Troy Politics

Photo of the Year

2010-12-08T15:03:00.001-05:00

Check out Jim Franco's photo of Kevin McGrath smiling as he wrapped up his grand jury testimony a few hours ago. Nothing like throwing your pals under the bus to put a smile on your face.

The Colonel Gets Promoted

2010-09-01T14:07:00.002-04:00

The tidal wave continues to build for Republican candidates seeking election to the House of Representatives. On Tuesday, the Gallup poll showed a 10 point advantage for the GOP – the largest advantage in almost 70 years.

Democrats are running scared and running crazy, trying too late to convince voters they are independent, do not listen to Queen Pelosi and are "fighting" Washington. Those statements and advertisements are really the sound of political careers get flushed, courtesy of Team Obama.

Nowhere is that more than true than in the 20th Congressional District, the scene of the 2006 upset by now-Senator Gillibrand over John Sweeney and the 2009 squeaker by virtual unknown Scott Murphy. Murphy had and is now trying to portray himself as one of the so-called Blue Dog Conservative Democrats, but he is a marked man due to his flip-flop to a yes vote on the disastrous health care legislation.

It has gotten so bad for Murphy that he rarely holds public appearances, and apparently insisted that the public not be allowed to attend a debate as the November election draws near.

Murphy's opponent in that debate and in the race, retired Army Col. Chris Gibson, has been gaining momentum and support, out-fundraising Murphy in recent reports. The news got better for Gibson, as he was elevated to "Young Gun" status by national Republicans.

Being elevated to "Young Gun" is important for Gibson because it earns him two weeks of television advertisements. National GOP leaders on behalf of Gibson have already placed television buys; by comparison, national Democrats have failed to reserve TV ad space for Murphy, who has self-funded a couple of weak, vanilla TV spots.

Gibson has the muscle on the ground. He collected more than double the signatures of nominating petitions as Murphy and you are in for a long ride if you would like to eyeball a Murphy lawn sign in the 20th CD. Gibson has more volunteers, has the issues on his side, and now, has some national mojo coming his way. In the past few weeks, Gibson has seen his candidacy and chances of winning the race upgraded, and he is heading right for the win on Election Day.

Looouuu!!

2010-08-13T08:08:00.002-04:00

Leave it to Lou Desso to unite at least some of the often-fractious political world in North Greenbush.

Desso completed the political equivalent of winning the Triple Crown Thursday evening, capturing the Democratic caucus and winning the party's nomination for Town Board. The win in the Democratic caucus came after Desso had already received the Republican, Independence and Conservative nominations.

Quite a feat, and Desso is probably the only politician in Rensselaer County to win four party endorsements. In fact, the caucus victory Thursday marks the second time Desso has won the backing of the four parties, also doing so in 2007. But the 2010 victory is even more impressive when you consider Desso won the Democratic caucus by a 2-1 margin.

The Desso win is a stunning repudiation of the negative tactics of supposed NGB Democratic bosses Dan Ashley and CB Smith. Thursday night, Ashley and Smith were playing on the home court, by their own rules and in THEIR OWN PARTY. And Desso beat them big time.

Ashley and Smith are now left to complain that Desso's win does not leave voters with much of a choice. Nonsense. Party members have every right to decide their party's nominations and have done so in granting Desso the GOP, Democratic, Independence and Conservative endorsements. Those decisions count.

Any complaints by Ashley and Smith about voters not having a "choice" are made even more ridiculous when you consider they helped engineer a lawsuit several months ago that removed Desso from the Town Board after Desso won election to County Legislature in 2009. The lawsuit ignored the fact that Democrat after Democrat after Democrat held dual county-town offices, along with conveniently using the courts to undo the will of the people.

That Chicago-style liberal heavy-handedness, of using Democratic judges to overturn the results of an election, is apparently being undone by the people of North Greenbush, who are speaking loudly and clearly that they want Lou Desso to represent them. Desso's win shows he a real political force to be reckoned with, just as it shows that Ashley and Smith are way out of step with members of their own party in their own town.

Dems Go Write to Court

2010-07-30T01:21:00.001-04:00

The slowly ticking bombshell involving the alleged forgery of absentee ballots by Democrats detonated Thursday, and could end up taking most of the City Council's majority out in the next several months.

A foot-high stack of documents, affidavits and other materials compiled by State Police and a special prosecutor and filed in court spell out a staggering amount of fraud by Democrats hoping to steal the Working Families line in the September 2009 primary.

This week, Judge Stephen Herrick of Albany County signed a search warrant that seeks to compel DNA samples from nine big-time Rensselaer County and Troy Democrats including:

Council President Clem Campana, Councilmen John Brown, Mike LoPorto, Gary Galuski and Kevin McGrath, Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner Ed McDonough, Brown's brother Dan, City Council Clerk Bill McInerney and Troy Housing Authority Tony DeFiglio.

That's five out of the seven members of the Troy City Council, plus a staff member. A court date on the warrant seeking the DNA sample is set for mid-September, ironically, right around Primary Day.

What is interesting is one of the five council members is already fingering his buddies, as seen in the CBS6 link. And word on the street is one and maybe two Democrats are planning to fight the DNA request.

Read all about it:

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/9-targeted-in-vote-conspiracy-594751.php

http://www.cbs6albany.com/news/wanted-1276672-albany-democrats.html

http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/07/29/news/doc4c511080c6833550490822.txt

http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/07/29/news/doc4c51b3842d7f3606735697.txt

What'll it be, Joanne?

2010-06-07T21:28:00.001-04:00

Maybe it's the ongoing federal investigation. Maybe it's the fact that their ideas don't work. Or maybe it's because their name is just a little misleading. It doesn't matter why the Democrats are running full-speed away from the Working Families Party; it just matters that at the statewide level, led by Andrew Cuomo, they are. But what about here in Rensselaer County?

We'd particular like to know about Joanne Yepsen, who's running for state senate. Yepsen hasn't made a peep about the WFP, presumably because she's been busy purging her website of mentions of how pleased she was to run on the Working Families Party line in 2007 and 2009, and presumably, how much she supports their platform and thinks their plan to tax the life out of upstate is just swell.

So what'll it be, Joanne? Will you be casting your lot again with the crazies this year? We're waiting.

Retracted!

2010-03-19T09:04:00.001-04:00

Oops! It seems our sources had a bit of word reversal about Jim Conroy skipping the Andrew Cuomo event earlier this week. We're not above admitting mistakes on our part, and we would have had this up earlier but our people spent all week scouring other local political blogs to find out how they acknowledge their errors. Come to find out, our dear friend Democratus never owned up to his, so we're treading into uncharted territory here. Anyways, enjoy your weekend, folks. Fresh, triple-checked material next week.

Economic Growth off the Menu at LoPorto's

2010-02-27T11:23:00.000-05:00

Just when Chappy Campana was about to lock up the heavyweight title for hostility toward economic progress in Troy, Councilman Michael LoPorto (District 7) has given him a run for his money. Loporto's now-infamous comments, telling David Bryce, one of Troy's single biggest investors, to "pack up and leave", has certainly raised the bar. Perhaps there's something lost in LoPorto's delivery without the Borat moustache he sported during his 2005 campaign, but on its face, telling an investor that you don't want his money definitely isn't sound business policy. But Councilman, because you've been so good with providing us material in the past, we're willing to spend our Saturday morning breaking things down for you in a way you'll understand.

Let's pretend that you have a large pile of leftover food behind your restaurant. It's a big heap of all the penne and fettuccine and bread crusts and napkins and other things that have been scraped off plates in the years you've been open. It's huge. Now, someday, you're going to have to deal with the fact that this pile is back there because, let's face it, it's a big pile of rotting food, and you're in the restaurant business, not waste management. So let's say David Bryce shows up at your door, and offers to buy that pile of garbage off of you. Not only that, but he's going to install patio seating back there, so you'll get even more business where you previously couldn't have. Wouldn't it be in your best interest to say "yes" instead of waiting for the pile to become a health risk or collapse? And hey, he's offering you a few bucks for something no one else wants. Is a better plan to (a) take his money, give up the mess and allow yourself the economic benefits or (b) throw your wine in his face and tell him to leave?

We knew you could be reasoned with, Mike.

Chappy Sweeps Away New Jobs

2010-02-24T10:57:00.002-05:00

Did you hear that sweeping sound, Troy? That was the sound of the City Council Democrats taking the broom to another business and chasing them out of the city.

Their latest casualty is David Bryce, who presented a bold plan that would have been a solid win for Troy taxpayers. The brain trust that chased Bryce away--Clem Campana, Gary Galuski, Michael LoPorto and Kevin McGrath--happens to be the same wacky bunch who helped put Troy on the map for voter fraud. No word yet on what designs the Chappy Chums have for the parking garage. Perhaps they'll start registering voters at the address.

Troy Gets Chapped, Again

2010-02-22T16:25:00.001-05:00

Welcome back, Rensselaer County! We're sorry for the delay in getting material to you, but it's just been too difficult to choose one Democrat screw-up to write about. It would be nice if the D's, particularly in Troy, could keep our readership in mind when considering their actions because there just aren't enough hours in the day to give every felony or scandal or residence problem the attention that it deserves. And if there's one man who deserves that attention, it's Chappy Campana.

Chappy did a real number on Troy taxpayers last week with his opposition to the sale of the parking garage. Instead of just voting against it, he kicked things up a notch, blocking any sort of a vote on the matter in a move that had Talespin comparing him to Sheldon Silver. Rather than pocketing a nice chunk of change during a recession, adding a big piece of property to the tax rolls and helping downtown businesses grow, Chappy wouldn't even allow discussion on the issue. What courage!

Chappy hasn't exactly been the model of sound judgement, given his involvement in the 2009 Ballot Scandal, and this is no exception. His motivation is little more than an adolescent desire to spite Harry Tutunjian at the expense of Troy taxpayers, the long-term consequences of which Chappy seems content to ignore. Everyone in politics knows that when you have a popular incumbant, the single most successful course of action is to oppose their every move.

That's what gave us political legends like Walter Mondale, Carl McCall and Jim Conroy, after all.

2010-01-22T22:20:00.001-05:00

Democrat Denial in Troy

2009-12-01T10:56:00.001-05:00

Tonight is the big night for the Troy City Council, when Chappy Campana's unwieldy bunch will have to pass whatever it is they believe constitutes a budget. The big question on everybody's mind is how the Dems will deal with the whopping pension payments that Troy and other municipalities are going to be forced to cough up. Even in the face of a 10% tax increase, Chappy's crew has been strangely silent about the underlying problem that caused this predicament, that is, the fact that New York's pension system is costing taxpayers too much money to maintain in its current state (here's some background information on the problem). We all know that John Brown's handlers keep a pretty tight leash on him, so we don't expect much there, but the other Dems should be doing more than just lobbing Harryhate around. Why not use the occasion to lobby Democrat Assemblyman (and Majority Leader) Ron Canestrari and Democrat Tim Gordon to support Tier V legislation, or even better, a move to a guaranteed contribution system? For all their charges about Harry Tutunjian being "insular" or "arrogant", the Democrats are the embodiment of both with their belief that this same problem won't happen again. Then again, foresight hasn't really been the forte of the current Dem field; after all, did Chappy and the gang really think they'd get away with several dozen counts of election fraud? The same lack of forward-thinking by the Campana crowd that's keeping prosecutors busy fails yet again to deal with the real problems facing taxpayers.

Republicans don't kill Democrats; Democrats kill Democrats!

2009-11-25T01:41:00.002-05:00

If you thought the wait for New Moon was something, prepare yourself for 2010, when Tom Wade's ballot-forging Democrats will--officially--begin tearing each other to shreds. Their treatment of Pete Grimm was only a sneak preview of the cinematic self-destruction that's bound to have observers wondering whether Wade's people have actual dynamite strapped to their chests.

After winning only 6 out of 19 seats on the county legislature, Boss Wade orchestrated the defeat of Pete Grimm, the lone incoming Democrat with any experience in the body, as minority leader. Grimm is a decent guy, and bears distinction as one of the only Democrats in Troy not facing indictment or a permanent ban from any public authorities, so we can understand why he wasn't getting along with the Wade crowd. In his place, Wade installed HUD Conroy disciple Pete Ryan, but his reasons for the move aren't clear. Ryan's tenure on the city council was sufficiently unimpressive that Metroland has been able to perpetuate the idea that Bill "Dormitory" Dunne was the intellectual heavyweight of the council Dems, which is hilarious in its own right. That doesn't convey the image of Ryan as leadership material, even by Rensselaer County Democrat standards, so we're going to be scratching our heads as we continue to ponder Wade's motives.

While Wade seems to be able to control four of his six county legislators, it's another story on the Troy City Council, where Wade put up a slate that Dr. Frankenstein could be proud of. The egos of Chappy, John Brown and Mike LoPorto could together make upstate energy-independent if they were fed through the turbines at the hydroplants, a fate which each one would most definitely impart on the other two given the opportunity. All three men have their eyes (or, with LoPorto, eyes and moustaches) on higher office, and all three know that they are in direct competition for every iota of positive attention on the Democrats, which will be scarce in coming months. We're saving our predictions of the actual casualty list until after we know who's going to be doing hard time for those ballots that forged themselves, but in the meantime, you won't need your reading glasses to see those knives getting sharpened during council meetings.

Cornered

2009-11-19T13:05:00.001-05:00

Remember the Democrats who said that the GOP was doomed to be a party that could only win in the South? Those Democrats must have been absent from Rensselaer County for Election Night 2009, when the party of Obama and Paterson found itself getting relegated to the cities of Troy and Rensselaer. Democrats had their hats handed to them anywhere they didn't hold a sizable enrollment advantage. Republicans won both town board seats in North Greenbush, captured a 4-1 majority on the Hoosick town board and re-elected Republican supervisors in virtually every town. Even Democrat heavyweight Ginny O'Brien found herself outdone by a Republican candidate in East Greenbush. To Ginny's credit, she was able to read the writing on the wall, and jumped ship ahead of all four of the Democrats' county legislature candidates in District 2 getting blown out of the water.

While the Republicans find themselves worried about hosting so many swearing-in ceremonies, the Democrats are worried about the looming indictments of Troy Democrats involved in the absentee ballot scandal. Expect a messy fight for Troy City Council president pro temp as the Dems struggle for their share of the post-Chappy world.

2009-11-16T00:16:00.002-05:00

The Official Rensselaer County 2009 Scandal Guide

2009-11-02T10:14:00.001-05:00

Here it is: your indispensable, one-stop reference of misdeeds, dirty laundry and other essential information. We've sorted it by geography for your convenience. Enjoy!

Linda Gets The Kiss of Death

2009-10-31T18:49:00.001-04:00

A reliable operative tells us that Linda Underwood is touting the endorsement of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and we have to say, that's brave. Not as brave as running in the wrong district or asking for votes from the taxpayers you've ripped off, but it's up there. Publicizing any association with Gillibrand that wasn't set at a Dartmouth fraternity house is a risky proposition, considering how rapidly Gillibrand malted her moderate shell after becoming a US Senator. In under a year, Gillibrand has become a patron saint of gun control, illegal immigrantion and funding ACORN--hardly mainstream values in Rensselaer County.

Let's not risk forgetting that Gillibrand went four for four in her 2007 endorsements: four endorsements, and four crushing defeats. Mayor Val Keehn, Supervisor Andy White, County Legislator Bob Zinzow and Councilwoman Sue Haynes all benefited tremendously from Gillibrand--before her most recent metaphorphisis.

A Ghost Story in Troy-2

2009-10-31T01:45:00.000-04:00

Several sharp-eyed readers noted our omission of yet another brush-up between a Rensselaer County Democrat and the law: what about Bob, they asked. Indeed, our deepest apologies go out to Bob Martiniano, Democrat candidate for Troy City Council in District 2, for how could we forget about that cushy patronage job he failed to show up for last year? Alas, there's certainly no better time of year to talk about the Ghost of City Hall than on October 31st.

Bob got busted last June when a CBS 6 news crew decended on City Hall and got statements from city employees about Bob's failure to show up for work, even while collecting a five-figure paycheck from the taxpayers. He's definitely the favorite for the chutzpah award this year, because it takes a lot of guts to get caught ripping off the taxpayers and then offer them an encore performance. Actually having the audacity to campaign on the need to eliminate benefits for part-time employees makes Bobby a superstar in the cojones department (though, not a hypocrite, as he did not say anything about reductions for no-show employees).

If you feel that all these Democrat scandals are getting too numerous to track, relief is coming. We're working on a handy reference for you and other Rensselaer County voters so you can keep track of which misdeeds your local Democrat candidates have been caught up with. Check back Sunday evening for more.

Don't Forget Beth

2009-10-28T01:34:00.006-04:00

It's been an exciting election season, so exciting that we haven't been able to touch on all the news. Between the Troy ballot scandal, Kevin Harrington's discharge problems (and potential termination from his state job), Norm Young's residence (that's just a statement, not a trivia question), Bill "Dorm Authority" Dunne's televised rants and attempts to keep a Troy resident from addressing the Troy City Council and Linda Underwood's disturbing statements on a far-left blog, it's safe to say that the self-destruct feature has been activated on the Rensselaer County Democrats.

Unfortunately, there aren't enough hours in the day to cover all of it. That's why we had to make the time to talk about Beth Walsh's campaign for Family Court Judge, and so begins our walk down Memory Lane.

Remember when the Democrats tried to override the will of Troy voters and get rid of term limits? Beth Walsh remembers. She remembers because she was the first out of the gate with a proposal to do so. From the archives of the Times Union:

In 1993 voters approved city charter changes that did away with the city manager form of government and established a strong mayor. Those changes also limited the mayor to two four-year terms and council members to four two-year terms.

In March 2000, Democratic Councilwoman Elizabeth Walsh first proposed legislation that erased the charter's term-limit language, but it failed.

Some would dismiss the issue on account of the Family Court having precisely zero jurisdiction over term limits, or any election issue, for that matter. But after trying to toss aside a cornerstone of government that was approved overwhelmingly by the voters, it's difficult to take her seriously when she asks for their support. It's kind of like Ike Turner asking Tina to get him an icepack for his hand. It most definitely takes a lot of nerve. Another TU missive from the period:

Councilwoman Beth Walsh, the Democrats' majority leader, was stunned and tearful as she walked with her husband to the Democratic gathering in the ballroom above the Trojan Tap Room. She said she did not know how they came to lose so dramatically.

Beth Walsh led the charge to override a referendum, the best measurement of the will of the people offered by democracy, and couldn't understand why her party was swept out of office. This is hardly a style of reasoning we want to install behind the bench.

Fox Democrat Ballot Fraud Story Airs Tuesday

2009-10-20T00:55:00.001-04:00

The shocking tale of forgery and fraud by Rensselaer County Democrats in the September 15 primaries goes national Tuesday, October 20 on Fox. The story, by respected correspondent Eric Shawn, is to debut during the 10 a.m. segment on Tuesday and then with a longer segment between 6 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday evening. The segment also airs Sunday at 11 a.m.

We hear Fox is considering a return visit, finding the forgery and fraud case to be a real bombshell. The NY Post has picked up the story and at least one more national media outlet is considering a visit to the Collar City for a story on the case.

The Garbageman Goes National

2009-10-17T03:17:00.001-04:00

Get ready America, for Troy's own, Bobby Mirch, aka the Garbageman.

In a sure sign that the raging controversy over stunning charges of forgery and fraud against top Democrats is not dying down any time soon, Fox News crews visited the Collar City to gather material for a major expose on the scandal.

Taking center stage was political powerhouse Mirch, who played a central role in exposing dozens of forgeries on absentee ballots in the September 15 primaries, allegedly committed by Democrat officials and candidates. Fox News senior correspondent Eric Shawn is putting the story, which is expected to air next week.

Shawn has assembled other stores on voter fraud across the country and also interviewed popular Troy Democratic Chairman Frank LaPosta on the scandal. LaPosta has positioned himself in the party by renouncing the conduct of Democrats involved in the scandal while embattled county Chairman Tom Wade has instead been criticized for appearing to organize a public cover-up of the misdeeds.

Having the forgery scandal story go national will hardly help Democrats who are reeling from the fallout of the ballot fraud allegations. Unable to field candidates for County Executive or County Clerk, Democrats now find themselves unable to shake allegations of corruption, with the story headed for an even wider audience.

The Fox News story on the Democrat forgery and fraud scandal is expected to air early next week.

New McGrath: It's Not McGrath Classic

2009-10-14T22:32:00.002-04:00

Most Troy voters remember a time when the McGrath name invoked images of the Honorable Pat McGrath, who served with distinction, ultimately as a Supreme Court Justice. The McGrath name, it seemed, was an impervious badge of honor on Rensselaer County ballots.

That is, until Kevin McGrath decided to take it out for a spin.

Ever the statesman, Kevin was a no-show at last night's debate at the Burg Boys and Girls Club. Unsurprisingly, Kevin wanted to avoid the many questions about those pesky sworn statements, and a few hours later, he had phones ringing with a robocall talking about his tending to a sick family member. Only problem was that Kevin had already put in a letter claiming a scheduling conflict to an event planned a month beforehand. So just in case there were any voters left who hadn't gotten the memo that they were dealing with New McGrath, last night's antics cleared up any confusion. And we all remember what happened to New Coke.

Crazy Kev Gets Capsized

2009-10-13T12:24:00.003-04:00

Want to end your political career quick? One sure way is to lie about your military service, which is apparently what goofball Legislator Kevin Harrington just got caught doing.

Harrington, according to a post on the Times Union's Local Politics blog, claimed that he received an honorable discharge when he applied for a state job. A well-paying state job, at the State Assembly, that nets Harrington more than $80,000 in salary and benefits.

Only problem is, Harrington did not receive an honorable discharge. Harrington apparently faced misconduct charges and was given a general discharge from the Navy. A big difference from an honorable discharge, especially when you consider that--according to our sources--Harrington's discharge also stipulated that he be restricted from re-enlisting.

While trying to dodge a political bullet, Harrington did admit he received a general discharge. A request for an investigation into his deception on the state job application has been sent to the State Inspector General. Misrepresentations on state job applications can have serious consequences.

Harrington is seen as already on shaky ground and the revelations about his military status further doom his campaign. There was the revelation this past summer about police being called when Harrington failed to hand over records relating to his role as a treasurer with a local fire company. Getting caught fibbing about your military records is big trouble, especially for someone who could not even win a party committee race in their own neighborhood.

In any event, the GOP is stepping up the pressure, and the Harrington military misrepresentation does not show signs of going away. Nor should it.

Misrepresentations of fact seem to be common with some segments of the Rensselaer County Democratic Party. You have the forgery and fraud by Democrats in Troy and now, a Democratic legislator telling tales about his military service. Hopefully, Harrington learned something from his time in the Navy – because he is in deep political waters without a life preserver.

ACORN Amigo Gillibrand Coming to Troy

2009-10-09T16:11:00.002-04:00

After voting to keep funding Working Families Party chum ACORN with our taxdollars, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is coming to ground zero of WFP voter fraud: Troy, New York.

Please join Suzanne Berger, Elaine Bartley & Eric Luper, Caroline Caputo, Jerry & Jenn Casey, Nancy Carey Cassidy, Paige Crable & Ray DeMarco, Frank & Missy Nigro, Courtney & Victor Oberting, Bill & Darlene Ross, Doug & Liz Rutnik, Mary Anne Stafford & Ray Wall, Jennifer Whalen & Matt Ben for a reception in support of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand!

Saturday, October 10th
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Jose Malone's Mexican Restaurant
405 River Street
Troy, NY

Maximum Contribution: $4800
Host (raise / contribute): $1000
Friend: $500
Supporter: $100

To be on the host committee or to RSVP, please contact Val Delp at val@kirstengillibrand.com or 751-2556.

Notably omitted from the hosting committee: Troy's top Democrat, Chappy Campana, who currently leads our most-likely-to-do-time poll with 36% of the vote.

Wade Gets Wobbly

2009-10-07T01:53:00.001-04:00

Leave it to the Rensselaer County Democrats to turn a scandal into an all-encompassing disaster. Led by embattled Boss Tom Wade, Democrats held a farce of a press conference Monday and raised more questions about the ballot forgery scandal then they answered.

The Wade Democrats called a press conference for Monday morning, with party activists promising a "bombshell" about GOP electoral shenanigans. What media folk got were a puzzling mix of confusion, disinformation, inaccuracy and strange behavior by Democrats.

First of all, Democrats produced almost zip in terms of information regarding Republicans. Their main target was popular Legislature Majority Leader Bobby Mirch, who helped break open the shocking tale of Democrat forgeries and fraud following the September 15 primaries. The best Wade could do was produce a 2-year-old affidavit in which it was alleged Mirch paid $5 for a vote.

Mirch continue his shellacking of Wade by revealing the affidavit was actually collected by someone who later received a city marshal's position. Who ordered the city marshal hiring? None other than Tom Wade, noted Mirch.

Wade also embarrassed himself by promising affidavits to the media that never materialized, making allegations that were never substantiated and failing to answer questions about the stunning Democratic forgery scandal. We hear the media tore Wade up for failing to answer questions and the coverage of the Democrat-organized event was decidedly in favor of Mirch and the GOP.

So, in essence, Wade managed to spin the scandal right back on to the Democrats, and ensure even more headlines and more news coverage for what is probably the worst election scandal in Capital Region history. And he gave Mirch a platform to continue reminding voters about the stunning scandal.

What was curious is why Wade would call the press conference in the first place, and why Democratic candidates for county and city would line up behind the chairman. It raises questions: Was Wade involved in the scandal? Did the Wade loyalists in the Democratic party support or aid the forgery effort? Why would they feel compelled to defend what other Democrats have described as "rogue" party members?

It is clear that Wade and his Democrats recognize the forgery scandal as a massive problem for the party as the November 3 elections approach. Based on their disastrous Monday press conference, those problems are likely to continue growing.

The Write Stuff

2009-10-02T02:24:00.001-04:00

It started off last weekend as a political bombshell. Top level Democratic officials, candidates and operatives accused of dozens of acts of ballot forgery and fraud. And it has only gotten worse, with the Democrat scandal going national and on Thursday, taking center stage in the County Court House.

There was a parade of voters who have signed affidavits, stating they did not sign ballots or absentee applications. Watching closely was a special prosecutor appointed to handle the cases, which may involve as many as 51 ballots either forged or handled fraudulently.

Exactly who handled the ballots is likely to become a bigger issue. Some of the absentee ballots in question were designated for release to Democrat operative Tom Aldrich. But Aldrich said he never handled the ballots, raising more serious questions.

In the rough and tumble world of Rensselaer County politics, there has been no shortage of charges tossed back and forth between political parties over ballots. But the allegations that dozens of ballots were forged, with affidavits from voters accompanying those charges, is unprecedented, even for our county.

Unprecedented too, is the damage to the Democratic Party. In just one week, Democrats have been derailed by a huge scandal that has sparked a new debate over leadership of the party and ethics in the organization. The damage could be seen at Thursday's Council meeting, where Democrat council members shouted down speakers and looked bad for viewers of evening newscasts across the Capital Region.

Popular Troy Chairman Frank LaPosta won points by calling on Council candidates implicated in the scandal to abandon their campaigns. The Troy GOP called for suspension of the workers allegedly involved. And the furor over the forgeries does not seem ready to die down.

Ballot Blow-up Continues

2009-09-28T00:19:00.001-04:00

The bombshell allegations about the handling of absentee ballots by Democrats and their allies in the Working Families continues, as does a vicious round of in-fighting by Democrats over the scandal.

A second explosive story by the Times Union's Brendan Lyons saw the accusations of forgery and falsification of ballots only get deeper for a list of top Troy Democrats. According to the Times Union article, several dozen affidavits have been obtained from voters whose ballots have been set aside at the Rensselaer County Board of Elections following a court order.

Forgery of absentee applications and ballots is a crime, and the affidavits from the voters only add weight to the charges. The headaches for Democrats are about to get worse as a special prosecutor is waiting in the wings to take the case.

The ballot scandal draws in Democrats running for City Council and County Legislature in Troy. Democrats are privately conceding the ballot scandal will cost their party dearly in the 2009 local elections, and some of the party faithful are seeking to use the scandal to make a change in party leadership.

Popular Troy Democratic Chairman Frank LaPosta earned points this weekend, being the first Democrat to put out a press release stating his disgust with the episode and distance himself from the controversy. It is no secret LaPosta is favored by many Democrats as a potential leader of the troubled organization.

Embattled Democrat Chairman Tom Wade, on the other hand, looked like an absolute fool, trying to claim Republicans "orchestrated" the entire episode. Which brings political paranoia to a new and demented level. If the best defense Wade can offer for allegations of widespread fraud and forgery are bizarre ranting and raving, then you can see why Democrats are actively seeking his ouster.

Election Fraud Explosion

2009-09-26T15:08:00.002-04:00

A political bombshell was detonated in Rensselaer County, with explosive allegations about forgeries and fraud by Democrat operatives and elected officials and their allies in the Working Families Party.

The Times Union had a major story on the emerging scandal Saturday and by mid-morning, radio and TV were on the case. The affidavits were gathered as part of a case by Republicans regarding the WFP line, and an investigation revealed a stunning level of abuse.

One observer told the Times Union the allegations emerging against Democrats and WFP operatives are "unprecedented". As many as three dozen absentee ballots could have been forged or falsified, with dozens of affidavits from wronged voters already collected.

Behind the scenes, Democrats are scrambling for cover and already pointing fingers. And the fingers are being pointed at some very big names in the party, meaning the story – and the headaches for Democrats – will only be growing.

We could go on and on, but it is probably better for the story – and the facts – to speak for themselves.

A Nominee from the Wet Bar

2009-09-26T12:00:00.001-04:00

Three years after calling for John Sweeney to be disemboweled for his appearance at a fraternity party, the Democrats have set a new record for poor candidate selection with James Gilpatric, a Kingston City Court judge best known for his 2004 attempt to preside over court while intoxicated.

The Commission on Judicial Conduct summed it up nicely in their ruling.

Respondent has acknowledged that, while under the influence of alcohol, he appeared in court as an attorney and, later that same day, took the bench but was unable to continue to preside because of his impaired condition. Litigants and the public can have little faith in the decisions and judgment of a judge who appears in court while under the influence of alcohol.

Under ordinary circumstances, Gilpatric's irresponsible behavior might not have been fodder for his opponents. But in the wake of the faux outrage from Democrats about former Congressman Sweeney, Judge Juiced has a long 5 weeks ahead of him.

A Sign of Party Unity, Tom Wade Style

2009-09-25T02:18:00.001-04:00

After the pounding that his preferred candidate for Family Court Judge, Richard Hanft, took in last week's primary, you'd have thought the oversized Hanft signs peppering Rensselaer County would have been in Tom Wade's trunk last Wednesday morning. Not so. In fact, only Tuesday did the party heaquarters cease to have a Hanft sign along routes 9 and 20, causing at least one Democrat to question who their parties nominee actually was. We'll offer Tom a few lessons in party unity, or ways to not sandbag your "new" nominee, after November. He's going to be busy until then preparing for the Republican tidal wave scheduled for November 3, and if it's anything like the last time the Dems ran without Executive or Clerk candidates, we hear Tom's position will be washed out too.

Good Morning, Mr. President

2009-09-21T20:24:00.001-04:00

Permit us to get a little giddy, but that was the President in Rensselaer County on Monday!

Whether you voted for President Obama or not, the fact is that it is pretty hard not to be moved by the arrival of the Leader of the Free World in our county. Air Force One, the motorcade into Troy, Secret Service and national media made it an historic day for the Capital Region.

For years, Hudson Valley Community College has been something everyone in Rensselaer County can be proud of, so give the president some credit for choosing the college as his venue for a speech on education and green jobs. The president may gave visited the college as part of a media blitz for his various policies, but let's recognize that the visit means good things for Rensselaer County and Hudson Valley. Hudson Valley got elevated onto the national stage Monday, and we are proud to say the college looked pretty darn good.

Primary Pounding

2009-09-17T22:15:00.001-04:00

So, How Was Your Primary Day?

If you are Democratic Chairman Tom Wade, probably not so good. In the biggest contest in the county, for the Democratic Family Court nomination, Wade once again saw his handpicked candidate get beat. Only this time, Wade pick Richard Hanft came in third in the primary contest.

In 2008, Wade saw his choice, Brian Premo, get beaten in virtually every corner of Rensselaer County by Saratoga native Mike Russo. On September 15, Wade saw Hanft – a sitting judge, appointed at Wade's suggestion by Governor Paterson – get beaten badly. Hanft lost to former Troy Councilwoman Beth Walsh and gave up third place to newcomer Gerri Pomerantz.

The beating in the primary has led some anti-Wade forces to speak openly about their intention to unseat the controversial chairman in 2010. The primary pounding comes after Wade has been criticized for failing to attract candidates for County Executive or County Clerk and a lack of punch in fundraising.

Underscoring a lack of faith in Wade's ability, County Court Judge Andy Ceresia ran a campaign independent of the party chairman and was successful in primaries.

Rensselaer Likes Mike

2009-09-17T22:14:00.001-04:00

John Mooney did his best to smear Rensselaer's Legislator Mike Stammel over a silly issue involving signatures on campaign literature. Mooney could have used some of those signatures as he got absolutely clobbered by Stammel in a write-in attempt for the Independence and Conservative nominations. Stammel's popularity also carried GOP candidates for mayor and treasurer to victory, neatly setting the stage for Republican wins in Rensselaer.

For Stammel, the wins had to be particularly satisfying. It's one thing to have an opponent like Mooney smear you unfairly, but to have voters rally to your defense and deliver a huge margin of victory is something. The chaos in city government under Democrats obviously hurt Mooney, as did the several members of the Mooney family running for office in Rensselaer this year. Hey Mooney family, start a business or something if you all want to work together.

Bye Bye Beth

2009-09-17T22:13:00.001-04:00

Schodack Supervisor Beth Secor has made no secret of her alliances with liberals Legislator Flora Fasoldt or Assemblyman Tim Gordon. That meant big problems for her in the GOP primary, where she lost big to newcomer Dennis Dowds. Dowds has promised to take the town in a fiscally conservative direction, and the primary helped unite Republican forces that will help make the GOP stronger heading to the general election.

Working Families Primaries

2009-09-17T22:12:00.001-04:00

Republican legislators waged write-in primaries in areas of the county. It appears the primaries were good to the GOP, who are expected to pick up two WFP nominations in District 5 and possibly one in District 3. The GOP might have done better if not for higher turnout due to judicial primaries for the WFP line. Still, picking up more nominations means more good news for the already strong GOP legislative team.

Best of the Rest

2009-09-17T22:11:00.001-04:00

GOP holds onto Independence line in legislative District 3. Democrats
in East Greenbush are probably scrambling after losing the
Conservative line and probably the Independence line for Town Board.
Sand Lake GOP team easily wins Conservative primary, and GOP Town
Board candidates in North Greenbush also win Conservative primary.

Weekend Warriors

2009-09-13T09:46:00.001-04:00

It is the weekend before crucial September 15 primaries for offices across Rensselaer County, and candidates were scrambling and hustling to get whatever edge they could before polls open at high noon on Tuesday.

The most attention is focused on a battle for the Democratic nomination for Family Court Judge between unpopular Governor David Paterson's choice for judge, controversial Troy attorney Richard Hanft, former Troy Councilwoman Beth Walsh and newcomer Gerri Pomerantz.

The stakes in the race are high, with Democratic Chairman Tom Wade backing Paterson's pick, Hanft, while Wade opponents in the party are lining up behind Walsh and Pomerantz. After seeing his pick for State Senate, Brian Premo, get blown out in a primary for the Democratic nomination by Mike Russo, Wade could be in big trouble if Hanft gets blown out on Tuesday.

To avoid that, Hanft was relying on automated phone calls by former Congressman Mike McNulty. Pomerantz was drawing on support from unions and Walsh has been up on radio for several days. Democrats said the strong advance of Pomerantz surprised them, and how flat the Hanft campaign has been, especially considering Hanft would have the relative advantage of incumbency.

The winner of the Democrat Family Court primary will face Arthur Dunn, who will at least have the Republican, Independence and Conservative lines heading toward Election Day. Dunn is also vying against Hanft, Pomerantz and Walsh for the Working Families nod.

There are Working Families primaries for County Legislature, but the legislative race drawing attention is the eight-way battle for the Democratic nomination in Troy. The primary was forced by popular City Chairman Frank LaPosta and his ally Dan Doran and one victim of the contest could be Third District Councilman Pete Ryan, who is making a run for Legislature. Many Democrats were writing off Ryan after he drew the 8th spot in the primary.

The primaries will mean more fractures and disharmony among Democrats who are already falling behind the GOP in the 2009 elections. Wade had boasted at the start of 2009 about gains the Democrats would make, only to fail to draw candidates for County Executive or County Clerk and lag far behind Republicans in campaign cash. Most political observers expect Primary Day will end up with the GOP picking up more nominations and gaining even more momentum.

The Democrats Extinguish STAR

2009-09-12T19:48:00.001-04:00

Today's Times Union reports on the "surprise" of voters who are finding swollen tax bills landing in mailboxes. After the Democrats decided to increase spending on welfare and other programs for New York City, it was left to upstaters to pick up the tab. With Democrats in control of the Assembly and the Senate for the first time in decades, the STAR deductions didn't stand a chance and were axed by the Dems.

This isn't much of a surprise, except, of course, for all those voters who pulled the lever for Democrats in 2006 and 2008 at the promise that tax hikes wouldn't follow. Expect Rensselaer County Democrats to get the first of many doses of gratitude from voters this November.

LaPosta in the Lead

2009-09-02T07:15:00.001-04:00

Some prominent Democrats in Troy are taking note of a strong campaign by popular insurgent Frank LaPosta for the Democratic nod for County Legislature – and also commenting on the chaos in the ranks among other Democratic candidates in Troy.

LaPosta is putting together an aggressive campaign with some well-organized materials and getting a good response across Troy. From his work as city chairman, LaPosta has a good network of activists ready to do his work during the crucial two weeks leading up to the Democratic legislative primary in Troy.

After being ignored by controversial Democrat County Chairman in candidate selections, LaPosta is seen as having a strong chance of winning the nomination. His chances were aided with the draw for ballot positions for the primary, with Third District incumbent and Wade legislative pick Peter Ryan drawing the 8th position. Democrats are skeptical Ryan can overcome the bad draw for ballot position.

In the meantime, other Democrat candidates for Legislature look disorganized and are running separate, and often divisive campaigns, for the nomination. The lack of teamwork is apparent, and the bullet votes will be flying in the September 15 primary. In addition, Democrat legislative candidates in Troy are forced to spend precious resources on a primary, at a time when they lag far behind the GOP in fundraising.

LaPosta's momentum accompanies concerns by some Democrats about Wade's choice for Family Court Judge, Richard Hanft. Hanft was picked by Wade and then appointed by Governor Paterson, whose poll numbers continue to decline. Throughout August, Hanft's campaign was seen as weaker than former Troy Councilwoman Beth Walsh and East Greenbush attorney Geri Pomerantz.

Another round of primary embarrassments could be tough for Wade to deal with, considering he has failed to field candidates for County Executive or County Clerk. Last year, Wade saw his selection for State Senate, Brian Premo, go down in flames in Rensselaer County to a candidate from Saratoga County. It seems more embarrassments may be on hand for Wade.

Summer of Sliding

2009-08-26T08:50:00.000-04:00

The plans for national health care have hit President Obama and Democrats hard, and the impact on local elections in 2009 could be significant.

The health care fracas has prompted non-stop headlines, consternation among voters and confusion in the Democrat ranks. And as national health care plans get trounced in the polls, Obama and Senate boss Pelosi seem inclined to ram it down the collective throats of the residents of the good old US of A – all just with Democrat votes.

Democrats and advocates for national health care are now desperately trying to repackage the issue to voters, but the damage to the "reform" efforts may have already been done. Democrat Congressman Paul Tonko faced 1500 citizens at a health care forum in Bethlehem on Tuesday night and many were angry and not afraid to voice their is displeasure.

The saying among veteran politicians is that people don't come out when they are happy. Sure some of those in the crowd were drummed up by liberal advocacy groups, but most didn't need advocacy groups to convince them to attend the forum. Seniors, middle class folks and small business owners largely do not like the national health care options and the polls show that dislike.

The collapse of Democratic popularity due to their bungling of health care can't help but hurt Democrats in local elections. The 2009 local races will be the first chance for voters to make voices their heard on health care, the effectiveness of the stimulus spending, the accelerating national debt and issues involving personal liberty. And those are just federal issues – voters are likely to be revved up about the disastrous state budget and the more than 100 tax and fee increases.

But Democratic loyalty may force some of their local candidates to take one for the team and support health care. One Democrat candidate for County Legislature was at the Tonko health care rally voicing support for national health care, and other incumbent Democrats and candidates have stated support for the controversial care package.

Democrats in Rensselaer County are already struggling, unable to attract a County Executive or County Clerk candidates and trying to fend off embarrassing news articles about one of their candidates being caught living outside their legislative district. A raging debate over national health care is one of the last Democrats need.

Norm, You're a STAR

2009-08-19T11:09:00.002-04:00

The fraudulent campaign for County Legislature by Democrat Norman Young continues to unravel as proof builds that he does not reside in the district where he is running.

Democrats filed nominating petitions claiming Young lived in Nassau and was therefore an eligible candidate for Legislature in District 4, which includes the towns of Schodack, Sand Lake and Nassau. Shortly after the petitions were filed, evidence was introduced showing Young is actually a resident of Stephentown, which is outside the district.

That evi dence grew stronger as it was revealed Young had applied for, and received, a STAR exemption for his Stephentown residence. The only way a resident can receive a STAR exemption is by declaring that property to be their "primary residence".

Here is the description on requirements of the program, right from the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services, which can be accessed at www.orps.state.ny.us:

Application for School Tax Relief (STAR) Exemption - RP-425
If you own property and it is your primary residence, you are probably eligible for a STAR school property tax exemption. To get your exemption, fill out this form and submit it to your local assessor. Your assessor may require you to submit proof of residency and ownership with your completed RP-425 form. See the form instructions for details or contact your local assessor.

Which means that Norm could only get the STAR exemption by declaring his Stephentown residence is his "primary" residence.

Which also means Democrats have a lot of explaining to do. Yet we have yet to hear an explanation from Democrats, nor have we heard from any of Young's running mates, including combative and controversial Sand Lake Democratic Legislator Flora Fasoldt. Fasoldt has claimed she is all for openness and accountability. So where is she when one of her running mates is apparently caught living outside the legislative district he is seeking to represent?

Voters are probably wondering how Democrats can claim they are ready to run county government when they do not even know where their candidates really live and are unable to explain what may be an attempt to deceive residents.

The "Secret" Town Hall Meeting

2009-08-15T15:44:00.002-04:00

As we said earlier this week, the "Town Hall" meeting organized by Congressman Scott Murphy in Nassau on August 10 had nothing to do with informing the public and everything to do with orchestrating Democratic support for the nationalized medicine that has caused the President to plummet in the polls.

The Congressional Town Halls are supposed to serve as occasions to inform the public on important federal issues and allow for give and take between citizens and their federal representative. But the overwhelming negative reception to the Town Halls caused Team Murphy to run for the hills – literally the hills, in this case, the hills of southern Rensselaer County and hastily scheduling a "Town Hall" meeting near the Nassau-Stephentown border.

Instead of first informing the public and the press about the "Town Hall", Team Murphy only called the Nassau Democratic chairman to organize the event and allow for Democrats to be informed and organized a strong turnout. Members of the public and the media were given just hours of notice before the event. Hardly open government.

The Murphy Nassau "Town Hall" was also the setting where the Democrat legislative ticket in District 4 came together with Murphy for a photo op endorsing the nationalized health care deal. Murphy was joined by candidates including Legislator Flora Fasoldt, liberal blogger Linda Underwood and Norm Young, who does not even live in the district and instead calls Stephentown home. You may wonder if the Murphy event was held close to the Nassau-Stephentown border to cut down on Norm's commute.

The e-mail sent out by the Nassau Democrat Chairman shows there is hardly anything open or inclusive about the recent Murphy Nassau "Town Hall". The event was really just an opportunity for silly political posturing on an important issue that deserves real debate and real discussion. Instead of real debate, we got a staged photo op that catered only to Democrats. Residents deserve better and more open representation. Here's the e-mail:

--- On Sun, 8/9/09, Mark Berger ########@nycap.rr.com> wrote:
From: Mark Berger ########@nycap.rr.com
Subject: Scott Murphy is coming to Nassau this Monday, tomorrow at
5;00 - Midweek Moment of Politics
To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009, 9:56 AM
Midweek Moment of Politics
(August 8, 2009)
Hi all,
Here is something you'll have to add to your "to do" list, because it's too late to add to your calendar. Tomorrow, Monday, Congressman Scott Murphy is coming to Nassau. He will be at Roaster's Whim Café at 1750 Rte 43 at 5:00 pm. He wants to hear what's on your mind. So show up with questions for him. Also, plan on showing up a little early. I'm sorry I am giving you such late notice, but here's what happened.
On Friday, about 4:30 pm, I was at my desk working on our home business when the phone rang. It was Scott Murphy's regional director Rob Scholz. He asked me if I could organize a Congressman on your Corner meeting somewhere in Nassau for this Monday, August 10, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. He apologized for the short notice.
I told him to give me 15 minutes. I sat for a minute and thought about what was available in our town and that's when I flashed on Fred Cashmere's Roaster's Whim Café. I thought that would be the ideal location: it is large enough, it is the center of our fight to keep our town's rural residential character, and it is a little closer to
home for Scott.
I called Fred , and great guy that he is, he agreed immediately. He said, "This place was built as a community center. This is what it's for." He even said he would supply the coffee. So I called Rob Scholz back and the deal was done. I really hope all of you who can come will come to hear what Congressman Murphy has to say and to tell him what's on your mind. He is doing a great job and he is gaining respect as an independent voice in the House of Representatives.
Rob asked me to put together a list of concerns and I did. It includes: keeping our rural residential character, stopping inappropriate industries from locating here, finding a way to fund a capital program for the highway department, supporting local agriculture and a couple of other things.
Since this is not billed as a forum to discuss the medical insurance plans being discussed in Congress, I am hoping that the people who have been trying to bully our government into inaction will stay away.
If you want to know more about what Scott Murphy has been up to, just go to his site: http://scottmurphy.house.gov/.
Thanks for listening,
Mark
Town of Nassau Democratic Committee, PO Box 237, East Nassau, 12062

Sick Bay

2009-08-12T11:07:00.002-04:00

With the abuse they are taking across the country, Democrats are definitely going to need some form of national health care real soon. The controversy over nationalized medicine has led to big drops in President Obama’s approval ratings and big trouble for Democrats in general.

The controversy will also apparently drag down some local Democratic candidates who are backing Obamacare and putting party ahead of the people.

A case in point is the “Town Hall” meeting held by new Congressman Scott Murphy in Nassau. Later this week, we’ll reveal how the “Town Hall” was really organized by local Democrats with almost no notice to the public and really intended to be a rally for Murphy and Democrats. Judging by how the health care issue is playing out, Democrats may wish they did not get an invite to the Murphy event.

Lining up to support Murphy were Democrat legislative candidate’s, including incumbent Flora Fasoldt, newcomer Linda Underwood and Stephentown’s own Norm Young. Young, you’ll remember, is dealing with revelations that he is not even a resident of the legislative district he is a running in.

As if the Young residency controversy was not enough, the Democrat legislative team lined up with Murphy for a photo following the event in support of nationalized health care. Big smiles on all the candidates, but they were probably relieved to be able to avoid a big crowd of Obamacare opponents, thanks to the deliberate scant public notice for the event.

It makes you wonder why Democrats like Fasoldt, Underwood and Stephentown resident Young would decide to sign on to support a troubled health care proposal that almost no one – lefties, righties and just plain folks – do not seem to like. But with no candidate for County Executive, no candidate for County Clerk and a huge gap in fundraising, Democrats have probably also given up on the legislative races and now are rushing to the aid of their president as he free falls through the polls.

Stay tuned later this week for more on the Nassau “Town Hall”.

2009-08-10T07:11:00.001-04:00

Home, Sweet Home

A Democrat candidate for County Legislature has apparently been caught living outside the legislative district where he is a candidate, handing the GOP a big issue in legislative races.

An article in Sunday's editions of The Record laid out the facts regarding Democrat Norman Young's residency. A candidate in District 4, which includes the towns of Schodack, Sand Lake and Nassau, there is string of proof that Young is a resident of Stephentown, which is outside the district.

The Record article detailed that Young owns property at 315 Garfield Road in Stephentown. You don't need to believe Republicans that Young lives in Stephentown, because Young himself declared he lives at the Stephentown address in a real estate filing earlier this year.

Even worse for Young and Democrats is the fact that Nassau Democrats held a fundraiser in 2007. The fundraiser invite apparently announced the event was being held at Young's "home". That's right, Young's home.

Judging from the story and the facts, Young should brush up on his alibi. Young claims that still resides in Nassau, even though his family lives in the next town over. Sure, Norm. Young provides no proof to back up claim or to counter information included in the article.

The damaging revelations about Young are sure to hurt one of his running mates, Flora Fasoldt. Fasoldt is already weakened by a string of needless fights and attacks she carried out in Sand Lake, and now she has to contend with a running mate who quite probably doesn't even live in the district he is seeking to represent.

Democrats have been bemoaning the fact their legislative team is weak, disorganized and under-funded. Getting caught having a candidate who doesn't live in the district where they are running is not likely to help matters.

It’s Money that Matters

2009-08-04T17:35:00.001-04:00

They say that money doesn't talk, it screams. If that's the case, then Democrats in Rensselaer County may be getting deaf. The party's already weak fundraising has only gotten worse as the GOP posted very strong fundraising numbers in state disclosure reports last month.

Earlier this year, we reported gap between the GOP and Democrats in fundraising. In the ensuing months, that gap has only gotten wider, with Republicans only gaining strength as the 2009 elections loom.

The poor fundraising adds trouble for Democrats, who were unable to field candidates for County Executive and County Clerk and a weak slate for County Legislature, with the top-ranking Democrat in the Legislature deciding against seeking re-election to the Legislature. Democrats face a bruising prospect for County Legislature in District 1 – City of Troy and a three-way primary for Family Court.

Worst of all for Democrats is the plummeting ratings for President Obama, Governor Paterson and growing public anger over the staggering array of tax increases rammed through by Democrats running state government and skyrocketing federal debt. The tide has turned hard against Democrats as they struggle to find footing for the fall elections.

Democrats can claim to hold only about $35,000 in funds against approximately $280,000 held collectively in Republican accounts. The county GOP reported $62,883 in their July 15 filings versus $17,950 for the county Democrats, with County Executive Kathleen Jimino reporting $113,000.

It gets worse for Democrats in the legislative races, where the GOP holds a more than 10 to 1 advantage over Democrats. The GOP legislative campaign, the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee, reported $75,562 on hand. Add that to nearly $16,000 reported by Majority Leader Bobby Mirch and almost $5,000 for Legislator Mike "Pickles" Picarillo. Popular Chairman Neil Kelleher also recently held a jam-packed fundraiser after the reporting period. The Democrat legislative campaign committee could only muster $7,675.

Consider this: From a quick review of the filings, it appears the cash on hand by Mirch outstrips the amount raised by Democrats, including the county party and the legislative committee, during the past six months.

The Meltdown Begins

2009-07-21T08:38:00.002-04:00

Democrats are looking ahead to a bleak fall election, if comments and actions by their leaders are any indication.

County Boss Tom Wade told some high-placed Democrats he and the party expect to lose three out of four seats in District 2. Wade spent the past weekend begging and pleading–and possibly bullying–Dan Ashley to drop his bid for a party primary. But with Minority Leader Ginny O'Brien deciding against a run for re-election in favor of running for town office in East Greenbush and a strong and dynamic GOP ticket, Democrats are still glum about their chances.

The pressure is also getting to Democrat Legislator Flora Fasoldt who is said to have yelled at two Democrat incumbent town justices who were seeking petition signatures from voters in Sand Lake. Democrat legislative candidates are scattering because of a primary challenge by City Chairman Frank LaPosta. Democrats are worried about their chances of succeeding against a strong Republican ticket and the lack of organization by their party. LaPosta is said to have filed with more than 500 signatures. And Democrats are worried big time about the anemic fundraising by their party, as they try to overcome the fact the party will be fielding no candidate for County Executive and no candidate for County Clerk this fall.

Family Court Fudging

2009-07-21T08:36:00.002-04:00

Democrat candidates across Rensselaer County may be wondering where that minor party endorsement went, after being told to carry petitions for a nomination they had no chance of receiving. Here's the details we promised on a scam pulled on Democrat candidates by their own party leadership.

With their party fortunes dropping fast because of a disastrous state budget and state tax increases, along with spiraling federal debt and declining ratings for President Obama, Democrats were desperate to get some new real estate on the ballot and the party's candidate for Family Court, controversial Troy attorney Richard Hanft, was struggling to get enough signatures to qualify for a minor party endorsement. The solution? Have Wade promise local candidates they
would get the Independence line, and off the candidates went, carrying ballots that listed Hanft and legislative candidates.

The gambit failed, with at least one Democrat said to have refused to turn in petitions that would have boosted Hanft's numbers for the Independence line.

A Dunn Deal?

2009-07-21T08:34:00.002-04:00

The quietest candidate for a county-wide seat is building big momentum. Respected attorney Arthur Dunn has the Republican, Independence and Conservative lines, and is waging a primary for the Working Families endorsement. Democrats have a bruising three-way primary ahead, and face the prospect of dealing with Dunn, who will have at least three lines – possibly four – in November.

Friendly Fire

2009-07-14T09:34:00.002-04:00

Last week, we told you about the elements of the Democratic Party that are targeting Deputy Minority Leader Keith Hammond for defeat in November. Monday brought further proof that Democrats are looking to erase Hammond.

On Monday, some Democrats forwarded information regarding popular legislative candidate Kay Biski Vandenburgh. Democrats were hoping to derail Vandenburgh's expected appointment tonight to the Legislature, and tried to raise an issue regarding back taxes owed by her husband on a business he owns solely. The attack backfired, with Republicans correctly labeling the attack as sexist and unfair to a professional woman. What really caused the attack to backfire was the information GOP operatives handed out to reporters, revealing a family member of Hammond owed nearly $50,000 in back taxes.

What is curious is the timing of the attack. If the GOP had such a juicy nugget about the Hammond family's inability to pay taxes, wouldn't they have released it earlier? One Democrat was heard openly musing whether the back tax info was given to the GOP on Monday, knowing Republicans would use the information to defend against the weak attack on Vandenburgh. After all, it wouldn't be the first time a Democratic "attack" on Republicans was really a ruse to bring out negative information on Hammond. Last week, a group of Democrat candidates attacked a legislative pay raise. The only candidate on either side in District 2 who accepted a pay raise? You guessed right - it was Keith Hammond.

Democrats in District 2 are worried about a bruising primary for Legislature against one of the best tickets ever assembled by the GOP, including candidates Leon Fiacco, Phil Danaher, Lou Desso and Michael Cristo. Democrats have big problems because of the spiraling debt by Democrats in Washington and skyrocketing taxes by Democrats in Albany. The proof that Democrats are dealing out Hammond and setting him up for elimination in the primary is growing clearer.

Petition Punked

2009-07-14T09:33:00.002-04:00

Stay tuned later this week as we detail how Democrat Boss Tom Wade dealt out his party's legislative and local candidates.

Democrat Disintegration

2009-07-09T02:14:00.002-04:00

The buzz that Democrats are ganging up on Democrat Legislator Keith Hammond is growing even louder. The Talespin column in The Record detailed how other Democrats running for Legislature are critical of a legislative pay raise.

In District 2, out of all the candidates running, only Hammond supported a pay raise. Given the fact there is a primary, that means trouble for Hammond. Hammond comes from the smallest town in District 2, the town of Poestenkill, and the fact that his fellow Democrats are apparently targeting him does not help his chances.

The District 2 primary pits members of the already fractured Democrat caucus in the County Legislature against one another. District 2 includes four seats, with Minority Leader Ginny O'Brien choosing not to run for re-election to the Legislature, and instead seeking election to the East Greenbush Town Board. Hammond, and incumbents Zweig and Harrington contend with ethically challenged Florida resident Dan Ashley and East Greenbush resident Phil Malone. Harrington, who famously lost an election for a Democrat committee seat in his own neighborhood in 2006 is an Ashley ally, and pitted against Hammond and Zweig.

Both Ashley and Malone have entered the race with the blessings of Boss Tom Wade. Wade tried to block Ashley's candidacy and also opposed Malone's bid. In fact, Wade recently sent out an e-mail inviting District 2 candidates to a meeting, including Malone in the invitation. Wade quickly sent out a follow-up e-mail to Malone, uninviting him.

The chaos and confusion among District 2 Democrats is quite a contrast to the GOP's District 2 team of Leon Fiacco, Phil Danaher, Lou Desso and Michael Cristo. The GOP has proven electability and has raised considerably more cash than Democrats in the district. GOP activists report the response to the ticket has been outstanding.

Strength to Strength

2009-07-02T02:09:00.001-04:00

The signs that this will be a big year for local Republicans are becoming more and more evident. Last week, Troy legislative candidate John Mahoney, endorsed by Republicans, decided to withdraw from the race.

Mahoney is a good guy and has worked hard to revitalize sections of the city. Already elected to the City Council, Mahoney was acknowledged as tough to beat, especially given the weak slate put up by Democrats in the city.

So Mahoney's sudden departure would cause problems for any political organization. Yet within 24 hours, the GOP had picked another strong candidate, united the party behind the candidate and gotten an announcement sent to the media.

The candidate, John Mainello, is a lifelong Troy resident, known and respected throughout the city and considered strong addition to the already strong GOP ticket in Troy for County Legislature. Led by Chairman Neil Kelleher, the ticket includes Kay Vandenburgh, incumbent Jim Brearton, Metroland cover star Bobby Mirch, Mainello and incumbent Mike Picarillo.

The strength of that ticket is only amplified by the damaging primary being waged by Democrats in Troy over legislative seats, with that primary caused by county Boss Tom Wade's mean-spirited antics. And without a candidate for County Executive or County Clerk, Democrats can expect even more trouble.

Word on the street is that popular City Chairman Frank LaPosta and his ally Dan Doran have collected a significant number of signatures to support their primary for Legislature.

Mirch Makes Metroland

2009-06-26T14:21:00.001-04:00

Leave it to popular public servant Bobby Mirch to win over the gang at Metroland, who featured the Garbageman on the cover of their June 25 edition. The cover story on Mirch was the hot topic throughout the city and gives him a big boost in his already well-funded campaign for re-election.

The cover-story only enhances Mirch's status as political powerhouse but also touches on his ability to get the job done for the people of Troy. Whether you need a pothole fixed, trash removed or streetlights repaired, Mirch is the man to call.

But even better for Mirch is who attacks him in the news article, with defeated Troy mayoral candidate Jim Conroy somewhat ineffectively leading the charge against the DPW chief. Conroy spun a tangled web about Mirch closing a house of prostitution but failing to follow the proper procedure or protocol.

Which led to what may end up being the quote of the year from the Mirchman.

"Big Jimbo told you that?" Mirch asks. "He's making that story up. That's totally insane. The only prostitute in Troy at the time was Jim Conroy."

If anything, the article shows Conroy and fellow Democrats are still drinking the funny juice, attacking Mirch for his opposition to an exhibit that depicted a terrorist assassination of the president. The proof is in the ballot, however, and despite the strong words against Mirch, Democrats are fielding an historically weak ticket for County Legislature and have even failed to attract a candidate for County Executive.

2009-06-21T23:09:00.001-04:00

Chairman's Choice

In the animal kingdom, runts often get pushed out of the litter and left to fend for themselves, usually with tragic outcomes. The same is becoming true for the Democratic legislative ticket in Troy.

Saturday, embattled county Democratic Boss Tom Wade convened a secret meeting at county Democratic headquarters in downtown Troy. Wade brought out of town Democratic consultant Michael Montescalchi for the secret Saturday meeting with only three of the six endorsed Democratic candidates.

Wade told the three candidates assembled at the meeting that Democrats had a tough road ahead against a popular and well-organized ticket put together by Republicans for County Legislature. The three Democratic candidates in attendance at the meeting were told they would get what little resources Democrats will have on hand for the fall contests.

Who are the three "runt" candidates, you ask? We know, but we aren't telling. But if you were one of three candidates not invited to the meeting, then you know you aren't a priority for Boss Wade. More to the point, you are learning what many past Democrat candidates are learning: An endorsement from Tom Wade is more like the political kiss of death.

Meanwhile, on the GOP side, last week saw Republican legislative candidates packing them in at two fundraisers in just one week. The Republican legislative team is expected to have a record amount of campaign resources on hand and what political observers are saying is the strongest slate of candidates assembled by Republicans in years. Considering the GOP has a veto-proof majority, that's saying something.

District 2 Dems Come Unglued

Much like Boss Tom Wade, District 2 legislative Democrats are getting worried. First, a ploy by Wade to bring up legislative pay raises backfired, because Democrat Keith Hammond is the only candidate in the race to have voted for the raise. Having your own party boss do opposition research is bad enough, considering Democrats are already reeling from the departure of Minority Leader Ginny O'Brien from the ticket. However, Hammond has not been a favorite of Wade's, going back to when the party boss refused to endorse Hammond for State Assembly. Some Democrats were speculating that Wade was deliberately trying to sabotage Hammond by raising an issue that will help bury the Poestenkill Democrat at the polls.

But there is also dissension among Democrats in the district over a possible primary for the party nod in the district, and the belief that some Democrat incumbents in the district are actually encouraging the primary to target fellow Democratic incumbents. More details to come.

The Ticket Fillers Fade Fast

2009-06-15T12:15:00.001-04:00

The already weak ticket for Democrats in County Legislature seats has apparently gotten a lot weaker. We hear one, and maybe two, of the Democrat candidates for legislative seats in Troy has decided to drop out as the party gets ready to collect petitions.

The decision by candidate Lisa Graham to abandon the race comes as a primary campaign for Legislature by Frank LaPosta gains steam. In just one week, LaPosta has almost qualified his petitions and is reporting considerable support from Democrats.

LaPosta decided to run for Legislature along with his ally Dan Doran after he was shoved aside by county party Boss Tom Wade during the selection of candidates. Instead of selecting LaPosta, Wade put up six legislative candidates dubbed by one well-known Democrat as the "Ticket Fillers". Wade further hurt the "Ticket Fillers" by deciding to postpone collection of signatures on nominating petitions by one week, giving LaPosta a huge tactical advantage.

Democrats are now hoping to sucker current Third District Councilman Pete Ryan into the race. They want Ryan to get involved in the growing feud between Wade and LaPosta and run a race even while there are scant party resources and even less unity among Troy Democrats.

What is curious about the desperate full-court push by county Democrats is that Ryan made it well-known that he had decided against running for City Council to spend more time with his family. A primary and a general election, run city-wide, are much more involved and expensive than running in a smaller council district. The amount of fundraising and effort to run for Legislature are considerably more than what is needed to run for Council, not to mention the stress on a family and one's business.

Here is where it gets curious and possibly even more costly for Ryan. Ryan was also interested in landing a state job but Democrats, angered by his decision to not seek re-election to the City Council, have pulled the plug on any hopes of him landing a state job. The run for Legislature would also put Ryan in conflict with secret plans for Ryan to land a job in the city Recreation Department, meaning Ryan would lose money and waste time in running an exhausting legislative campaign during a time of party chaos.

Still, Democrats hope Ryan takes the bait and joins the battle in what will certainly be a bruising and time-consuming primary, pitting the Wade forces against the popularity and growing clout of LaPosta. Some longtime political observers are angry with the shell game being played on Ryan and the fact that Democrats have no plans to make good on a job or campaign assistance for the Councilman.

No Candidates?

2009-06-15T12:13:00.001-04:00

County Democrats will meet tonight in North Greenbush to try to put together a ticket but last-ditch efforts to find a candidate for County Executive or County Clerk appear to have failed. Boss Wade was heard promising one prospective candidate $100,000 in campaign cash if they ran, which is curious, considered the historic inability of Democrats to raise campaign funds in 2009. The ability of Wade to pretend he has clout in landing Senate jobs also vanished last week.

Headed for a Primary

2009-06-15T12:11:00.001-04:00

Don't think that the chaos for candidates in confined to Democrats in legislative races in Troy. We hear that a primary is very, very possible in District 2, where Democrats are already weakened by the decision of Minority Leader Virginia O'Brien not to seek re-election to the Legislature.

It's a Coup!

2009-06-09T10:17:00.001-04:00

The collapse of the Democratic Party continues. The trail of tax increases, broken promises, out right intimidation and incompetence that has characterized the past several months of total Democratic rule of state government led the collapse Monday of the Senate's Democratic majority.

Senate Democrats found themselves badly out maneuvered by Republicans and two Democratic defectors. After just five months, Republicans are back in control of the upper chamber, at least for now, and have dealt Democrats a major blow. Democrats made themselves ripe for a takeover thanks to incompetent leadership of the Senate, the plummeting ratings of Governor Paterson and a wildly unpopular state budget that raised taxes past the breaking point.

The loss of control of the Senate mirrors the rough times for Democrats in Rensselaer County. Democrats are facing a series of primaries and leadership challenges, weak selection of candidates and poor fundraising. The Senate leadership controversy and coup only reminds voters of the tough time Democrats have had leading the state.

Perhaps most importantly, Democrats failed to deliver on any meaningful promises of reform. Since winning back the governor's job in 2006, Democrats have seen their promise of good government undone by the Spitzer scandal and a string of tax increases and spending hikes. Monday provided the exclamation point to those failures.

2009-06-08T02:15:00.001-04:00

Petition Paranoia

The battles between Democrats begin for real this week. And the question is how many will be defying party Boss Tom Wade.

Last week, Wade issued a controversial order postponing the carrying of nominating petitions. While the first day for collecting petitions is June 9, Wade ordered that no nominating petitions for Democrats can go out until a party meeting is held June 15.

The petition postponement is seen as an attempt by Wade as a last-ditch attempt to save face after his dismal performance in selecting candidates for the upcoming fall elections. Currently, Democrats have no candidate for County Executive and County Clerk and one of the party's weakest slates for County Legislature in memory. We'll know next week if Wade's delay produces any better candidates.

However, Wade's hijacking of the candidate selection process has already created major battles in the fractured party. Wade shut popular City Chairman Frank LaPosta out of the selection process, and picked a slate of relative unknowns dubbed the Ticket Fillers by one well-known Democrat. In response, LaPosta and his ally Dan Doran, a former Troy Councilman, will be running primaries.

Wade also threw some sharp elbows in the selection of a Family Court judge, and forced the selection of controversial attorney Richard Hanft. In response, Hanft will be facing a primary from former Troy Councilwoman Beth Walsh. And a third candidate, Gerri Pomerantz of East Greenbush, will also be running for the party's nod for the judgeship.

You can be sure that LaPosta, Doran, Walsh and maybe Pomerantz will be out in force on Tuesday. We'll see how many Wade loyalists will obey his command not to circulate petitions on Tuesday. One County Legislature candidate in Troy supposedly loyal to Wade is said to be readying their own individual petition to be able to hit the streets on Tuesday, in defiance of Wade's order.

That may just be the start of the petition problems for Democrats. We hear there is a feud in the party between workers for County Judge Andy Ceresia and Hanft, with the Ceresia forces not wanting Hanft on their petition.

Weak candidates, problems from a string of Democrat-approved tax increases and poor fundraising are now coupled with a set of primary battles and vicious party infighting for Rensselaer County Democrats. And the fighting may only be getting worse starting this week.

Worked Over by the WFP?

Wade's clout was seen as taking another tumble when the Working Families Party endorsed Geri Pomerantz for Family Court judge. Wade has already thrown his support behind Richard Hanft, but was apparently unable to win support for Hanft among the WFP. Hanft is already facing a Democrat primary against Beth Walsh and the loss of the WFP line is a major blow.

Panic Time

2009-06-04T02:28:00.002-04:00

Rensselaer County Democrats are growing increasingly desperate about their inability to find candidates, raise money and stop a battle over leadership of the party. In an emergency move, Democrats have decided to postpone their nominating meeting to June 15, moving the meeting back by at least a week.

The meeting move shows the chaos Democrats are now experiencing. The first day for nominating petitions to be circulated is June 9, meaning Democrats will be a week late in collecting signatures.

The panic move in rescheduling and delaying the meeting is seen by Democrats as an attempt by party boss Tom Wade to save face. Wade is still unable to attract any candidates for County Executive or County Clerk, and has fielded a historically weak ticket for County Legislature. The GOP probably has the biggest advantage in fundraising in years over Democrats, who are beginning to view the 2009 elections as a looming disaster. Democrats were also stunned that Keith Rogers, a former councilman who the party was hoping to run this year, is instead running with Republicans for City Council.

Add those problems to the primary battles Democrats will be seeing because of Wade's heavy-handed style of running the party. Former Troy Councilwoman Beth Walsh is readying a primary for Family Court against Wade's pick of Richard Hanft. A third candidate, East Greenbush attorney Geri Pomerantz, may also join the race for the party's nomination for Family Court.

And then there is the primary being waged by city Chairman Frank LaPosta and former Councilman Dan Doran against the six candidates selected by Wade for County Legislature in Troy and dubbed the Ticket Fillers by one leading Democrat. LaPosta was shut out of the process of selecting legislative candidates, and has decided to put his growing clout to use on the campaign trail.

With LaPosta on the outs with Wade, you can expect that LaPosta and his team, and Walsh, will be out in force on June 9. Wade's desire to save face will keep their party opponents off the streets until a week later, which may be a steep price to pay.

The Green Team

2009-06-01T03:06:00.001-04:00

The growing tensions between Rensselaer County Democrat county boss Tom Wade and City Chairman Frank LaPosta finally boiled over this weekend, and both the races for County Legislature and City Council are in play.

Disgusted with a lack of respect for his abilities and leadership, and the poor selection of candidates for County Legislature by Wade, LaPosta announced he will be running a primary for County Legislature. He is bringing along his ally Dan Doran for the ride, and challenging the group of unknowns picked by Wade to run for Legislature dubbed the Ticket Fillers by one Democrat.

LaPosta's announcement was met with the usual chorus of insults and attacks by Wade, who termed LaPosta and Doran "recyclables"; in honor of their environmentally-friendly ways, we'll call the LaPosta-Doran primary duo the Green Team.

The Green Team of LaPosta and Doran versus the Ticket Fillers of Grimm and five others whose names we can't recall. Give the early edge to LaPosta, who has been patiently waiting for the opportunity to flex his muscle and growing clout in the party. The seeds of the showdown were sown when Wade's attempt earlier this year to hijack the candidate selection process was shot down by LaPosta, with that episode further weakening Wade after his stunning defeat in the primary for the Senate seat now held by Roy McDonald. In that contest, Wade backed Brian Premo, who got beat big time by Mike Russo.

That primary disaster weakened Wade but his stature has been damaged by his inability to attract anyone to run for County Executive or County Clerk, and a failure to attract any big name candidates for County Legislature. Add that to Wade and top Democrat's silence over the stunning and outrageous array of tax increases approved by Democrats who run state government, and you can see the opening for LaPosta's Green Team.

The crack-up over County Legislature candidates was just one of the weekend headaches for Wade and Democrats. Keith Rogers, once considered a Democrat hopeful for County Legislature announced on Saturday he would be running for an At-Large seat on the Republican ticket. Rogers, who was elected previously as a Democrat, said the GOP is on the right track in the city and more aligned with his way of thinking.

The Rogers announcement was accompanied by more sniping between Wade and LaPosta and coupled with the news of the primaries, and the open feuding between party leaders, probably caused only more bad feelings among the badly fractured Democrat party.

Trouble in Troy?

2009-05-27T23:33:00.001-04:00

One week ago, Democrats put the finishing touches on a weak slate for County Legislature in the City of Troy. Now there may be trouble with the Ticket Fillers, as one well-known Democrat dubbed the six candidates.

Party leaders are beating the bushes for a candidate or candidates after at least one of the six candidates decided to back out. Calls were being made yesterday and today by Democrat bosses trying to scare up candidates.

Democrats are not only scrambling in Troy for legislative candidates. Word is that they are having trouble in the towns and the rural areas attracting legislative candidates, in part because Democrats have been unable to come up with anyone to run for County Executive or County Clerk.

And Democrats are increasingly fearful about their prospects in District 2, which includes East Greenbush, North Greenbush and Poestenkill. Democrats have already seen Minority Leader Ginny O'Brien decide against running for re-election in that district, and will instead run for town office in East Greenbush. Along with a weakened ticket, Democrats have been fighting behind the scenes over selection of candidates and more fighting is possible. Republicans have put together a blockbuster ticket in that district and are ready to make big gains.

Add all the trouble in selecting candidates to the big, big fundraising problems Democrats are having. Powerhouse County Legislature Majority Leader Bobby Mirch is believed to have more cash on hand than the entire county Democrat organization.

Democrats Can't Even Tax Right

2009-05-27T23:32:00.001-04:00

Not only do Democrats raise taxes at a time when New Yorkers can afford them the least, but they can't even get the tax right. A federal court on May 27 put a stop to the revenue grab by New York State Democrats disguised as a deposit on bottled water purchases. The water deposit is just one of the dozens of tax and fee hikes included in the disastrous state budget Democrats forced on New Yorkers this year.

The Ticket Fillers

2009-05-21T19:51:00.004-04:00

The whispers that Democrats are having trouble attracting top tier candidates for the 2009 elections are becoming reality. Democrats tell us the party has given up on finding candidates for County Executive and County Clerk and made the puzzling selection of controversial Troy attorney Rich Hanft for Family Court. But nowhere are the party's troubles so apparent as in their selection for County Legislature seats in Troy. One Democrat has even taken to calling the six candidates "The Ticket Fillers" noting the party had aggressively pursued better candidates but were turned down.

The "Ticket Fillers" are led by incumbent Peter Grimm, who has been silent on the outrageous Democratic tax increases and even voted against a county budget that did not raise property taxes. Grimm only got into the Legislature because a voting machine error deprived the rightful winner, Peter Durkee, cost him approximately 80 votes. Along with Grimm, there is Lisa Graham, Charlene Cassidy, Mark Fleming, Lou Rosamilia and Ed Manning filling out the ticket. Better known names like Frank LaPosta and Dan Doran opted out of a run for Legislature. Councilman Peter Ryan also declined a run for Legislature, deciding to sit out the 2009 elections.

Word about the "Ticket Fillers" Troy ticket spread just days after another lackluster fundraiser for Democratic county legislative candidates. Democrats have been hobbled by an inability to raise money, vicious in-fighting and a lack of well-known or proven candidates. The lack of big names for County Legislature in Troy shows the depth of those problems. And those problems could be getting worse. With outrageous state tax increases brought about Democrats, no candidates for County Executive and County Clerk, a probable primary for Family Court and relative unknowns for County Legislature, Democrats down ticket can expect problems. That means trouble for the Chaos Council, the Democrats who have done little right during the past 18 months in the majority of the City Council.

2009-05-18T00:25:00.001-04:00

Taking It to the Top

The Democratic crack-up over their party's nomination for Family Court judge has made its way all the way to the governor's mansion. Denied the Democratic nomination, Beth Walsh is now hoping to get Governor David Paterson involved in the fight, and is lobbying for the governor to appoint her to the seat.

With his approval ratings tanking, Governor Paterson probably isn't eager to get involved in an intra-party squabble, but that's what Rensselaer County Democrats are spreading their fight to the highest levels of state government.

Walsh, a former City Council member, was passed over to allow for Democrat boss Tom Wade to hand off the party nod to controversial attorney Richard Hanft. Hanft was beaten easily several years ago for Troy City Court judge and Walsh is believed to be gearing up for a primary.

Word in the local court houses was that no appointment would be made for Family Court, in part because of the ongoing state fiscal problems. With a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Linda Griffin, holding off on an appointment until an election decides the successor could save the state hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The battle over the Family Court nomination is just the latest battle within the Democratic nomination. Last year, Democrats fought over the nomination for State Senate, with Wade's choice of attorney Brian Premo getting beaten easily in a primary by Mike Russo, who went on to lose to Roy McDonald. That primary loss gives Wade very little clout in stopping a primary for any position, as seen by Walsh's move.

And thanks to Walsh's move, no matter what he decides, Paterson gets dinged up. If he appoints Walsh, it costs him money and some support among the members of the party loyal to Wade. If he doesn't make the appointment of Walsh, it angers Walsh and her supporters. No matter what way they turn, Democrats in Rensselaer County and anyone within striking distance seem to be headed for trouble.

Hanft Hijacking Bounces Beth

2009-05-06T17:56:00.001-04:00

The unraveling of the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee continues, with a war brewing over the executive committee's selection for Family Court. Former Troy City Councilwoman Beth Walsh was bypassed by the committee, with controversial Troy attorney Richard Hanft getting the party's backing.

The bouncing of Beth Walsh came after Democrats short-circuited the candidacy of East Greenbush Town Justice Diane Schilling. Schilling is s aid to have not wanted to primary for the job, but that does not appear to be the case with Walsh. Democratic insiders tell us that Walsh, the wife of Troy City Court Judge Chris Maier, is gearing up for an intra-party battle against Hanft, who is supported by county Democrat Boss Tom Wade.

From her runs for City Council and her husband's electoral bids, and alliance with many Democrats, Walsh would appear to have a campaign apparatus ready to go.

The primary battle may be a tempting one for Walsh. Hanft decisively lost a race for Troy City Court in 2004 and does not appear to have a base in the county. His main supporter, Wade, saw his candidate for 43rd State Senate, Brian Premo, get thumped in a 2008 primary. Despite robo-calls from President Obama, Wade couldn't even deliver Rensselaer County for Scott Murphy, the eventual winner of the 20th Congressional District race. Wade's endorsement is likely to be a non-factor in the contest and some Democrats are openly wondering if City Chairman Frank LaPosta will use his new-found clout to support Beth Walsh.

Bowing Out

2009-05-04T12:51:00.001-04:00

Maybe you don't agree with his politics, but Troy Third District Councilman Pete Ryan is a pretty decent guy. Which may explain why he will not be running for re-election to trouble-plagued body.

Was Ryan wearied by the near-constant in-fighting among Council Democrats, or tired because Democrats promised so much but delivered so little once they took the Council majority? The grind of the Council is believed to have taken a toll on Ryan, but Ryan bowed out gracefully.

Ryan's announcement last week is the latest problem for Democrats hoping to hold on to their majority on the Council after a disastrous 16 months. Ryan's departure creates a hole in the Democratic ticket, but the real problem for Democrats remains the possibility of primaries for at-large seats.

To date, Democrats have four candidates announced for At-Large, including incumbents Clem Campana and John Brown, and former Councilman Keith Rogers and downtown restaurant owner Mike LoPorto. What's worse for Democrats is that some of the candidates seem to be choosing sides between County Boss Tom Wade and popular City Chair Frank LaPosta. An endorsement from LaPosta could help tilt the balance in a Democrat primary for Council.

The candidate problems for Democrats don't end with the Council. Democrats are becoming desperate to attract a candidate for County Executive. Legislator Flora Fasoldt was thought to be interested in the nomination, but just weeks ago, a serious issue regarding political work being done at taxpayer expense in Fasoldt's legislative race was raised. The response from Fasoldt's office was ridiculous, and only adds to Fasoldt's problems due to her heavy-handedness in Sand Lake and unnecessary battle with popular Supervisor Steve Robelotto.

Democrats also have no candidate for County Executive and none for County Clerk, either. They are also having difficulty attracting legislative candidates, with at least two prospective candidates turning down the chance to run because Democrats have almost zero chance of capturing a majority. Indeed, Ryan himself was discussed as a legislative candidate but has told Democrat leaders he will be completely sitting out 2009. And just as Ryan has bowed out of the Council re-election bid, Minority Leader Ginny O'Brien has decided against running for Legislature, and will seek election to the East Greenbush Town Board instead.

The GOP has also opened up a huge fundraising advantage over Democrats. In the crucial January 15 campaign finance filings, Democrats filed with only $12,000 compared to $250,000 by the GOP. And that gap is believed to be even wider, based on a series of Republican fundraisers. Add those fundraising problems to the huge tax increases Democrats have forced on New Yorkers and the picture gets cloudier for county Dems.

Desso Does It

2009-05-04T12:50:00.001-04:00

The biggest political news last week was the blockbuster fundraiser by North Greenbush Council Lou Desso at Paulo Lombardi's in Wynantskill. Desso, who may be a candidate for County Legislature, drew nearly 300 to a fundraiser that had longtime political observers talking about his popularity.

In 2007, Desso showed his clout by winning a Republican primary and then, just weeks later, winning the Democratic nomination at a North Greenbush Democrat caucus. Desso is off to a great start for Legislature if his fundraiser is any indication.

Desso's big fundraiser is reminiscent of the packed house Mike "Pickles" Picarillo drew last summer to his planned campaign for County Legislature. Picarillo was recently appointed to the Legislature, helping bolster GOP legislative candidates in Troy.

Democrats Say, Thanks for the Taxes!

2009-04-24T13:24:00.001-04:00

Desperate for campaign cash and candidates, Rensselaer County Democrats will be risking the wrath of taxpayers by welcoming one of the three Democrats who produced one of the worst and most costly state budgets in history.

Just weeks after his votes in support of the state budget, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith will be warmly welcomed by Rensselaer County Democrats. Democrats will presumably hoot and holler if and when Senator Smith recounts his support for the beverage tax, investment tax, insurance tax, cell phone tax and the many other taxes being forced on New Yorkers by Democrats. Rensselaer County Democrats will also be expected to cheer as Senator Smith discusses his support for a budget that increases spending by nearly 10 percent during a recession and cancels the popular STAR Rebate program.

The new state budget is proof that Democrats want and support higher taxes for our state, and also support cutting services and programs like the STAR Rebate program that upstate taxpayers relied on. Having Senator Smith as guest of honor demonstrates that Rensselaer County Democrats want and support the higher taxes and service cuts included in the state budget.

Democrats in the county have wanted to talk a good game about how they want lower taxes. But that talk ends at the April 28 fundraiser, when Democrats put campaign cash ahead of the interests of county voters.

Why would Democrats welcome someone so associated with New York State's dysfunctional tax and spend government? Rensselaer County Democrats are desperate, trailing the county GOP by possibly the widest margin ever in terms of available campaign resources. During the January 15 filing, Democrats had about $12,000 on hand, with Republicans showing more than $250,000 in combined accounts. With his recent fundraising, Majority Leader Bobby Mirch has more in his own campaign account than the entire Democrat Party.

And Democrats have had even less success attracting candidates. Despite his bluster, county Democrat Boss Tom Wade has been unable to find candidates for County Executive and County Clerk, and has yet to produce any notable candidates for County Legislature. The City Council Democrats have been a disaster and will probably see a number of primaries. Some of those primary opponents may seek support from popular City Chair Frank LaPosta, who defeated Wade in a decisive vote on rules for selection of candidates. There is real dissension about Democratic choices for judicial positions and the GOP is expecting to gain ground in the towns this year.

Advertising the fact that they support Democratic state leadership that brought about outrageous tax increases and service reductions is not likely to help Rensselaer County Democrats as they stumble towards the fall elections.

2009-04-20T02:41:00.001-04:00

Council Crack-up Continues

The battle lines are being drawn as Democrats on the City Council and their allies continue some vicious infighting. The latest salvo came at last week's meeting of district leaders, with former Mayoral candidate Jim Conroy taking aim at At-Large Councilman John Brown.

Conroy is said to have announced to district leaders that he will not be supporting Brown's re-election this fall, adding even more turbulence into the Democrat's very troubled council candidate situation.

What may have prompted Conroy's ire toward Brown? Could it be because Brown supported legislation to complete a move of City Hall into the Verizon building on Sixth Avenue, over Conroy's objections? Or is Conroy seeking to block Brown's move to become Council president? Or, is Big Jim looking to run for At-Large Council himself?

The Council Democrats seem to be splintering in different directions, after having maybe the worst 15 months of any City Council in Collar City history. Brown and Council President Clem Campana are on a collision course over who gets to be council president, and Third District Councilman Pete Ryan is said to be very desperate to get away from the wreckage and lack of accomplishment and may not be seeking re-election. Former Councilman Keith Rogers is running after bypassing county Democrat boss Tom Wade and only getting the blessing from City Chairman Frank LaPosta. In the meantime, Rogers is running on a platform to reduce the size of the Council, one of the initiatives opposed by Brown, who worked to defeat the cost-saving move during last fall's referendum vote. And there is the candidacy by irrepressible downtown restaurant owner Mike LoPorto, who generates more headlines than incumbent Democrat council members.

Fifteen months of failure leads to fractures and council Democrats are splintering in more directions than you can count. The one winner in this confusion is popular City Chair LaPosta, whose power and influence seems to be growing by the day. LaPosta's clout was seen in the Rogers announcement, and other Democrat candidates are said to be seeking LaPosta's support for this fall.

2009-04-13T11:27:00.001-04:00

We're Number 1

Thanks to four inept and costly Democrat budgets, New York State's tax problems have gone from bad to worse. The Empire State is now known across the USA as the Tax State, with a tax structure seen as both ridiculous and restrictive.

And it will only get worse, when the awful and expensive budget authored and approved by downstate Democrats goes into effect. New Yorkers will get hit with taxes for beverages, driver's licenses, insurance, investments, cell phones and utilities. Upstate taxpayers can even expect on losing the popular STAR rebate program.

The tax increases are stunning, but even more stunning is the reality that thanks to Democrats, state spending will increase by nearly 10 percent - all during a recession. So not only will New Yorkers pay more during a recession, at a time when they can least afford it, but the state is also increasing their fiscal difficulties by increasing spending at a rate far in excess of inflation.

Big spending has been a hallmark of the Spitzer-Paterson team. This year's budget is the third budget by the Day One duo, and their budgets have increased state spending by a combined total of more than 20 percent. Pretty disappointing given how much the Spitzer-Pate rson Democrats promised.

Remember, this budget calamity is occurring at a time when billions of Obama stimulus funds are being pumped into the state. What happens to the Empire State when the stimulus money disappears?

The budget has sparked a firestorm of criticism against Democrats, especially since the budget was negotiated by three Democrats in a room, in almost total secrecy and with disastrous results. New Yorkers were trashing Democrats on the budget vote. Democratic Boss Shelly Silver was able to count on votes from two Assembly members for the budget, with both Ron Canestrari and Tim Gordon voting YES for the budget. Gordon seems increasingly worried about his ability to win re-election, considering a run for the 20th CD seat and recently sponsoring legislation to reduce the number of signatures needed on candidate designating petitions.

The budget blow-up means more big problems for local Democrats. The state fiscal chaos recently claimed Grafton and Cherry Plains state parks as casualties, joining Schodack Island State Park on the Democratic hit list. What have local Democrats done in response? Democrat Legislator Kevin Harrington, himself an employee of the Assembly Democrats, actually put out press releases claiming county Republicans were saving too much money. If Democrats think it is bad now wait until the tax bills hit.

2009-04-06T18:52:00.001-04:00

Beating Back Barack

Grassroots Republicans in the 20th Congressional District in Rensselaer County must be feeling pretty good, having won a special election despite every big gun in the Democratic political arsenal being rolled out against them.

In the week leading up to the March 31 special congressional election, Democrats from President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Chuck Schumer and new Senator Kirsten Gillibrand attempted to tip the scales in favor of Democrat Scott Murphy. Given the fact that Obama won the 20th, along with Gillibrand's victories in 2006 and 2008, things were going in Murphy's favor.

Add that to the fact that Tedisco ran a troubled campaign with a muddled message, a point admitted to by the Tedisco team; the fact that President Obama is still in his first 100 days and supposedly still popular; and the lack of any national GOP superstars stumping for Tedisco except for Rudy Giuliani and Democrats were anticipating a victory. But in Rensselaer County, a grassroots team of Republican activists managed to post a major victory, winning the county for Tedisco.

While out-gunned, Republicans were able to parlay the stunning ethical lapse by the Obama team on the AIG bonus issue, in which millions of bailout bucks went into the pocket of well-connected Wall Street executives, and the disastrous Three Democrats in a Room state budget into a victory. AIG gave taxpayers a reason to distrust the new president and the higher-spending-big-tax-increases-money-for-downstate state budget gave the GOP a crucial boost in the homestretch.

With a better message, the GOP could have won by a bigger margin, even with the persistent push by the top Democrats in the nation. The March 31 special election shows Republicans have an edge heading into the county and local elections this fall. If Republicans in Rensselaer County, outgunned and out-messaged, are still able to score a crucial victory in a special election with the president and vice president campaigning hard against them, then Republicans look to be in very good shape this November.

Rogers Makes His Move

Democrat At-Large City Council candidate Keith Rogers gave himself distance from his probable primary opponents, announcing his support for a reduction of the size of the Council. That's the same proposal supported and introduced by Republicans, but defeated in a referendum vote thanks to the efforts of At-Large Councilman John Brown and Fifth District Councilman Ken Zalewski.

Council President Clem Campana also rallied against Rogers' proposal, saying residents need more representation. But Rogers has this one right, recognizing that saving taxpayer money is smart politics, and could look especially good to voters in a primary being held during a damaging recession.

Are Rogers, Campana and Brown on a collision course? The better question may be whether the Rogers Council reduction move is more muscle-flexing from City Democratic Chairman Frank LaPosta, who gained big-time clout by backing down County Democrat Boss Tom Wade from an attempt to hijack the party nomination process. Close watchers of the Troy political scene will remember that Rogers bypassed Wade and only consulted with LaPosta before announcing his run for Council.

Three Men and the Ruins

2009-03-31T02:57:00.000-04:00

Democrats have wanted total control of state government for years, and they finally have it. And the result of that one-party is the most secretive state budget process in recent history, and probably the most expensive and destructive.

The Democrat budget disaster includes income tax hikes that will take billions out of the pockets of New Yorkers, tax and fee increases on a staggering array of goods and services and the end to the STAR Rebate program, which at least gave upstate taxpayers some relief. Unbelievably, the budget includes a spending increase of nearly 10 percent – during a recession and months of pronouncements by Democrat Governor David Paterson that now was the time to get state spending under control.

The budget really amounts to a Democratic smash and grab from state taxpayers, who already hold the unfortunate distinction of paying the highest taxes in the USA. There's a reason for that secrecy by Democrats – the 2009-2010 state budget is a rip-off of taxpayers who already are getting gouged and trying to cope with a tough recession. And remember, this is a budget that gets bucket loads of cash from Team Obama, cash that probably won't be available next year.

What's worse is that the budget really puts the screws to upstate with elimination of thingfs like STAR. Democrats are still assembling a package to bail out the Metropolitan Transit Authority – quick, name the upstate communities or organizations getting the bailout treatment from either the state or federal Democrats.

It's interesting to see that campaign pledges last as long with state Democrats as they do with the Council Democrats in Troy. Democrats in Troy had promised more openness, transparency and improved effectiveness, and the result has been 16 months of chaos, goofball attempts at intimidation, bungled bullying and a staggering lack of accomplishment. State Democrats promised more "sunlight" on state government but this week was using State Police to keep press from entering the State Capitol as the state budget was being concocted.

Local Democrats will have real trouble trying to claim the high ground on the tax issue as Democrat party bosses try to skin taxpayers alive and send millions and millions of our tax dollars to New York City. Already hobbled by a slow candidate selection process, poor fundraising and the probability of primaries in many areas, prospective Democrat candidates now have to ask why they would want to run in a year when their party is setting records for tax hikes.

2009-03-29T23:39:00.001-04:00

Beth Bashes Back

Boss Tom Wade's supposed iron grip on the Democratic Party in Rensselaer County is looking more than a little shaky this week.

Recently, Wade laid the law down to former Troy City Councilwoman Beth Walsh: No way was Walsh running for county Family Court in 2009. No way, no how, with the party's nod going to East Greenbush Town Justice Diane Schilling, said Wade in his customarily abrupt and dictatorial manner.

Walsh responded just days, maybe hours later, by scheduling a fundraiser to support her "seeking the Democratic nomination" for Family Court. The Walsh fundraiser is set for April 2 in her home base of Troy.

The snubbing of Wade comes just one year after Wade was embarrassed in a county primary for the 43rd Senatorial District seat, with Wade's choice, Brian Premo, getting toasted by Mike Russo of Saratoga County. Getting trounced in a primary by a relative unknown from another county isn't likely to generate much fear or respect.

Which may have led Walsh, wife of Troy City Court Judge Chris Maier, to pull the trigger on what amounts to a challenge to Wade's wishes and possibly a bruising primary. We hear Democrats from throughout the county voiced support for a Walsh campaign, regardless of Wade's wishes. Walsh may have also considered the recent victory by Troy City Chairman Frank LaPosta, who beat back an attempt by Wade to hijack the nominations for Democratic candidates.

Who knows if LaPosta will put his newfound clout behind Walsh's candidacy? The attendance at the April 2nd Walsh fundraiser may answer that important question.

Tax Attack

Democrats who run state government are getting ready to make you pay and pay and pay to help deal with runaway state spending and unrealistic revenue projections. There is a hike in the income tax for many New Yorkers in the pipeline, elimination of the STAR rebate program and new taxes and fees galore.

Despite promises of fiscal conservatism, Democrats have actually increased state spending under the 2009-2010 budget, meaning we all get to pay more during a tough recession. The budget is said to be up by 10 percent over what was proposed originally by Governor Paterson. More spending means more taxes and most cost-shifts to local governments.

It was all done in secret, showing once again promises by Democrats to reform Albany were nothing more than a sham. The budget process this year was the most secretive in history, and possibly one of the most costly. Voters get their say on the Democrat budget bumbling this fall.

Public Embarrassment

2009-03-25T13:19:00.001-04:00

Leave it to the Troy City Council Democrats to make the simple act of scheduling of a public hearing a suspense-filled drama pitting council members and Council office employees against each other.

The issue centers around the scheduling of a public hearing on the proposed downtown Business Improvement District and the emerging feud between Council Prez Clem Campana and would-be Council Prez John Brown and his top advisor, Bully Bill Dunne.

The story goes that Campana wanted a scheduled public hearing on the BID cancelled. Brown and Dunne disagreed and may have ordered city clerk's employees not to send out the cancellation notice. Which led to Campana himself coming down to the Council offices to send out the cancellation, possibly over the continued objections of Brown and Dunne.

The cancellation may have resulted from yet another screw-up by the Council office, which on a seemingly weekly basis makes bone-headed mistake after mistake. The Council office has set a record for incompetence, with meetings regularly cancelled because of procedural mistakes, ignorance of the City Charter and infighting among Democrats.

The battle is reminiscent of the fight between County Dem Boss Tom Wade and City Dem Chair Frank LaPosta. Wade tried to take over selection of candidates, only to see LaPosta muster enough support to thwart the move. With four candidates already announced for three Democrat nominations for City Council, you can see

Hey, Town Boards and City Councils schedule public hearings all the time. Just about every day, so it's not like it's too tough a task, but Council Democrats make the simple seem supremely difficult, turning daily duties into disasters.

Beth Bashing

2009-03-25T09:59:00.001-04:00

One-time At-Large Councilwoman and former Troy Council President Beth Walsh, wife of Troy City Court Judge Chris Maier, got the rough treatment from Boss Tom Wade on the issue of the upcoming Family Court election. An opening on the bench is being created by the retirement of Judge Linda Griffin this spring.

Walsh would like the Democratic nod for Family Court, but Wade told Walsh last week not to count on party backing. Instead, Wade plans to throw his support to East Greenbush Judge Diane Schilling.

The question remains whether Walsh wages a primary for the judgeship. Democrats are said to be urging Walsh to run because she has an edge on experience, and are also probably noting the fact that Wade has a rough record on primaries. Last year, Wade backed Brian Premo for the 42nd Senate District seat, only to see Saratoga's Mike Russo win by big margins right in Rensselaer County.

Wading for Candidates

2009-03-17T16:34:00.001-04:00

The Rensselaer County Democratic Committee was all set to meet Thursday to settle on candidates for the upcoming fall 2009 local elections. But the continuing lack of candidates ready to do battle with the GOP has resulted in the sudden postponement of the meeting, based on e-mails sent from Democratic headquarters.

The cancellation comes as Democrats are now openly grumbling and joking about Boss Tom Wade's inability to get a quality candidate for offices like County Executive or various seats in the County Legislature.

The cancellation because of the candidate shortage is just the latest setback for Wade, after a power move last month by City Chairman Frank LaPosta. LaPosta slammed the door shut on an attempt by Wade to hijack the candidate selection process, with LaPosta receiving strong support from other top Democrats.

Will a postponement of a little more than two weeks suddenly generate a strong slate of county-wide or local candidates for Democrats? Probably not, as Democrats have been unable to raise campaign cash, and have seen their party's image damaged by the constant fighting and ineffectiveness of the Troy City Council's Democrat majority. And the fractures betw een the majority members grow everyday, as we will detail later this week. County Legislature Democrats have been equally inept and divided, leading to the decision by popular Democratic Minority Leader Ginny O'Brien to seek election to the Town Board in her hometown of East Greenbush. Last week's reports of clear evidence of political materials being prepared at taxpayer expense in the county offices of legislative Democrats did not help their party's cause in the Legislature.

Some of the Democrats who were ready to attend the Thursday, March 19 executive committee meeting now have some time on their hands, and may want to attend the blockbuster Breakfast With Bob fundraiser for the ever-popular Bobby Mirch that morning. Mirch has been raising campaign cash as fast as we get "secret" Democratic e-mails sent to us, and after March 19, is likely to have more in his campaign account than the County Democratic party.

Dems Caught in the Act

2009-03-11T23:31:00.001-04:00

Democrats in the Rensselaer County Legislature, specifically Legislators Flora Fasoldt and Keith Hammond, look like they may stepped into a real ethical hole.

A Freedom of Information request has caught Democrats in the act, preparing and distributing political materials on the taxpayer's dime. The FOI found the legislative Democratic office put together a press release advertising a Democratic fundraiser and Democratic candidates. Fasoldt is a state committeewoman for theDems, so the press release may have been done on her orders.

The FOI also uncovered a press release featuringHammond complaining about an election involving the Working Families party. Both of the Fasoldt and Hammond press releases were sent out from the Democratic legislative office, on Democratic legislative stationery.

What exactly does a press release about a Democratic fundraiser or a Working Families election have to do with the County Legislature? None, really, and it's possible some laws were broken. It's also possible other laws were broken because there is now the allegation that Democrats may have deliberately omitted information from their response to the FOI. That is a big, big problem.

The Times Union broke the story on their Local Politics blog.

It's funny seeing the comments left on the post, especially when you remember that Fasoldt is supposedly such a champion of open government and Hammond claims he's a fighter for the taxpayers. Just two political press releases, put out at taxpayer expense, have undone any of those claims.

WTF?

2009-03-10T03:15:00.001-04:00

So whether you voted for him or not, you probably expected better from Team Obama. But here we are, almost two months after his inauguration, and the Market has collapsed during the One's presidency.

That's why leading economists, venture capitalists, financial advisers and anyone with a 401k is asking: WTF? Will the market go below 5000? Should we bring back Bush? Is it smart to have your administration's butt kicked everyday on CNBC by Jim Cramer or the guy yelling on the floor of the Chicago Merchantile Exchange? Where the heck is my stimulus check?

Too many questions, and too little value left on the NASDAQ.

Let us know what you think. Is The One blowing it big time? Do you favor the Destruction of Wealth? Are you a racist if you blame Obama for your 401k disappearing? Should we all be brushing on the Communist manifesto and getting Che Guevera shirts? Who really needs to retire, anyhow?

Let us know, because we care. Also, feel free to continue making fun of City Council Democrats.

Wade in the Shade?

2009-03-04T01:29:00.001-05:00

Frank LaPosta's power move two weeks ago, netting him a clear victory over Democrat Boss Tom Wade, is still the talk in Democratic circles. LaPosta is emerging as the man to see or know if you want the Democratic endorsement in Troy.

Several months ago, LaPosta was sounding the alarm about the chaos and confusion caused by the City Council. LaPosta's efforts in 2008 to rein in the wackiness was stopped by Wade, but the continuing inability of the Council to do anything right have proven LaPosta correct indeed. Add all that to the fact that LaPosta was at the helm as City Chairman when Democrats won Council control in 2007.

Democrats are already dealing with a crowded field of candidates for three at-large seats, and appear headed toward a bruising primary. Incumbents Clem Campana and John Brown are expected to seek re-election to the Council, as Brown's expected run for County Legislature may have been abandoned because of the inability of Democrats to raise money at the county level. Both Mike LoPorto and one-time Councilman Keith Rogers have each announced their candidacies for At-Large. Rogers' announcement touched off an eruption between Wade and LaPosta after it was learned Rogers may have only consulted LaPosta, and gone around the blustery county chairman. That led to LaPosta's victory against Wade when Wade tried to hijack the Democratic candidate selection process.

LaPosta's victory in the by-law battle comes as Wade finds himself unable to raise money and more importantly, unable to find candidates for big ticket seats like County Executive. LaPosta is believed to have given his support to both Rogers and LoPorto in their bids for At-Large, and with Wade stumbling, it may be reasonable to expect more and more Democrats seeking LaPosta's backing. The hot rumor in Democratic circles is that LaPosta has more candidates ready to go. Given how many needless controversies and broken promises the Council Democrats have piled up, more and more fresh faces may be looking to make real change in the Democratic party, and looking for LaPosta's clout to do so.

2009-02-22T22:40:00.001-05:00

Orders from Above

The Executive Committee meeting for Democrats in Rensselaer County is shaping up to be quite the news bonanza. The meeting is known as the meeting where Boss Tom Wade got shot down by City Chairman Frank LaPosta, who rejected an attempt by Wade to control the candidates selected for office.

LaPosta's win bolstered his standing in the Democratic Party, especially after Wade and others wanted him gone. LaPosta drew strong support from others on the Executive Committee and is expected to use some of his political capital in the coming weeks.

Given that Wade has no candidate for top offices and has not even raised a tenth of what Republicans across Rensselaer County have, you can see why some Democrats are willing to give support to LaPosta during a crucial battle over party control.

Our sources – and we thank our many sources, we really do – tell us that Wade, defeated mayoral candidate Jim Conroy and members of the Can't Do No Right Democratic Troy Council majority met in a secret meeting following the executive committee meeting. And the subject was the lease of the Verizon Building for City Hall!

A few questions for those in attendance at the secret meeting:

Do City Council Democrats consult with Tom Wade and Jim Conroy before their major decisions?
Were Council Democrats instructed by Wade and LaPosta to undo the approved lease for the Verizon Building, the new City Hall?
Were Council Democrats told that any attorney can get you out of a contract?
Can't Council Democrats do anything right?
What interest would Wade and Conroy have if they told Democrats to undo the Verizon deal?
Haven't Council Democrats been embarrassed enough on the whole City Hall thing? Losing lawsuits, vetoes, cancelled meetings, the Zalewski panel to make recommendations that never made recommendations, etc. etc. Just let it go guys?
Was Wade in a bad mood after LaPosta spanked him at the Executive Committee meeting?
Isn't kind of sort of unethical to be taking orders from a party chairman on how to vote or handle an important contract?
Isn't it also kind of funny that the only things more embarrassing than the Democratic City Council meetings are the Democratic Executive Committee meetings?
Seriously, can't Council Democrats do anything right?

Wade Whacked

2009-02-20T11:05:00.002-05:00

Democratic Boss Tom Wade got whacked big-time by his party committee Thursday night, losing a major battle to Troy City Chairman Frank LaPosta over how candidates are selected.

Wade had hit the roof earlier this week when an announcement of former City Councilman Keith Rogers' candidacy hit the newspapers. Rogers had appar ently consulted with LaPosta and the Rogers candidacy was news to Wade. Which did not make the control freak County Chair very happy, and Wade intended to shut down LaPosta at the Thursday Democratic executive committee and form a candidate selection committee controlled by Wade.

In essence, Wade wanted the committee to go along with changing, amending or ignoring by-laws on candidate selections, ironically, the same by-laws Wade has used to try to increase his power in the party.

Except this time, LaPosta outmaneuvered Wade, allying himself with Democrats from North Greenbush, Sand Lake and Brunswick, in shutting down the Wade hijacking of the candidate selection process. All accounts say it was a major victory for LaPosta.

Wade was none too happy at being rejected by a committee he thought he could control. Add the fact that Democrats are lacking candidates for many county offices, which many in the party blame Wade for, and also cannot effectively raise money, which many Democrats also blame Wade for, and you can see the headaches Wade has.

Democrats like Wade had been saying LaPosta was on thin ice. Thursday showed that LaPosta may be the real power in the party, after shutting down Wade and rallying Democrats to his cause. Are there more moves planned by the growing LaPosta forces in the party?

Headed for a Showdown?

2009-02-19T15:15:00.004-05:00

The announcement by a Democratic candidate for City Council may be spurring a civil war in the party. Thursday's newspaper carried a story that Keith Rogers, who had a somewhat tumultuous time in city government several years ago,, would again be running for City Council. The story carried a quote from City Dem Boss Frank LaPosta endorsing Rogers' candidacy.

The Rogers announcement apparently made Democratic Boss Tom Wade hit the roof, prompting an angry early morning phone call today to LaPosta to ream him out, and, to his credit, LaPosta fired back hard at Wade.

Wade told LaPosta that under no circumstances would LaPosta be a deciding factor in nominations for City Council races this fall. LaPosta is believed to have blasted Wade over Wade's inability to raise funds and to find candidates for races, including County Executive.

The war of words between the two top Dems is the backdrop for tonight's Executive Committee meeting of the Democrats. The fact that GOP has a huge fundraising advantage, with nearly $300,000 on hand in various committees versus about $12,000 for county Dems, a shortage of candidates for key races, the decision by County Legislature Minority Leader Ginny O'Brien not to seek re-election to the Legislature and a failure by Rensselaer County Democrats to land any significant state jobs may end up with the combative Tom Wade being put on the hot seat by his own executive committee.

We hear some top Dems are so dissatisfied with Wade's recruitment of candidates that they are considering drafting Wade to run for County Executive. Tonight's meeting among top Democrats may really be something.

2009-02-15T23:38:00.001-05:00

Feeling Stimulated?

The $785 billion stimulus package rammed through Congress by Democrats was an historic moment as the country deals with a deepening recession.

The question is whether the stimulus bill will mean history for Democratic candidates in 2009 and 2010.

There is some good in the stimulus bills, especially in terms of infrastructure improvement. But some of the liberal larding for programs, including a rollback of welfare reforms enacted by both Democratic and Republican presidents and funding for ultraliberal outreach groups like ACORN, are giving the GOP talking points across the USA.

While Republicans still hold the majority of elected offices across Rensselaer County, Democrats have been able to score some victories in recent years in select races, in part because of the unpopularity of Pres. George W. Bush. But with Obama administration in full swing, and Queen Nancy holding sway at the Capitol, Democrats recognize that accountability can be a problem.

The first test in the Capital Region comes March 31, with the special election for the Gillibrand congressional seat. Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco has put together a good operation in the early stages, and the GOP is tuned up to take back the district. Troubled by the poor performance of Democrat DA Rich McNally, the constant stumbling of the Troy City Council Democrats, an inability to raise money and a lack of candidates for important local offices in 2009, local Democrats are predictably uneasy about getting slammed for over-spending and liberal luxury initiatives in a stimulus package only supported by their party.

The GOP had to struggle for years with the perceived problems of the Bush presidency. Will the Democrat-owned stimulus package mean problems for the party of Pelosi?

Mitchell Move(s)(d) Out

Troy Corporation Counsel David Mitchell is no longer at City Hall. Tributes and remembrances of Dave can be left here.

Roll Tape

2009-02-12T01:30:00.001-05:00

Using a video camera really isn't that tough. Pop the tape in, point the lens, press a button or two and you're all set.

Unless you work for the Troy City Council Democrats, who are apparently mystified by the strange technology or are just deciding to no longer tape meetings to avoid the embarrassment of broadcasting the chaos that is now a regular feature at the Council meetings.

The Council meeting last week marked the fourth consecutive meeting Democrats have refused to tape. During the 2007 campaigns, Democrats promised to do more to keep the public informed. One year later, they refused to carry out the very simple job of taping the meetings and getting the videotape to the cable TV company.

The Democrat's refusal to tape is quite a contrast from the years Republicans ran the Council. The GOP was able to tape the meetings and get them broadcast on public access TV without much trouble.

But the taping is just another example of how the Council Dems can make an everyday issue into a embarrassing controversy. Residents have a right to see their Council in action, but Democrats have shown a surprising and disturbing lack of concern for the public's right to know.

2009-02-03T09:45:00.001-05:00

Walkout in the 20th ?

There are strong indicators that Democrats may be writing off their chances to retain the 20th Congressional District seat even before the race begins.

First, there were the whispers that national Democrats may not be pumping any cash into the special election. The 20th CD has a significant GOP enrollment advantage, and the thinking goes that if Democrats drop cash, volunteers and resources into the race and lose, the loss will be seen as a reflection on President Obama.

Interesting thinking, especially given that newly elected Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has identified the 20th CD race as a priority during his first days as head of the GOP. And the GOP has a strong candidate in Jim Tedisco, the very visible leader of the Assembly minority.

Adding to the speculation that the Dems may be tanking in the 20th is their pick today of an unknown, Scott Murphy of Glens Falls. Democrats took the meeting so casually that they didn't even hold the meeting in the 20th CD, instead gathering in Colonie.

Democrats had some decent names, like Ron Kim, Saratoga Springs' elected Public Safety Commissioner, former TV newswoman Tracy Egan and Suzy Ballantyne, who has a leadership role with the AFL-CIO. Instead, they went with an unknown in what will be a high-profile race in the region. Further proof of the lack of commitment from the national Democrats is the view that Murphy will self-fund the race.

As a sideline, it is hilarious to see Assemblyman Tim Gordon passed over by Democrats for the race. Gordon thought he had muscle with the party, but was never a factor. It has to be distressing to his constituents in the 108th Assembly District that just four weeks after starting a new term, Gordon is already looking for new employment. And the fact that Gordon has, for a third time, sought a Democratic nomination proves once and for all his proclamation as an "independent" is a total scam.

A win in the 20th CD will be a big deal for the GOP and they may be getting that win without much of a fight.

Democrats Don't Pay Taxes

Prospective Democrat cabinet appointment and former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle didn't pay his taxes on time.

New Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner didn't pay the taxes he owed.

Neither have 20 members of the State Legislature, all Democrats.

Gun-Totin’ Gillibrand; Tedisco in the 20th

2009-01-28T07:42:00.001-05:00

Kirsten Gillibrand's meteoric rise to the upper reaches of American politics now means she gets to get skewered by the upper crush of American journalism! New York poison princess Maureen Dowd, herself a Pulitizer winner, knocked new Senator Gillibrand around, while trashing Gillibrand's ally, Governor David Paterson.

And Gillibrand was none too popular among her colleagues in the House. Supposedly, even Queen Nancy Pelosi took time away from larding the stimulus package with millions for contraceptives to secretly trash our heroine.

It's funny to see Gillibrand getting ripped downstate for being pro-gun and anti-immigration. Gillibrand strikes us as a typical Democrat, cutting her teeth on campaigns for liberal Democrats who are anti-gun and pro-immigration. When she made a stab for the 20th in 2006, she changed her views to become a centrist Democrat, becoming pro-gun and anti-immigrant. Her voting record reflects her transformation to the right side, even though Gillibrand was always upfront about trashing President Bush.

And then came the unexpected appointment to the Senate. Let's be frank, Gillibrand only got tapped after the Paterson team royally screwed up their handling of Caroline Kennedy. We shared the lack of enthusiasm New Yorkers demonstrated for Kennedy and the impending revenge mission by the Kennedys on Paterson will be something to see. In the meantime, Gillibrand is being referenced by every downstate publication as pro-gun, anti-immigrant, which hurts her among minorities, and anti-bailout, which hurts her among the Wall Street crowd. So she's now trying to position herself for a flip-flop on guns and immigration.

We can picture Gillibrand saying she supports the rights of hunters, but wants to restrict gun sales. Or have tougher penalities for gun crimes, or illegal sales or something. Some kind of cynical flip-flop move out of the playbook of her mentor Hillary Clinton, whose seat Gillibrand now occupies. But cynical flip-flops are one of the reasons Clinton lost to Barack Obama in the seemingly endless Democratic presidential primaries. In 2010, Democrats may ask themselves why they should support Gillibrand for election to a full term as Senator when they can elect a candidate who has been with them on the issues all the way.

The GOP moved quickly to settle their choice for Gillibrand's seat, going with Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco. The choice came down to Tedisco or Senator Betty Little, or John Faso, the 2006 gubernatorial candidate and 2002 comptroller candidate. All three candidates and all three would be good choices for the nomination, showing the GOP is geared up and ready to take back the seat when the special election occurs. On the other side, the Democrats have nearly 36 candidates, and no clear contender.

MAIL CALL!

2009-01-26T11:12:00.003-05:00

In light of our ascension to the top spot among Rensselaer County political blogs, we'd like to give you, the readers, a chance to chime in. Send in your public thoughts or anonymous tips to troypolitics at gmail dot com. Let us know whether or not you want to be creditted, and we'll feature your best submissions in our weekly Mail Call post.

Gillibrand Goes; Joe Gets Grabbed

2009-01-24T19:39:00.001-05:00

The year 2009 has already produced its share of excitement, with two big stories. The first, the three years in the making indictment of former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. One thing we count on federal indictments is for some bombshells, but this one is kind of ho-hum. The case seems to center around technicalities rather than any of the hilarious cash grab schemes seen in the Blagojevich case. And it is hardly the shocking case of corruption seen in the conviction of Democrat boss Eddie McDonough.

Democrats will try to kick this around but will come up short. No other Republican was snared in the Bruno indictment, meaning any mess will be limited to Joe. Plus, many view the Bruno thing as political.

Democrats are probably reacting with mixed feelings about Gillibrand's selection as Senator. Gillibrand occupied some prime GOP turf in the 20th CD. Losing her as a local voice may hurt Dems and who knows how long she has on the big stage. Calling herself a centrist means she is way out of touch with down state liberals who run her party. Governor Paterson badly bumbled the selection process and may see Gillibrand bounced in a primary.

Gillibrand A Go?

2009-01-22T18:42:00.000-05:00

Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand could be tapped for Senate by Governor Paterson, based on criteria we are not really sure of, unless you count the fact that Gillibrand may be the only Democrat north of New York City with more than two pantsuits.

If Gillibrand is appointed, it would probably mean a primary. And we can't wait to see Gillibrand campaigning in NYC in 2010 and explaining the NRA endorsement she connived to grab for her reelection in 2008.

Caroline, No

2009-01-22T17:18:00.001-05:00

Judging by how Caroline Kennedy's withdrawl from the race has been handled, New Yorkers are being deprived of what could have been months and months of entertainment value if she had been appointed Senator.

Caroline is getting out for anyone of the following reasons, according to published accounts from semi-respectable news sources: Personal reasons (poll numbers being in the tank); Uncle Teddy is sick (but seems to have recovered from the illness he got during the inaugural); really personal, personal reasons (like going out with the publisher of the New York Times while married to someone else, say some D.C. news sources); tax and nanny issues (which probably would have come out weeks ago); or Governor Paterson not liking her that much (which doesn't make sense, given Caroline's closeness to The One).

Two things are clear: Democrat Governor Paterson has really screwed what should have been a simple process. Not appointing Kennedy could hurt NY big, big time with the stimulus funds being handed out by Team Obama. Wouldn't it have been easier to justtry and sell the seat to the highest bidder, in keeping with Democratic party tradition?

The second is that the way this whole Caroline has played out has been weird and unsettling, from the non-interviews and running from reporters, to Paterson's game playing with the selection process. But after seeing sources close to the governor feeding nasty details of Caroline's personal life to the press, the Kennedy's will probably be unhappy, to say the least. Funny, then, that the end of Caroline's campaign could also mean disaster for Dave.

We Is The Council Office

2009-01-21T12:56:00.001-05:00

Continuing their path to political oblivion, the Troy Council Democrats still can't get down the tricky business of running the City Council offices.

Last year, the first year of Democratic Council control, saw an uninterrupted cavalcade of cancelled meetings, lawsuits, failed power grabs and a feeling of chaos and confusion that belong in third-rate banana republics. Already, Democrats are showing they intend to top their record for ineffectiveness and ineptitude in 2009, canceling a meeting just days after the New Year because they still can't figure out how to legally call a meeting.

Continuing their 2009 losing streak, the City Clerk's office got what The Record termed a "smack-down" from New York State Racing and Wagering for failing to properly issue bingo licenses. The failure to properly process and hand-out licenses potentially jeopardizes charities across the city. This is unfortunate, given that charities and non-profits are already facing enough trouble with the rough economy.

The deputy city clerk appointed by Democrats kind of gave a kiss-off to the state, saying they were just too "busy" to deal with the issue when Racing and Wagering first got in touch last year. And the Council incompetence rolls on.

Council Confrontation?

2009-01-21T12:55:00.001-05:00

Two big power meetings in recent days: The secret get-together between Prez Obama and Oprah and the equally secret get-together between Council President Clem Campana, Rabbit Riley and Frank LaPosta.

We hear the power centered around the trio's plans for Campana to keep control of the Council Presidency, just as controversial At-Large Councilman John Brown is seen as making a run for the job. Is there a bullet for Brown project in the works?

Wonder if they discussed how the endless stumbles and fumbles by Council Democrats have most political observers expecting a flip in the majority.

2009-01-19T02:39:00.001-05:00

History, Change and Stuff

The whole inauguration thing is getting pretty exciting. It's big, important, with a lot of Hollywood stars saying big and important things near any statutes or monuments of Lincoln. Big stars like Denzel, Tom Hanks and Jamie Foxx and not so big stars like Steve Carrell. Plus some good bands, like U2 and Bruce Springsteen, who are also big and important. John Mellencamp is so important, he was sound checking during a typically weird and unsettling speech by incoming VP Joe Biden. And Bon Jovi, who you can tell is not as important as Bruce, because Bon Jovi didn't get to sing with a choir like Bruce did.

We Are One is the theme, which doesn't seem to leave much room for dissent or disagreement during the next four years. The Patriot Act is one thing, but peer pressure forcing us to be united is entirely another, especially when the peer pressure is coming from Denzel, Jamie Foxx and Tom Hanks. But hold off on the Orwell references for now, because this is also HISTORY.

And expensive history, too. Despite the recession, or other fiscal kind of thing started single-handedly by outgoing President Bush, the Obama Dems are spending $125 million on the inauguration. This is a lot more than either of the inaugurals held for Bush before he started the recession on his own. But don't get them wrong: Obama and his gang are still concerned about the fiscal stuff and still want hope and change.

If you missed the opening day of the month and a half long inaugural here is a recap: History. Change. One. Challenges. Lincoln. America. Obama. Hope. Lincoln. Promise. Chicago. FDR. Kennedy. Depression. Promise. Obama. Lincoln.

It's all kind of like Live Aid, but imagine Live Aid at the Lincoln Monument, without a Led Zeppelin reunion and everyone wearing jackets because of how cold it is. And there's more shout outs at the inauguration than at Live Aid: "Chicago in 'da house, yo!" "Chi-Town, stand up!" Not exactly "Ask not what your country can do" or "The only thing we have to fear", but remember, this is about change.

Darn, it's so inspiring, so big and important that it probably takes $125 million to convey the bigness and importance, the hope and the change. After all, there are recessions and layoffs and serious stuff going on about fiscal things, but we've got a party to throw. And all this importance and hope and change shows that we can't just, you know, appoint a new Senator who has, you know, done something so ordinary, you know, so mundane, as to have held elected office for years, you know, and know about issues and stuff. We need a Senator who is concerned about hope and change, fiscal stuff and history. Who may be friends with Denzel, Tom Hanks and Jamie Foxx. So bring on Caroline.

Money Pit and an Exit

2009-01-16T10:23:00.001-05:00

First, the breaking news: The leader of the Democrats in the Rensselaer County Legislature says she will not be seeking re-election to the Legislature. Ginny O'Brien says she will run for East Greenbush Town Board instead of running for re-election to the county job.

We'll deal with the O'Brien departure next week, but suffice it to say that it is a huge setback to the Democratic legislative campaigns in 2009.

But the biggest setback for Democrats is the awesome gap in fundraising between Dems and the GOP. Lately, Democrat loyalists were tooting their horn, saying that Senator Joe Bruno's departure meant an end to campaign cash for the GOP. Well, that isn't the case.

A review of campaign financial statements, available on the website of the New York State Board of Elections, shows various GOP candidates with a combined amount of more than $250,000 on hand. County Executive Kathy Jimino filed with $98,000, the county GOP came in with $63,000 and the campaign committee for Republican legislative candidates, the Republican Legislative Campaign Committee, showed a balance of $60,000. We hear other legislative candidates have or will file with another $10,000. The very strong showing follows a packed house at a GOP legislative fundraiser earlier this month.

Compare that $70,000 for GOP legislative candidates to the paltry $10,000 the county Democratic party has, and the $2,200 filed by the Democrat's legislative campaign committee. It gets worse for Democrats. One of their potential County Executive candidates, Flora Fasoldt, filed a "No Activity" report for the last six months, meaning she did not raise or spend money. Another potential Exec candidate, Brian Zweig, does not even appear to have a campaign committee.

The saying is politics is that is early money is like yeast – it helps raise the bread. Following that logic, the huge difference in fundraising between the GOP and Democrats is likely to only get worse as the year progresses.

Access Denied

2009-01-15T04:14:00.001-05:00

As part of Governor Paterson's preparation to appoint a new US Senator, he put out a 24 page questionnaire. Albany Republicans have, rightfully, foiled these and other documents in order to lend transparency to the process. The Gov's people said "no" to the release, claiming that it wasn't in our interest to know how our next Senator gets picked or whether any conflicts of interests might exist. Paterson's refusal is just plain bizarre. In a normal democratic election, the same information accumulated in the questionnaire, if not disclosed outright by the candidate, would have been a topic of investigation by their opponent, and questions would have been raised when appropriate. Questions like whether, you know, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg has ever, you know, held a real job, or why Kirsten Gillibrand won't let her constituents see those fabled tax returns of hers. The biggest question that the Governor has us asking: what else don't the Democrats want us to know?

Get Off On The Bad Foot

2009-01-14T00:54:00.001-05:00

The hapless Troy City Council Democrats are starting 2009 like they spent most of 2008: In a state of chaos and confusion. Democrats want to hire a counsel so they can have someone on staff to continually get beaten badly by Mayor Tutunjian on every issue imaginable. So Democrats planned to get the spending approved by the new counsel last week, except they didn't properly call the meeting. This is only about the 113th time that has happened in the last year or so, which brings us to two important questions:

What the hell does the Council Democrat's staff do all day? Troy taxpayers spend what, $400,000 a year for the Council office, yet every other meeting has an error or deficiency or lawsuit or something screwed up. Calling a meeting isn't complicated, for those keeping score at home. You pick a copy of the City Charter, read it, and follow the rules. The difference between the efficient way Republicans managed the office and the way Democrats have fouled up the works during the last year is telling. Democrats promised to be more open, and, at least on the office management issue, they have been open. They have screwed up the Council office so badly, so often, that everyone knows it is a disaster. For an office of several so-called professionals, and six Council member,s to not have read the City Charter at this time is absolutely stunning. From reading the article in The Record, Council Democrats seemed surprised to learn about certain sections of the Charter.
Isn't there a recession or something going on? If there is, and President-elect The One seems to think there is, then why are Council Democrats looking to spend more hard-earned taxpayer money? Can't they wait until President-elect The One magically restores the U.S. economy and brings peace to the Mideast, mostly on the strength of his spell-binding speeches and several times a day workouts, and then hire the counsel? And once they have hired the counsel, then taxpayers can rest easy, knowing Council Democrats are losing arguments and cases while spending a lot of taxpayer money for legal advice. Resting easy and sipping a newly taxable diet soft drink of their choice, listening to newly taxed digital music, etc.

2009-01-12T02:37:00.001-05:00

Mirch By A Knockout!

It's early in 2009, but already Bobby Mirch has scored a knockout over Democratic Boss Terrible Tom Wade.

Last week, Mirch reasonably raised the issue about congressional representation in Troy and Rensselaer County. For about 50 years, the office of a congressional representative has been based in Albany. From Carleton King to Jerry Solomon to Mike McNulty, county or city residents did not have far to travel if they had a question about a Social Security check, veteran's issue or other problem.

That will be coming to an end in 2009, with the retirement of Congressman Mike McNulty. New Congressman Paul Tonko will not be basing or staffing an office in Troy or Rensselaer County. Neither has Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand.

That means Rensselaer County residents will have to travel to get in touch with their federal representatives. This is apparently fine with Democratic Boss Wade, who tried to lay a smack down on Mirch on the issue. But as he did in the Senate Democrat Russo-Premo primary, Wade got beat badly by Mirch on the issue.

While Wade weakly tried to explain away the fact that Democrat elected officials have decided to ignore Rensselaer County, Mirch scored a knockout by calling on a blatant display of bossism and strong-arm tactics by Wade. Mentioning the infamous alleged shakedown of employees at the County Board of Elections by Wade didn't hurt Mirch's case, either.

It's well known that Wade likes to try to push around Democrat foot soldiers behind the scenes. But members of his party must be getting nervous when Wade tries to pull those stunts in public, and gets beaten in the process. It's also borderline bizarre that Wade would take a less is more approach to Rensselaer County residents being denied a federal representative's office in their county.

2009-01-05T09:15:00.001-05:00

Thanks…and thanks again!

Let's start the New Year off right by sending out a big "Thank You" to everyone who visits and participates in the humble little site we call Troypolitics.org. Thanks especially because 2008, our third year of existence, was by far the biggest and busiest year we have had to date.

How busy? Busy enough that our visits to the blog more than quadrupled during 2008. We get thousands, that's right thousands, more visitors on a weekly basis than we did during 2007 and 2006. Our readership is increasing almost as fast as the Democratic tax on diet soda. Or the tax on cable television…or clothes…or mixed drinks…or car insurance…or pencils and paper…or snacks and candy…or, well, you get the picture.

Traffic is busy enough that we've even had a tentative sponsorship offer. But for now, we have decided to keep this an ad-free site, although any wishing to provide counseling services to the error-prone Troy Council Democrats are welcome to contact us through the comments section.

Troy and Rensselaer County politics have always been full contact, and this blog proves the local political battles are a spectator sport. We get visitors from other states, sometimes other countries, different areas of New York State and everywhere in the Capital Region. Who knew Mirch would be a nationally known and loved figure! Thanks to everyone for stopping by and see throughout 2009.

Starting the year off right, the Record's Talespin continues to question the sanity and competence of Troy Council Democrats as they increase spending by hiring their own legal counsel and fail to videotape meetings, breaking their 6,172 campaign promise. Plus, something in the column about GOPers getting appointments via state Democrats.

Gifts That Kept On Giving

2008-12-31T13:03:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, a glorious Kwanza and a great Festivus – we hope the holidays were great for you. The holidays are a time for giving, but thankfully, some politicians kept on giving all year long.

A look at some of those who made everyday in 2008 a day for giving:

Troy City Council Democrats – Democrats won the Troy City Council in 2007, but since then, have not been able to get anything right. Their spiritual leader, Bully Bill Dunne, started the year off nicely by circulating an e-mail threatening city employees. Not to be outdone, At-Large Councilman John Brown secretly "negotiated" an agreement that would have let his fellow Democrats in Rensselaer off the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in water debt money owed to Troy. They blocked the sale of City Hall, were criticized for threatening development progress by prominent city business leaders and repeatedly broke promises to keep their operations open. As the economy went south, Council Dems actually backed a plan to impose a special library tax on Troy taxpayers. Most notably, Council Dems picked a bunch of fights with Tutunjian over salaries and the budget, and lost every battle, either caving before an issue went to court or after he issued a veto.

It's tough to recount every goof made by Council Dems, and believes us, there are more, many more, but feel free to stroll through our archives for a complete review of their goofs. Here's hoping the Council Dems are just as entertaining in 2009. No question, locally, Troy Council Dems blew it big time, taking a back seat to no one in the political self-destruction sweepstakes.

Rensselaer County Legislature Democrats – Not content with being ineffective and irrelevant, Democrats in the county often had the very weird Kevin Harrington acting as spokesman. Harrington suggested having the county spend down a surplus for some reason that was only apparent to Harrington. That was nothing, however, compared to the bone-headed move of legislative Dems in voting against a county budget that held the line on taxes, and Harrington's fellow Dem Keith Hammond tried to justify the whacko move with some typically confused statements. Any wonder why Democrats have been in the minority so long in the County Legislature?

The Day One Spitzer-Paterson Team – In 2006, they promised us a return to ethics, prosperity, walks in the parks, ponies and liberal brilliance. Every Rensselaer County Dem endorsed the Spitzer-Paterson team. And then, in one of the greatest acts of political suicide, the effing Steamroller himself got implicated in a stunning hooker-sex with black socks on scandal, leaving the top job to Paterson. And Paterson has been personable, but personality isn't going to 137 new taxes and fee increases included in Paterson's proposed 2009 state budget past the State Legislature or tax-weary residents. To say nothing of the Senate seat vacancy mess.

Boss Wade – Terrible Tom finally got his wish, landing Brian Premo the Democratic nomination to run for the Senate seat vacated by Joe Bruno. And then in a masterful display of his get out the vote capabilities, Wade's guy Premo got beat in every Rensselaer County municipality except two – by a guy from Saratoga County. And by a wide margin, a really wide margin, in the primary, not to mention the trouncing Working Families Party Champ Chris Consuello gave to Premo in the WFP primary.

DA McNally – Did Democrat District Attorney Rich McNally win anything in 2008? Loss after loss, in cases big and small, and far and wide, all just a short time after McNally promised to improve the office and fired the experienced prosecutors in the office. McNally lost a case in which a furloughed state inmate shot an ex-girlfriend, with the defense not introducing a single witness, and ending the year with allegations that McNally may have blown another murder case by not identifying the right victim. From cases getting dismissed to losses in the courtroom, to say McNally is not off to a good start is putting it lightly.

Tax Sends Dems Down Drain

2008-12-16T23:49:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday, the sometimes funny crew on Saturday Night Live poked fun at Governor David Paterson. The budget Paterson released Tuesday had some asking if some SNL writers conjured up the budget.

Centuries from now, fiscal archeologists will look at the proposed 2009-2010 New York State budget as one of the most ridiculous, ineffective documents ever released, a landmark of liberal Democrat tax and tax some more ideology.

The Paterson Panic Plan includes 88 taxes or fee increases. A tax on soda, a tax on movie tickets, a tax on taxis, cable television, clothes, beer, wine, auto rentals – you name, there is probably a Patterson Democrat Tax for it. You will be forced to get a new license plate to help feed the state coffers. And there is even a tax on those who want to file their taxes on hard copy.

Think the taxing madness ends there? Cuts in school aid mean your school taxes will go higher in 2009. And as taxes go up, the Dems will go down. Thanks to Paterson, the Democrats are reestablishing themselves as a party that taxes, taxes and taxes again. The political hole created by this outrageous budget will only get bigger and days and months go by.

Give a Democrat a chance to tax and there is apparently no shortage of ways they can invent to take your money. The number of taxes and fee increases proposed by Paterson are stunning, and the amount that will be taken from the pockets of New York residents and businesses is staggering. Destructive Democrat taxes!

Paterson wants to blame Wall Street for his troubles. But don’t forget we are living under a budget drafted by the Spitzer-Paterson Day One Everything Changes team. Paterson’s predecessor, the Luv Guv wanted to bring back some passion to Albany, but may be disappointed to learn even massages will get taxed under Paterson’s plan.

Spitzer brought national attention to the Empire State with the hooker scandal earlier this year. Just months later, Paterson did too – with a ridiculous and destructive budget proposal that makes New York State synonymous with out of control taxes and a liberal tax ‘em to death mentality.

Later this week, we will have a run down of all the new Democrat taxes and what you and your family can expect to pay. And pay. And pay.