Mike Russo is an outstanding candidate. The only downside to Russo is that he didn't get in this race soon enough (he didn't get in until Joe Bruno retired) and that might hurt him. Otherwise, he's a great candidate with unions in his blood and a knack for politics.
That is on full display in the video below. It's not a TV ad, but rather a personal YouTube video with Russo talking right into the camera. Take a look:
If Russo comes up short on Tuesday, I hope we see him down the road. He could be a great asset to Albany or Washington.
As we enter the final days of the campaign for the state Senate, the TV ad wars are really beginning to heat up. Here's a few of the latest spots from two challengers and a freshman incumbent.
Jim Gennaro continues to bang on Padavan's atrocious record on women's health issues:
Darrel Aubertine is out with a great new biography type ad:
- Paloma Capanna, a candidate who is running arguably the most grassroots campaign in the state against Republican Sen. Michael Nozzolio. Nozzolio has never faced a challenge to his seat in the 54th Senate District.
Each candidate spoke and gave brief remarks (see below the fold). If you listen to anyone's remarks, please listen to Capanna's. She gave the most passionate speech I have ever seen in such a short amount of time about the need to replace these Republicans. I really liked Barber's remarks too considering it was the first I've had the chance to see him in person.
There are few things you won't see in these videos. Something Sen. Smith said really resonated with me, especially during this election season. The Republicans will play the downstate card any chance they get because that's really all they have against the Democrats. Sen. Smith stressed "One New York" during his remarks, some of which you will see on video and some of which weren't recorded.
Democrats are united statewide, whether it's Brian Foley running against Sen. Caesar Trunzo or Joe Mesi running for an open seat here in Western New York. We have real chances to win seats on Long Island, in New York City, retain a key seat in the North Country, win seats in the Southern Tier and pick up a few seats here in Western New York. Having three of our leaders from the Senate who represent New York City districts come to upstate and show their strong support for candidates means a lot. There are a lot of key races up here and they are clearly paying attention.
At the event today, the future majority leader led off things before introducing the candidates:
I really like this from our candidates. Following last week's event here at City hall in NYC, a number of our upstate candidates are holding another event in Rochester. It's a great way to score some free media at a time when interest in these races is really beginning to pick up steam. (And trust me, that interest really is picking up. My server logs don't lie. Google action on these races is through the roof in the last few weeks.)
From an emailed release:
Upstate Democratic Senate Candidates Blast Republicans for Failing New York State
(Rochester, NY) Throughout their 40 years in control of the State Senate, Republicans have failed to meet the needs of working class New Yorkers and revitalize the Upstate economy. With a struggling economy statewide, rising energy costs and crumbling housing market in Upstate communities, 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:
Democratic candidate Mike Russo sent me a letter last night that he has sent to his Republican opponent, Assemblyman Roy McDonald, asking McDonald to join him on the campaign trail for a series of town hall meetings. Russo specified that these would be town hall meetings and not debates.
In his e-mail to me, Russo said that he has doing this because he believes people are sick of negative campaigns and don't want to see fancy TV ads and glossy mailers.
"I think people are fed up with negative campaigns and character assassinations and would be pleasantly surprised by candidates who are willing to openly discuss issues and differences in a positive way," Russo said via e-mail.
He added: "In these difficult times, people want less glitz and glamour, fewer fancy TV ads and glossy mailers and more straight talk, more direct contact with their representatives, so I see this as a unique opportunity for two opponents that respect each other to make it happen."
Russo wrote a kindly worded letter to McDonald inviting him on the trail. In that letter, Russo touched on some of the same themes he discussed in his e-mail. He also added this:
While we may have differences of opinion on the legislative process, I believe there are few areas of great disagreement. I am struck by the certain fact that the issues that confront the residents of the 43rd will be issues that will not divide us but unite us. It is in that spirit of cooperation and expression of civility that I offer this suggestion as a means to not only give the voters a fair and equal opportunity to be heard but also provide a unique opportunity that demonstrates to our constituents that political campaigns can be civil, issue oriented and ones where all concerned respect the views and opinions of all, no matter what their party affiliation.
This is a unique proposition from Russo to McDonald. I don't expect McDonald to say yes but if he did, it certainly would speak volumes for how both men want this race to be carried out. An issue-based campaign would be nice and leaving the negative attacks and character attacks is a must. In these tough times, people want answers. They don't want you fighting against each other while important issues are ignored. If McDonald accepts, it would send a clear message. He, too, wants to run a clean, issue-based campaign.
Mike Russo, before working for Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand and running for political office, worked with unions for nearly 30 years. Today he announced that a union has backed him in his race against Republican Roy McDonald.
The Building Trades, which is the collection of all of regions unions who represent workers employed in building construction, have endorsed Mike Russo in his bid for the NYS Senate. Early on it was widely thought the Trades would support his opponent in the race; the endorsement is seen as an indication that Russo is best equipped to bring much-needed jobs and building projects to the area.
Hearing of the Building Trades endorsement, Russo said: "Bringing good paying jobs here to our region is a top priority. In addition to large building projects, our towns and cities are in desperate need of infrastructure improvements. Our roads, bridges, sewer and water systems are in desperate need of repair, and making sure that these projects are done and completed by people from our area who receive the proper pay and benefits is a priority. I recognize that the Building Trades endorsement means they believe I am best positioned to bring these jobs to our region and I won't let them down."
Over the weekend, Russo also ran in the 2nd Annual Joseph Longobardo Memorial 5K Run. Longobardo was a New York State Trooper gunned down in the line of duty while hunting for fugitive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips. I was just entering my junior year at SUNY Fredonia when Phillips escaped and fled to Chautauqua County. I remember the overwhelming police presence, especially after Longobardo was shot and killed. It speaks to anyone's character who went out to support this cause on Sunday. Longobardo will be remembered as a hero.
The 43rd Senate District had a Democratic primary and Republican primary last night, although the Republican primary wasn't close. Roy McDonald won the Republican primary with 85 percent of the vote.
But it was Mike Russo who pulled out the Democratic primary over Brian Premo. Russo did it convincingly too, beating Premo 2 to 1. It was not a good night for Premo. He also lost the Working Families Party line. The WFP endorsed Premo but Christopher Consuello won to get on the ballot in November.
This race will be a tough one, but Russo is a strong candidate to have in our corner. Here is more on the race (from the Times-Union):
McDonald, R-Saratoga, defeated Nassau Councilman Ray Seney in the GOP primary 8,779 to 1,507 with all election districts reporting, according to unofficial results from the Rensselaer County and Saratoga County Boards of Election. McDonald also will appear on the Independence and Conservative lines in the Nov. 4 general election.
``I've always been project oriented,'' McDonald said. ``I've always looked for results. We'll contribute to a positive dialogue.''
Bruno endorsed McDonald and his Senate staff worked on the campaign.
Senate Majority Leader, Dean Skelos, R-Rockeville Center, Bruno's successor, appeared with McDonald last week to hand over a $1.1 million check to Rensselaer to help the municipality recover from flood damage.
In the Democratic primary, Russo of Saratoga defeated Brian Premo of Brunswick 5,119 to 2,598 with all of the election districts reporting, according to unofficial results.
``It's been a tremendous effort in a very short time. It's on to make a difference in the 43rd,'' said Russo, who has the backing of organized labor.
Russo won handily (as did McDonald) but the fact that Premo couldn't even hold onto the WFP line speaks volumes.
It is my pleasure to welcome Mike Russo to The Albany Project. Russo is a candidate for New York State Senate in the 43rd Senate District. Russo has a Democratic primary to focus on against Brian Premo which will be decided on September 9.
This is Joe Bruno's old seat, so this sure will be a seat that the Republicans want to keep come November. But with candidates like Mike Russo, it will be a tough bet. (Image courtesy of Mike Russo for Senate's website.)
Here is some background on Russo:
As the Director of New York's 20th Congressional District for Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, Mike was her top staff person in the district, responsible for establishing her offices, daily operations and personnel.
The district runs from as far north as Lake Placid, south as far as Poughkeepsie and then to the west to Cooperstown encompassing most of 10 counties and about 1/7th of the area of New York State. There are regional offices and staff assigned in Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, Hudson and Delhi. Mike connected with the people and is very aware of the real issues affecting the families of Upstate New York.
And here is a short bio on Russo:
Mike Russo currently lives in Saratoga with his wife Fiorella and mother Helen. He and his family are committed to public service and the personal sacrifices it involves. The Russo family believes we need strong, independent leaders who are willing to listen to all, regardless of political views or persuasions. Most of all, our leaders must realize they serve the public and that any seat they are entrusted to hold really belongs to the people they represent.
Mike's roots have uniquely prepared him to represent us in New York's State Senate. Mike's mom, Helen, was raised on a farm outside Ithaca. Mike credits much of his moral character, giving spirit and hard work ethic to his mom, his experience on farms, and what can be generally found in the fabric of our farm community.
Please join me in welcoming Mike Russo to The Albany Project.
Mike Russo, Democratic candidate for Joe Bruno's old seat in the 43rd Senate District, will be joining The Albany Project from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday. Russo will be blogging live from the Flavour Cafe and Lounge at 228 4th Street in Troy. So if you are in the area, stop in and see Mike blogging in action.
From the press release:
Mike Russo will talk to the netroots this Friday from 4 - 5 PM at the Flavour Cafe and Lounge, located at 228 4th St in Troy. The event will be hosted by The Albany Project, a blog dedicated to reforming New York State government and electing a Democratic State Senate, and is the first time the Russo campaign has held an open forum. The format will be a live blog, where people can post their questions and comments on The Albany Project's website and Russo will personally answer them.
Greg Connors, the campaign spokesman, said: "Mike is committed to openness and accessibility in government, and is also happy to give the first access of this type to the blog world. His netroots campaign is just as important to him as his street campaign, and he is excited by the possibilities it will bring".
Russo is the only candidate in the race to reach out so actively to the online community, acknowledging that in today's political environment, online activism is becoming ever more important.
Awhile back, I was approached about having an event like this. Russo made a concerted effort to bring his message to the netroots. He wants to do this and is very open to questions you all may have. So please join us on Friday for the live blog.
Mike Russo, who is running for Joe Bruno's old seat in SD-43, was endorsed today by the Bricklayers and Allied Trades Local 2.
"The Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers, Local 2 NY are proud to endorse Mike Russo and we are confident that as our next State Senator he will continue to be a strong voice for labor," said Robert Mantello, Local 2 President. "Mike Russo is a proven champion of the working people of this area and New York State. He is a competent, compassionate, and dedicated advocate who is not afraid to stand up for what is right."
The Bricklayers are seen as one of the leading building trades within the area's construction unions. They have joined several other building trades in endorsing Russo. The endorsement is significant in that the trades do not usually endorse until after the Primary election is over, which shows they are willing to put their political capital on the line early.
"Mike has been a lifelong advocate for working families and was of those few labor leaders who is also respected by the business community," said campaign spokesman Greg Connors. "We thank the Bricklayers for putting their trust behind Mike and I know he will continue his work in support of creating jobs and building the economy and infrastructure here in the Capital Region."
Russo is the former Congressional District Director for Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand and has garnered more than 30 major endorsements since entering the race only a month ago. He is running in the September 9th Democratic primary for State Senate.
Russo's campaign is picking up steam. He does have a primary opponent, Brian Premo, who was running originally against Bruno before Bruno decided to retire.
Today, it was announced that Russo was endorsed by Democracy For The Hudson-Mohawk Region (DFHMR), Saratoga Springs Democratic Chairman Louis Schneider and the Clifton Park Democratic Committee.
First, the announcement regarding the DFHMR endorsement:
Democracy for the Hudson-Mohawk Region (DFHMR), the regional affiliate of Democracy for America, has endorsed several local progressive candidates running for office in the Capital Region, including Mike Russo in his run for the NYS Senate's 43rd District and Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand. Russo worked with Gillibrand as the Director of her Congressional district until July 14th when he left his Federal office to run for the Senate.
In responding to news of the endorsement Russo said: "I really appreciate the endorsement of DFHMR; there is no better acknowledgement for a candidate's progressive values. This endorsement is especially important because the group is made up of some of real activists, people that work hard to get their candidates elected. I would like to assure them that I will work equally hard for the people of the 43rd as their Senator." Russo went on to say: "I am also honored to have received the endorsement along with Congresswoman Gillibrand. I have enjoyed working with her and we share many of the same values"
Richard Jones, DFHMR Vice President, coordinated the endorsement process and said: "thanks to all the candidates for their participation in our endorsement process. It is important that
progressive candidates feel comfortable stepping up and seeking office at all levels of government."
More on the Schneider endorsement:
Louis Schneider, the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee Chairperson, announced his endorsement for Mike Russo in his bid for the NYS 43rd Senatorial seat this morning. Schneider's endorsement is seen as pivotal in that it is the second largest city in the 43rd District and the largest city in Saratoga County.
In making his endorsement, Schneider said: "Mike has the experience, strength and leadership qualities that we need in our next Senator. What I really appreciate about Mike is that he listens and respects everyone, which is especially important in our city. Mike has my full support."
Here is more on the Clifton Park endorsement:
The Russo for Senate Campaign announced the endorsement of the Clifton Park Democratic Committee today. In speaking about the importance of the endorsement, Campaign Manager Greg Connors said: "It is difficult to overstate the importance of this endorsement, which comes from the largest town in the Senate District. People are reconsidering their previous endorsements, which were made when Joe Bruno was still known to be the candidate. Now that there is a real race, people are realizing that they need to put up a candidate that will be a strong, experienced voice for the region and has the ability to win in the general election."
Russo is challenging Brian Premo for the Democratic nod in SD-43.
The race to replace the retiring Joe Bruno is heating up fast as a number of Democrats are poised to join Brian Premo in a primary for the Democratic nod.
Former city Mayor Valerie Keehn is out. City Supervisor Joanne Yepsen and Michael Russo, an ex-local union leader, want in.
Saratoga County Democrats emerged from two days of meetings on Saturday with a different lineup for the 43rd District state Senate seat now held by retiring Sen. Joseph Bruno.
...
Russo, who now works as district officer for U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Greenport, said in a brief phone interview Saturday that he, too, started circulating petitions to join the race.
"I am strongly considering (a run)," he said.
He and Yepsen need 1,000 signatures each from enrolled Democrats in the district by July 10 to challenge the only Democrat officially in the race -- Rensselaer County Democrat Brian Premo of Brunswick -- in a September primary.
...
I'm under a lot of pressure to call a county meeting to reconvene and reconsider this race," Saratoga County Democratic Chairman Larry Bulman said. "We're not going to do that. We're just going to move forward and good Democrats are going to do what good Democrats are going to do."
I'm hearing that Russo is definitely in and should be formally announcing soon. That gives us a minimum of three Democrats running for Uncle Joe's seat, a very good sign. I had assumed that this seat would be a real tough nut to crack for Dems given that it was custom built by and for Joe Bruno as well as run by folks who owe the Bruno machine everything. The fact that we have Dems lining up to take this challenge on tells me that those on the ground see a real opportunity here.
The biggest news item of the week was Joe Bruno's retirement from the Senate. That left his 43rd Senate District seat open, which has already garnered interest from a number of people on both sides of the aisle.
First, the Democratic side. Brian Premo has been a candidate and was going to challenge Bruno regardless. But with Bruno's retirement comes a few names being tossed around. According to sources with knowledge of the situation in SD-43, former Saratoga Springs Mayor Val Keehn is gathering signatures and prepping for a primary bid against Premo. Also, Saratoga County Supervisor Joanne Yepsen is being mentioned as a possible candidate who is considering a run. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand staffer Mike Russo is also considering a run.
On the Republican side, the Times-Union has the situation covered:
Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino, a Republican who had been considering running to succeed retiring Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno in his seat representing the 43rd Senate District, says she will not run.
On Monday, Bruno made the surprise announcement that he was stepping down this week as majority leader and would not run in November for another 2-year term. Attorney Brian Premo of Rensselaer County already was running on the Democratic line, and Assemblyman Roy McDonald of Saratoga County was the first Republican to be mentioned as a likely candidate.
Jimino, who served as Troy city manager, Troy budget director and a Rensselaer County legislator before running for county executive, also has worked on the Senate's fiscal staff.
It looks as though Republican Assemblyman Roy McDonald will be a candidate, at least a possible candidate.
Things are taking shape. The Democratic field will probably be more interesting, considering the names already being tossed around as possible contenders.
Brian Premo is a Democrat running for this seat. He has already received the Working Families Party endorsement. Premo attempted to run in 2006 but he had to switch parties and receive permission from the Democratic Party to run against Bruno. The Saratoga County Democrats voted to not allow Premo on the ballot in 2006.
I just read this interview with Premo and it gives a fairly good introduction to Premo. Our own devtob wrote a post on Premo. Premo appears to be a great candidate, although I could not find a website for his campaign.
This race will surely draw some interest. Maybe Premo is the guy for this race. But I think we will see some possible candidates take a look at this seat.
Tuesday's Republican State Committee here in Albany could be an interesting affair for more than one reason. Not only will party leaders meet the day after Bruno has announced his plans not to seek reelection, but the departure also came as news to the Republican state Chairman Joseph Mondello who, according to one highly placed Republican, wasn't told that Bruno was leaving until after the news came out earlier today.
Mondello who took the reins from Stephen Minarik in late 2006 has been the subject of speculation lately, with talk of pressure for a new chairman in light of losses in Senate races and a possible anti-Bush tsunami looming this November.
Because today, the last day in the last regular legislative session that Bruno's Republicans will control for a long, long time, brings us another odd clue that it may be Uncle Joe's last hurrah as well. A few weeks ago we learned that the long neglected Senate Minority conference room received a rather extensive renovation, a move that some interpreted as a sign that the Republican majority in the Senate could see the writing on the wall and wanted to spruce up the joint while they still controlled the spending to do so. I'm also hearing quite a bit about some rather vicious infighting in Uncle Joe's caucus and much of it appears to be generational in nature. The Republican majority in the New York State Senate is on the way out and they all know it. This seems to have some members, particularly the younger ones, fairly upset. Today we learn that one of Joe Bruno's closest aides is being set up with a long term gig at a significant pay cut.
Edward P. Stahr, one of Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's trusted aides, is set up to be confirmed for a post with the New York State Employment Relations Board. The notable thing is he's taking a pay cut for a longer-term deal.
Already some Republican insiders wonder if Bruno won't run again. Now, by moving his director of constituent relations to a fixed-term job, people are scratching their heads.
Stahr has been receiving about $115,000 a year as a Senate staffer. The new post on SERB would pay $90,800 and run through 2010.
An experienced Dem hand in Albany spoke to me about the possibility of Bruno "taking a dive", as he put it, last week. I'll believe that when Bruno actually holds a press conference where he throws in the towel, not before, but the signs that he may be at least considering spending more time with his horses continue to mount.
Though he appears to be an excellent health, Bruno is not a young man. He lost his wife of 57 years earlier this year and that pesky federal investigation doesn't seem to be letting up much. But, the single biggest factor in a possible Bruno exit has got to be that it's increasingly obvious that the GOP's long, long run at the wheel of the Senate is most certainly coming to an end. Bruno (and his entire caucus) has never spent a day in the minority and I very much doubt that either he or many of his crew wish to do so. If they do indeed lose their majority in November, with or without Bruno, look for a rash of retirements in the GOP ranks (and another rash of special elections.)
This doesn't mean for a second that the Senate GOP is about to lay down, whether Bruno retires or not. They won't. This is an existential fight for them, their Alamo, and they know it. In fact, it doesn't really appear that they have any agenda at all outside of mere survival this fall. They don't seem to have a plan for anything past November 4, 2008. What they do after losing the majority or after miraculously hanging on by the skin of their teeth will have to be made up on the fly on November 5th.
It's entirely possible, if not likely, that Uncle Joe will lead his troops into battle one last time but, given the signs that continue to pop up in and around Bruno, it maybe shouldn't be a huge surprise if at sometime in the next few weeks he decides he's ridden his last rodeo.
A prominent criminal defense attorney in Albany is preparing to announce his candidacy against the Republican leader of the Senate, Joseph Bruno, who hasn't faced a serious general election challenge since he was crowned majority leader in 1995.
Seeking to catch the wave of Democratic momentum following his party's upset victory in an upstate Senate election last month, the lawyer, Brian Premo, says he's convinced Mr. Bruno is beatable. "I have always believed that in our community, Joe is not as well-liked as he would like to believe and as others in the political arena might presume," he said in an interview.
"People are tired of the dysfunction in Albany, and in particular of Joe Bruno. He wants to take credit for everything he thinks is good in government, and he wants to take no responsibility for everything we know is bad in Albany," he said.
...
Saratoga leaders have yet to endorse a candidate. The supervisor of Saratoga Springs, Joanne Yepsen, a Democrat, is also considering mounting a bid against Mr. Bruno.
The state Democratic Party has yet to determine its favorite candidate or the extent of its involvement in the race.
And here comes a challenger for Bill Larkin in SD-39:
Civil rights attorney Michael Sussman, who ran for Orange County executive some six years ago, may seek the Democratic nomination for the 39th District State Senate seat held by Republican William Larkin.
Sussman confirmed to MidHudsonNews.com that he is testing the political waters by talking to leadership about the possibility of running this fall. Orange County Democratic Party Chairman Jonathan Jacobson said Sussman has run the idea past him.
Saying no public official should have a "free ride" into office; Sussman acknowledged a run against Larkin would be an uphill battle.
Whether it is he or another candidate, Sussman said the Democratic Party would need to be united in support of that person to wage a full scale campaign for the seat.
Sussman, who heads up an alternative political group, the Democratic Alliance, said before he would make a decision to reenter politics, he would talk it over with party leadership and his family.
This is Joe Bruno's old seat, so this sure will be a seat that the Republicans want to keep come November. But with candidates like Mike Russo, it will be a tough bet. (Image courtesy of Mike Russo for Senate's website.)
