Congressional candidate and Assemblywoman Diedre Scozzafava is spurning the HOTLINE for good reason....She is slated to be a guest this Sunday on CBS' Face the Nation. Ms.Scozzafava will appear along side former GOP House Majority Leader Dick Armey who campaigned against DeDe in the recent NY 23 race. What she says on the national stage is newsworthy...hope the local MSM give her the coverage she deserves.
Dede faces the nation - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving dinner - Get it Right !
Just so you know, there has been research done on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner....Read up so you will know if you are getting the real deal.
And to all our City Employees, City Residents and Friends may you have a very Happy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season to come.
Thanksgiving dinner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
And to all our City Employees, City Residents and Friends may you have a very Happy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season to come.
Thanksgiving dinner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Should Have Done the HOTLINE
GOP County Chair Don Coon says his party's candidate for county legislature in district 15 likely made a mistake by not appearing on the HOTLINE program prior to the election.
Republican Anthony Doldo ran a spirited campaign against incumbent Jim St. Croix, but lost by a scant eight votes.
The HOTLINE is a listening staple for many including those in the senior citizen complexes like Midtown, Hilltop, Curtis and LeRay Apartments, all of which are in District 15 and two of which host polling places.
Mr. St. Croix accepted the offer to be on and shared the mike with Jessica Renzi in a light hearted and cordial discussion of life and issues.
While I invited Mr. Doldo personally, I am told he was advised not to appear there.
I fully expect Mr. Doldo will run again and likely will become a county legislator. I hope he avails himself of the chance to talk to many district residents, just like his ownership of the General Store on Bradley Street hooks him up with many voters.
In a race that close there are many little things that could make a difference.
Republican Anthony Doldo ran a spirited campaign against incumbent Jim St. Croix, but lost by a scant eight votes.
The HOTLINE is a listening staple for many including those in the senior citizen complexes like Midtown, Hilltop, Curtis and LeRay Apartments, all of which are in District 15 and two of which host polling places.
Mr. St. Croix accepted the offer to be on and shared the mike with Jessica Renzi in a light hearted and cordial discussion of life and issues.
While I invited Mr. Doldo personally, I am told he was advised not to appear there.
I fully expect Mr. Doldo will run again and likely will become a county legislator. I hope he avails himself of the chance to talk to many district residents, just like his ownership of the General Store on Bradley Street hooks him up with many voters.
In a race that close there are many little things that could make a difference.
More After Action Chatter on NY23...MacDougall's View
Had a visit last night from Ron MacDougall....He is of course the husband of Assemblywoman Diedre Scozzafava. I renewed my invitation for Ms. Scozzafava to appear on the HOTLINE to talk about the fallout from the wild campaign in NY-23. Some items we talked about last night and what he told me:
-When the White House created the pending vacancy by nominating John McHugh as Army Secretary, the Democrat's first choice was Senator Darrel Aubertine, but Ms. Scozzafava was their second choice, with the ultimate winner, Bill Owens, their last choice. Ron says Democrats are still trying to get his wife to join their flock. When the Republican and Independence Parties made early choices of Scozzafava, the Democrat option apparently faded away.
-The Working Families Party would have endorsed Scozzafava, according to MacDougall, but the controversies swirling around the group scared the Republican nominee away and the party's nod, money and organization went to Owens. The GOP candidatd feared the WFP nod would have made the right wing insurrection even worse. You think ?
-Polling, he says, shows Scozzafava could still be elected in her Assembly District, but no decision has been made whether to run..which party to run in...and he would not say if an appointment is pending in the Cuomo administration.
-And Scozzafava's withdrawal did indeed channel votes to Owens. In the Village of Gouverneur, Bill Owens took 58% to Doug Hoffman's 27%....And Gouverneur is a Republican leaning town. Overall Owens beat Hoffman 48%-46%. "They followed orders," Ron said about his wife's last minute endorsement of Owens.
-In the end, Ron seemed to have a que sera sera attitude towards the loss and said he will not be moving to Florida as some press accounts have suggested.
There were a couple of tid bits he told me on condition I would not repeat and of course I respect those wishes. He is a regular caller on AM-1240s HOTLINE Program
Some of this is not new and was printed in various out of town media but it is interesting to hear the inside story first hand. And again the invitation stands for the candidate to speak unfettered on the HOTLINE.
-When the White House created the pending vacancy by nominating John McHugh as Army Secretary, the Democrat's first choice was Senator Darrel Aubertine, but Ms. Scozzafava was their second choice, with the ultimate winner, Bill Owens, their last choice. Ron says Democrats are still trying to get his wife to join their flock. When the Republican and Independence Parties made early choices of Scozzafava, the Democrat option apparently faded away.
-The Working Families Party would have endorsed Scozzafava, according to MacDougall, but the controversies swirling around the group scared the Republican nominee away and the party's nod, money and organization went to Owens. The GOP candidatd feared the WFP nod would have made the right wing insurrection even worse. You think ?
-Polling, he says, shows Scozzafava could still be elected in her Assembly District, but no decision has been made whether to run..which party to run in...and he would not say if an appointment is pending in the Cuomo administration.
-And Scozzafava's withdrawal did indeed channel votes to Owens. In the Village of Gouverneur, Bill Owens took 58% to Doug Hoffman's 27%....And Gouverneur is a Republican leaning town. Overall Owens beat Hoffman 48%-46%. "They followed orders," Ron said about his wife's last minute endorsement of Owens.
-In the end, Ron seemed to have a que sera sera attitude towards the loss and said he will not be moving to Florida as some press accounts have suggested.
There were a couple of tid bits he told me on condition I would not repeat and of course I respect those wishes. He is a regular caller on AM-1240s HOTLINE Program
Some of this is not new and was printed in various out of town media but it is interesting to hear the inside story first hand. And again the invitation stands for the candidate to speak unfettered on the HOTLINE.
Doug Hoffman: 'Full speed ahead to 2010' - On Politics - USATODAY.com
With his defeat now official, Doug Hoffman is in the hunt for 2010 and plans a bid to take the seat back for the GOP in NY23. So reports USA TODAY.
It may seem a bit brash to announce on the day you conceded the race to Rep. Bill Owens....but the balloting is only eleven months away and already Owens is doing fundraisins for next year. Others, including Jefferson County's Matt Doheny are looking very much like they are setting the table for a political feast next year as well.
Normally, a Congressman elected under this year's circumstances would get a pass on his bid for a full two year term. However, if predictions of a Repubalican revival prove true on a national level, this seat will remain in play.
Advice for Mr. Hoffman. Establish residency in the district. A local media baron has already pledged to pound the issue hard this time. It's too easy an issue to hand your opponents.
Doug Hoffman: 'Full speed ahead to 2010' - On Politics - USATODAY.com
It may seem a bit brash to announce on the day you conceded the race to Rep. Bill Owens....but the balloting is only eleven months away and already Owens is doing fundraisins for next year. Others, including Jefferson County's Matt Doheny are looking very much like they are setting the table for a political feast next year as well.
Normally, a Congressman elected under this year's circumstances would get a pass on his bid for a full two year term. However, if predictions of a Repubalican revival prove true on a national level, this seat will remain in play.
Advice for Mr. Hoffman. Establish residency in the district. A local media baron has already pledged to pound the issue hard this time. It's too easy an issue to hand your opponents.
Doug Hoffman: 'Full speed ahead to 2010' - On Politics - USATODAY.com
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Economics 101, or Just Being an A-Hole ?
I am told this year's "it" toy is the Zhu Zhu....a battery powered hamster selling for about eight dollars if you can find one....I am told they are in short supply as parents seek to satisfy the wants of youngins....And if the kids are happy with an $8 toy, all the better....Of course there are lots of accessories with the Zhu Zhu so you can spend more.
Sadly, even in Watertown, there are reports of entrepreneurs (aka Scrooges), hoarding the furry friends and selling them on E-Bay for many times the list price. Supply and demand, I guess. But even for a free market guy like me, this seems an exploitation of kids at Christmas.
Wonder who these people are ?
Maybe they wlll call the HOTLINE and talk about why they enjoy ruining the spirit of the Holidays. 755-1240 between noon and one tomorrow. You can have as much air time as you need.
Economics 101, by way of toy hamster
Sadly, even in Watertown, there are reports of entrepreneurs (aka Scrooges), hoarding the furry friends and selling them on E-Bay for many times the list price. Supply and demand, I guess. But even for a free market guy like me, this seems an exploitation of kids at Christmas.
Wonder who these people are ?
Maybe they wlll call the HOTLINE and talk about why they enjoy ruining the spirit of the Holidays. 755-1240 between noon and one tomorrow. You can have as much air time as you need.
Economics 101, by way of toy hamster
4000 Upstate Jobs to Vanish
Over 4000 people will lose their jobs soon at Penn Traffic Company closes 53 P&C Food Stores and two warehouses. The closings include the Seaway Plaza store in Watertown. Watertown's North Side would seem to need a supermarket and hopefully this location will be filled.
News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Penn Traffic to close P&C stores
News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Penn Traffic to close P&C stores
10th Mountain Division Daily Roundup
Here is a new blog with information about the military at Fort Drum. Give it a look.
10th Mountain Division Daily Roundup
10th Mountain Division Daily Roundup
Will the Indy Party Become the Anti-Christ for the WFP ?
Here is an excerpt from an article in New York Magazine about a pending effort by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and others to acquire the Independence Party Line for their use as a foil to what they see as the anti-business, Working Families Party.
The WFP has been an organizational success and has contributed to the election of Democrats all over the state, including here in the North Country with Senator Darrel Aubertine and Representitive Bill Owens.
This is another example of New York's unique system of "fusion" voting allowing minor party lines to be used as niche or boutique parties for the small group who control them.
Mayor Bloomberg has been generous in throwing cash to some downstate activists. After all he spent over $100 million of his own money on reelection this year.
For the record, Independence Party members who are active in Jefferson County have never received support from Mr. Bloomberg. In fact, Jefferson County Chair John Rice has been dubbed a running a "rogue" county for advocating candidates other the the state chair's choice.
With the pro-labor Working Families Party on the rise, a coalition of New York business elites is laying the foundation to counteract its influence with a political operation of their own. The plan is to collaborate with the Independence Party, which just backed Republican Mike Bloomberg, to push what they see as fiscally responsible positions. They want to help elect Bloomberg-like candidates statewide. The problem is going to be convincing voters that what’s good for the capitalists is good for them too. Their tentative slogan? “It’s Your New York.”
“The business community has never attempted to involve the general public,” says Matt Crosson, who heads the Long Island Association and is one of the group’s organizers. Voters, he theorizes, “have a general disdain for Albany, but they don’t realize how bad it is.”
The movement began taking shape after lawmakers in Albany passed a $133 billion budget in April, increasing taxes and fees by $7 billion and raising spending by 9 percent. Deficit projections have risen to nearly $30 billion over the next three years. While Governor Paterson has warned lawmakers that the state may not be able to pay its bills by the end of the year, the Legislature has spurned his attempts to slash education and health care.
It’s being advised by Jay Kriegel, a longtime Democrat and member of the city’s Establishment who started his career as a hotshot 25-year-old aide to Mayor Lindsay. Most recently, he was executive director of Bloomberg’s failed 2012 Olympics bid. (Today, he works as an adviser to developer Stephen Ross.) The new group wants to wage an assault against the WFP, which has become an increasingly decisive force in city and state races, and the power of labor unions. WFP, the major health-care union SEIU 1199, teachers unions, and hospitals spent about $15 million on campaigns and lobbying in 2008. New York State United Teachers and 1199 have a combined membership of nearly 1 million.
The idea is to use the Independence Party, which was founded by billionaire governor-aspirant Tom Golisano in the nineties and is today controlled by Bloomberg allies, to back favored candidates. This is also how the WFP works. It gives these candidates a second ballot line.
Challenging the WFP, which is allied with a sophisticated army of operatives, canvassers, and pressure groups, is not going to be easy. The Independence Party lacks the same boots-on-the-ground infrastructure. Crosson says his new coalition knows what it’s up against: “They’re very effective and entrenched. The business community will be playing a game of catch-up for a long time.”
-Excerpt from New York Magazine
The WFP has been an organizational success and has contributed to the election of Democrats all over the state, including here in the North Country with Senator Darrel Aubertine and Representitive Bill Owens.
This is another example of New York's unique system of "fusion" voting allowing minor party lines to be used as niche or boutique parties for the small group who control them.
Mayor Bloomberg has been generous in throwing cash to some downstate activists. After all he spent over $100 million of his own money on reelection this year.
For the record, Independence Party members who are active in Jefferson County have never received support from Mr. Bloomberg. In fact, Jefferson County Chair John Rice has been dubbed a running a "rogue" county for advocating candidates other the the state chair's choice.
With the pro-labor Working Families Party on the rise, a coalition of New York business elites is laying the foundation to counteract its influence with a political operation of their own. The plan is to collaborate with the Independence Party, which just backed Republican Mike Bloomberg, to push what they see as fiscally responsible positions. They want to help elect Bloomberg-like candidates statewide. The problem is going to be convincing voters that what’s good for the capitalists is good for them too. Their tentative slogan? “It’s Your New York.”
“The business community has never attempted to involve the general public,” says Matt Crosson, who heads the Long Island Association and is one of the group’s organizers. Voters, he theorizes, “have a general disdain for Albany, but they don’t realize how bad it is.”
The movement began taking shape after lawmakers in Albany passed a $133 billion budget in April, increasing taxes and fees by $7 billion and raising spending by 9 percent. Deficit projections have risen to nearly $30 billion over the next three years. While Governor Paterson has warned lawmakers that the state may not be able to pay its bills by the end of the year, the Legislature has spurned his attempts to slash education and health care.
It’s being advised by Jay Kriegel, a longtime Democrat and member of the city’s Establishment who started his career as a hotshot 25-year-old aide to Mayor Lindsay. Most recently, he was executive director of Bloomberg’s failed 2012 Olympics bid. (Today, he works as an adviser to developer Stephen Ross.) The new group wants to wage an assault against the WFP, which has become an increasingly decisive force in city and state races, and the power of labor unions. WFP, the major health-care union SEIU 1199, teachers unions, and hospitals spent about $15 million on campaigns and lobbying in 2008. New York State United Teachers and 1199 have a combined membership of nearly 1 million.
The idea is to use the Independence Party, which was founded by billionaire governor-aspirant Tom Golisano in the nineties and is today controlled by Bloomberg allies, to back favored candidates. This is also how the WFP works. It gives these candidates a second ballot line.
Challenging the WFP, which is allied with a sophisticated army of operatives, canvassers, and pressure groups, is not going to be easy. The Independence Party lacks the same boots-on-the-ground infrastructure. Crosson says his new coalition knows what it’s up against: “They’re very effective and entrenched. The business community will be playing a game of catch-up for a long time.”
-Excerpt from New York Magazine
Hunt Appointment a Tip of the Hat to Western End of NY23
Watertown native Steve Hunt's appointment as head field rep for the new Congressman is a shrewd move to solidify support in the populous western end of NY23.
Hunt is a 29 year old Watertown native who grew up on Lindoln Street, just a couple of blocks from where I am penning this post.
As Governor Paterson's local rep for two years and one who was active in politics at the local and state level, Hunt's appointment provides the local face on Owen's fledgling office.
Next year Owens will face a spirited battle for reelection. Much of that battle will focus on the national idealogical debate we are all familiar with. The appointment of Hunt and the anchoring of district office operations in Watertown is a strategic move aimed at the premise that all politics is local and that constituent work will equal if not trump ideology.
Time will tell as it seems the national mood will play a big part in next years balloting in all 435 districts.
Hunt is a 29 year old Watertown native who grew up on Lindoln Street, just a couple of blocks from where I am penning this post.
As Governor Paterson's local rep for two years and one who was active in politics at the local and state level, Hunt's appointment provides the local face on Owen's fledgling office.
Next year Owens will face a spirited battle for reelection. Much of that battle will focus on the national idealogical debate we are all familiar with. The appointment of Hunt and the anchoring of district office operations in Watertown is a strategic move aimed at the premise that all politics is local and that constituent work will equal if not trump ideology.
Time will tell as it seems the national mood will play a big part in next years balloting in all 435 districts.
Tug of War Over Sick and Injured Veterans
The fight over veterans healthcare continues in a war of words between the brass at Carthage Area Hospital and Valor Healthcare, which was awarded the bid to provide services in the Watertown area. Carthage has been providing the service for six years after winning the contract from Mercy. This time the Veterans Administration awarded the bid to Valor, sparking an ugly exchange at a press conference with accusations that Valor is not suitable and that an insider deal resulted in the award.
Valor plans to operate the clinic in the Town of Watertown, although Carthage will likely extend their services beyond the contract end to prevent a lapse in service.
Nasty spat....
Watertown Daily Times | Valor Healthcare defends itself over allegations of wrongdoing
Valor plans to operate the clinic in the Town of Watertown, although Carthage will likely extend their services beyond the contract end to prevent a lapse in service.
Nasty spat....
Watertown Daily Times | Valor Healthcare defends itself over allegations of wrongdoing
FACT CHECK: The Election is Over
The attached article is the latest salvo in the running feud between media titans over the counting of votes in NY23 race....The Gouverneur Times "fact check" is in response to a purported WDT "debunking" of GT claims about technical snafus in the new voting technology.
Missed in all the feuding is that News 10 reports today that there will be no formal challenge of the race. Absentee counting is complete and the margin of victory for Rep. Bill Owens is about 3500 votes. There were reporting discrepancies that initially changed the margin by 2000 votes by no further problems cropped up.
FACT CHECK: Gouverneur Times vs. NYS Board of Elections
Missed in all the feuding is that News 10 reports today that there will be no formal challenge of the race. Absentee counting is complete and the margin of victory for Rep. Bill Owens is about 3500 votes. There were reporting discrepancies that initially changed the margin by 2000 votes by no further problems cropped up.
FACT CHECK: Gouverneur Times vs. NYS Board of Elections
Monday, November 23, 2009
Council Highlights
-Approved an agreement for bulk sale of ice time to the Hockey Association. The vote was four to one. I didn't think it appropriate to carve out a separate rate structure for one group.
-Council gave an OK for the Wizards to build a viewing stand at their expense.
-Agreed to a per truck charge for use of the city snow dump, instead of a flat fee for all haulers.
-Discussed labor negotiations in executive session.
-Council gave an OK for the Wizards to build a viewing stand at their expense.
-Agreed to a per truck charge for use of the city snow dump, instead of a flat fee for all haulers.
-Discussed labor negotiations in executive session.
Monday Stuff
-Congrats to Steve Hunt....North Side native and now the Director of District Offices for Rep. Bill Owens. Steve was most recently Governor Paterson's field rep in Watertown.
-Looks like Jim St. Croix won that County Leg race in District 15 after all.
-The electoral tit for tat continues between the Gouverneur Times and the Watertown Times over the integrity of the voting in NY 23......At issue are ghosts and viruses in the new optical scanners. Can we have our good old mechanical booths back instead of a bunch of bureaucrats and journalists debating the nuances of software viruses and glitches not understood by them or me for that matter.
Gouverneur Times Article
-I went to Price Chopper today for some limes and on the way home stopped at Fairgrounds Inn for a grilled roast beef and swiss on rye. Figured the bar would be empty and I could peruse a few pages of Rogue. So I walk in and there sits a prominent investment banker and a longtime GOP operative with whom I share a name. I spurned a comfortable seat at the bar and joined them as I could tell they wanted some political gossip or insight, I don't know which. I gave them a bit of both and must have been entertaining as the banker picked up the lunch tab.
Just proves that even among Republicans there is a such thing as a free lunch !
-City Council meeting tonight....Adjourned one from last week to talk about ice rental arrangements with the Hockey Association. Also a briefing on PBA negotiations on tap. The excitement all gets underway at 7PM.
-Looks like Jim St. Croix won that County Leg race in District 15 after all.
-The electoral tit for tat continues between the Gouverneur Times and the Watertown Times over the integrity of the voting in NY 23......At issue are ghosts and viruses in the new optical scanners. Can we have our good old mechanical booths back instead of a bunch of bureaucrats and journalists debating the nuances of software viruses and glitches not understood by them or me for that matter.
Gouverneur Times Article
-I went to Price Chopper today for some limes and on the way home stopped at Fairgrounds Inn for a grilled roast beef and swiss on rye. Figured the bar would be empty and I could peruse a few pages of Rogue. So I walk in and there sits a prominent investment banker and a longtime GOP operative with whom I share a name. I spurned a comfortable seat at the bar and joined them as I could tell they wanted some political gossip or insight, I don't know which. I gave them a bit of both and must have been entertaining as the banker picked up the lunch tab.
Just proves that even among Republicans there is a such thing as a free lunch !
-City Council meeting tonight....Adjourned one from last week to talk about ice rental arrangements with the Hockey Association. Also a briefing on PBA negotiations on tap. The excitement all gets underway at 7PM.
Watertown Daily Times | Hoffman to decide on filing challenge
I can't imagine Doug Hoffman really insists on a recount of the paper ballots, but if he does he does.
I can believe he will use real or perceived slights to garner publicity for next year's run and continue to raise money via conservative media outlets willing to cast a different light on the race than what the local MSM does.
Posturing and fundraising are OK and are as American as a cloture vote on a Saturday night.
However, this posturing runs Hoffman the risk of making him look irrationally paranoid or just a poor loser. It's tough to lose a race and there no doubt was lots of wheelin' and dealin' in the final days of the race. That is just politics. The withdrawal of Scozzafava was just politics...A race is an organic battle that you make changes in, just like a general does on a battlefield.
The assertion that ACORN urged the withdrawal of Scozzafava may be true, but it does not invalidate the results.
Mr. Hoffman and his staff know this and I really think his protests are not really meant to argue the actual votes cast November 3rd were somehow invalid.
His best way out is to say what Dick Nixon had to say in 1960....They stole it fair and square....Let's move on.
Watertown Daily Times | Hoffman to decide on filing challenge
I can believe he will use real or perceived slights to garner publicity for next year's run and continue to raise money via conservative media outlets willing to cast a different light on the race than what the local MSM does.
Posturing and fundraising are OK and are as American as a cloture vote on a Saturday night.
However, this posturing runs Hoffman the risk of making him look irrationally paranoid or just a poor loser. It's tough to lose a race and there no doubt was lots of wheelin' and dealin' in the final days of the race. That is just politics. The withdrawal of Scozzafava was just politics...A race is an organic battle that you make changes in, just like a general does on a battlefield.
The assertion that ACORN urged the withdrawal of Scozzafava may be true, but it does not invalidate the results.
Mr. Hoffman and his staff know this and I really think his protests are not really meant to argue the actual votes cast November 3rd were somehow invalid.
His best way out is to say what Dick Nixon had to say in 1960....They stole it fair and square....Let's move on.
Watertown Daily Times | Hoffman to decide on filing challenge
Sunday, November 22, 2009
St. Croix...He's Leading..He's Trailing...He's Leading Again....Now We Need a Recount !
Much has been made of the changing numbers in NY-23 and the allegations of hanky-panky made by GOP candidate Doug Hoffman.
While this race has been followed, there have suddenly been changes in a much smaller race for Jefferson County Legislature District 15.
The day after the election it was reported incumbent Jim St. Croix was leading 524 to 445 over Anthony Doldo. Absentees were yet to be counted.
Currently the Jefferson County BOE tote board on line now lists Doldo leading 537 to 524 in unofficial results.
Then there is another total that shows St. Croix ahead by eight votes. That's what candidate St. Croix was told Friday night. He had assumed the originally reported 55%-45% was still in place.
For the political chattering class, this information only came out via a posting on the county GOP web page that was posted on Newzjunky.com.
Rumor now is that with the margin of eight votes being less than one percent of the total, there has to be a recount of the paper ballots cast on election day. Presumably the optical scanner may not have registered all the ballots.
Now the question is why these changes in numbers occured ? I am told it was the result of election workers at St. Anthony's Church polling place not properly reporting machine totals on election night. That discrepancy was caught in the recanvass and then the absentees were added to that.
Why candidate St. Croix only learned of this on Friday is perplexing. Now a race he thought he had won may be lost. For Mr. Doldo, he thought he lost and now has a shot.
In a pool of 1100 or so voters, the eight vote margin is by no means certain. Mr. St. Croix says the recount will occur early this week.
Given his stature on the board, a possible defeat of St. Croix is quite newsworthy
While this race has been followed, there have suddenly been changes in a much smaller race for Jefferson County Legislature District 15.
The day after the election it was reported incumbent Jim St. Croix was leading 524 to 445 over Anthony Doldo. Absentees were yet to be counted.
Currently the Jefferson County BOE tote board on line now lists Doldo leading 537 to 524 in unofficial results.
Then there is another total that shows St. Croix ahead by eight votes. That's what candidate St. Croix was told Friday night. He had assumed the originally reported 55%-45% was still in place.
For the political chattering class, this information only came out via a posting on the county GOP web page that was posted on Newzjunky.com.
Rumor now is that with the margin of eight votes being less than one percent of the total, there has to be a recount of the paper ballots cast on election day. Presumably the optical scanner may not have registered all the ballots.
Now the question is why these changes in numbers occured ? I am told it was the result of election workers at St. Anthony's Church polling place not properly reporting machine totals on election night. That discrepancy was caught in the recanvass and then the absentees were added to that.
Why candidate St. Croix only learned of this on Friday is perplexing. Now a race he thought he had won may be lost. For Mr. Doldo, he thought he lost and now has a shot.
In a pool of 1100 or so voters, the eight vote margin is by no means certain. Mr. St. Croix says the recount will occur early this week.
Given his stature on the board, a possible defeat of St. Croix is quite newsworthy
Palin's book tour whips up populist fervor: Former Gov. Sarah Palin | adn.com
This is actually a pretty good account of the Palin book tours courtesy of the ADN, not always a fan of hers, but spot on in this story about populism. The thing about populists like William Jennings Bryan, Huey Long, Robert La Follette,George Wallace,and Ross Perot is that while they make some points that influence the debate, they are seldom the ones to win election.
Palin's book tour whips up populist fervor: Former Gov. Sarah Palin | adn.com
Palin's book tour whips up populist fervor: Former Gov. Sarah Palin | adn.com
Press Spoils Plans for a Pretty Good Party
Looks like Fred Dicker of the NY Post may have ruined a perfectly good college pool party complete with Jell-O shots and beer....Seems Governor Paterson's 21 year old daughter put out an e-mail touting the blast at the Governor's Mansion in Albany. The press found out and Dicker's inquiry is said to have nixed the Animal House party. Does that make Fred a party pooper ?Mystery of the gov's pool party
Down South, Some Good Old Fashioned, Horse Trading Style of Politics Taints Health Care Win
It is now being dubbed the Louisiana Purchase...not the one in 1803 in which the fledgling USA bought a huge swath of the heartland from France for $15,000,000. The new purchase is an estimated $300 million in aid to the Bayou State that was included in the health bill to secure the cloture vote last night by Senator Mary Landrieu.
Dana Milbank - Sweeteners for the South
Dana Milbank - Sweeteners for the South
Three Weeks Later, St. Croix in a Squeaker Over Doldo
A post went up this weekend that in the race for County Legislator in Jefferson County's District 15, the margin of victory for Democrat Jim St. Croix is now just 8 votes and a recount of the paper ballots may be held.
This was a 55%-45% race after election night and while Mr. Doldo did well against the incumbent, just when did my legislative race become such a squeaker. ?
Saturday, 21 November 2009 16:51
In the Jefferson County Legislator District 15 race Anthony Doldo has pulled within 8 votes as absentees have come in and placed Mr. Doldo in a good position for a possible victory. It is expected that there will be a recount with such a close margin.
-Jefferson County GOP website
This was a 55%-45% race after election night and while Mr. Doldo did well against the incumbent, just when did my legislative race become such a squeaker. ?
Saturday, 21 November 2009 16:51
In the Jefferson County Legislator District 15 race Anthony Doldo has pulled within 8 votes as absentees have come in and placed Mr. Doldo in a good position for a possible victory. It is expected that there will be a recount with such a close margin.
-Jefferson County GOP website
Saturday, November 21, 2009
News 10 Now; Whiz Quiz Turns Thirty
Talk about things that make you feel old....Public Television's Whiz Quiz is 30 years old. The high school competition has been promoting academic excellence for three decades.... I remember working at Public TV when Glenn Gough debuted the show. They have a celebrity quiz show coming up with local media luminaries, which I guess I am no longer. Good luck to the News 10 Now Team.
News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Whiz Quiz celebrates 30 years
News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Whiz Quiz celebrates 30 years
Mayors Sound Alarm Over Drop in City Revenues - WSJ.com
Mayors around the country are sounding the warnings you have been hearing locally about the deteriorating revenue streams in many cities. The prime culprit is sales tax revenue which is linked to the declines in retail activity caused by the recession.
This is forcing cuts in programs and staff which may have been overdue but are still painful.
For the City of Watertown, the cuts have been in capital projects and staffing. There has also been an effort to hold down labor settlements. A recent zero and three percent, two year contract with firefighters is one example. In New York State, public employee law favors employees so it is essential public officials enlist the support and cooperation of public employee unions in holding down costs.
The sales tax drop will soon be joined by cuts in state aid to municipalities since the State Legislature has declared school districts immune from cuts and that leaves cities as the low hanging fruit when looking to save money.
Mayors Sound Alarm Over Drop in City Revenues - WSJ.com
This is forcing cuts in programs and staff which may have been overdue but are still painful.
For the City of Watertown, the cuts have been in capital projects and staffing. There has also been an effort to hold down labor settlements. A recent zero and three percent, two year contract with firefighters is one example. In New York State, public employee law favors employees so it is essential public officials enlist the support and cooperation of public employee unions in holding down costs.
The sales tax drop will soon be joined by cuts in state aid to municipalities since the State Legislature has declared school districts immune from cuts and that leaves cities as the low hanging fruit when looking to save money.
Mayors Sound Alarm Over Drop in City Revenues - WSJ.com
Technology isn't All its Billed As
"Several county machines froze on Election Day, forcing inspectors to switch to paper ballots. Other machines didn't print out results when inspectors closed the polls. At some locations with multiple districts sharing one scanner, poll workers were unable to break down the votes between the election districts when they pulled the count register out of the machines."
This was out of a story this morning by Alex Jacobs of the WDT concerning vote tally problems in St. Lawrence County.
Now I don't think for a minute there is an ACORN virus or that the WFP tampered with the machines.
I do think there just always seem to be too many problems in holding elections. Problems that make it easy to argue there is something amiss.
Modern voting technology reminds me of the electric chair which was invented to make the messy job of state-run execution less messy and more efficent. It all seemed great till the condemned starting smoking from the ears while still awake.
This was out of a story this morning by Alex Jacobs of the WDT concerning vote tally problems in St. Lawrence County.
Now I don't think for a minute there is an ACORN virus or that the WFP tampered with the machines.
I do think there just always seem to be too many problems in holding elections. Problems that make it easy to argue there is something amiss.
Modern voting technology reminds me of the electric chair which was invented to make the messy job of state-run execution less messy and more efficent. It all seemed great till the condemned starting smoking from the ears while still awake.
Harry Reid Wins....Gets 60th Vote as Blanche Lincoln Caves
Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) provided that last little bit of drama with her last minute announcement she will vote for the cloture petition and put Sen. Harry Reid's health care bill up for debate. While its called a procedural vote, it really ensures passage of a version of the Reid bill as only 51 votes will be needed for that.
Lawmakers in need of political cover will then be allowed to vote no. In other words....they can vote for it before they vote against it.
The cloture vote will be held tonight and the Democrats are unanimously in favor while GOP senators are all against it.
For Senator Lincoln there really was no choice. The party is what put you there and there are just some times you have to suck it up and do what the party wants.
The Arkansas Democrat says she opposes a public option, but her vote today pretty much ensures that is what happens.
Lawmakers in need of political cover will then be allowed to vote no. In other words....they can vote for it before they vote against it.
The cloture vote will be held tonight and the Democrats are unanimously in favor while GOP senators are all against it.
For Senator Lincoln there really was no choice. The party is what put you there and there are just some times you have to suck it up and do what the party wants.
The Arkansas Democrat says she opposes a public option, but her vote today pretty much ensures that is what happens.
Reading Rogue: Interesting Insights into a National Phenomenon
In a tip of the hat to common sense liberalism, Sarah Palin lauded the opportunities provided her under Title IX. The civil rights measure required equal opportunties in athletics for women and for Palin, she says that was a boon for her growing up in AK.
The revelation came in Palin's new book, "Going Rogue." For those who portray her as a hard line reactionary, such stories don't fit the script from the elite media.
"I was the direct beneficiary of the civil rights efforts that has begun gaining traction only the decade before," Palin rights.
Like anyone new to the national scene, the biography is a window into that person that the cursory and critical eye of a campaign misses.
This week the ADN reports that the AK Public Offices Board has unanimously dismissed another of those ethics complaints that critics dogged her with in 2009. This one concerned her husbands marketing agreement with Arctic Cat.
And the mother of Levi Johnston this week was sentenced to three years in prison for sale of OxyContin. Hope Levi can take time off from his media tour to see mom before she heads to the big house.
The revelation came in Palin's new book, "Going Rogue." For those who portray her as a hard line reactionary, such stories don't fit the script from the elite media.
"I was the direct beneficiary of the civil rights efforts that has begun gaining traction only the decade before," Palin rights.
Like anyone new to the national scene, the biography is a window into that person that the cursory and critical eye of a campaign misses.
This week the ADN reports that the AK Public Offices Board has unanimously dismissed another of those ethics complaints that critics dogged her with in 2009. This one concerned her husbands marketing agreement with Arctic Cat.
And the mother of Levi Johnston this week was sentenced to three years in prison for sale of OxyContin. Hope Levi can take time off from his media tour to see mom before she heads to the big house.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Publicity tour turns fresh page on ‘Palin Power’ - Times Online
The hockey moms become hockey mums, but that's the only difference as British press follows the Palin phenomenon that is astounding the MSM (or LSM). Meanwhile the latest Gallup poll has President Obama's approval rating under 50%. A lackluster tour of the Orient, budget deficits that are crazy, new health care taxes, an electorate getting antsy.....all part of the recipe for a Palin Renaissance ?
Publicity tour turns fresh page on ‘Palin Power’ - Times Online
Publicity tour turns fresh page on ‘Palin Power’ - Times Online
Times Calls GT Virus Story a "Hoax"
The Watertown Times and the Gouverneur Times continue their light-hearted sparring today with Jude writing the piece to debunk yesterday's GT story about viruses in NY-23 voting scanners.
In this story by Jude there is even a debunking of the GT story rapping Rep. Bill Owens for purportedly breaking campaign promises within hours of his swearing in.
This is manna from heaven for the upstart Internet paper having the Old Gray Lady of NNY journalism clipping their wings at every turn.
If its an Owens-Hoffman race again next year, the undercard of GT vs WDT may be just as interesting to watch.
Watertown Daily Times | Election watchdog debunks NY-23 "virus" hoax
In this story by Jude there is even a debunking of the GT story rapping Rep. Bill Owens for purportedly breaking campaign promises within hours of his swearing in.
This is manna from heaven for the upstart Internet paper having the Old Gray Lady of NNY journalism clipping their wings at every turn.
If its an Owens-Hoffman race again next year, the undercard of GT vs WDT may be just as interesting to watch.
Watertown Daily Times | Election watchdog debunks NY-23 "virus" hoax
Gillibrand Works the Gay Marriage Issue
As I said two posts ago, Sen Gillibrand is working hard on her liberal street cred, as Liz presciently points out here.
The Daily Politics - NY Daily News
The Daily Politics - NY Daily News
Owens Pulls Ahead Further
Nearly final totals for Congress show Rep. Bill Owens lengthening his lead on basis of strong numbers from St. Lawrence County, home of the June O'Neill political machine. It's all over but the certifying and thanks to Jude Seymour for his running totals this week.
Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York
Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York
Her Guns Gone, Can Gillibrand Fend Off Rudy ?
In 2010, New Yorkers get to do something unusual. They will elect two United States Senators in the same year.
Senator Charles Schumer's second six-year term comes due and he is widely thought to be a cinch for a third term.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is running to fill the remaining two years of the term of now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Senator Gillibrand was the surprise appointment made by Governor David Paterson. It was a move that infuriated the family of perceived front runner Caroline Kennedy and ticked off the NY press corps who wanted a return to Camelot.
Gillibrand came from an upstate Congressional district and was thought to be a blue-dog Democrat, given her opposition to TARP and her endorsement by the NRA.
She was quickly rapped by downstate liberals who were mad at the Kennedy snub and thought her too conservative. The unelected senator in need of a primary free run this year quickly lurched to the left and even voted against cutting off funding to ACORN when this summer's flap developed over the community organizer group.
Senator Gillibrand is now in trouble. The Kennedy's hate her....the press ridicules her....she has scuttled her blue dog and become a lap dog for the most liberal elements of her party.
Along comes Rudy Giuliani, America's Mayor, but rejected as America's President.
Rudy needs to do something and running for governor against Andrew Cuomo was too high a hurdle for a guy who wants back on the national stage. Besides, governors have to work while senators just have to make sure they are booked on the Sunday shows.
2010 is likely a favorable year for the GOP, after losing so many seats in 2006 and 2008. Concern over the deficit and the expanding federal government create an environment where a Republican can win statewide office....even in NY.
Giuliani, while quirky, has a following and is able to discuss national issues. The recent decision to try terrorist suspects in Manhattan is a made for Rudy issue.
Gillibrand is in the race by virtue of running as a Democrat in a blue state.
But this race is competitive for Republicans and is one of their best chances to pick off a seat.
Senator Gillibrand needs only to keep the base in line...but much of that base voted for Rudy in NYC...so for her it will not be easy. Plus it may be a year when swing voters say 'lets send one of each' and vote for Schumer and Giuliani.
We know what Rudy is all about. We still don't know much about Gillibrand.
I remember when she became senator, Newsday ran a story about her keeping guns under the bed at her Columbia County home. I thought that a great message upstate.
When I joked about it at a Schumer press conference, the Senator politely elbowed me to let me know the junior senator would not be keeping guns under the bed any longer.
With that elbow she became less upstate in my eyes.
Gillibrand's Guns Aren't Under Her Bed Anymore | NBC New York
Senator Charles Schumer's second six-year term comes due and he is widely thought to be a cinch for a third term.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is running to fill the remaining two years of the term of now Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Senator Gillibrand was the surprise appointment made by Governor David Paterson. It was a move that infuriated the family of perceived front runner Caroline Kennedy and ticked off the NY press corps who wanted a return to Camelot.
Gillibrand came from an upstate Congressional district and was thought to be a blue-dog Democrat, given her opposition to TARP and her endorsement by the NRA.
She was quickly rapped by downstate liberals who were mad at the Kennedy snub and thought her too conservative. The unelected senator in need of a primary free run this year quickly lurched to the left and even voted against cutting off funding to ACORN when this summer's flap developed over the community organizer group.
Senator Gillibrand is now in trouble. The Kennedy's hate her....the press ridicules her....she has scuttled her blue dog and become a lap dog for the most liberal elements of her party.
Along comes Rudy Giuliani, America's Mayor, but rejected as America's President.
Rudy needs to do something and running for governor against Andrew Cuomo was too high a hurdle for a guy who wants back on the national stage. Besides, governors have to work while senators just have to make sure they are booked on the Sunday shows.
2010 is likely a favorable year for the GOP, after losing so many seats in 2006 and 2008. Concern over the deficit and the expanding federal government create an environment where a Republican can win statewide office....even in NY.
Giuliani, while quirky, has a following and is able to discuss national issues. The recent decision to try terrorist suspects in Manhattan is a made for Rudy issue.
Gillibrand is in the race by virtue of running as a Democrat in a blue state.
But this race is competitive for Republicans and is one of their best chances to pick off a seat.
Senator Gillibrand needs only to keep the base in line...but much of that base voted for Rudy in NYC...so for her it will not be easy. Plus it may be a year when swing voters say 'lets send one of each' and vote for Schumer and Giuliani.
We know what Rudy is all about. We still don't know much about Gillibrand.
I remember when she became senator, Newsday ran a story about her keeping guns under the bed at her Columbia County home. I thought that a great message upstate.
When I joked about it at a Schumer press conference, the Senator politely elbowed me to let me know the junior senator would not be keeping guns under the bed any longer.
With that elbow she became less upstate in my eyes.
Gillibrand's Guns Aren't Under Her Bed Anymore | NBC New York
Watertown Daily Times | Bill seen as threat to family farms
The Farm Workers Fair Labor Practices Act is the handiwork of, among others, the state's Working Families Party. That's the party that elected the North Country Democratic Team to Congress and the state legislature.
The bill would require farmers to pay overtime...provide rest days...provide worker's comp...and facilitate collective bargaining on farms. Farmers, including Senator Darrel Aubertine, say farming is not the same as other lines of work where such protections are in place.
Why is farming different ? Is it the old plantation notion where you work and live on your employers land and are more like family than employee ?
Do farm workers suffer from working in remote rural venues where nobody sees their plight ?
Now this bill comes along and its a dilemma for those who like the WFP's ability to get Democrats elected upstate, but cringe at their progressive legislative agenda.
Look for this bill to be a centerpiece of GOP efforts to defeat Darrel Aubertine next year as it will be portrayed as the anti-upstate, anti-rural, agenda of Senator Pedro Espada and the downstaters running the party and the state.
While Aubertine opposes it now, it has gotten this far and the GOP will be busy trying to link Aubertine to his "radical" friends in the WFP. I'm not saying it will work....just saying that will be what they try.
Watertown Daily Times | Bill seen as threat to family farms
The bill would require farmers to pay overtime...provide rest days...provide worker's comp...and facilitate collective bargaining on farms. Farmers, including Senator Darrel Aubertine, say farming is not the same as other lines of work where such protections are in place.
Why is farming different ? Is it the old plantation notion where you work and live on your employers land and are more like family than employee ?
Do farm workers suffer from working in remote rural venues where nobody sees their plight ?
Now this bill comes along and its a dilemma for those who like the WFP's ability to get Democrats elected upstate, but cringe at their progressive legislative agenda.
Look for this bill to be a centerpiece of GOP efforts to defeat Darrel Aubertine next year as it will be portrayed as the anti-upstate, anti-rural, agenda of Senator Pedro Espada and the downstaters running the party and the state.
While Aubertine opposes it now, it has gotten this far and the GOP will be busy trying to link Aubertine to his "radical" friends in the WFP. I'm not saying it will work....just saying that will be what they try.
Watertown Daily Times | Bill seen as threat to family farms
Our Schools are so Perfect They Are Immune from Budget Scrutiny
With New York State facing insolvency if major budget changes are not made, we can all be pleased one aspect of government spending is administered so prudently...so perfectly that our lawmakers say any cuts are off limits. That is education aid, which along with funding for healthcare programs, comprises 55% of state spending.
Now its tough to make major cuts when so much of the spending plan is off limits for political reasons. Lawmakers have been blustering about no cuts to school aid, because that is such a sensitive and eaily exploited subject in upstate and suburban areas where school taxes are a bit political issue. The presumption is any decrease in state aid must be accompanied by a concurrent increase in property taxes. Oh really ?
If that's the case, then the remaining 45% of the budget will have to be cut substantially. That means programatic changes as in functions the state has always been involved in....We will see what they do.
Maybe we could just raise sin taxes again.
The Daily Politics - NY Daily News
Now its tough to make major cuts when so much of the spending plan is off limits for political reasons. Lawmakers have been blustering about no cuts to school aid, because that is such a sensitive and eaily exploited subject in upstate and suburban areas where school taxes are a bit political issue. The presumption is any decrease in state aid must be accompanied by a concurrent increase in property taxes. Oh really ?
If that's the case, then the remaining 45% of the budget will have to be cut substantially. That means programatic changes as in functions the state has always been involved in....We will see what they do.
Maybe we could just raise sin taxes again.
The Daily Politics - NY Daily News
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sarah Palin rolls 'Going Rogue' book tour to Fort Hood, will donate royalties to victims' families
Two key Army posts will be on the book tour for Sarah Palin, whose son Trak is a soldier just returning from Iraq. Ms. Palin will appear at Fort Bragg, NC and Fort Hood, TX.
The Fort Hood appearance comes in the wake of the slaying of 13 soldiers by an Army Major with suspected ties and sympathies to terrorist groups.
Sarah Palin rolls 'Going Rogue' book tour to Fort Hood, will donate royalties to victims' families
The Fort Hood appearance comes in the wake of the slaying of 13 soldiers by an Army Major with suspected ties and sympathies to terrorist groups.
Sarah Palin rolls 'Going Rogue' book tour to Fort Hood, will donate royalties to victims' families
Owens Trying to Reassure Skeptics With Strong Drum Statements
With the race for Congress won, Bill Owens is consolidating his victory by securing two key committee posts....Armed Services and Homeland Security. He is also making the assurances that will make him tougher to beat next year.
“As a member of Congress and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will fight tirelessly for the base, the surrounding community and for our entire district, all of whom benefit from Fort Drum’s presence,” Owens said Thursday.
That quote from the Press Republican is reassuring to Watertown area residents, many of whom voted for Owens but knew precious little about him.
The political establishment in the the western counties thought their local candidate, Diedre Scozzafava would win and that she had the affinity for Drum to work for its survival. After her demise most locals split down the middle between Owens and Doug Hoffman.
Bill Owens, who like Hoffman pretty much hid during the campaign, is coming out strong for Drum and that's not only a smart move but the right move.
The next key is what kind of presence Owens creates in his Watertown district office. Constituent work and liasons to local government are important. That is handled at the staff level and the coming weeks will be where the rubber hits the road for Owens and his new staff.
Mr. Owens is supporting the liberal agenda his opponents accused him of, but even his opponents on that front will be muted by effective staff and constituent work plus a bit of that pork the administration will provide their newly minted Congressman.
“As a member of Congress and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will fight tirelessly for the base, the surrounding community and for our entire district, all of whom benefit from Fort Drum’s presence,” Owens said Thursday.
That quote from the Press Republican is reassuring to Watertown area residents, many of whom voted for Owens but knew precious little about him.
The political establishment in the the western counties thought their local candidate, Diedre Scozzafava would win and that she had the affinity for Drum to work for its survival. After her demise most locals split down the middle between Owens and Doug Hoffman.
Bill Owens, who like Hoffman pretty much hid during the campaign, is coming out strong for Drum and that's not only a smart move but the right move.
The next key is what kind of presence Owens creates in his Watertown district office. Constituent work and liasons to local government are important. That is handled at the staff level and the coming weeks will be where the rubber hits the road for Owens and his new staff.
Mr. Owens is supporting the liberal agenda his opponents accused him of, but even his opponents on that front will be muted by effective staff and constituent work plus a bit of that pork the administration will provide their newly minted Congressman.
Bill Owens Lead Over Doug Hoffman Swelled to 3105....Thats More Than Whats Left
A tally by the Watertown Daily Times shows there is no longer any way Doug Hoffman can catch up. Bill Owens lead exceeds the number of absentees outstanding. There could be some kind of further challenge but for all practicle purposes its over. It will end up a 48-46 race.
Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York
Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York
VIRUS in the VOTING MACHINES: Tainted Results in NY-23
Its game-on in the effort to at least discredit the results of the November 3rd election. The Gouverneur Times reports the presence of a virus in some of the optical scan tabulators used in this years election. Add to that, tabulation and transcription errors on election night and allegations from Team Hoffman that ACORN and Company tampered with the process in some unknown and unnamed way.
Before you know it Glenn Beck will say it's the Chicago Way at work in NNY and while it won't change Bill Owens election, it will make Doug Hoffman a victim and I suspect he hopes provide the impetus for a rematch next year. The press coverage over the purported election miscues will stimulate fundraising and may allow Hoffman to enter 2010 with a hefty war chest that could scare off challengers. It could also make him look whacky.........
The good thing about this voting system is it does leave a trail of paper ballots that could be recounted by hand......150,000 of them.
VIRUS in the VOTING MACHINES: Tainted Results in NY-23
Before you know it Glenn Beck will say it's the Chicago Way at work in NNY and while it won't change Bill Owens election, it will make Doug Hoffman a victim and I suspect he hopes provide the impetus for a rematch next year. The press coverage over the purported election miscues will stimulate fundraising and may allow Hoffman to enter 2010 with a hefty war chest that could scare off challengers. It could also make him look whacky.........
The good thing about this voting system is it does leave a trail of paper ballots that could be recounted by hand......150,000 of them.
VIRUS in the VOTING MACHINES: Tainted Results in NY-23
Sarah Palin gives Oprah biggest audience in two years--The Live Feed | THR
Sarah Palin is drawing large television audiences and big crowds are lining up at her book tour sites. Supporters seem enthusiastic...even some liberal elites in media like Andrea Mitchell and Oprah pal Gayle King are praising Palin for her life story and performance in interviews this week.
But for those hate-filled precincts on cable television, its time to double down just in case this woman starts getting a little popular. Chris Mathews makes a fuss that the line of autograph seekers is all white.....He says that's OK but....but what Chris ? Playing the race card again on MSNBC in what is billed as the post-racial era.
Olbermann and Maddow are as insulting as Hannity is fawning.
Regardless of idealogy, it is obvious Palin sells. There is a market for those who love her (FOX) and a market for those who detest her (NBC.) Seems Sarah is the perfect marketing machine for all audiences.
Sarah Palin gives Oprah biggest audience in two years--The Live Feed | THR
But for those hate-filled precincts on cable television, its time to double down just in case this woman starts getting a little popular. Chris Mathews makes a fuss that the line of autograph seekers is all white.....He says that's OK but....but what Chris ? Playing the race card again on MSNBC in what is billed as the post-racial era.
Olbermann and Maddow are as insulting as Hannity is fawning.
Regardless of idealogy, it is obvious Palin sells. There is a market for those who love her (FOX) and a market for those who detest her (NBC.) Seems Sarah is the perfect marketing machine for all audiences.
Sarah Palin gives Oprah biggest audience in two years--The Live Feed | THR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
