Democrats in the current lame-duck session passed a long-overdue repeal of the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, which will end the persecution of thousands of gay people who want to serve our country.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was a leader in making DADT repeal happen, but Chris Gibson, the Army veteran who will represent Gillibrand's former Congressional district next year, doesn't like it.
Gibson still won't come out and say that he opposes DADT, though he obviously does, so he tells Susan Arbetter that there will be problems in implementing this overwhelmingly popular policy, among the general public AND among the military.
Gibson's basic problem is that officers like he was will have to spend some time learning how not to discriminate against gay service members.
He seems to think that that will take longer than a short briefing of officers and noncoms -- an hour or so, tops -- repeating the basic message, "Don't discriminate against gay people."
Gibson is playing to his right-wing base on this, and hoping that the non-right-wing majority in his district will not remember in November 2012.
But, once he's in Congress, Gibson will make plenty of far-right votes that will ensure that he will be a one-term Congressman.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The economy is always the No. 1 issue
Lots of Democrats nationally, and a few locally, suffered during the recent election from the sorry fact of 10 percent unemployment.
Trying to argue that national Democrats inherited the Great Recession from the Bush Republicans, and did what they could to make things better, didn't convince many voters.
Because, as Atrios says, the priority remains, after almost two years of Democrats running the show, to "Fix the Economy":
"Here's my unsolicited advice for the administration and the Dems: fix the goddamn economy. At least outline a plan to fix it. If Republicans won't pass it, blame them.
"Alternatively, you could not fix the economy and try to get credit for 'cutting the deficit' or some other crap that no one actually gives a shit about, least of all teabaggers or Republicans."
Atrios' national-level advice applies to Democrats at the state, county and municipal levels -- do something effective to fix the economy.
Now.
Trying to argue that national Democrats inherited the Great Recession from the Bush Republicans, and did what they could to make things better, didn't convince many voters.
Because, as Atrios says, the priority remains, after almost two years of Democrats running the show, to "Fix the Economy":
"Here's my unsolicited advice for the administration and the Dems: fix the goddamn economy. At least outline a plan to fix it. If Republicans won't pass it, blame them.
"Alternatively, you could not fix the economy and try to get credit for 'cutting the deficit' or some other crap that no one actually gives a shit about, least of all teabaggers or Republicans."
Atrios' national-level advice applies to Democrats at the state, county and municipal levels -- do something effective to fix the economy.
Now.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Some silver linings
This year's elections were very disappointing at the national level, with Republicans winning the House and six net Senate seats.
Here in Rensselaer County, Congressman Scott Murphy lost, as did Assemblyman Tim Gordon.
But at the local level, it was generally a great night for Rensselaer County Democrats.
In East Greenbush, two Democrats -- Phil Malone and Sue Mangold -- won town board seats after a nasty, well-funded campaign waged by County Legislator Mike Cristo and perennial candidate Ann Taylor.
The result was close, with second-place finisher Mangold just 147 votes in front of Taylor, and Cristo a distant fourth.
Democrats now have a 4-1 majority on the town board.
Out in Stephentown, William Jennings won a town board seat with 56.7 percent of the vote, and Democrats thereby won a town board majority for the first time in generations, maybe the first time ever.
In Schodack, Linda Underwood lost her bid to become the only Democrat on the town board, but got 47 percent of the vote, a dramatic improvement over last year's town board races.
These results, while specific to the towns involved, bode well for next year, when there will be important local elections all over the county.
City/town committees are already preparing for 2011, recruiting candidates and planning fund-raisers. As always, they'll need all the help they can get, so please do what you can to keep the Democratic momentum going.
Here in Rensselaer County, Congressman Scott Murphy lost, as did Assemblyman Tim Gordon.
But at the local level, it was generally a great night for Rensselaer County Democrats.
In East Greenbush, two Democrats -- Phil Malone and Sue Mangold -- won town board seats after a nasty, well-funded campaign waged by County Legislator Mike Cristo and perennial candidate Ann Taylor.
The result was close, with second-place finisher Mangold just 147 votes in front of Taylor, and Cristo a distant fourth.
Democrats now have a 4-1 majority on the town board.
Out in Stephentown, William Jennings won a town board seat with 56.7 percent of the vote, and Democrats thereby won a town board majority for the first time in generations, maybe the first time ever.
In Schodack, Linda Underwood lost her bid to become the only Democrat on the town board, but got 47 percent of the vote, a dramatic improvement over last year's town board races.
These results, while specific to the towns involved, bode well for next year, when there will be important local elections all over the county.
City/town committees are already preparing for 2011, recruiting candidates and planning fund-raisers. As always, they'll need all the help they can get, so please do what you can to keep the Democratic momentum going.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Vote Row A ALL the way
a little reminder...
EVERY DEMOCRAT on the ballot
needs the benefit of your voice.
Just because they are listed at the end doesn't mean they aren't important.
On the contrary.
Those holding the offices listed at the bottom of the ballot
have a greater impact on your everyday life than those at the top.
If you don't vote for the candidates at the end of the ballot, it doesn't matter a whole lot that you voted for those at the top.
It's that simple.
On November 2, make sure all the candidates get your attention.
Especially the really important ones (they save those for the end).
Below the federal and state races, there are several important municipal contests in Rensselaer County this year.
In both East Greenbush and Stephentown, town board races will determine control of the board.
East Greenbush Republicans have run a relentlessly negative campaign for months, and have little positive to offer the town except more of that. So voters should be sure to look for and fill in the circles of Democratic candidates Phil Malone and Sue Mangold.
Stephentown could have its first Democratic board majority in forever, if voters elect William Jennings at the bottom of the ballot.
In Schodack, Linda Underwood is running to be the only Democrat on that town board, and provide some checks and balances.
Several judge/justice positions are way down the ballot this year -- please find and support Chuck Thomas for Troy City Court Judge, Diane Schilling for East Greenbush Town Justice, and Rebecca Snyder for Grafton Town Justice.
And Sand Lake voters should support Eileen Biggins for Receiver of Taxes.
Of course, we encourage voters to vote Row A all the way, but that is no longer a simple matter of hitting every lever on the top ballot line. With the new paper ballots, voters have to be sure to carefully go through the ballot to the end, and fill in all the circles for all our Democratic candidates.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Top Dems rally for Scott Murphy
In the last week of a vitally important election campaign, some big-name Democrats will be doing local events for NY-20 Rep. Scott Murphy.
On Saturday, our next Governor, Andrew Cuomo, will be appearing with Murphy (and excellent state Senate challengers Joanne Yepsen and Susan Savage) at Lakeside Farms and Cider Mill on Schauber Road in Ballston Lake at 11 a.m.
On Sunday, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who won NY-20 twice before being appointed to the Senate, will join Murphy at the Country View Diner on Route 7 in Brunswick at 2:45 p.m.
And on Monday morning, Bill Clinton will rally with Murphy at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs at 7:30.
This is a unique opportunity to see three national-level Democrats in three days -- FOR FREE!
The Clinton event does requires a ticket, but that's easily done by contacting County Chairman Tom Wade.
This confluence of Democratic starpower re-emphazsizes that NY-20 is an extremely important race this year.
Attending some or all of at these events will help Democrats retain their House majority.
And be lots of good Democratic fun.
On Saturday, our next Governor, Andrew Cuomo, will be appearing with Murphy (and excellent state Senate challengers Joanne Yepsen and Susan Savage) at Lakeside Farms and Cider Mill on Schauber Road in Ballston Lake at 11 a.m.
On Sunday, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who won NY-20 twice before being appointed to the Senate, will join Murphy at the Country View Diner on Route 7 in Brunswick at 2:45 p.m.
And on Monday morning, Bill Clinton will rally with Murphy at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Springs at 7:30.
This is a unique opportunity to see three national-level Democrats in three days -- FOR FREE!
The Clinton event does requires a ticket, but that's easily done by contacting County Chairman Tom Wade.
This confluence of Democratic starpower re-emphazsizes that NY-20 is an extremely important race this year.
Attending some or all of at these events will help Democrats retain their House majority.
And be lots of good Democratic fun.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
June O'Neill to speak at county Democratic event
June O'Neill, New York State Democratic Committee executive committee chair, will address the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee's annual Fall Celebration on Wednesday.
O'Neill is a former state party chair and the longtime chair of the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee. During her tenure as state chair, she oversaw nine successful special elections for state legislative seats as well as the first Democratic majority in the state Senate since 1965
The Fall Celebration will from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom on Campbell Avenue in Troy. Tickets are $85, $150 per couple, and include a stations buffet, wine, beer and soda.
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee website, or at the door.
For information, call 235-1772.
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee website, or at the door.
For information, call 235-1772.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Gibson's tea party supporters harass Democrats
Over at The Albany Project, acosta has a first-person account of what it was like outside the Murphy/Gibson debate in North Greenbush Thursday night.
In two words, not pretty:
"I showed up with friends to the visibility outside the Murphy v. Gibson debate this past Thursday at WMHT in support of Congressman Murphy. It was terrifying.
"There were much more than 100, possibly 150, Gibson supporters versus our small group of 25 or so Murphy supporters. They were just as nasty, disrespectful and vitriolic as their counterparts across the country. They shouted at us and over us. They approached us and went after us personally with awful comments and even veiled threats.
"When Congressman Murphy came out to greet us, they were disrespectful and yelled at him inches from his face. He was calm and cool. One protester felt triumphant after Scott went inside and shouted "eh, he's scared. Look at him shaking in his boots." Wait, was that his goal? To intimidate? So much for democracy. Move to Afghanistan if you enjoy that tactic."
Gibson is the tea party candidate in NY-20, and his angry supporters seem to be channelling Crazy Carl Paladino in the thuggish harassment department.
Didn't help Paladino much, and this won't help Gibson, either.
Because most voters do not like thuggish street bullies.
In two words, not pretty:
"I showed up with friends to the visibility outside the Murphy v. Gibson debate this past Thursday at WMHT in support of Congressman Murphy. It was terrifying.
"There were much more than 100, possibly 150, Gibson supporters versus our small group of 25 or so Murphy supporters. They were just as nasty, disrespectful and vitriolic as their counterparts across the country. They shouted at us and over us. They approached us and went after us personally with awful comments and even veiled threats.
"When Congressman Murphy came out to greet us, they were disrespectful and yelled at him inches from his face. He was calm and cool. One protester felt triumphant after Scott went inside and shouted "eh, he's scared. Look at him shaking in his boots." Wait, was that his goal? To intimidate? So much for democracy. Move to Afghanistan if you enjoy that tactic."
Gibson is the tea party candidate in NY-20, and his angry supporters seem to be channelling Crazy Carl Paladino in the thuggish harassment department.
Didn't help Paladino much, and this won't help Gibson, either.
Because most voters do not like thuggish street bullies.
County Dems slate fall fund-raiser
The Rensselaer County Democratic Committee will host its annual Fall Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom on Campbell Avenue in Troy.
This is an important event that provides the committee with the funds to support Democratic candidates at every level in the county. It also helps energize Democrats for the vital GOTV effort for our excellent candidates this year, many of whom will be in attendance.
Tickets are $85, $150 per couple, and include a stations buffet, wine, beer and soda.
Sponsorships are available at various levels -- Gold at $1,000 (six tickets and listed in program), Garnet at $500 (four tickets and listed in program), Bronze at $250 (two tickets and listed in program), Pumpkin at $125 (one ticket and listed in program), and Patron at $50 (listed in program).
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee website, or checks can be sent to the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee, P.O. Box 846, Troy, NY 12181.
For information, call 235-1772.
This is an important event that provides the committee with the funds to support Democratic candidates at every level in the county. It also helps energize Democrats for the vital GOTV effort for our excellent candidates this year, many of whom will be in attendance.
Tickets are $85, $150 per couple, and include a stations buffet, wine, beer and soda.
Sponsorships are available at various levels -- Gold at $1,000 (six tickets and listed in program), Garnet at $500 (four tickets and listed in program), Bronze at $250 (two tickets and listed in program), Pumpkin at $125 (one ticket and listed in program), and Patron at $50 (listed in program).
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee website, or checks can be sent to the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee, P.O. Box 846, Troy, NY 12181.
For information, call 235-1772.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Joanne Yepsen gets strong support in Schodack/Nassau
Joanne Yepsen spoke to a packed house last night. Packed House Party, that is.
Joanne spent the better part of the evening speaking with her future constituents from the Schodack and Nassau areas at a party sponsored by the Schdoack and Nassau Democratic Committees. The crowd was enthusiastic and happy to hear that the future senator for the 43rd will be a full-time representative for the people.
The event was a great showing of solidarity for both town democratic organizations. They share so many of the same issues - how to retain their rural flavor while off-setting property taxes with good, thoughtful commercial projects. And of course Dewey Loeffel affects both towns, which boarder on the horribly contaminated Nassau Lake.
Today is the Fall Festival at Schodack Island Park. Candidates Scott Murphy and Joanne Yepsen will be there along with Schodack Town Board candidate Linda Underwood.
Joanne spent the better part of the evening speaking with her future constituents from the Schodack and Nassau areas at a party sponsored by the Schdoack and Nassau Democratic Committees. The crowd was enthusiastic and happy to hear that the future senator for the 43rd will be a full-time representative for the people.
The event was a great showing of solidarity for both town democratic organizations. They share so many of the same issues - how to retain their rural flavor while off-setting property taxes with good, thoughtful commercial projects. And of course Dewey Loeffel affects both towns, which boarder on the horribly contaminated Nassau Lake.
Today is the Fall Festival at Schodack Island Park. Candidates Scott Murphy and Joanne Yepsen will be there along with Schodack Town Board candidate Linda Underwood.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Rensselaer County hosts two debates tonight
There will be two major televised debates tonight -- both of them right here in Rensselaer County.
At 7 p.m., Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will face off with Joe DioGuardi in Bush Memorial Hall of Russell Sage College (televised by YNN).
And at 8 p.m., a few miles to the south, NY-20 Rep. Scott Murphy will debate Chris Gibson in the WMHT, Channel 17, studio, at 4 Global View in the Rensselaer Technology Park.
Both debates will be televised live, and both are the final debate in each race.
Supporters of Gillibrand and Murphy will be rallying outside the debate sites beginning at 6 p.m.
At 7 p.m., Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will face off with Joe DioGuardi in Bush Memorial Hall of Russell Sage College (televised by YNN).
And at 8 p.m., a few miles to the south, NY-20 Rep. Scott Murphy will debate Chris Gibson in the WMHT, Channel 17, studio, at 4 Global View in the Rensselaer Technology Park.
Both debates will be televised live, and both are the final debate in each race.
Supporters of Gillibrand and Murphy will be rallying outside the debate sites beginning at 6 p.m.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Rally for Respect in Troy
More than 60 people crowded into Monument Square in downtown Troy Monday afternoon for a Rally for Respect, to protest the intolerance of Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino and his campaign.
The event was organized by the Joanne Yepsen for Senate campaign, which has been running an active Rensselaer County campaign from the county committee’s office in the Cannon Building.
County Democratic Chairman Tom Wade served as emcee and emphasized that voting against Paladino’s anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-poor intolerance was vital.
Yepsen agreed. After cataloging Paladino’s racist/sexist e-mails, his recent ant-gay statements, and his opposition to all abortions, she concluded, “Vote for progress, vote for justice, vote for integrity, vote for me, and vote for Andrew Cuomo.
Marty Rouse, national field director of the Human Rights Campaign, and Troy City Councilman Ken Zalewski, spoke of their concerns about Paladino’s anti-gay remarks.
Rouse recalled that he had been bullied as a child, and Zalewski, responding to Paladino’s comment that he did not want children "to be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option. It isn't.", emphasized that he did not choose to be gay, and neither did his partner of 17 years.
The Rev. Cornelius Clark, president of the Troy Area Chapter of the NAACP, and the Rev. Nina Nichols, pastor of Christ Church, United Methodist in Troy, also spoke about the need for tolerance in our public officials.
The event was organized by the Joanne Yepsen for Senate campaign, which has been running an active Rensselaer County campaign from the county committee’s office in the Cannon Building.
County Democratic Chairman Tom Wade served as emcee and emphasized that voting against Paladino’s anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-poor intolerance was vital.
Yepsen agreed. After cataloging Paladino’s racist/sexist e-mails, his recent ant-gay statements, and his opposition to all abortions, she concluded, “Vote for progress, vote for justice, vote for integrity, vote for me, and vote for Andrew Cuomo.
Marty Rouse, national field director of the Human Rights Campaign, and Troy City Councilman Ken Zalewski, spoke of their concerns about Paladino’s anti-gay remarks.
Rouse recalled that he had been bullied as a child, and Zalewski, responding to Paladino’s comment that he did not want children "to be brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option. It isn't.", emphasized that he did not choose to be gay, and neither did his partner of 17 years.
The Rev. Cornelius Clark, president of the Troy Area Chapter of the NAACP, and the Rev. Nina Nichols, pastor of Christ Church, United Methodist in Troy, also spoke about the need for tolerance in our public officials.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday night debates
Rensselaer County's two Democratic Congressmen -- Paul Tonko and Scott Murphy -- will meet their challengers in debates broadcast on WMHT, Channel 17, as a special edition of its public affairs show New York Now.
Tonko and Ted Danz of Guilderland will debate tonight at 8 p.m.
Murphy and Chris Gibson of Kinderhook will debate next Thursday, Oct. 21, also at 8 p.m.
The debates will be moderated by Casey Seiler, Times Union Capitol Bureau chief, and will feature questions from Matt Ryan of New York Now, Karen DeWitt of New York State Public Radio, and Walt McClure of Fox23 News.
You all can submit questions via e-mail to nynow@wmht.org.
Tune in to see how our excellent Congressmen defend their records and point out how extreme their challengers are.
Tonko and Ted Danz of Guilderland will debate tonight at 8 p.m.
Murphy and Chris Gibson of Kinderhook will debate next Thursday, Oct. 21, also at 8 p.m.
The debates will be moderated by Casey Seiler, Times Union Capitol Bureau chief, and will feature questions from Matt Ryan of New York Now, Karen DeWitt of New York State Public Radio, and Walt McClure of Fox23 News.
You all can submit questions via e-mail to nynow@wmht.org.
Tune in to see how our excellent Congressmen defend their records and point out how extreme their challengers are.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Chuck Thomas fund-raiser at the Daily Grind Thursday
Chuck Thomas, the Democratic candidate for Troy City Court Judge, will be hosting a fund-raiser Thursday night from 5:30 to 8 at the Daily Grind, 46 Third Ave.
Old Daley Inn Catering will provide a dinner buffet of antipasto, chicken marsala, and pasta primavera. Beer, wine and soda are included in the ticket cost of $60 a person, $99 a couple.
Come out and meet Chuck, and learn about why he is the best candidate for City Court Judge.
Old Daley Inn Catering will provide a dinner buffet of antipasto, chicken marsala, and pasta primavera. Beer, wine and soda are included in the ticket cost of $60 a person, $99 a couple.
Come out and meet Chuck, and learn about why he is the best candidate for City Court Judge.
Murphy ad assails Gibson on health care
Rep. Scott Murphy voted for the health care reform law, and his tea party opponent Chris Gibson has been relentlessly attacking Murphy for that, with some help from insurance industry-funded front group 60 Plus Association.
Murphy is fighting back, with a new TV ad that nails Gibson as more concerned about the insurance industry than the health of the people in NY-20.
Click here to view the ad.
The script is: "Time for a reality check.
Chris Gibson wants to repeal the health care law.
Chris Gibson would let insurance companies go back to denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.
He would let them restore lifetime limits on coverage.
Chris Gibson would eliminate mandatory coverage for preventive care like mammograms and colon screenings.
And seniors would pay more for prescription drugs.
Chris Gibson. He's for the insurance industry, not you."
Murphy is fighting back, with a new TV ad that nails Gibson as more concerned about the insurance industry than the health of the people in NY-20.
Click here to view the ad.
The script is: "Time for a reality check.
Chris Gibson wants to repeal the health care law.
Chris Gibson would let insurance companies go back to denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.
He would let them restore lifetime limits on coverage.
Chris Gibson would eliminate mandatory coverage for preventive care like mammograms and colon screenings.
And seniors would pay more for prescription drugs.
Chris Gibson. He's for the insurance industry, not you."
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Paladino effect
As Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino continues to embarrass himself almost daily, what will be the effect on voters this November?
Basically, Paladino has antagonized moderates, including Republicans, with his Crazy Carl rhetoric, and those voters will either stay home or vote for Democrats who are not associated with Crazy Carl.
Plus Paladino has energized Democratic base voters, in a way that Rick Lazio could not have done.
As a result, Paladino will lose big to Andrew Cuomo. maybe as much as 2-1.
Our U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand will also win by 20 percent or so.
Attorney general candidate Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will win by less, against opponents who have tried to distance themselves from Crazy Carl.
The Congressmen representing Rensselaer County will win -- Tonko handily, Murphy by single-digits.
And State Senate and Assembly candidates will also benefit from a major anti-Paladino reaction among the electorate.
Because this election, like every mid-term, is all about turnout, and Paladino's antics will suppress Republican, and increase Democratic, turnout.
Basically, Paladino has antagonized moderates, including Republicans, with his Crazy Carl rhetoric, and those voters will either stay home or vote for Democrats who are not associated with Crazy Carl.
Plus Paladino has energized Democratic base voters, in a way that Rick Lazio could not have done.
As a result, Paladino will lose big to Andrew Cuomo. maybe as much as 2-1.
Our U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand will also win by 20 percent or so.
Attorney general candidate Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will win by less, against opponents who have tried to distance themselves from Crazy Carl.
The Congressmen representing Rensselaer County will win -- Tonko handily, Murphy by single-digits.
And State Senate and Assembly candidates will also benefit from a major anti-Paladino reaction among the electorate.
Because this election, like every mid-term, is all about turnout, and Paladino's antics will suppress Republican, and increase Democratic, turnout.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Schodack Democrats put in a great showing for the Dem team
Schodack Democrats put in a great deal of effort staffing a table at the Goold Orchards Harvest Festival over the Columbus Day weekend. The group handed out campaign material, balloons and generally enjoyed the beautiful weather while making the case for Democratic candidates.
Candidates also showed up to greet festival-goers. On hand were Congressman Paul Tonko and Joanne Yepsen.
Candidates also showed up to greet festival-goers. On hand were Congressman Paul Tonko and Joanne Yepsen.
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RenssCo Politico is THE place for all things Democratic and political in Rensselaer County. Check here for news, views and the real scoop on the controversies of the political world of Rensselaer County.
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