County Clerk Jo Ann M. Wilder has just minutes ago registered as a Republican.
Jo Ann intends to support the Republican candidate for county clerk. An announcement of the candidate is expected soon.
Jo Ann is a hard working county clerk, who has always been admired by members on both sides of the aisle is sure to be welcomed by the GOP in their efforts to gain the county clerk seat this fall.
"A government big enough to give you everything you want,
is big enough to take away everything you have"
Thomas Jefferson
81 comments:
Wow! Real bipartisanship--as opposed to the astroturf version preached by Senator Aubertine!
How refreshing...
Thank god! She was the epitome of the nasty DMV servant. I always suspected she must have been Republican at heart. And, only a Republican endorsed by her could keep up the nasty tradition.
A DEM for decades and bingo wants to support the GOP candidate?
She couldn't do that as a DEM, why not? Some rules...
Colin Powell was a lifelong GOPer and he supported Obama... Oh, yeah Cheney says now Limbaugh is better than Powell...
This is big news... maybe I'll change parties too and win a damn seat someplace? You think?
~ dmf
Its amazing how Ms Wilder encounter with the Jeff Co Sheriff has affected her. Its unfortunate that all those years the Dems supported her to get her where she is. Unfortunately the sheriff had to do his job and Ms. Wilder didn't like that. I don't know if I would trust this woman again. I hope the Republican candidate doesn't rely so much on a shallow person.
The way she and her DMV treated people was an embarrassment to any political party. I bet the dems are relieved. If we get a dem next time I may forgo the long drive to Fulton.
In this neck of the woods there is no difference between the 2 parties, The only party is the incumbant party.
I once tried to re register a valuable antique plate at her DMV for an old truck I bought there. Although the State guide was specific they were confused and I was referred to her. She tried to put me through a procedure that risk my losing the number. She was nasty, too. Siad she knew it all. I went toLewis co. where they understood and it was like clockwork. No loss for you democrats in Jefferson.
Lucky for the democratic party. With her they were in risk of loosing next time anyway. Her office and their attitude is wrong. Ever been to see the nice people in Oswego?
I don't even know what party they are. Don't care even.
Good news that the office may change. Republicans take my advice and don't let her endorse anyone.
Joann was always respected by both parties. Just two days ago (with no need to be reelected) she was out working the lines trying to help move them along.
Joann enjoy retirement, well deserved.
JJ
I worked for your campaign. I could tell you never thought we had to work hard and that it was automatic. It was our spirit not yours. JA, treat the Republicans better than you treated us. True colors.
Enjoy your retirement. And, now that you are a new conservative Republican it would only be fitting for you to exempt yourself from retirement and social security. You know, all those social commie programs that your former party worked so hard for.
If you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all!!! try working as a public servant once before you throw the first stone.
JJ you are full of crap. Republicans never respected her and now we are stuck with her. Get the F out of your office and hit the bricks and learn what is going on.
If you are really retired Ms. Wilder then why does your party registration matter unless you wanted to stick it to those of us who worked for and supported you?
"Joann was always respected by both parties. Just two days ago (with no need to be reelected) she was out working the lines trying to help move them along."
You have not the idea of what your are talking about.
Republicans I know did not respect her and should not trust her.
She did the democrats a favor. Everyone hated going to the office. Now they can say it was the Republican's fault.
"If you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all!!! try working as a public servant once before you throw the first stone."
You are commenting on PIV. That is what they do here.
Especially when it comes to Senator Aubertine. He is a public servant too.
And, by the way, the local DMV was the pits under her.
Always look on the bright side of life. She is not only gone, she has switched parties.
She is moving to Texas and they won't let her in there as a Dem. She couldn't wait til she got there tho. Had to get in some last licks. Don't get too puffed up PIV. You are the fool on this one.
I wish they had told me before I contributed to her retirement gift.
If she is supporting the repub candidate then I will vote for the Dem. God it is not the mayor is it? Puke.
Whatever happens it can't be any worse for the DMV than it is there now. If you are are a car dealer or a local they kiss up. But if you are just a poor slob trying to get somthing done quick they treat you like dirt.
Watertown office sucks.
I see TF whacked her and tried to make it look "non-personal?"
LOL - that's DEMS for you!!!
It is very strange that she would wait until after all the efforts were spent getting her the job and helping her to keep the job to change parties. All this just before she leaves the area.
Well Ms. Wilder don't let the screen door hit ya where the good lord split ya. You still owe me 25 bucks for supplies I bought for your re-election. It did not matter then. It does now.
Republicans deserve you.
JJ you are wrong
I crossed party lines to vote for her. I will cross parties lines to vote against whoever she endorses.
Big deal. So she's in a snit and wants to bail on all of her friends that helped her. Let her take her retirement and spend it in Texas and let the Republicans enjoy the closest thing to good news they have had in years.
Why didn't she announce this herself in a more appropriate way? All you did PIV was subject her to ridicule and misunderstandings. Shame on you and who ever decided that this was the way to announce it
I am not happy with her now but will reserve my judgement until I understand why she made this move.
Do you people read your comments before you post them? Good God, learn to spell! Mrs. Wilder has had a great record. She had kept the county in the black, not easy to do in these times with all the government's wasteful spending. Maybe she changed parties because democrats are becoming socialists and they don't even realize it.... or do they?
"Do you people read your comments before you post them? Good God, learn to spell! Mrs. Wilder has had a great record."
Did you read the comments or just check the spelling?
Sometimes what people write is more important than how they spell it.
In any event, there are many comments here and not all of them attest to her "good record". Just because you say it does not make it true.
It is obvious from what I read above that a few people are not happy with her slap in the face of those who put her in her job through their hard work and support.
As for me, I blessed the days of online registration that prevented me from having to go into that horrible place and deal with them.
As for her, shame on her for turning her backs on those who put her there.
"Do you people read your comments before you post them? Good God, learn to spell! Mrs. Wilder has had a great record."
Did you read the comments or just check the spelling?
Sometimes what people write is more important than how they spell it.
In any event, there are many comments here and not all of them attest to her "good record". Just because you say it does not make it true.
It is obvious from what I read above that a few people are not happy with her slap in the face of those who put her in her job through their hard work and support.
As for me, I blessed the days of online registration that prevented me from having to go into that horrible place and deal with them.
As for her, shame on her for turning her backs on those who put her there.
JoAnn did an excellent job as County Clerk. I worked for her for over 10 years and I always respected her. She tried to do the right thing for her office and the county. Her office made money for Jefferson County for 18 years of the 20 years she was in office.
Unlike previous people, I will use my actual name, I will not hide behind "Anonymous".
About time J.W. Now clean up the non-tax paying loosers that screw our economy. I know of people right under your nose that has been doing the county an injustice for years.... Remember our discussion?
Wowzers....Talk about kicking the butts of old friends and burning bridges. Republicans should not get too excited about this one yet. She just went from 8 to 2 on my scale and I will vote against anyone she endorses. It will be like she is running against herself on the traitor ticket.
A political figure who has their own mind and won't be bullied into making choices their party wants them to make? Isn't that "The Change" Americans voted for in November?
"I see TF whacked her and tried to make it look "non-personal?"
LOL - that's DEMS for you!!!
Not the smartest comment you have ever made Mr. Francis. TF and many others volunteer countless hours to put her in a good job. Even when unopposed or with weak opposition it still takes time to gather signatures, get the name out there and secure the donations.
No party likes a rat that jumps ship. The least she could have done was to wait until after she left town. Don't confuse this with a victory for the Republicans.
When will this be verified by a credible news source.
So far, it is rumor.
Ben Cobb said...
JoAnn did an excellent job as County Clerk.
And so did the fine people who worked to get her elected and got out the message about that good job she was doing. She turned on them.
So what.She did her job. Soon she will be gone. She should have the decency to leave without insulting her supporters.
I agree with the anon above who said this was not the correct way to announce this news. She should have had the courtesy to address the thousand of voters who continued to put her in her job this was the weasel way out.
some of the best comments I have ever read here, esp 5:58. Rock on!!
Tony Facade
I haven't spoken with her, so I don't know her feelings on this. But I always liked the woman and respected the woman. I also thought the DMV was much improved under her direction. Her hard work was the cause of this. She also is a person who respects individual rights. She's a shooter, and took a lot of beatings from us gun people who had dinner with her now and then at fund raisers. Maybe she just got fed up with Schumer and his gun control lies. But I know that for years, she strongly defended her Democratic party.
I will always view Mrs Wilder as a fine lady, whatever party she sees herself a part of. If she moves to Texas, I'll be sorry to see her go. I wish her the very best.
Wow! You dems certainly have your panties in a bunch over this. She was always a great County Clerk until this. Why the change?
As an independent I have had several dealings with her office and always found her very competent. If she is such a bad County Clerk why didn't anyone primary her last time?
I could care less what party she is part of. The fact that she did a great job is what is of importance.
Very sad to see all the hate talk just because she signed a piece of paper.
:@
Why does everyone keep saying she turned on her supporters. Her supporters should have supported her because she was the best person for the job not because of her political affiliation.
To all her supporters (and I am one of them): She has done a great job. Who cares what political party she was/is. I'll repeat, she has done a great job and if she wanted to run for another term I would still support her, regardless of party.
my my such an uproar because someone switched political parties.
Was she not the best person for the job for the number of years she ran and was supported by the Democrats, many Republicans and Independents?
Now all this talk, it sounds like nothing more than sour grapes by many Democrats, how sad.
She still is the best in my book!
Anon 9:00 said.
"Who cares what political party she was/is."
I doubt you actually worked for her election or you would not be asking that question. The democrats who worked to get her the job care. It is a political position and you need PARTY ENDORSEMENT to be on the ballot.
She turned her back on those people and the party that endorsed her. They care.
Loyal Democrat said...
my my such an uproar because someone switched political parties.
Loyal Democrat? You are either telling a lie or the stupidest Democrat I have ever met.
You just made that up. Right?
a lot of comments for once. I am eagerly awaiting Palin's book. I'd like to see her in Playboy too, before either of them goes bye bye.
Tubby
Wow...when I send in my renewal to the DMV office in Utica I really give a rat's ass about whether the Jefferson County Clerk checked off D or R on a voter registration form.
What rabid attacks on someone who was apparently doing a great job yesterday but today has become such a terrible person. Exactly the types of reactions and comments to be expected from people who don't understand that the squiggly red line under a word means that it's misspelled (Thanks 7:20!). Mrs. Wilder, by all accounts I have heard, you are great at your job regardless of your party affiliation. It seems that people here believe politics is a football game... Look on the bright side: maybe they are simply upset that they lost a star quarterback. I happen to have heard of some of your reasons for the change - as an Independent, it's refreshing to hear of someone in your position with integrity and who is not blinded by party affiliation. I understand you have done your job with common sense, common decency and for the common good. Thank you for your service and enjoy your retirement. It sounds as if you have truly earned it.
Jake Roberts
Joann would never support the mayor....he is too chummy with sheriff burns, whom she hates.
You know.....all the BS that is slung on here, I have to look at BOTH sides. First, look at the author on the Blog......Useless!!! Second,the DMV has been a bane of the County's existence for many years. The author needs to get his head out of his arse and focus MORE on his business, than on Politics.......Jim Wright.....you still need to borrow a van???? The Republican Party, in this County, needs an enema!!!!
Stupid people, A.K.A. Republicans, should take a note here. JoAnne Wilder, should hide. Did a "certain" Republican Legislator talk you into "Party Hopping"???
The Republicans in this County, would vote for Charles Manson, if he ran on their ticket!!
I am a registered Republican, just so I can vote in the primaries, and pick the LEAST VILE Candidate.
Isnt she moving to Texas after leaving office....Thats more of a red state anyway
This news was important to both parties. Those of you who say that loyalty to your party is not important are mistaken. The county clerk job is given to a person by the party. Then hopefully that person now knowing that they have to work hard to gain the favor of all parties and all voters will work very hard. In the case of Ms. Wilder, many think that was true. But character always counts, too. That person owes the party that hired them Loyalty. Ms. Wilder in a snit threw that away. That kind of party behavior should not be encouraged.
Ms. Wilder made the big mistake of turning her back on those who hired her.
Hopefully, we will have a good Republican candidate and that candidate will become the new county clerk. But that candidate will have to be loyal to the Republicans.
Ms. Wilder made a huge mistake changing parties at this time of her career.
Ms. Wilder made a huge mistake allowing this important announcement to be made through this anonymous blog.
I would have had more respect for Ms. Wilder and it would have had a more positive impact if she had remained Dem and endorsed a Repub. Think of how clever that would have been in the middle of a campaign. Even Dems would have accepted but regretted that. What she has done has created another obstacle for our party.
But now, her endorsement will be poison to the campaign and her personal involvement will do our party no good. Our party is being driven by morons.
Big mistake for Republicans to embrace her. Big mistake to do it here.
CL
I don't get it. Democrats are all about choice? J.W. made a choice.What difference does it make
what party she belongs to.Doing a great job is what it's all about.
That's whats the problem in this
country. If you are a Dem and don't
vote a straight ticket,they"ll break your knee caps. Who cares. It shoudn't matter. Self thinkers can make that choice. Thank God Ms Wilder cant't be intimidated.
good Luck Ms Wilder, and thanks for a job well done.
I am a Republican.
I first met JoAnn when she, in opposition to her party's faithful, supported Dave Garner for State Senate over Marsha Barton in the Democratic primary.
I worked hard on JoAnn's first campaign in the early 1980's. I remember going to her first swearing in at the Watertown Town Office.
I also, along with JoAnn, strongly supported Claude Williams for Sheriff.
JoAnn supports the man - not the party. I respect her for that.
"What difference does it make
what party she belongs to.Doing a great job is what it's all about."
You are kidding me, right?
It made a lot of difference when she was running and asking Dems to hire her.
Your's is a weak argument from a person who seems to be totally ignorant of politics and without the courage of identity.
Intimidation has nothing to do with it. I am not intimidating her, I am pointing out what I think could be a bad move for Jefferson County Republicans. Smart politics and Party loyalty and respect for those who got you there is the issue here. If you believe what you just wrote then please don't get involved in active politics and please don't suggest selecting a Republican candidate who thinks that doing a good job will allow them to jump party on us. Just vote (hopefully republican) and go home and let us do the work of trying to win back our party's favor.
We have enough problems right now without having to explain an endorsement from a turncoat.
We can argue this until the cows come home but for one last time, I will say that she will be poison to our attempt to elect a Republican county clerk. I have to go back to work now, do the best job I can and maintain my loyalty to the great folks who will cut me a check Thursday.
'Nuff said...thanks for your time.
CL
CL,
You are such an a-hole.
The position is not given to anyone. I as a voter elect someone to fulfill the job, it is not an entitlement to anyone or any party. Get your head out of your partisan a--.
No political party hires anyone! "That kind of party behavior should not be encouraged" REALLY! Get lost, your kind of logic is the reason there is so much dysfunction in government. How about people just doing their jobs they were elected to do!
"Our party is being driven by morons." Yes and you are sitting in the driver's seat.
Talk about a double standard! Sen. Spector switches parties and the Dems think it is terrific. He was pure evil before, now he is Mr Terrific. Here we have one of there own that they have always put forth as a good person and the best candidate for the job and in a matter of seconds, she becomes the scum of the earth. Wow!!! How can a D or R next to your name be such a deciding factor in who you are and if that is truly the case, I don't want to be either one. No wonder so many people hate politics and fewer and fewer people exercise their right to vote or find people willing to subject themselves to the abuse of running for office.
I meant Norma Bartle - not Marsha Barton.
Sorry.
"The position is not given to anyone"
You prove my point that you are ignorant of how a county clerk gets there not to mention ignorant of Jefferson County politics.
Run our candidate on the "Party Loyalty is Secondary" platform and see how far you get.
Partisan, yes I am. And I hope I can find good reason to support the local Republican party and even you during the next election cycle.
CL
Wonder who'll get the ATV Job??
"The position is not given to anyone. I as a voter elect someone to fulfill the job"
You have no idea what you are talking about.
Sorry that is not the way it goes. If someone wants the job and feels qualified they approach their party or the party comes looking. At that stage of the process party loyalty, potential electability and past performance is paramount. If those conditions are met, the party selects the candidate by various methods and gathers the necessary signatures to place them on the ballet. Only then do you as a voter get to choose. You are the last simple step in a long process. You don't give them the job you select a party's choice for the job. Have you ever participated in a primary or a caucus?
I have to agree with CL that the opportunity for the job is given them by the party and I know of no party that does not expect some loyalty in return.
Of course, there is always the possibility of write in but getting the job is nearly impossible without the hard work of volunteers that do so out of party loyalty and most likely partisanship. Yes, the Democrats may have a giant dump in their diapers over loyalty cast aside, but at least they understand the political process.
Here is your chance to call another loyal Republican an asshole. Jump on it.
"The position is not given to anyone. I as a voter elect someone to fulfill the job"
You have no idea what you are talking about.
Sorry that is not the way it goes. If someone wants the job and feels qualified they approach their party or the party comes looking. At that stage of the process party loyalty, potential electability and past performance is paramount. If those conditions are met, the party selects the candidate by various methods and gathers the necessary signatures to place them on the ballet. Only then do you as a voter get to choose. You are the last simple step in a long process. You don't give them the job you select a party's choice for the job. Have you ever participated in a primary or a caucus?
I have to agree with CL that the opportunity for the job is given them by the party and I know of no party that does not expect some loyalty in return.
Of course, there is always the possibility of write in but getting the job is nearly impossible without the hard work of volunteers that do so out of party loyalty and most likely partisanship. Yes, the Democrats may have a giant dump in their diapers over loyalty cast aside, but at least they understand the political process.
Here is your chance to call another loyal Republican an asshole. Jump on it.
CL....Hizzoner tweeted this.
"In any event, does it really matter who the county clerk is except to those on the inside of politics like our friends at Political IV"
The mayor just proved two things.
First, it IS the party who GIVES ONE THE JOB and the voters be damned since the mayor seems to think that voters don't care and it should be left to insiders like PIV?. PIV is the last guy I want to choose my candidates. Two to one for god's sake.
Second, the mayor's twittering is showing me a side of Jeff that I am beginning to not like. A side that I always dispensed as gossip by his detractors.
Speaking as one Republican I think it is time we wash ourselves of these independent leaches who suck the blood from our hard work.
Think before you tweet Mr. Mayor.
No wonder you want to change the subject fast, PIV.
Don't worry about humor. This is one of your more laughable adventures.
This "switch" has been in the works for a long time, and his its basis in the sleazy, but so far successful way the local Dem party has been run.
Give credit to Shawn Henesie. Local donkeys have a choice to make. Success won't continue with that guy setting the tone for things. Let's see if you have the brains to make a change. Is this the kind of person you want running your party? This isn't about Ms Wilder. Insiders know it.
anon.
"This isn't about Ms Wilder. Insiders know it."
Nice try, anon. You are no insider. I get around a bit and you are sucking wind. I have been in on some discussions and been given some information and you are way off.
And how ludicrous to say this is not about Jo Ann M. Wilder.
Shawn Hennessey did not defect from the party, she did. Shawn Hennessey is not going to endorse our candidate, she is. This particular discussion is about her. My interest is fending off problems for the Republican party not with placing the blame on a third party.
You don't even get it, do you?
You don't even know how to address a person by their right name, do you? You can't even spell a name. Hell, you don't even have a name. Did you know you must have a name in this country so you can vote. You don't even have to read and right. Someone else can print your name and you can mark it with an X.
You sound more like a ventriloquist's dummy anyway. Part of a split personality. Another person's voice.
Don't take people for fools.
CL
Who asked Newzjunky to pull it's link to PIV?
I told people it was on Junkie. They usually let local stuff linger a couple days. Has the story been retracted?
Has she announced her defection yet or is it still rumor?
I'm sure you do get around, CL.
You can worship at the temple of Henisee if you wish, but anyone with any knowledge of this can smell him in the background.
If that is what you want, go for it my good man. It certainly isn't a problem for me.
You be very angry.
So, who's the GOP gonna run?
And will Jo Ann's support help them win?
Dan Francis; Jo Ann's support would have been a bonanza if she and the party had played it cool and given us the chance to build up the candidate.
Leaking it on here was a big mistake for us as it now detracts from any strengths that the candidate brings forth.
Her support at the beginning of the campaign as a DEMOCRAT would have been nuclear. She would have weathered the storm, proved she could be loyal and BANG! Now the Dems can bring forth suspicions and accusations regarding her loyalty and her character all in good conscience since she is now a turncoat and a Republican. "So what? The Dems could not trust her, why should we?', will be the message.
CL
Spot on, CL
I can see why you can't trust her. Imagine, a woman who changed her mind about party affiliation. Oh my God, that's such a terrible thing.
Shut up.
CL??? Could that be Cheryl Lane, Joann's republican canidate out of her office????? Seems you republicans keep passing on people who are loyal to your party. You didn't learn your lesson in the senate race when you passed on Dede twice. So now you are going to try to push a chosen one to election again. How long before you members that you push aside switch to the D next to thier name?????
Political IV Why are you not posting all comments??? You allow everyone else to put names on here and you like to post peoples names. My post didn't say anything bad about CL. Just stating facts.
Anonymous said...
Political IV Why are you not posting all comments??? You allow everyone else to put names on here and you like to post peoples names. My post didn't say anything bad about CL. Just stating facts.
Nice try Karl Rove (PIV)
CL
PIV you like to post others names on here but you are doing a good job keeping one name off here by deleting postings. And the worst part is you love breaking news but wont allow the posting!!!
CL is he doing good keeping your name off here.
Karl Rove, Karl Rove.
That's really a neat feeling, saying that. Makes me excited.
Karl Rove.
Today it has been mostly Nancciie Pelosi. But I can understand the Karl Rove fixation.
And you wonder why Wilder finally flushed.
That would be Nancy, anon.
Karl Rove at least would not purposely set our party up for a fall which you seem to be content with doing. It was meant to be sarcastic but again, you let your ignorance get in the way. It is obvious that politics is not your bag.
CL
Nancy Pelosi.
"I wasn't really briefed at those briefings." 5/13/09
Beautiful. I'll let you take it from there, CL.
Ah, c'mon. Me bein' stupid and all. I thought you bein' the political genie and all, you could explain those lies.
CL, are you there, CL?
Woof.
Well, have a good weekend.
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