SD-25: Connor To Release Tax Returns From Last Five Years

by: robert.harding

Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 14:11:31 PM EDT

"When asked if Squadron would make his own tax information public, Cooley said she unsure and will get to me with an answer.

A spokesman for Connor did not immediately have a response.

UPDATE: Squardon's campaign manager emailed to say, "Daniel will release his taxes, as soon as Senator Connor gets around to doing and releasing his."

So take that for what it's worth. - Robert

--

Sen. Martin Connor announced today that he will release his tax returns from the last five years and called on his primary opponent Dan Squadron to do the same.

On April 15, Squadron called on Connor to pay his taxes. At the time, the Squadron campaign said that Squadron would release his taxes once Connor released his.

Here is the press advisory sent out on behalf of Connor:

State Senator Martin Connor will make his past five years of tax returns available to the press for review on July 8, 2008.  Senator Connor is calling on his opponent, Dan Squadron, to make an identical, full and complete disclosure by July 15, 2008.  "I am looking forward to engaging in a campaign that is based upon facts and truth, not mischaracterizations and exaggerations," Connor explained.  "The voters deserve nothing less, and the release of both our tax returns will be a good start."

Senator Connor will also make available for review, in unredacted form, his filings with the Legislative Ethics Commission for the past five years.  He is likewise calling on Squadron to do the same with his filing wit the same Commission after it has been filed.

I have never understood why any politician has to release their tax returns. To me, it is a petty issue. But such is life with politics.  

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.

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...

DFNYC Endorses Henry, Powell - Not Squadron

by: phillip anderson

Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 17:10:51 PM EDT

DFNYC recently held an endorsement vote in the Democratic primary races for US Congress in District 10 (Brooklyn) and NY State Assembly
in District 64 (lower Manhattan), Democracy for NYC members voted to endorse:

Kevin Powell, running against incumbent Congressman Ed Towns in District 10:  72%.

Luke Henry, running against incumbent State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Paul Newell in District 64:  67%.

DFNYC also held an endorsement vote in the State Senate race in District 25, but neither Senator Martin Connor nor Daniel Squadron achieved the 60% necessary for the DFNYC endorsement.

I'm puzzled by the Henry endorsement, ambivalent about the Powell endorsement and truly baffled by the lack of an endorsement in SD-25.  

Ken Diamondstone Wants To Be My City Councilman

by: phillip anderson

Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 10:02:03 AM EDT

"I'm launching this campaign for City Council because the hard-working people and families of Brooklyn can't wait any longer for good government," said Diamondstone in a press release this morning.

"Now is the time to take back Brooklyn. I'm going to fight for the bold progressive reform we need to protect our neighborhoods and help them flourish."

While I'm certainly willing to listen to Diamondstone, my early favorite is still this guy.

SD-25: Schumer Raising For Squadron

by: phillip anderson

Tue May 13, 2008 at 13:17:06 PM EDT

Please join Special Guest Senator Charles Schumer at a fundraising reception for Daniel.
Location: 64 Wooster Street, #5W
When: 6:00 PM

On the web: Daniel Squadron for State Senate.

SD-25: Squadron Shows Differences Between Himself And Connor; Presses For Better Bottle Bill

by: robert.harding

Tue May 06, 2008 at 15:51:59 PM EDT

From the first of two e-mailed press releases:

"The Summer of Accountability will demonstrate how important it is not just that Democrats take back the State Senate-but that State Senate Democrats are truly innovative, progressive and independent," said Squadron. "The days of checking a box at election time and sitting on your hands when it comes time to lead are numbered."

"I know it's a novel idea in state politics, but this is about being held to account for 30 years as part of a broken system," Squadron continued.

"Inaction bought and paid for by corporations and lobbyists is the old way of doing business in Albany - and it's exactly why I'm running to shake things up."

The series of issue contrasts in the Summer of Accountability campaign will highlight the backroom dealing and special interest bidding that too often blocks important progressive change that would make a real difference to New Yorkers. The Accountability campaign will offer a contrasting independent vision that can deliver real results on these issues, free from special interest influence.

Squadron is not accepting corporate, lobbyist or PAC contributions in his campaign for the 25th State Senate District.

In his first part of his "Summer of Accountability", Squadron expressed the need for a stronger Bottle Bill that would save the state $140 million.

"The Bigger, Better Bottle Bill would generate $140 million in revenue each year and allow 3 billion bottles to be recycled," Squadron said. "Only in Albany would such a proposal languish for years-it's a case study in what's wrong with the status quo. Legislators may check the right boxes but the bill never moves because a high-paid lobbying operation showers legislators with campaign cash."

In 2004, NYPIRG identified more than $1.2 million in campaign contributions from industry opponents to the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill, which this year once again failed to be included in the state budget. In the State Senate, most of the opponents' contributions have been directed to Republicans, but Squadron's opponent, 30-year-incumbent Martin Connor, took $23,100 from opponents of the bottle bill and lobbyists who have represented them.

"I'm not taking contributions from lobbyists, corporations or PACs, including the very interests that have killed the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill," said Squadron. "If I'm elected I won't owe them a thing, and I won't be afraid to stand up and call attention to this massive failure by the State Legislature."

Squadron also said he would co-sponsor Senate Bill 03272, the Senate Democratic version of the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill, which Senator Connor does not co-sponsor.

Many of the same lobbying groups fighting the Bottle Bill also opposed the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act - the statewide smoking ban - which Senator Connor was one of four Senate Democrats to vote against.

Squadron is ready to go. Below the fold is the aforementioned campaign contributions that Connor has received from companies who would be impacted by the Bottle Bill.

ON THE WEB:

Contribute to Dan Squadron for State Senate

SD-25: Squadron Takes Shot At Connor Over Taxes

by: robert.harding

Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 16:35:51 PM EDT

Liz outlines the shots.

Dan Squadron, the ex-aide to US Sen. Charles Schumer who is challenging Sen. Marty Connor this September, fired off a shot at his opponent today via a "reminder" that today is the deadline for filing his income taxes, noting that the senator was the subject of a $135,521 tax lien in 2004.

"Dear Senator Connor," Squadron's campaign manager Mary Cooley wrote in a letter released to the media. "Just a friendly reminder that your taxes are due today."

"Since you've been up in Albany, hiding from a vote on congestion pricing and voting to keep empty, upstate prisons open, we wanted to make sure you remembered - we know paying your taxes has proven a challenge in the past."

"We are sure the lobbyists and corporations will understand if you take a break from doing their bidding for just a moment, so that you don't have any more pesky tax liens filed against you. See you on the trail.

Ouch. But Connor did not let this "cheap hit" (Connor's words, not mine) go unnoticed.

"That was in that's old news. That was an old tax lien I paid off with interest and penalties. mainly because I screwed up calculating the AMT. I'm not doing (the taxes) anymore. I have an accountant.

"This young man has no job," Connor said of his opponent. "He's been out there knocking on doors. It's awfully early to start a campaign. I'm up here in Albany doing my job. We're debating the death penalty today."

Just as a side note: What is it with older candidates/elected officials who play this youth card? "This young man has no job." Maybe he has chosen to campaign full-time. I see nothing wrong with that. Squadron has an impressive history, including being an aide to Sen. Chuck Schumer. So don't knock him for campaigning full-time. His passion is in the right place.

SD-25: Schumer To Formally Endorse Squadron This Sunday

by: phillip anderson

Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 18:42:41 PM EDT

SENATOR SCHUMER ENDORSES DANIEL SQUADRON IN 25TH DISTRICT STATE SENATE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY IN MANHATTAN AND BROOKLYN

Squadron, a Former Top Aide to Schumer, is a Transportation and
Education Activist and Author

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer officially endorsed Daniel Squadron for State Senate in the 25th District, which covers parts Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Squadron, a former top aide to Schumer and co-author of Schumer's book, Positively American: Winning Back the
Middle Class Majority One Family at a Time, has spent his career in public service, including work on the New York City Empowerment Schools program and on the team that passed the New York State Transportation Bond Act, a $2.9 billion investment in rebuilding our public transit system. Squadron worked for Schumer from 2003 to 2005.

"Daniel is one of the smartest, most honest, hardest working people ever to work on my staff, and I know he will apply that same tireless
energy to representing the people of the 25th Senate District. He is without question the best candidate to deliver positive change and independent leadership for the people of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan and has a proven record of delivering on education and transportation issues. He is a true blue Democrat; I am proud to endorse him and look forward to working with him as he builds to victory."

"I am honored and humbled to have earned Senator Schumer's endorsement. Working closely with Senator Schumer, I've learned from
the best about achieving change and getting results for middle-class and working families, even in the most hostile of legislative bodies -- skills that I know will serve our district well
in Albany. Over the next few months I look forward to campaigning with Senator Schumer across the district and receiving his counsel -- no one is more dedicated to our city and our state, or knows more about winning tough Senate races than Chuck."

On the web: Daniel Squadron for State Senate.

SD-25: Diamondstone Out, Gay Republican In

by: phillip anderson

Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:26:35 AM EDT

Even as one potential gay challenger to Lower Manhattan-Brownstone Brooklyn State Senator Martin Connor has apparently bowed out of a potential race against the 30-year Democratic incumbent, another has emerged - in the Republican Party.

...

WFP is impressed with the passion and energy Squadron - a field operations leader in Brooklyn-Queens Congressman Anthony Wiener's unexpectedly strong 2005 mayoral run - would bring to the race. Squadron recently left his job with the political lobbying firm of Knickerbocker SKD, established by Josh Isay, who like Weiner has long ties to Schumer, in order to mount his challenge to Connor.

One nagging concern for Squadron and Working Families, however, has been the possibility that WFP's 2006 candidate, Ken Diamondstone, an out gay housing developer from Brooklyn, might once again enter the contest. Defeating an incumbent is difficult enough without having to split the opposition vote in two, Connor's opponents reason. In 2006, Connor beat back Diamondstone's challenge by more than ten percent.

According to Dan Cantor, who heads up WFP, Diamondstone, who did not respond to Gay City News' request for comment, was prepared as of April 9 to formally announce he would not make the race. Though his reasons are not known, Schumer's decision to back Squadron may not have been the only factor.

As he considered a run, Diamondstone sought indications of support from the Lambda Independent Democrats, a Brooklyn gay political club on whose board he sits. His efforts were opposed, however, by Daniel Tietz, a former LID president. Late last week, in an email that ran to nearly 1,900 words, Tietz laid out his rationale for why the club should support Squadron and not Diamondstone. Noting that Squadron is a serious candidate who is mounting a strong challenge - having already raised in excess of $200,000 from more than 350 donors - Tietz alluded to the fact that Diamondstone has run unsuccessfully in three past races. He also presented data from other primary contests demonstrating that even incumbents who lose typically don't fall below 40 percent of the total vote.

Whomever wins the Democratic pimary in the 25th, they'll have a Republican challenger. Manhattan resident John Chromczak is throwing his hat in the ring:

As the Democratic contest was coming into sharper focus this week, a claimant to the 25th Senate District seat emerged on the Republican side. In press conferences at Brooklyn's Borough Hall and at City Hall on April 9, John G. Chromczak, a 38-year-old medical technologist, announced he will run as a Republican. The press release announcing his candidacy focused on lowering taxes, improving public schools, easing traffic congestion, protecting the environment, and bringing jobs back to the city.

This is obviously good news for Squadron and not so great news for Connor as he had to be hoping that two primary challengers would split the anti-status quo vote. It now looks as if that isn't going to happen.

On the web: Dan Squadron for New York State Senate.

SD-25: Schumer Backs Squadron Over Connor

by: robert.harding

Mon Apr 07, 2008 at 12:36:26 PM EDT

Now, he is facing a primary challenge from Dan Squadron and Squadron has an important backer in his corner: Sen. Chuck Schumer.

Liz has the details.

Veteran Brooklyn State Sen. Marty Connor said he was shocked when Schumer informed him during a rural Democrats' event in Saratoga Springs on Saturday that Schumer will back his former aide and political neophyte, Daniel Squadron, against Connor this fall.

According to Connor, Schumer, speaking in "a cold voice," informed the former state Senate minority leader: "You weren't there when I needed you; I owe you nothing."

At issue was Connor's 1998 endorsement of then-Rep. Schumer's U.S. Senate primary opponent, Geraldine Ferraro. Schumer went on to win the primary that year and oust Republican Sen. Alfonse D'Amato in the general election.

"Chuck's so powerful now he thinks he can go back and get even with everyone who slighted him over the last 10 years," said a miffed Connor, whose encounter with Schumer was seen by several Democrats and independently confirmed by one of them.

I don't know if that's the reason. Squadron is, after all, a former Schumer aide. I'm sure the Connor endorsement a decade ago certainly hasn't been good for Schumer-Connor relations, but Squadron being in this race has given Schumer a good reason to support someone else.

Squadron has received the Working Families Party endorsement which will help him in this race. If he wins the primary, which is a strong possibility (especially with Schumer's support), he will be a lock to become the new senator in SD-25.

ON THE WEB:

Contribute to Squadron's campaign.  

SD-25: Is WFP About To Back Squadron?

by: phillip anderson

Thu Feb 28, 2008 at 13:57:17 PM EST

A source who was on hand last night at the Working Families Party Coordinating Council said the organization voted to endorse Dan Squadron, a political neophyte and former aide to Sen. Chuck Schumer, who is mounting a primary challenge to veteran Democratic Sen. Marty Connor.

The next step is a meeting of the party's executive council, which is scheduled to get together on March 14 at the Crowne Plaza in Albany.

According to my source, several unions represented by the labor-backed party stuck up for Connor last night, but the local South Brooklyn club and ACORN had the majority of votes in the room and wanted Squadron.

While this is certainly good news for Squadron, it's truly terrible news for the man who WFP backed in the 2006 primary against Connor, Ken Diamondstone, who has also been making noise about taking another run at Connor this year. In fact, if WFP backs Squadron, it may keep Diamondstone out of the race altogether.

Diamondstone said he is "seriously considering" getting into the race and that the WFP's support "is and has been very important" to him. He said he has been assured the party has not made a final decision on an endorsement, adding:

   " I would welcome their support this time around. Failing that, I would certainly need to evaluate what the loss of support by WFP would mean for our campaign. But I'll determine that should that occur."

I don't know Diamonstone personally, but I have met Squadron a few times and have had the chance to speak with him at length a few times. I'll just say that I can easily see why a healthy portion of the WFP membership would be interested in backing him. Dan is very bright and has an excellent grasp of reform issues and of how state government actually works here. He's exactly the kind of smart, young progressive that are now coming out to run for state Senate knowing that they'll be able to go to Albany and actually, ya know, do stuff and make an impact. I say all of this because I truly believe it and not because Dan once said that the Albany Project was The greatest blog (I've done an interview with, so far).

Interesting developments in my SD...

SD-25: Let's Look At The Numbers

by: phillip anderson

Fri Jan 18, 2008 at 14:49:03 PM EST

Dan Squadron: $188,882.00

Marty Connor (I):  -$40,079.69

Insert all the usual caveats about New York, incumbency and all the rest here. Blah, blah, blah. The fact remains that Connor is $40K in the hole and Squadron has got almost $200K on hand.

There's a real race here.

(h/t to the Maven)

SD-25: Whoa. Dan Squadron Raises Serious Dough

by: phillip anderson

Thu Jan 17, 2008 at 12:32:56 PM EST

As for Connor, his filing isn't up yet, but Azi is hearing that he's raised less than $5K. But, don't forget he's a 30 year incumbent (and one time Minority Leader) and this is still New York. Incumbency counts for a hell of a lot. Beating Connor won't be even a little bit easy.

That said, Squadron's filing shows that he's definitely for real and the primary in the 25th isn't going to be the cakewalk that Marty Connor grown accustomed to all these years.