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Special Election 
Fri Apr 29, 2011 at 13:58:52 PM EDT
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Siena Research Institute came out this morning with the first public polling in the upcoming May 24 special election in the NY-26 Congressional District.
The results are very, very close with Republican Jane Corwin at 36%, Democrat Kathy Hochul closing in at 31% and independent Tea Party candidate Jack Davis at 23%.
Philip has a post up already but I want to take a moment to dig a little deeper into the crosstabs and see if we can learn something about what is going on out there in this mostly rural western New York district.
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Fri Aug 07, 2009 at 16:55:01 PM EDT
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(Note: This info comes straight from Liz Benjamin at the Daily News; if you want a great place to get political news quickly, her blog is the place to go.)
When Queens Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio resigned from his seat in disgrace, the automatic result was an election to be held in November, with primaries in September.
That was fine, until it became clear that Albert Baldeo was running in the Democratic primary, upsetting the Queens County Democratic Party machine because they don't like him very much -- to say the least. So they have been trying to get Governor Paterson to call a special election for September 15.
Why? In a special election the party machine can pick their candidate, whereas the automatic process means whoever wins the primary is the nominee.
Today, Governor Paterson's office released a proclamation, signed by the governor, calling for a special election. A few hours later, Governor Paterson said, in effect, "there ain't no such animal." Apparently, Paterson's counsel Peter Kiernan is empowered to use the automark to fix the governor's signature on documents, and that's what they're saying is what happened.
We'll never know the whole truth; the only thing that's clear to me is that Governor Paterson's credibility just took another hit.
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Tue Jul 28, 2009 at 10:25:36 AM EDT
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There is a first time for everything and endorsing a Republican is a first for me! It is with great pride that I endorse the candidacy of Republican Dede Scozzafava in the special election in NY 23. As a member of the NY State Assembly representing the 122nd District of NY, Dede has established a voting record that is Pro-Choice, Pro-Gay Marriage, Pro-Labor and Pro-Science. Her election will return to the US House and the NY Delegation a voice of reason on the other side of the aisle that we have not seen from the Republican Party since the days of Rockefeller/Javits/Lefkowitz/Goodell/Wachler. With the decision of Darrel Aubertine to remain in the State Senate, I can think of no better candidate at this time than Dede Scozzafava and I believe her election will be a good first step to demonstrate to the Republican Party their need to diversify and extend their philosophical reach whileproviding the President and House Democratic leadership a reasoned voice to work cross aisle with on the many serious issues that the President has inherited.
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Wed Jun 03, 2009 at 10:44:22 AM EDT
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With the 23rd congressional district seat vacant, we have already been discussing possible contenders for the race to fill the post previously held by Rep. John McHugh, who is leaving to serve as President Barack Obama's Secretary of the Army.
CQPolitics has more on the possible contenders for both parties.
But other Democrats pointed to state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, Syracuse attorney Daniel J. French, 2008 nominee Michael P. Oot, state party Chairwoman June O'Neill and John Rhodes, who considered a 2008 run, as possible contenders.
"I'm interested," French, a former aide to the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., said in a telephone interview.
Though he lives outside the district, he was raised in it, earned a bachelor's degree at the State University of New York in Oswego and worked as a U.S. attorney there.
Aubertine, of Watertown, won a 2008 special election for a Senate district based an hour or so from Ottawa, Canada, that covers all of two counties in McHugh's district and part of a third.
But even an Aubertine victory could be a net loss for national Democrats. New York is set to lose at least one seat in the reapportionment of congressional districts after next year's census, and his influence in the state Senate may be more valuable to the party than an extra vote in the U.S. House that could disappear after the 2012 election.
For that reason, several Democrats said they thought it was unlikely that Aubertine would run.
"It's too early to comment right now," said Aubertine's spokesman, Drew Mangione. "The senator is committed to his work in the New York state Senate."
A slew of Republican names also surfaced Tuesday: Assembly members Will Barclay, who lost to Aubertine for the Senate seat, Janet L. Duprey and Dede Scozzafava; Terry Gach, vice president of institutional advancement at the Trudeau Institute; Michael F. Joyce, the head of Hargrave Custom Yachts; former state Sen. Jim Wright; and Franklin County District Attorney Derek Champagne.
On the Democratic side, a lot of attention has been paid to Aubertine. If we had a 33 to 29 majority in the New York State Senate, it would be an easier decision. But with a 32 to 30 majority, the decision becomes a much more difficult one. Losing Aubertine could mean losing his seat, leading to a split in the Senate and a legislative nightmare.
June O'Neill could be an intriguing choice. She hails from St. Lawrence County and is very familiar with the North Country. Having her run would involve little risk. She doesn't hold a seat in the state Legislature, so we don't have to worry about another special election. Her candidacy would certainly bring the state party together and a huge effort would be made to elect her (not that such an effort wouldn't be put forth for any other candidate, but when it's the state party chair, you might see an outpouring of support from Democrats all over the state).
On the Republican side, none of those names are surprising. Most of them are currently serving as elected officials and a few of them are businessmen. It isn't a secret that the Republicans have a larger bench (they have more elected officials in the region) but they don't have anyone that sticks out as a candidate that is sure to win it.
The enrollment figures for the district aren't too bad. The Republicans do have an enrollment edge over Democrats, but with the minor party lines and blanks, that edge can be erased.
Here is the enrollment breakdown throughout the district (as of April 1):
23rd Congressional District Enrollment
DEMOCRATS: 120,887
REPUBLICANS: 167,272
INDEPENDENTS: 19,619
CONSERVATIVES: 5,561
WORKING FAMILIES: 1,482
GREEN: 911
LIBERTARIAN: 77
SOCIALISTS: 3
BLANKS: 76,194
TOTAL: 392,006
By comparison, NY-20 had a greater disparity between Democrats and Republicans, yet we still managed to win. If we can mobilize our base and get our voters out and find some supporters among the minor parties and blanks, we can win this. The Republicans will try to lower expectations, but on paper, they should win this race. However, if we do what we did in NY-20, we can win this. Having a solid candidate will only makes thing better for us and improve our chances in a special election.
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Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 20:28:13 PM EST
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It is official: The special election in the 20th congressional district is set for March 31.
Democratic candidate Scott Murphy issued the following statement after the special election date was announced:
"Our grassroots campaign is energized and hitting the ground running because for too long career politicians in Albany and Washington have ignored new ways to tackle the most pressing problems in our economy.
"I have been overwhelmed by the positive response to our grassroots campaign and I look forward to continuing to meet voters all across our district, ensuring Upstate gets its fair share from Washington, and highlighting my real world experience helping to create good paying jobs in Upstate New York."
I, along with a number of other bloggers, had the chance to speak with Murphy late last week. I was impressed with his willingness to reach out to the New York netroots and discuss where he stands. When asked what committees he would sit on if elected to Congress, Murphy said he would like to serve on the Agriculture and Financial Services committees.
Murphy is a well rounded candidate. He would be a great representative for the people of the 20th congressional district and he would be a friend of the netroots. Those are very good traits to have and he makes for an exciting candidate.
Oh, and he lives in the district. That should be considered a plus too.
ON THE WEB:
Scott Murphy for Congress
Scott Murphy's ActBlue Page
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Tue May 13, 2008 at 09:56:46 AM EDT
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(A race worth actually paying attention to this evening. - promoted by phillip anderson)
I will use this post to Liveblog the returns in MS01 when the polls close tonight. There is lots going on today between the West Virginia Presidential Primary and Nebraska Senate Primary where we hope Scott Kleeb can win the nomination. But MS01 is the real deal tonight. The winner goes to congress in the morning and in this Cook PVI R+10 District located on the Northern quarter of OL' MS, we have a Democratic nominee who came within 400 votes of winning in the five way race three weeks ago. The broke NRCC has spent 1.3m to attempt to avoid a third straight loss of a Republican held seat this cycle. The cash flush DCCC has pumped 1.8m into this race.
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Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 05:15:05 AM EST
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(Like I've been saying from the beginning, this one would be won with field. Guess what? It was. - promoted by phillip anderson)
Darrel Aubertine won because he turned out his base, that is voters in and around his Assembly District. While the "River District" turned out big for Aubertine, turnout lagged in Oswego County and Will Barclay's Assembly District.
| County | 2/26
Turnout | 2006
Turnout | % of
2006 | Aubertine
% |
| Jefferson (118th AD) | 12,877 | 15,624 | 82% | 68% |
| St. Lawrence | 10,586 | 14,408 | 73% | 61% |
| Jefferson (rest) | 8,481 | 10,726 | 78% | 58% |
| Oswego | 21,365 | 33,452 | 64% | 37% |
In 2006, Jefferson & St. Lawrence Counties accounted for 55% of the vote in SD-48; yesterday they cast nearly 60% of ballots district-wide.
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Thu Jan 18, 2007 at 11:54:07 AM EST
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FINALLY...
Here we go!
We are very, very excited to announce "Raise New York", a "blograiser" for SSD-07 candidate Craig Johnson featuring Governor Eliot Spitzer! And when I say "we", I am referring to, amongst many others, The Daily Gotham, Rochester Turning, Democracy In Albany, onNYTurf, WNYMedia.net, Swing State Project and, of course, us here at TAP.
Raise New York will take place on Thursday, February 1st at Prey in NYC. The event will also be liveblogged here and at Daily Gotham and DailyKos. There will be photos, audio and video in near real time for those who for whatever reason can't attend in person. It's gonna be a hoot.
What is so exciting about this event for me is that, besides raising some much needed money for Craig Johnson, it represents a real opportunity for partnership building between the progressive net/grassroots and a state Dem Party establishment that hasn't always been so interested in such things. There exists some very real potential for some mending of fences and and some trust building amongst all these groups as they fight for a common goal, namely reforming our joke of a state government.
The very nature of how this event came about is unprecedented as far as I can tell. This has never been done, or done in this way, ever before.
It also represents something potentially very special for the progressive NY blogosphere. It's a demonstration that we can and will work together towards that common goal when we choose to do so. That's never happened before and these new relationships could turn into something pretty freaking amazing. In fact, this may be what I find most exciting.
So please join us for this amazing event! Join us in person or online and let's do all we can to make ol' Joe Bruno's majority one seat more tenuous.
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Wed Jan 17, 2007 at 13:15:09 PM EST
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Two time state Senate challenger Jimmy Dahroug is throwing his support behind the Democratic candidate for the open seat in District 7. From an email sent moments ago:
My friend Craig Johnson's special election race is key to Democrats taking the State Senate. We're only 3 seats away from a majority - and Craig's race will bring us one seat closer. So I am asking you to help put Craig Johnson over the top.
With a Democratic majority we can untie Eliot Spitzer's hands to make Albany work for our working families again. That means reforming state government, restoring fiscal discipline, protecting our environment, and expanding healthcare - the very issues that Craig Johnson has fought for as a county legislator.
With Democrats outnumbering Republicans in this Port Washington-based district this seat is ours to lose. And let's not take it for granted because Joe Bruno will do everything in his power to keep this seat in Republican hands.
Eliot Spitzer is putting his faith in Craig Johnson and so should we. Let's do everything we can to support Craig's Johnson campaign. Whether it's knocking on doors, donating money, or making phone calls - your support will make a difference in this race.
Please contact the Nassau County Democratic Party at 1-516-294-3366 to volunteer.
(All emphasis in original)
The letter closes with a request to visit Craig Johnson's website which, as far as i can tell, is still the old site with a new URL. What's up with that? It's, um, Wednesday now.
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Wed Jan 17, 2007 at 12:26:38 PM EST
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For those of you interested in getting involved with this crucial race, here are some ways you can help. In addition to the phonebanks I wrote about earlier, there are now opportunities for canvassing in the 7th District. (And, yeah, I know it's cold. Finally. Perfect timing, eh?)
Saturday's Trip:
This Saturday, we will be meeting at the Mineola LIRR Train Station at 11 am. State Sen. Liz Krueger will greet us in Mineola and then we'll spend a few hours on canvassing and visibility for our Democratic candidate Craig Johnson.
Manhattan/NYC folks: There will be a group meeting at Penn Station, near the LIRR Schedule Board, at 9:45 am.
Anyone needing more info should feel free to drop me a line. Don't forget your mittens...
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Tue Jan 16, 2007 at 11:57:17 AM EST
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Some Tuesday clips just for you...
Racing for commercial appeal (Newsday)
Foes in State Senate special election take to airwaves using political allies to get their messages out
Nassau Legis. Craig Johnson invokes Gov. Eliot Spitzer's name so often, it might seem as if last fall's gubernatorial campaign were still going. And in a television ad set to begin airing today, Spitzer returns the favor.
The ad features Spitzer speaking while a montage of black-and-white images of "Johnson for Senate" yard signs and photographs of the governor and Johnson together flash across the screen.
"On Jan. 1, we offered a new vision of reform outside the state Capitol," Spitzer says to close the commercial. "Now we need the votes in the state Capitol."
Spitzer v. leaders, rounds 1 and 2 (Times Herald-Record)
Bruno & pal went under the radar at Florida flesh club and No joint wilder than Joe & Shelly's (NY Daily News)
Stem cells and silver linings on the flip...
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Mon Jan 15, 2007 at 16:37:01 PM EST
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The special election in 7th state Senate District is only 22 days away! It's a hugely important contest and one that should command the attentions of all those committed to reforming our state government. The stakes are HUGE and it's going to be one hell of a dogfight.
If you are like NYBri, the Governor and, well, like myself and have decided to support Craig Johnson for this seat, you may be asking yourself what you can do to help. Well, here ya go!
NARAL Phonebanks - 470 Park Avenue South, 7th Floor (between 31st & 32nd)
Beginning Thursday, January 19th, 2007
Monday - Thursday 6PM - 9PM
20 Phones
CWA Phonebanks - 80 Pine Street, 37th Floor
Beginning Tuesday, January 16th, 2007
Monday - Thursday 6PM - 9 PM
12 Phones
UPDATE: (Hat tip to AH) Here are some phone banks in Albany:
NYS DSCC Albany - 107 Washington Ave, 2nd floor
Monday - Thursday 6PM - 9 PM
6 Phone lines
NYS Democratic HQ Albany - 100 South Swan Street
Monday - Thursday 6PM - 9PM
8 Phone lines
(starts this Wednesday)
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Mon Jan 15, 2007 at 10:37:45 AM EST
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Some Monday morning clippage just for you...
Long Island race holds implications for Bruno's future, Spitzer's agenda (Albany Times Union)
The outcome of this race, which officials say could cost more than $4
million, making it the most expensive of its kind in New York history, could
determine the future of both Bruno and the shrinking Republican Senate
majority -- the last bastion of GOP power in the state.
But it is also a test of Spitzer's newfound political clout.
...
This is very simply a thumbs up or a thumbs down on the reform agenda I
laid out in the State of the State on Jan. 3," Spitzer said last week. "If
you support that agenda, you must vote for Craig Johnson."
Beyond endorsing Johnson, Spitzer is appearing on campaign mailers and will
be in a TV ad with Johnson made by Jimmy Siegel, the creative force behind
Spitzer's own TV spots during the governor's race. Spitzer will headline a
Jan. 18 fundraiser for Johnson, too.
Heh. "fully engaged" indeed. Big shots pull strings in state Sen. turf war (New York Daily News)
Election fundraiser irks GOP (Albany Times Union)Pols campaign, assail Bruno (Newsday)
Today's Brunogate goodness on the flip..
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Fri Jan 12, 2007 at 09:38:19 AM EST
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First, the unlinkable. Apparently, the guv has decided against taking Joe Bruno's advice. I was told by more than once last night and by some folks who should know, that Governor Spitzer will be "fully engaged" in the special election for the state Senate seat in District 7. It's so on.
Quick! Someone call the whhaaaaambulance! Spitzer role in LI race criticized. (Newsday)
Bruno finds fault with partisan push by governor in campaign to fill open seat in State Senate
Gov. Eliot Spitzer's plan to endorse Nassau Legis. Craig Johnson today in the Democrat's bid to replace state Sen. Michael Balboni is fomenting hostility between Spitzer and Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.
During a meeting this week with Spitzer, the upstate Republican charged that the governor's surrogates were threatening labor leaders into backing Johnson, who is opposed by Republican Nassau County Clerk Maureen O'Connell.
...
An administration source said, "There are some very important issues in this race and the governor plans to be very involved."
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Thu Jan 11, 2007 at 18:58:47 PM EST
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(From the diaries. WFP is ON IT. - promoted by lipris)
Here's the hot-off-the-presses Craig Johnson for State Senate flyer our field operation started handing out last night.
27 days until Election Day!
Volunteer | Donate
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Wed Jan 10, 2007 at 15:12:12 PM EST
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The Working Families Party today endorsed Nassau County Legislator Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) in the race to replace outgoing state Senator and new state Homeland Security chief Michael Balboni.
From the Working Families Party blog:
The Working Families Party is proud to endorse Nassau County Legislator Craig Johnson for State Senate in the 7th Senate District special election on February 6th.
After interviewing both Craig Johnson and Maureen O'Connell, Nassau WFP Chapter members voted overwhelmingly to endorse Craig Johnson. Larry DeAngelis, co-chair of the Working Families Nassau Chapter, had this to say:
"Working families in Nassau County need Craig Johnson in the State Senate to reform Albany, reduce property taxes for working and middle-class families and address pressing needs like better schools and affordable housing. In every election, we interview the candidates and evaluate their positions on the issues that matter most to working families. In this race, we're convinced that Craig Johnson is the best candidate for working families on Long Island."
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Tue Jan 09, 2007 at 00:43:53 AM EST
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It's official. As expected, Nassau county dems nominated County Legislator Craig Johnson to run against County Clerk, Maureen O'Connell in the Feb 6th special election to replace new state Homeland Security chief Michael Balboni.
As usual, Newsday is all over it.
 NY Dems nominate county legislator Johnson for Senate
Craig Johnson, a popular county legislator, was nominated Monday to run for a key state Senate seat being left vacant by Michael Balboni's departure to Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer's administration as chief of homeland security.
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Jay Jacobs, chairman of the Nassau County Democrats, said Johnson comes to the table with a solid record and base of supporters.
"He knows how to campaign, voters are used to voting for him and he has an excellent record in the Legislature," Jacobs said.
Johnson was elected to the 11th Legislative District in a special election in 2000 after the death of the former legislator, Barbara Johnson, his mother.
He was re-elected to the post in 2001 and 2003. In 2005, he received 73 percent of the votes, Jacobs said.
This one is gonna be a dogfight and there's less than month for these campaigns and the parties to make their case. The stakes are HUGE, especially for the GOP, and their new party chair who has deep roots in the district and will likely pull out all the stops to not only protect the seat, but his own home turf.
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Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 12:47:18 PM EST
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Newsday reports that the special election for the seat of former Senator and incoming Homeland Security Director Michael Balboni (R) will be held on Tuesday, February 6.
The Republicans have nominated Nassau County Clerk Maureen O'Connell, who reportedly has the Independence and Conservative lines as well. The Democrats will pick their candidate on Monday; Nassau County Legislator Craig Johnson is the front-runner for that nomination. Johnson has run on the WFP line in the past and he will probably get row E against O'Connell. Insiders suggest that the parties could spend up to $4 million on the race.
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