  To deny that a $35,000 loan to your campaign a week before an election has anything to do with that election is as preposterous as it is ridiculous.  It may be a sore spot for Connor that Squadron is handily outraising him and doing it only with contributions of individuals, but he doesn't have to lie in a way that makes him just look completely ridiculous.  Gimme a break, Senator.  

Dan Squadron for State Senate

AD-64, SD-25: Times Backs Newell, Squadron

by: phillip anderson

Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 08:01:28 AM EDT

Endorsements for a Better Albany

Most New Yorkers want a better, fairer, more open State Legislature instead of the embarrassment they now endure. For the primary on Sept. 9, there are two Democratic races in New York City that offer a chance to make a change in Albany or, at least make a strong statement about how badly change is needed.

The most important of these races is in Lower Manhattan, where Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, one of the most powerful people in the state, is facing his first real challenge in decades. It is still an uphill fight for any opponent, but the race has already made one difference. It has brought the ever-secretive Mr. Silver out to meet voters and campaign for his job.

Of the two challengers, Paul Newell, a community activist with deep roots in the Lower East Side, has the stronger credentials. Luke Henry, an attorney who moved into the district more recently, is working hard. Mr. Newell has done a better job of identifying Mr. Silver's weaknesses: mainly, his devotion to closed-door politics, including his refusal to disclose details about his outside income. Mr. Newell is also pledging to support congestion pricing and to press for a nonpartisan redistricting commission, which is essential for real change. In the 64th Assembly District, we endorse Paul Newell.

In the 25th State Senate District in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, another challenger deserves support. He is Daniel Squadron, an energetic former aide to United States Senator Charles Schumer who is running against Senator Martin Connor. Mr. Connor has been in this seat for three decades and accomplished far too little. He has also made a good living as an attorney bumping potential candidates off of New York ballots. Mr. Squadron says he is committed to cleaning up Albany and that serving in the Senate would be his only job. If Mr. Squadron wants to prove his commitment to reform then he still needs to be more forthcoming about his financial holdings. That said, we endorse Mr. Squadron as an enthusiastic new outsider.

More on this later.

SD-25: Anthony Weiner Backs Squadron

by: phillip anderson

Thu Aug 21, 2008 at 00:15:20 AM EDT

Congressman Anthony Weiner endorses and campaigns with Daniel Squadron, candidate for State Senate in the 25th District.

WHERE:

Outside of the Borough Hall Subway Station, intersection of Court Street and Joralemon Street, Brooklyn Heights.

WHEN:

8:30am- 9:30am, Thursday August 21st

SD-25: Squadron Presents 11-Point Reform Plan, Nabs Stringer Endorsement

by: Roatti

Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 19:59:01 PM EDT

"Throughout his career, Daniel Squadron has demonstrated an intelligent, progressive approach to challenging the status quo and getting results, and in this campaign he has shown courage that is almost unheard of in Albany. Only one candidate in this race will be the powerful voice for progressive change that we so desperately need in Albany. That is why, as someone who cares deeply about reforming government at every level, I am proud to support Daniel Squadron."

Even better, Squadron released this 11-point plan on how to make the State Senate an actually functioning legislature once the Democrats take control:

1.    Mandate that bills that clear committees see timely debate, of a reasonable time period, and a vote before the full chamber.
2.    Ease the restrictions on discharge petitions to more easily allow legislators to force roll-call votes in committee or the entire chamber.
3.    Increase transparency related to committee proceedings and require more committee participation.
4.    Allow sponsors of passed legislation or the leadership of the houses to call conference committees when similar (but not identical) bills pass both houses.
5.    Repeal the 2005 rule forcing rules changes to be approved by the Rules Committee.
6.    Equalize the distribution of staff and office resources.
7.    Implement a Clean Money, Clean Elections system of public financing for state elections, with a system mirroring New York City's as a starting point.
8.    Institute a strong enforcement mechanism and strengthen regulations on personal spending and disclosure requirements.
9.    Create a non-partisan independent redistricting commission, so legislators can't draw their own districts, and allow the legislature only a simple up or down vote.
10.    Make voting easier by passing Election Day Voter Registration.
11.     Improve ballot access by reducing petition signature requirements and reforming the vacancy-filling process.

Lots of great stuff here, and you can read the more detailed version of these bullet points here (PDF).

This is exactly why we run reformers in primary challenges.  Connor, while in the minority, had 30 years to try to drain the swamp in Albany, several of those years as the Senate's minority leader.  Even as a minority legislator, he did not use his pulpit to promote these issues.  Now, despite who wins, these issues are ont he table and Connor is making campaign promises to enact reform if the Democrats take the Senate.

For those who doubt the wisdom of running primary challengers to against entrenched incumbents, Al Smith was completely right when he said the only cure for the ills of democracy is more democracy.  

SD-25: Bloomberg Endorses Squadron

by: phillip anderson

Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 13:24:27 PM EDT

MAYOR BLOOMBERG ENDORSES
DANIEL SQUADRON FOR STATE SENATE

Mayor Michel R. Bloomberg today endorsed Daniel Squadron in the Democratic Primary for the 25th Senate District in Manhattan and Brooklyn, citing Daniel's record in public service and his plans to bring overdue change to Albany.

"We'll never get reform in Albany if we don't send reformers there, and Daniel Squadron's independent voice is exactly what New York City needs in our State Capitol," Mayor Bloomberg said. "As Mayor, I have made turning around the City's schools and investing in our infrastructure among my top priorities because it's hopeless to build for our future without either. By helping move hundreds of millions of dollars out of our school bureaucracies and into City classrooms, and by helping us raise nearly three billion dollars for transit infrastructure, Daniel Squadron's record getting things done for New Yorkers is already more impressive than many lifelong legislators.  Daniel Squadron is independent, hard-working, and smart -- three things I always look for when I go into the voting booth.  I am proud to endorse Daniel Squadron for State Senate, and strongly encourage Democrats in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn to vote for him in September."

"Mayor Bloomberg and I share a belief in taking on big challenges and fighting for what we believe is right -- and we both know that there is no bigger challenge than reforming Albany nor any fight that could be more right," said Squadron.   "I am honored that the mayor is supporting this race for reform and results.  I continue to believe that with hard work, independence, and a progressive vision, our state legislature has incredible potential to deliver real results for our neighborhoods, our city and our state."

This is definitely going to be a race to watch. I honestly have no idea who is going to win this thing.

SD-3: On Petitions, Grass/Netroots Candidates & How The Game Is Played

by: phillip anderson

Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 15:20:28 PM EDT

That said, I have also advised Jimmy Dahroug off and on for quite some time, never for pay.

Today, Jimmy Dahroug released a statement denouncing the challenge to his nominating petitions and calling the challenge an "act of desperation" from the campaign of Brian Foley.

Democratic State Senate Candidate Jimmy Dahroug responded to objections to his petetions by backers of Brian Foley (as reported in Newsday). "This is clearly an act of desperation by Foley's campaign. He failed to secure our party's nomination at the convention. Now Brian and his backers are nervous about facing me in a primary. So his backers are using underhanded and shady tactics to run away from a fair fight."

"Dahroug issued a direct challenge to Brian Foley: "I'm publicly calling on Brian Foley to stop the undemocratic and underhanded actions of his campaign backers. Brian called for a positive, high-minded race. If he truly is committed to the standard he set, he'll back up his words with action."

Dahroug's campaign filed 1,408 signatures with the Suffolk County Board of Elections, a cushion of over 40% more than the required number. This is about the same number of signatures the Dahroug campaign filed for in its successful 2006 primary race. All signatures were gathered at the homes of registered Democrats by trained Democratic committee members and volunteers. Not a single signature gatherer was paid.

Where to start? Is the challenge to Jimmy's petitions "undemocratic" and "underhanded?" That's a bit of stretch. Is democracy served by such challenges? Doubtful, but it is how the game is played here in New York, for better or worse. Anyone who didn't see this coming after Jimmy submitted a rather anemic 1,408 signatures needs to wake up. Everyone knows the rules and everyone knows that when you need 1,000 signatures, 1,400 just doesn't cut it. Not in this state, anyway.

Compare this performance with that of Don Barber. Playing by the same rules, Barber submitted over 2,600 signatures. Dan Squadron, who is running in a primary against probably the finest election lawyer in the whole state, collected over 8,000 signatures. That's how it's done. That's how one plays this game. There's just no way to challenge numbers like that. Someone like Jimmy, who is on his third run and has essentially been running for five years non stop, knows the rules, yet he still only managed 1,400 sigs. That's pretty sad to say the least.

Foley, who has been in the race only since the night of the Suffolk County Dem convention submitted 3,200 sigs. Yeah, he did pay petition carriers. This isn't an uncommon occurrence. It's great if you can gather a respectable number with an all volunteer effort. It shows some organizational competence as well as real support for your campaign. But, given that those volunteers collected only 1,400 signatures, perhaps Jimmy should have paid petition carriers as well. Just sayin'.

More on the flip...

SD-25: Squadron Raises $425K To Date UPDATE: Outraises Connor Nearly 4-1

by: phillip anderson

Tue Jul 15, 2008 at 13:13:59 PM EDT

Today, Daniel Squadron, an insurgent candidate for State Senate in the 25th Senatorial District, announced another round of strong fundraising numbers - raising a total of $428,440 from 750 donors with cash on hand of approximately $291,000.

Squadron today also reaffirmed his pledge not to accept contributions from lobbyists, PACs or corporations.  "People are hungry for real independence and a focus on working hard to get results - exactly the reason that so many people have gotten behind this effort," Squadron said.  "Without accepting contributions from corporations, PACs or lobbyists we have built a strong campaign that will bring the people of the 25th Senate District the independent, progressive representation we so sorely need."

In another sign of deep grassroots support, last week Squadron's campaign filed over 8,000 petition signatures, more than eight times the number required to get on the ballot.   He also won the endorsement of The New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO (HTC), a 30,000-member union, and The Metropolitan Area Joint Board, Local 23-25, a garment-workers union affiliated with UNITE HERE!.  Together, these unions have over 2,000 members and retirees in the 25th Senate district.

Impressive. Dan Squadron is for real, folks.

UPDATE: As I was posting this, I said to a colleague, I really want to see Connor's numbers. Well, it took all of about 10 minutes for a release from the Connor campaign to land in my inbox. The short version? Connor got out raised almost 4-1 yet his campaign claims his re-election bid is "surging."

Martin Connor Closes Quarter with Six-Figure Fundraising Total

Momentum Builds for Senator's Surging Re-Election Campaign

Senator Martin Connor's campaign announced today that it has raised over $120,000 in contributions for the July filing with the New York State Board of Elections.

"We are grateful for the extraordinary financial support Senator Connor has received in the last few months from every corner of the 25th Senate District.  The Senator has a long record of fighting for the families of New York, and people have responded by supporting his re-election. We will have the resources we need to wage an aggressive re-election campaign," said Chad Marlow, spokesman for Senator Connor's re-election campaign.

The Senator has more than twice the cash-in-hand than he did this time two years ago, the last time he faced a Democratic Primary challenge.  Connor won that race despite being outspent four to one.

"This isn't the first time the Senator has faced an extraordinarily wealthy opponent, but as this filing demonstrates, we are going to have the resources we need to get the Senator's winning message out to the voters," said Marlow.

"Six figure fundraising total" is about the spin they can put to this. But, 120K for a sitting Senator, a former Minority Leader, mind you, is awfully weak. Also, notice that release states that Connor has more than twice the COH that he did this time two years ago, though the release never states what the number is. If it were a respectable number, I'm sure it would have been included.

Connor still has the power of incumbency and all the trappings thereof. It's damn hard to beat a sitting New York legislator, but he sure looks to be in trouble to me.

SD-25: Squadron Files Over 8K Signatures On Petition

by: phillip anderson

Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 14:59:15 PM EDT

8K signatures shows some real organizational strength and competence as well as tangible support from the residents of the district. It says to me that Squadron has a real shot at this.

UPDATE: Just got an email from the campaign confirming this:

Today, Daniel Squadron, Democratic candidate for the 25th State Senate District, filed petitions to appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary.  Standing in front of the Board of Elections, he announced that his campaign collected over 8,000 signatures on individual nominating petitions - more than eight times the number (1,000) required to be placed on the ballot for the September 9th primary.

"It's wonderful to see the incredible excitement for the type of energetic representation I hope to bring this district," Squadron said.  "In every neighborhood, in Brooklyn and Manhattan, people are saying the same thing: it is time to demand more."

Squadron's opponent, Martin Connor, who works part-time as an election lawyer, has knocked countless candidates off the ballot, and has pursued legal challenges against every serious opponent he has faced since 1980-from a lengthy court battle that he ultimately lost against Luis Osorio in 1992 to a residency challenge against Ken Diamondstone that was decided in Diamondstone's favor by the State's highest court.

That is why Squadron's campaign put an emphasis on collecting so many more signatures than are required. It is also why the total includes only signatures gathered on petition sheets exclusively for Squadron's State Senate candidacy, and does not include hundreds of signatures gathered on his behalf by the Downtown Independent Democrats, which were collected on omnibus petition sheets that listed the clubs other endorsed candidates. While this is a standard practice, the Squadron campaign's legal counsel expressed concern that those signatures could in theory be challenged by Connor under an esoteric and unexplored provision of the election law.

UPDATE II: Per Liz, Connor says he doesn't "plan on" challenging Squadron's petitions:

Asked whether he planned to challenge Squadron's petitions, Connor replied: "No, I don't plan on it." He pointed out that he didn't challenge Diamondstone's petitions last time, although, as Squadron noted, he did bring a suit regarding his opponent's residency that year.

SD-25: Squadron Calls Out Connor On Weakening FOIL

by: phillip anderson

Fri Jun 20, 2008 at 11:15:39 AM EDT

SQUADRON CALLS ON STATE SENATE TO PROTECT
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE LAWS

Opposes Special Interest Exemption to State Freedom of Information Law

Contrast with Opponent Who Voted to Weaken FOIL Provisions

Today, Daniel Squadron, Democratic candidate for the 25th State Senate District denounced the State Senate's approval of a bill - supported by Squadron's opponent, Senator Martin Connor, and others - that would protect insurance companies and the State Insurance Superintendent from many public disclosure requirements.

"This bill will block sunlight and limit transparency - exactly the opposite of what we need," said Squadron. "It's designed to protect companies suspected of violating the law, another classic example of Albany representing the special interests over our interests."

The bill, S.8446, creates a special exemption to the Freedom of Information Law for companies that are under investigation. This would require the Superintendent of the New York State Insurance Department to make a special ruling to have material regarding an investigation published. Currently, under public disclosure laws, information related to such investigations is accessible to the public.

The Senate passed the legislation although there were no sponsors or co-sponsors on the bill. This tactic is commonly used to deflect responsibility and shield accountability for unpopular legislation.

"I'm disappointed that my opponent chose to vote with the special interests to undercut transparency," Squadron said. "In the State Senate, I will fight to expand government disclosure and transparency, not limit it."

I'll leave it to folks smarter than myself to parse the ins and outs of this, but color me suspicious of any bill that passes with 60 votes and zero sponsors.

Come Drink for Obama next Thursday!

by: Roatti

Fri Jun 20, 2008 at 00:53:16 AM EDT

Hope to see you there, and if you do come, please RSVP to the event on Obama's website here.

SD-25: Squadron Lands CWA Endorsement

by: phillip anderson

Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 14:01:31 PM EDT

SQUADRON ENDORSED BY COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS OF AMERICA - LOCAL 1

Union Cites Candidate's Energy and Fresh Perspective

Today, it was announced that the Communications Workers of America - Local 1 endorsed Daniel Squadron for State Senate in the 25th District, which covers parts of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan.  

The CWA statement hailed Squadron's progressive energy and ability to get results. "Daniel Squadron is a strong progressive who will energetically and effectively move a worker-friendly policy agenda," the union said.  "Squadron has the energy, fresh perspective, and detailed understanding of the issues to effectively move legislation."

"I am so pleased that the working men and women of CWA - Local 1 share my progressive vision for Albany," Squadron said.  "Together, we will fight with workers and consumers for better jobs, lower prices and stronger consumer protections."

On the web: Dan Squadron for State Senate

The CWA's statement is on the flip...