This will be your last reminder before I leave for Netroots Nation. On Monday, August 17th, the four GLOW Democratic committees will be throwing a reception for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand during her tour through the area. It's our honor to be hosting the Senator at the Sweet Briar in Geneseo, Livingston County, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Minimum donation is $25. Appetizers will be provided and there will be a cash bar.
To reserve tickets, email me at adbrown at adamabrown.net, or call Judith Hunter at (585) 615-2986.
I have interviewed Assemblyman Hoyt before and he was a great interview. He provided me with a lot of his positions on issues like Empire Zone and IDA reform, as well as his position on smart growth and his support of charter schools.
One issue we didn't talk about is high speed rail, which is an issue that Assemblyman Hoyt has long been a supporter of. On Christmas Day, he wrote an op-ed in The Buffalo News discussing how federal stimulus money promised by the incoming Barack Obama administration should fund the construction of high speed rail here in New York.
During my interview with Hoyt, he discussed high speed rail and what it could mean for upstate New York.
"High speed rail would connect the three greatest cities: New York City, Buffalo and Toronto as well as all the cities in between," Hoyt said. "It would lead to explosive growth in industry and population. The economic stimulus package will be in the several billion dollar range and one of the central infrastructure needs is high speed rail."
I asked Hoyt whether he saw real support for high speed rail and he said he did. He made the case for high speed rail.
"I think you will see real growth and environmental benefits," Hoyt said of high speed rail. "Our highways are reaching their capacity. Airports are bursting at the seams. There are stories about delays at major airports and you can't just build a new terminal."
Hoyt added: "The current administration has said that the Empire State Corridor qualifies as one of 11 high speed rail corridors that is being looked at for development of a high speed rail system."
It would appear Sen. Bill Stachowski's win tonight was the difference in keeping the New York State Senate. Stachowski has a 6,500 vote lead with all but 24 precincts reporting. The race is his.
Unfortunately, Democrats didn't win elsewhere. Joe Mesi fell short tonight against Mike Ranzenhofer in SD-61. Rick Dollinger lost his bid in SD-56 to knock off Joe Robach, losing by four percentage points (52-48) to the man who replaced him in 2002. Dave Nachbar lost 61-39 to Jim Alesi in SD-55 in a tough race. And Paloma Capanna, the grassroots extraordinaire, lost to Sen. Michael Nozzolio.
We also saw Kathy Konst lose to Sen. Dale Volker, although her loss should inject some hope into that seat. Volker did not win the primary in dominating fashion and this win was only by 12 points. Konst showed us something in this race for the 59th District seat.
We proved a lot here in Western New York this year and we have a lot more to prove in 2010. We showed tonight that contrary to popular belief, we do have some pretty good candidates up here. We showed that we can, even with enrollment disadvantages, compete with the Republicans and win one here or there.
In 2010, I will make a couple of predictions:
(1) Joe Robach isn't safe. It's difficult to see Rick Dollinger not win because Dollinger would have been a true reformer in the Senate. But once the money stream is cut from Robach's hands, he will be powerless. Hopefully the Democratic Senate can prove that it takes more than just member items to run this state.
(2) Start lining up for Dale Volker. I know the people in SD-59 want that seat and I will make something clear: I want that seat too. We are going to make it happen.
We may not have been successful tonight, but we showed we are competitors. We aren't pushovers and this is no longer Republican country. We will remain competitive and fight for every seat and hopefully, pick up a few along the way.
Jon has announced his "Introducing Jon Powers" fund raising campaign to help his first ad introduce him to the people in the 26th District he hasn't yet met. He and his team has been on the ground, canvassing, making calls and doing the hard work of a grassroots campaign. Now we need some air support.
Here's the spot:
Here's the thermometer...click on it and send some coin:
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court has struck down the "millionaire's amendment" as an unfair way to help opponents of wealthy candidates who spend from their personal fortunes.
And it was Jack Davis who brought the suit to the court.
Jon Powers is running for Congress in NY-26 in a primary against Davis and his is a people powered campaign. We need to support Jon and make sure Jack isn't given the opportunity to lose this seat a third time.
(There are a few different ways you could define "Western New York" so I will define it this way: the 53rd Senate District through the 62nd Senate District. This is a hotbed for state senate races, thus why I'm addressing it now ahead of the North County, New York City or eastern New York.)
NOTES: Winner is a safe incumbent who has no apparent challenger yet. He was a long-time assemblyman who took over the Senate seat when Rep. Randy Kuhl ran for Congress.
NOTES: Capanna is a terrific candidate. There is no doubt about that. Nozzolio is a strong incumbent and has a strong bankroll to run on ($519,828.59 cash on hand as of January) while Capanna had over $13,000 cash on hand as of January. I don't believe Capanna has to raise more money than Nozzolio, but she does need more to justify this race as a serious challenge. All the cards are there for her, but she needs more cash.
Race Ranking: A race to watch. (Note: A race to watch, at least in this context, is a race that really can't be designated yet until a few factors can be determined.)
One of the things championed by former Governor Eliot Spitzer was the Upstate Revitalization Fund. Gov. David Paterson assured upstate and more specifically Western New York that "our commitment will not change."
"Our commitment will not change." And with those words, Governor David Paterson sought to assure all of Western New York that he will follow Eliot Spitzer's plans when it comes to Western New York.
Just two months ago, Spitzer announced a one billion dollar fund to help revitilize upstate.
Paterson says that despite looming spending cuts as he tries to balance the state's upcoming budget without raising taxes, the billion dollar upstate fund will not be touched.
"We're going to revitalize Buffalo," he said.
...
Paterson: "A lot of times you have a building that's not in use, what you need to do in those cases is to demolish it and rebuild before a company would come in and run it. What businesses say is 'we shouldn't have to clean up your mess,' so we'll (the state) clean up our own mess, and then for a lot of companies, once you do that, they'll have interest in coming in."
As part of the state's commitment to the area, Paterson on Thursday announced that Tops will be bringing 140 white collar jobs to Amherst, doubling the size of its headquarters here.
Now, I know that this specific piece focuses squarely on western New York, but the fact that Paterson is making this pledge is significant for all of upstate. He wants us to know that he will not deviate from the plans that Spitzer first set forth for upstate.
Many people had problems with Spitzer and (maybe) rightfully so. But one of the things he deserves credit for is the focus on upstate. Now, Gov. Paterson will make this a focus of his and try to achieve the goals created with the upstate fund.
Today's retirement announcement by upstate New York GOP Rep. Tom Reynolds brings to 26 the total number of Republican open seats, and to four the number of New York GOP incumbents running for reelection. It also brings to five the number of former members of the House's elected Republican leadership who have called it quits so far this cycle. The others are Reps. John Doolittle (CA-04), Dennis Hastert (IL-14), Deborah Pryce (OH-15), and Tom Davis (VA-11). Democrats have already won Hastert's seat and are targeting the other three.
By the numbers, Reynolds's suburban Buffalo-to-Rochester district is the second most Republican in upstate New York, and any number of Republicans could put Reynolds's formidable political operation to work to keep the seat in the GOP column. Plus, there is little doubt that much of the $862,000 Reynolds reported in cash on hand at the end of 2007 will find its way into the district this fall. But its newly open status should bring the likely Democratic nominee, Iraq veteran and teacher Jon Powers, the flood of money and attention he has sought for months. This becomes the latest GOP open seat addition to the Toss Up column.
As I mentioned in the comments of Politics64's post, I could not make it to SD-48 this weekend as I had originally planned. But, I did have some friends that made the trek today.
(Pictured, from left, are: Shauna Warriner, Town of Stafford Chair from Genesee County who got a bit cut off in the picture, SD-61 Democratic candidate Michele Iannello, Genesee County Democratic Committee vice chair Lorie Longhany and a friend of Michele's, Cindy Selden as identified by Stephen in the comments!)
Lorie told me that she was impressed with the organization of the campaign. She said that they showed up and were out the door right away to pass out DVDs to undecided voters. The organization of the campaign seemed to be something that caught the eyes of many people.
One thing to note here: Iannello was up there and that only speaks to what kind of campaign she will run in SD-61. She came to lend a hand for Darrel Aubertine and that's the kind of grassroots effort she'll need in the 61st.
Former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson once said, "Don't talk the talk, unless you can walk the walk!" So while Republican and career politician Tom Reynolds is blurting out his false promises, NY-26 Democratic candidate Jon Powers is leading by example. Powers can and will walk the walk for the people of the 26th district.
From an e-mailed press release:
Tom Reynolds Talks the Talk, Jon Powers Walks the Walk
Reynolds makes empty promises at Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System
Tom Reynolds has once again displayed his willingness to say anything to get elected, even if it means speaking out against his own voting record. On Monday, Reynolds visited the Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System and talked about his "leadership" on veterans' issues, however his voting record sets a far different example.
Apparently, supporting veterans is not all that important to him. Last election cycle, Reynolds displayed an embarrassing voting record with regard to veterans issues. In 2006 Reynolds received a 50% rating from the non-partisan group, Disabled American Veterans; a miserable grade of C from the non-partisan group, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; and a disgraceful 7% rating from the non-partisan group, The Retired Enlisted Association. But wait, it gets worse, while casualties of war increased in 2004 and 2005, Reynolds received an abysmal 0% rating from the Disabled American Veterans.
"Tom Reynolds' record on veterans' issues speaks for itself: it is a disgrace," said Powers' Campaign Manager, John Gerken. "The fact that he is trying to re-invent himself as someone who is an advocate for veterans is disgusting. As an Iraq War Veteran, Jon Powers knows firsthand the challenges facing veterans and has pledged to honor those who served, not just talk about it like his opponent." This is another example of Reynolds, a career politician who has been running for office for 35 years, habitually saying one thing in the district and voting another way in Washington, DC.
The question Reynolds must now answer is whether or not he will oppose the Bush Budget. Reynolds career is defined by his 90% voting record with George Bush. Bush has proposed a budget with draconian cuts to veterans healthcare. Will this be the one time Reynolds votes against Bush or one of the nine times he supports him?
For a look at President Bush's budget numbers for the VA and for Reynolds poor voting record for veterans, click for more.
Tom Precious of The Buffalo News has a piece in today's paper about the Rath retirement. It's a pretty solid summary of why Mary Lou Rath wants out and the most important part in all this - who will be vying for her seat from the Republican and Democratic sides.
The succession race was already on Monday. Most Republicans give the early edge to Assemblyman James Hayes of Amherst, who has long eyed the Rath seat. But he said Monday his "total focus" right now is his current job as the ranking Republican on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee - which makes him the point person for Assembly Republicans in deciphering and critiquing Spitzer's 2008 budget proposal.
A couple of years ago, it would have been a slam dunk decision for Hayes. But with the Democrats threatening to take over the Senate, will it make sense for him to leave a senior position he has in the Assembly GOP to try for a Senate seat he could lose and for a legislative chamber that could turn Democratic?
"He'll be a very strong contender; I am hopeful he'll be our candidate," Bruno said.
Other Republicans mentioned include Michael Ranzenhofer, a county legislator from Amherst, and Dr. Barry Weinstein, a former minority leader in the County Legislature and now an Amherst Town Board member.
On the Democratic side, Dan Ward, a former county legislator and former Amherst supervisor who also unsuccessfully ran for county executive, quickly announced his candidacy Monday.
In a possibly interesting family twist, Ward's sister-in-law, Erie County Legislator Michelle Iannello said she also is possibly interested.
So, too, is former Amherst Supervisor Susan Grelick, who answered a question about her possible candidacy by checking off her childhood in Kenmore, her involvement in the issues and a long listing of her involvement with local civic and cultural groups. "I definitely will look at it," she said.
One person who won't be running, Rath said, is her son, Edward Rath III, who was recently elected to the County Legislature.
It's interesting to note that Rath's son is out of the running. He was seen, at one point, as the heir to that State Senate seat. Now, it seems the GOP will be looking elsewhere.
Two candidates on the Democratic side that I know of who are considering a run are Iannello and Ward. Iannello, according to my Genesee County Democratic sources, is a very strong candidate and seems well prepared about a possible run in the 61st. Ward also hopes to meet with the Genesee County Dems to talk about a possible run as well.
I posted my letter to Governor Eliot Spitzer regarding possible pay raises for the New York State Legislature. After I had posted that, I found out how the Western New York delegation would vote for (or against) a pay raise.
Here's a breakdown of the local delegation: Among State Senators, Democrat William Stachowski said he would vote no. Antoine Thompson said he didn't want to comment until he saw legislation. Republicans Dale Volker, Mary Lou Rath and George Maziarz all said they would vote against a pay hike.
Among members of the State Assembly: Democrats Francine DelMonte, Robin Schimminger, Dennis Gabryszak, and Mark Schroeder said they would not support a pay raise. Republicans Mike Cole, Jack Quinn and Jim Hayes also say they're opposed to a pay hike. We did not hear back from Democrats Crystal Peoples or Sam Hoyt.
The worst explanation for his or her no vote came from Republican Assemblyman Mike Cole:
"It's something the downstate delegation has been clamoring for," said Republican Assemblyman Mike Cole. "I don't even know how you can even consider it when the state is facing the budget mess we're in." Cole said if someone got into this kind of work for the money, they picked the wrong profession. "You knew what the salary was when you ran for the position. You do it because you love the community, to make a difference, not to get rich."
But I do agree with Cole's other words. They should be doing this for the community. The people of New York aren't shareholders in our politicians. We don't increase our investment in you just because you think you're doing a good job. We are voters, taxpayers and concerned citizens. And I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that a tax increase would be ludicrous, especially after all the talk of improving our economy over the last couple of weeks.
NY-26 Democratic candidate Jon Powers attended a house party here in Orleans County Sunday afternoon. The host was Orleans County Democratic Committee chairwoman Sally Rytlewski, who was kind enough to open up her home for 90 minutes to host Jon and a crowd of about 30-40 people.
It seems to me that as this campaign goes on, Jon is becoming a stronger candidate. Not to say he wasn't before, but he certainly has shown to many people that he is very qualified to be their representative her in New York's 26th district and he also has proven that he is very knowledgeable about local issues. He certainly can balance the national issues with the local ones very well. That will only help him in any primary and general election.
Governor Eliot Spitzer will reimburse the state $140 for a trip to Western New York earlier this month:
The integrity commission helped Spitzer figure out his liability and determined he did not owe anything, Cockfield said, because the governor only used the aircraft on the first day of his trip when he had state business and did not use state aircraft to return on the second day of the journey, returning by State Police car.
Despite that, Spitzer is paying back $140 out of his own pocket for one hour out of 22 that he spent in Buffalo. The governor multiplied 1/22 times $3,100 -- the cost of a charter plane from Albany to Buffalo -- to figure his payment.
Spitzer is paying the state back because he did attend two fundraisers while he was in WNY - one in Buffalo and one in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford. Even though the state's Commission on Public Integrity ruled that he owed nothing, Spitzer is still paying up.
NY-26 Democratic candidate Jon Powers picked up another big endorsement today and his first from a local union. The 1199 SEIU United Health Care Workers East endorsed Powers today.
From the press release:
"The healthcare workers of 1199 SEIU are proud to endorse Jon Powers for Congress," stated George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. "As an Iraq war veteran and schoolteacher, Jon's passion and commitment will be a welcome and much needed change from Congressman Tom Reynolds' failed leadership. From his blind support of the Iraq War to his senseless vetoes of children's health insurance, Reynolds has proved time and again that his loyalty is not to the people of Western New York but to President Bush - Western New Yorkers deserve better from their elected leaders. We look forward to having Jon as a strong voice for working families and we'll do everything we can to make sure he's elected."
1199 SEIU plans to direct mail, phone-bank and go door-to-door to all its members in the 26th congressional district.
"The men and women of 1199 SEIU know what it means to lead by example," said Powers. "They do it every day, with their hard work, their commitment to serving others, and their dedication to a job well-done. I am profoundly grateful to have earned their endorsement. And, in Congress, I'll strive every day to offer a style of leadership by example worthy of these hard-working Americans."
Kudos to Jon. This is a big endorsement. I'm sure more will follow.
Governor Eliot Spitzer will reimburse the state for part of his plane ride to Western New York because his trip here included a stop at a political fundraiser:
Spitzer flew on a state plane last Wednesday with an unknown number of aides. Democratic sources say he held court at a Buffalo restaurant that evening with a number of political figures.
The next day, he spoke at a meeting of the state Farm Bureau in Niagara Falls, met with The Buffalo News Editorial Board, gave other interviews and took a brief shopping trip with his wife along Elmwood Avenue. That evening, he held a fundraiser at Jacobs Executive Development Center, the former Butler Mansion now owned by the University at Buffalo.
Democratic sources say the fundraiser, with tickets ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, raised about $75,000, and was hosted by Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, DBuffalo, and Paul F. Ciminelli, a local developer.
No doubt that was the right thing to do. One of the other things mentioned in the article was how Spitzer once flew on a commercial flight to visit WNY and how many politicians couldn't remember the last time a sitting governor did such a thing.
Kryzan, of Amherst, announced last week she is running for the 26th District congressional seat, saying she offers experience that Powers can't match and a sensitivity to local concerns that Reynolds doesn't have.
"I just became really deeply frustrated that people in Washington are not getting things done and not dealing with the problems of working families in Western New York," said Kryzan, 59. "I just thought it was time for me to stand up and say, 'I can work for you.' "
Kryzan, whose father was the mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, moved to the Buffalo area 30 years ago when her husband, Robert Berger, got a job at the University at Buffalo Law School.
A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, she became the first female partner at Phillips Lytle, once the area's largest law firm.
The clients she represented included Occidental Chemical and its predecessor, Hooker Chemical, the companies responsible for the Love Canal chemical disaster in Niagara Falls. More recently, Kryzan represented the Town of Clarence in its fight against the expansion of a hazardous waste transfer facility in the community.
Kryzan is new to elective politics and a newcomer to a race that her Democratic opponent entered in June.
(Have the Pataki years of "3 men" lost upstate NY's future? Can we reform governement and reverse this alarming trend fast enough to save it? - promoted by robinia)
Bruno said three men in a room has worked pretty well.
--Capitol Confidential October 20, 2006
Flight of Young Adults Is Causing Alarm Upstate
The New York Times
June 13, 2006
From 1990 to 2004, the number of 25-to-34-year-old residents in the 52 counties north of Rockland and Putnam declined by more than 25 percent. In 13 counties that include cities like Buffalo, Syracuse and Binghamton, the population of young adults fell by more than 30 percent. In Tioga County, part of Appalachia in New York's Southern Tier, 42 percent fewer young adults were counted in 2004 than in 1990.
'Make no mistake: this is not business as usual,'' Robert G. Wilmers, the chairman of M & T Bank in Buffalo, told his shareholders this spring. ''The magnitude and duration of population loss among the young is unprecedented in our history. There has never been a previous 10-year period in the history of the upstate region when there has been any decline in this most vital portion of our population.''
One issue we didn't talk about is high speed rail, which is an issue that Assemblyman Hoyt has long been a supporter of. On Christmas Day, he 
