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This belongs to you. Take it back...
Dan Ward 
Mon Sep 01, 2008 at 10:13:01 AM EDT
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ANALYSIS
SD-11 - Rating changed to Leans Republican: The rating was altered after research into this district and Sen. Padavan. The enrollment advantage goes to the Democrats and Jim Gennaro can run a strong campaign. But there is a reason Padavan has won this district over and over again. Is he vulnerable? To some extent he is. It is a Democratic year in a predominantly Democratic district so he should worry. His incumbency isn't in total danger though.
SD-25 - Primary between Connor and Squadron: The winner of the general will be a Democrat. The question is which one? Will it be the veteran Connor? Or will it be the challenger Squadron, who is mounting a very serious challenge to Connor's incumbent.
SD-61 - Three way Democratic primary: This is another important primary because this seat could turn blue in November. Ratzenhofer is a Republican in a slightly Republican district, but this is not a safe seat for the GOP. A Democrat can win this seat. Now we just need to settle a three-way Democratic contest before moving forward.
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Thu Aug 28, 2008 at 16:57:47 PM EDT
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I have remained unbiased about who the best candidate is in the 61st Senate District Democratic primary. The choices are good ones: Michele Iannello, Joe Mesi and Dan Ward. If you go by the personalities of all three candidates and their desire to lead, all three have great personalities and all three want to lead. That is why in perhaps the state senate race I know the most about I have not given my opinion either way.
When progressive Democrats go to vote in the district (and there are plenty of progressives in SD-61) they will have their hands full. I will say this: Dan Ward is the least progressive among the three. Dan is a great Democrat and his least progressive "status" doesn't take away from the service he has given to Amherst. But Ward is admittedly a conservative Democrat who is pro-gun, pro-life and against marriage equality. He also is a fiscal conservative. Ward is a great asset locally in Amherst and again, he's a great Democrat. But if a progressive asks themselves who they should vote for, Dan Ward isn't it.
That leaves Iannello and Mesi. I have problems with who Mesi affiliated himself with politically (i.e. Steve Pigeon) but with all that on the table, I like Mesi. Taking all the background information and putting it off to the side, Mesi is someone who cares. He wants to be a leader. He wants to see better times for this district and Western New York. He wants to see better out of the New York State Senate.
I do have one problem with Mesi though: His consistency. I have a hard time trying to piece together why Mesi would receive the backing from the Working Families Party and then be endorsed by the local Conservative Party. In listening to other Democrats and hearing from other Democrats in this district, it has been said that Mesi tends to "preach to the choir" that he is speaking to. That worries me, especially when it comes time to stand up to the Republicans. When it's time for Democrats to stand up, we don't need Joe Mesi to sit down.
It is also interesting to note that Mesi has been inconsistent on marriage equality. When I interviewed Mesi in mid-April, he told me that he supports a "strong civil union." Recently though while debating Iannello and Ward, Mesi said, "I don't see myself not being supportive of equal rights." When asked if he would vote for a bill supporting gay marriage, Mesi called it a "fairness" issue and again referred to it as an equal rights issue before adding, simply, "yes." That is the most glaring example of Mesi's inconsistency.
That leads me to Iannello. I have my disagreements on more than a few issues with Iannello. But she is the most progressive candidate in this race. She has presented and will continue to present new ideas every day on her "40 Ideas In 40 Days" blog featured on the front page of her website. Again, I don't agree with all of the ideas presented. But Iannello has proven herself as a progressive when it comes to the issues impacting the state and her desire to change how the game is played in Albany.
If I was a progressive in this race, I would be backing Iannello. She has what it takes to be a progressive state senator. I do think though she is trailing behind Mesi in the race. It will be close, but it will be tough for Iannello to overcome the strong name recognition Mesi has.
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Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 15:00:57 PM EDT
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Citizen Action of New York and Citizen Action's Western New York chapter have sent a letter to Erie County Board of Elections Commissioner Dennis Ward, who serves as the Democratic commissioner with the Erie County Board of Elections, asking him to "delegate [his] oversight responsibilities" due to his personal connections to the 61st Senate District Democratic primary. Dennis Ward is married to candidate Michele Iannello and Ward's brother, Dan Ward, is also a candidate in the race.
Dear Mr. Ward:
On behalf of advocates for good government practices and campaign reform, we are writing to express our concerns about the integrity of the upcoming primary election in the 61st Senate District on September 9th. It is your office's mission to provide complete oversight and ensure fairness, and we are concerned that your ability to oversee a fair election has been compromised. We understand you are in difficult position, no matter how fair your intentions may be.
There have been recent news reports indicating a greater level of interest by your office in this particular election in contrast to other elections. We are also very concerned about recent public disclosures of financial contributions in the order of $8,000.00 that you have made to your wife's campaign.
Transparency is the hallmark of the elections commission, and we ask you to hold yourself to the same high standard that you normally display.
We are also requesting assurance that you will be delegating your oversight responsibilities for this particular race to a more objective person.
Sincerely,
Ellen Kennedy
President of Citizen Action of New York
Jim Anderson
Chair of the Western New York Regional Board of Citizen Action of New York
Iannello's 11 day pre-primary filing shows that Dennis Ward has loaned Iannello's campaign $8,000 which could provide for a perceived conflict of interest. And as the saying goes, sometimes the perception of a conflict of interest is worse than an actual conflict of interest.
I believe Dennis Ward's intentions are in the right place. However, as Erie County BOE commissioner, he should delegate responsibilities for this race to ensure that the process is a fair one. No one is accusing Dennis Ward of anything, but Citizen Action calling for a more objective process is arguably the right thing to do here.
This is a complicated primary. It's not too often you see a brother-in-law and sister-in-law running against each other. You're not going to see too many of these races. That said, it would be best for everyone involved if Dennis Ward stepped aside this time.
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Mon Aug 25, 2008 at 12:10:06 PM EDT
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Joe Mesi is different than his two opponents in the 61st Senate District Democratic primary. Unlike his Democratic opponents Michele Iannello and Dan Ward, Mesi is not an elected official nor has he ever been an elected leader.
That can be a good thing in politics. However, if there is a criticism of Mesi it is that he is not very savvy when it comes to the issues. When he debated his two other primary opponents on "Hardline with Hardwick" yesterday (a local political radio show in Buffalo), some of Mesi's answers to questions were shaky. Ward, who is a long-time elected official and has run for a number of different offices in Erie County, was a force. He handled the debate with ease while Iannello started off a little nervous but ended up finishing very strong.
The Buffalo News discusses Mesi and a comparison to his opponents in an article today about the race:
Suddenly, the "Baby" is gone from his name and his new opponents are a veteran Town Council member in Amherst and a former Kenmore village trustee turned county legislator.
Four years after that fateful night in Vegas, Mesi's eyes are on a new title - New York State senator. But there are people in his way and they have the one skill he lacks - experience in politics.
"Don King versus Sheldon Silver," Mesi said of the boxing promoter and Assembly speaker. "I've never been persuaded by money or personality. And that's the way it's going to be in Albany."
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Of the three Democrats running, Mesi is the one with the name and fame. But will his popularity as a sports figure translate into votes?
"What's that old [Walter] Mondale quip, 'Where's the beef?' " asked Daniel J. Ward, the Amherst council member running against Mesi.
To hear Ward talk, Mesi's run for the Senate is equivalent to a young, inexperienced boxer seeking an immediate shot at the heavyweight title.
The image of Mesi as an unqualified but polished former athlete turned politician is one that both Ward and fellow candidate Michele Iannello have helped foster.
Iannello, a county legislator, contrasts her background as a small-business owner and paralegal with Mesi's career as a nationally ranked boxer.
"My common-sense life experience is what I offer the voters," she said. "I've been a single mom. I've been a small-business owner. And I've worked multiple jobs to put food on the table."
This race is a tough one. Mesi has people backing him who aren't well liked in Erie County Democratic circles. Yet Mesi is someone I find to be a strong leader, someone who wants to work for the "average Joe" (no pun intended) and someone who will go to Albany and be a fighter (again, no pun intended). I'm not a huge fan of who Mesi has aligned himself with. But I also know how sincere Mesi is about this opportunity to lead and how much passion he is pouring into this.
I met Ward for the first time when the news broke of Eliot Spitzer's involvement with a prostitute. Actually, we were just leaving the restaurant where I sat down with him for an interview when the news broke on the television in the restaurant. Ward is very smart. He is by far the most experienced candidate in this race. He is well educated (a lawyer by trade) and he has represented the people of Amherst for several years now as town supervisor and as a town board member.
Iannello doesn't bring that same career politician feel. She will remind you of her history right off the get-go. She was a single mother at one time and also a small business owner. Then she went for paralegal training and also served in the Village of Kenmore as a village trustee before becoming an Erie County legislator. While she's not a career politician, she is far from inexperienced. On her website, Iannello has been posting a "40 Ideas In 40 Days" ongoing blog which presents an idea of Iannello's every day lead up to Primary Day. It is a smart idea, gives voters an idea of where she stands and what ideas she will push forth and it gives people a chance to reach out to her for feedback.
This is a primary to watch. And I know I will be watching on Sept. 9.
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Sat May 31, 2008 at 19:59:38 PM EDT
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The Erie County Democratic Committee decided to pass on endorsing one of the three Democratic candidates for the 61st Senate District seat and instead allow the voters to decide which candidate the party will support.
From the Buffalo News:
The executive committee of the Erie County Democratic Committee decided today to conduct an open primary to determine which of the three candidates will get the party line.
The three are, Dan Ward, who carried the banner for the party in the 2003 election for county executive; Michele Iannello, a county legislator, and "Baby" Joe Mesi, the professional boxed and political newcomer.
"All three could proudly carry our banner and serve with distinction if elected," the executive committee said in a release.
I will repeat myself here by saying that all three of these candidates bring something different to the table. Dan Ward brings a long record as a local leader in government and has the experience needed in the New York State Senate. Michele Iannello is the grassroots candidate. She is a "fresh face" and has served in local government, most recently as an Erie County legislator, for the last five years. Joe Mesi brings plenty of name recognition to the table as a former heavyweight boxer and is, according to a few people I have spoken to, canvassing the 61st district and getting his message out.
I have interviewed all three of these candidates. For a refresher, here are the links to those interviews.
Interview with Michele Iannello
Interview with Joe Mesi
Interview with Dan Ward
It is worth noting that the Genesee County Democratic Committee did endorse a candidate when they endorsed Michele Iannello last month. However, Erie County's endorsement is important, considering the obvious population disparity and the fact that all three of the candidates hail from Erie County.
It will be a tough primary. The downside to the primary is that we won't be able to rally around one candidate to take this seat until September. But democracy will take its course and come September, there will be a Democrat to support in SD-61.
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Thu Apr 24, 2008 at 01:22:25 AM EDT
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SD-61 Democratic candidate and Town of Amherst councilman Dan Ward was endorsed by the Town of Amherst Democratic Committee last night.
That may have been a no-brainer. But his sister in law, fellow SD-61 Democratic candidate Michele Iannello withdrew her name from consideration for the endorsement out of respect for Dan. Ward has served the Town of Amherst in government for many years.
That was a great show of respect by Iannello for Ward. It has been said that Iannello is on track for the Erie County Democratic Committee's endorsement. Still, Amherst is a Ward stronghold. He earned this one.
The results from last night's endorsement by the Town of Amherst Democrats:
| Candidate |
Votes |
| Dan Ward |
10,733 |
| Michele Iannello |
2,827 |
| Joe Mesi |
1,195 |
| Mark Manna |
0 |
Ward's fellow Town of Amherst councilman Mark Manna, whom I introduced earlier this month, officially dropped out of the race last night leaving Ward, Iannello and Mesi as the candidates vying for the Democratic nomination.
UPDATE: Ward notified me this morning that he is in it "until November." The Amherst endorsement proves that. That is a stronghold for him and he can utilize that in this race - and in the primary.
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Mon Mar 31, 2008 at 21:08:36 PM EDT
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(This is the first of the interviews I conducted with the Democratic candidates in New York's 61st Senate District race. Tomorrow I will have my interview with Michele Iannello, another candidate for SD-61.)
Town of Amherst councilman Dan Ward is a suburban lawyer with rural beginnings. His resume is arguably the strongest among all the Democratic candidates in SD-61. Not only is he a lawyer (graduate from the University at Buffalo Law School), but he has served as Town of Amherst supervisor and as an Erie County legislator. He has also been a challenger for Assembly and for Erie County Executive.
Now he has his eyes set on running in New York's 61st Senate District.
Ward started off talking about Genesee County, which in his words was "18 percent of the vote but 40 percent of the land mass." He also talked about his experiences with farming and acknowledged agriculture as an important issue in this district.
"I know a lot about farms," Ward said. "It's important to identify with them. If you know the language, that is important. Democrats get a bad rap with farmers. Democrats appeal to blacks, Hispanics and people in inner city areas. We need bring all these people together."
Ward, who considers himself an avid hunter and fisherman, says he believes in protecting Second Amendment rights (the right to bear arms).He also talked about being the top vote getter for Amherst Town Board FOUR times, which speaks to why Ward is one of the more popular politicians in Erie County.
Ward then talked state issues, especially issues that impact local municipalities.
"Unfunded mandates are quasi-immoral," he said. "[The state] passes laws and dumps the costs and responsibility on the county."
A fiscal conservative is how Ward described himself and he said that he's not afraid to spend money if it's going to provide results, but we need "smarter spending and laws need reform." Ward also brought up Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) and Economic Development Agencies (EDAs) and the need to reform those.
"In Erie County, we have more than one," Ward said. "They compete against each other. While we have jobs being lost here, we need to pick up the tab for some IDAs because they are losing jobs as well."
Click for more of the interview with Ward.
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There's More...
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Sat Mar 29, 2008 at 21:15:42 PM EDT
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Erie County Legislator Michele Iannello officially announced her candidacy today for the 61st Senate District seat currently occupied by Sen. Mary Lou Rath (R-Williamsville).
Iannello announced today in front of the Kenmore Municipal Building. Iannello, who formerly served on the Kenmore Village Board of Trustees, stated the focus of her campaign at the announcement.
"Taxes, healthcare costs and energy prices are skyrocketing; all while high paying jobs are leaving the area. I am running because the working families of Western New York can't afford politics as usual in Albany anymore," Iannello told the crowd.
Iannello spoke about how her experience both in the private and public sector would benefit her and her constituents in the state senate. Iannello also spoke about the need to reform state government, reduce taxes, make healthcare more affordable and accessible, control runaway energy costs and create and protect high paying jobs.
Iannello, a Democrat, is seeking the endorsement of the Democratic Party as well as the from the Independence Party and the Working Families Party.
"What I will bring to the Senate is a proven record of fighting for change and defending the middle class," Iannello explained.
Also, professional boxer and possible SD-61 Democratic candidate Joe Mesi added Michael Marcy to his exploratory staff. Mesi, who is expected to announce his candidacy next weekend, has brought Marcy aboard to serve as the director of his exploratory committee. Marcy previously served in the Clinton White House and under Sen. Chuck Schumer. More recently, he has served as chief of staff to Rep. Anthony Weiner from New York's 9th congressional district.
Dan Ward, who is also in the race in SD-61 for the Democratic nomination, conducted an interview with me the day the Eliot Spitzer scandal broke. I've also interviewed Iannello and will be interviewing Mesi this week. Due to all these scandals (first Spitzer, then Paterson) I decided to wait to give these candidates the right spotlight. On Monday, I will be posting my interview with Ward and on Tuesday, I will be posting my interview with Iannello. I will post the Mesi interview by the end of the week.
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Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 14:08:13 PM EDT
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SD-61 Democratic candidate Dan Ward issued a press release yesterday calling on New York to repeal some (if not all) of its taxes on gasoline to relieve the burden on consumers.
From Amherst Times:
"Gasoline prices have gone to the point they are obscene; they are just surging!" said Ward, a declared candidate for New York State Senate, 61st District. "I have received more consumer complaints about rising gasoline prices than anything else. They are too high already, and just keep rising. It is having a very detrimental effect on the economy, and causing havoc in the personal lives of the citizens. Something must be done, and done now, before matters get any worse.
We are engaged in an unpopular war, that we can't seem to get out, which was supposed to provide the collateral benefit of at least stable international oil prices, which hasn't. We have a Federal Administration which refuses to take alternate fuels and energy conservation seriously as a matter of national policy. People are wondering how high gasoline prices are going to rise, and how much of their lifestyle, even food, they will have to cut back on to be able to afford to drive, which is a necessity, especially in upstate New York. The Republican Party, long the party of BIG OIL, has Americans crucified on a cross of oil, to paraphrase William Jennings Bryant. We can't afford them anymore. We must do better.
I propose the Governor and the state legislature immediately repeal, or relieve, at least some of the New York State tax on gasoline. I know there is a budget gap, but we must move to ease the pain of the citizens, and sustain economic activity throughout the state, or the gap will get worse. The current state tax on gasoline hits upstate residents disproportionately hard because of our more suburban and rural character, and lack of public transit," said Ward. "We need to reemphasize energy conservation, alternate fuels and a greater diversity in our energy mix. We look to our Federal legislators to benchmark these programs and change our priorities. The state, like New York, can follow on from there. We cannot continue on our present course: while the oil companies are recording record profits, higher gasoline prices at the pump are crippling the economy and clobbering what's left of the middle class. More can, and needs to be done, but we have to muster the will and the leadership to say this is wrong, and we need to pursue another strategy."
I sat down with Ward to discuss his candidacy recently. I will be posting that interview later today.
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Fri Mar 14, 2008 at 10:51:20 AM EDT
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If Joe Bruno's visit to the Buffalo area last night is any indication, the Republican to run for Mary Lou Rath's seat in New York's 61st Senate District will be Erie County legislator Michael Ranzenhofer. (Note: Ranzenhofer faced off against the New York blogosphere's own Buffalo Pundit in November.)
Bruno, according to a Buffalo News report, was in Buffalo and stopped in at a Ranzenhofer fundraiser last night. So far, Republicans have already lost their best candidate when Assemblyman Jim Hayes announced that he would not run for the seat. Ranzenhofer's name has been tossed around as the man to run for that seat, although nothing official has been announced as of yet.
Also in SD-61, Dan Ward and Michele Iannello are still the top two candidates on the Democratic side vying for the nomination. I have conducted interviews with both and will be posting them early next week.
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Thu Feb 21, 2008 at 14:41:23 PM EST
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The two leading contenders for the Democratic nod in the 61st Senate District race met with the Genesee County Democratic Committee last night. Dan Ward and Michele Iannello both impressed the Genesee County Dems. In the past, a number of sources from Genesee County have said that Iannello has been very impressive in her approach thus far and Ward has a great resume and experience to run on.
As for "Baby" Joe Mesi, he was a no-show after originally being slated to attend the Genesee County Dems meeting last night.
Iannello and Ward both impressed me when I met them. Their resumes speak for themselves but as people, they are very open and they worked the room. I think we need to know more about Mesi. Mesi hasn't really opened up politically. The 61st needs to know where he stands on the issues if he wants to be considered a serious contender.
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Tue Feb 05, 2008 at 16:44:09 PM EST
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No new news out of New York's 61st Senate District. At least, not yet.
That could be because John Ward, father of Dan Ward (Town of Amherst councilman who has said he will be running for the 61st SD seat) and father-in-law of Michele Iannello (Note: Iannello is married to Dan's brother, Dennis. Dennis is a Democratic elections commissioner in Erie County.) passed away on Friday.
John was a long-time Democrat who obviously passed on that love and support of the Democratic Party to his two sons.
So for now, all is quiet on the Democratic side. My (belated) thoughts and prayers go out to the Ward family.
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