The Record

A number of people keep posting about ACORN and Working Families Party supporting Dede Scozzafava. The record is clear they have endorsed Bill Owens and are here working on his campaign. There should be no question in people's mind who they are supporting - Owens.

Breaking News: Scozzafava Suspends Campaign

Update: Dede releases supporters and county chairs to support who they choose!


GOP Candidate for the 23rd Congressional was scheduled to hold a rally at 10 am this morning, but instead she is reportedly going to release her supporters

She cannot officially step out of the race, but it is being said that she will "release her supporters" and it is expected county GOP chairs will encourage people to support Hoffman.

There is a scheduled conference call among the 11 county GOP chairs today and the Hoffman campaign is expected to make a reach out to the chairs to seek their support.

It was an emotional departure for Scozzafava as she thanked her supporters for their hard work and her message was basic - life goes on! Supporters, many who were expecting a rally, were left wondering what just happened.

In a bizarre move after Scozzafava's departure from the room a campaign staffer asked supporters to go door to door and make phones and bewilderment fell on the room. When the campaign worker was asked for whom; the room went silent! It was a move that characterized this campaign.

The real question is how calculating a move this is?

The answer to that question lies in the cross tabs of polling data. What did her base of voters look like, GOP, independents, some Democrats, what issues gravitated them toward her campaign, and where they will go from here? Who will win and will the victory be a result of this decision?

As Drudge would say - still "developing"

Lights Out?

Siena Poll due to be released this morning will report a mirror image of the results from a poll earlier this week that showed Hoffman and Owens statistically tied and Scozzafava in third place.

Mayor Graham and The Independence Party folks recalibrate their commitment and abandoned the Scozzafava ship as this point as well. The word spread around town quickly that Mayor Graham was sporting a Hoffman sign. 

With big momentum events in the closing days for Hoffman and Owens is it lights out for the Scozzafava camp?

Dear Joe

The Veep is coming to town....here is a question for Dear Joe.

Do you think the economic stimulus plan is such a success with the number of jobs it created?

Then share with him their own statistics:

Some simple math:

Cost: $150,000,000,000

“Created or saved” jobs: 650,000

Cost per “created or saved” job = $230,769.23

Yes, yes it does. Joe the-vice-president Biden’s chief economist, Jared Bernstein, says: “Good news, folks…But as we applaud these unprecedented efforts in transparency and this new confirmation that the Recovery Act is successfully creating jobs across America, we are also acutely aware that even the highest estimates of jobs created or saved by the Act only partially offset the extent of job losses since the recession took hold last year. For this reason, we plan to continue to squeeze every job out of every dollar left to spend in the Recovery Act, and to do so with the same level of transparency achieved thus far.”

Yes, they are creating jobs. - successfully is open to interpretation.

If the White House had just handed $57,692..00 out to people on the street, then they could make the claim that 2.6 million people got paid like they were working. 

If you like these economics then by all means vote for Invisi-Bill.

Jumping Ship?

Some may liken these moves to the Titanic.

In an independent poll has Hoffman in a dead heat with Owens.

House Republicans are welcoming Hoffman with open arms to caucus with them.

Democrats can't figure out who to attack, which is actually quite funny, but currently they are going after Hoffman like he is the front runner.

Big finish for Hoffman coming to Watertown or is that Rich or is it Big and Rich...anyway it is a major rally.

RNC Chair Michael Steele is taking a hands off approach to the GOP candidate. 

Former Governor George Pataki has reportedly endorsed Hoffman tonight at a Conservative Party function.

Statement from Governor George E. Pataki
As someone personally engaged in the way of life in the Adirondacks and Northern New York, I’m deeply concerned about the course of our nation and the outcome of the election in the 23rd Congressional District.

Simply put, we cannot afford to give another vote to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid we cannot afford another vote for higher taxes, we cannot afford another vote for government run health care and we absolutely cannot afford another vote to take away from hard working men and women the right to secret ballot.

That is why tonight, I’m proud to endorse Doug Hoffman, a Republican, running on the Conservative line for Congress in the 23rd Congressional District.

Doug Hoffman will stand up to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. He will fight for all the residents of northern New York. He will fight for our proud servicemen and women at Fort Drum, our dairy farmers in Lowville and our manufacturers in Plattsburgh.

As a businessman, and as a life-long resident of the North Country Doug Hoffman understands the need to lower taxes on working families, the need to stand tall against terror and he won’t back phony stimulus programs that fail to create the jobs we need and leaves a mountain of debt to our children.

When elected to Congress Doug will work to reduce our taxes, he will stand tall against those who despise our freedoms and he will be a vigilant stalwart against those who would substitute government programs for individual initiative.

And Doug Hoffman can win.

I urge all the voters of the 23rd Congressional District – Republican Democrat, Independent and Conservative to come out and vote for Doug Hoffman for Congress.

If it ain't the Titanic then the deck chairs are certainly being arranged like it! 

If the Siena poll results are similar to today's poll then NY-23 is home to a huge conservative movement. 

Doug Who?

Doug a no show again!

From the Press Republican a picture says it all.

Scozzafava showed a thorough command of the issues, offering detailed answers to most questions.

Owens, while he did not stumble, kept most of his answers shorter and offered fewer details.

Guest Post

First I must say that I am a local committee member of the Republican Party and a volunteer coordinator for Assemblywomen Scozzafava. The selection of Assemblywomen Scozzafava was one of the most fair and open processes ever. The 11 county chairs allowed anyone interested in interviewing a chance to speak to all committee members in a series of interviews across this huge district. Mr. Hoffman was one of nine people who attended the interviews seeking our support. After the interview process the county chairs met to select a candidate. In Jefferson County we allow our 160 or so committee members to vote for who our chairwomen would support. At these interviews Mr. Hoffman made it very clear he felt all candidates were very well qualified and if he wasn’t selected he would support and help our candidate. In an email just two days after we made our selection Mr. Hoffman congratulated Assemblywomen Scozzafava and offered his help. Mr. Hoffman says he is a member of Glenn Beck 9.12 Project which includes principles like Honesty and sincerity, but his actions speak volumes to his commitment.

Conservative Party Chairmen Mike Long made his dissatisfaction very well known to us and his interest to run a third candidate.  If he wanted to run a Conservative Republican he could have talked with Paul Maroun a Conservative Republican who in my opinion and many others was one of our top 3 candidates. Unfortunately Mr. Hoffman was ninth in my opinion and many others who participated in the interviews.  Instead he has chosen Mr. Hoffman, who doesn’t even live in 23rd Congressional District and couldn’t even vote for himself in the November 3rd election.

On many radio shows and 30 second commercial you are provided with some misinformation or limited information on a many things. Assemblywomen Scozzafava is NOT the Working Family candidate or ACORN endorsed. Mr. Owens has the WFP line in the November 3rd election. She sponsored legislation to remove ACORN funding from the New York State budget. In her 11 years in the NYS Assembly she has voted with the Republican Conference 95% of the time. She ranks 5th out of the republicans in Albany for voting along the party line. She would NOT support the health care package as it is proposed, she is supportive of Tort reform, she favors opening state line for competitive insurance and she would oppose the Cap and Trade. On immigration reform she also stands against amnesty and for better regulations. She believes in less government spending and less taxes. She voted NO on the 2009 New York State budget which had the largest increase in spending, taxes and fees in state history. Mr. Hoffman claims this was done to help her run for Congress but this vote was well before anyone knew of Congressmen John McHugh’s appointment.  Dede also received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association.

I have known Assemblywomen Scozzafava for the 11 years I have served as village trustee and now as Mayor. Not once have I considered Assemblywomen Scozzafava a career politician. She has spent countless hours fight for our residents of Northern New York, first as Mayor of Gouverneur, and as New York State Assemblywomen. As New York State Assemblywomen she has provide our residents with exceptional services. She has always been there to assist the Village of West Carthage with any issues at the state or local level.  I question the amount and quality of services our residents and local communities will receive if either of the others were elected. They don’t even feel it is necessary to debate or answer questions on local issues before we vote.

Assemblywomen Scozzafava has worked very hard to bring money back to the North Country for projects that have improved healthcare, brought new business opportunities and created jobs. Mr. Hoffman’s pledge not to accept earmark money worries me. Assemblywomen Scozzafava has made it very clear that there needs to be reform in the system and how money is disturbed. Until changes are made I want a representative that will bring money back to the district for project that make improvements to the community. Many projects would not happen without this type of assistance. The Carthage Area Hospital has had three major projects in the last 5 years that all received earmarked money from Congressman McHugh. These projects improved healthcare to our residents, created and protected jobs, redeveloped an abandon grocery store that was the gateway to our village and is now rebuilding the downtown that was lost to a devastating fire. Hospital Administer Walter Becker would make it very clear none of this would have been possible with earmarked money. Until there is reform we need someone fighting for our district, they are going to earmark the money to someone else if Mr. Hoffman won’t accept it.

So I ask you on November 3rd vote for issues that matter to the North Country, issues that affect us close to home and not allow outside PACs and politicians with there own agenda influence our election. Please vote for Dede Scozzafava on November 3rd.



Thank You

Scott Burto

Mayor

Village of West Carthage

Not All Polls Are Polls

The Hoffman people are touting a couple of polls that show their pol in the lead. The Shepard Palin has spoken and it is time for her flock, who cannot think on their own, to follow along! All the planets are aligned and our savior has arrived!

Wait one minute, before you buy into all the information, read some interesting points about the polls from TMV.

• The Club for Growth endorsed Hoffman and just last week threw $300,000 into the race on his behalf.

• The sample size is tiny (300 people).

• The pollster that Club for Growth is using, Basswood Research — I’m sure does perfectly good work for its clients — but is not that well known** and is therefore not taking too much reputational risk with this poll. (** I’m told that Basswood does in fact do a decent amount of work for Republican candidates like Tom Coburn and Mark Sanford.)

• The number of undecideds in the poll — 22 percent — is unusual for a poll just eight days out from an election and is higher than what the public polls show.

• The poll was conducted entirely over the weekend. Although Sunday is a fairly good polling day, Saturdays are not.

• The narrative that Club for Growth constructs around the poll is that Hoffman is taking votes from Scozzafava, but the poll also shows the Democrat Owens polling quite a bit lower than he does in the public polls. It seems unlikely that Owens voters are defecting to Hoffman. Rather, if Scozzafava’s support is indeed collapsing, I’d expect Owens to be picking up some of that support in addition to Hoffman.

• The poll was released at a time when the NRCC, which has endorsed Scozzafava, is defending its position by citing the polling evidence, and so the incentive to put out some contrary evidence to alter the inflection of the media narrative is quite high.

• The poll shows that 59 percent of so-called likely voters have no opinion (or haven’t heard of) Owens, 48 percent have no opinion of Scozzafava, and 56 percent have no opinion of Hoffman.

• Only 14 percent of the likely voters in this poll are age 40 or under, as compared with about 40 percent in the Research 2000 poll.

• Previous polls put out by Basswood Research and the Club for Growth in this race featured highly leading question wording, although that does not appear to be the case here.

No One But Dede

Neither of Dede Scozzafava's opponents can address the issues like she does here, or they would be showing up to debate her. This is the Dede Scozzafava that the North Country knows and supports, knowledgeable on the issues.

Watch the News 10 Now interview.

No Shows

Do you think you can vote for anyone who is a no show at a debate even after they agreed to show up?

Owens and Hoffman were both no shows at the News10Now scheduled debate yesterday after agreeing to attend. Hoffman even agreed both verbally and in writing, can this guy be trusted with your vote - a smart person might think not!


News10Now

Gingrich on Dede

Newt Gingrich was confronted during a book signing session on why he endorsed Dede Scozzafava, listen to how he responds.



Some of his cited reasons:
Endorsed by NRA.
Opposed to Obama healthcare
She is more likely to win.
She knows the local issues.
Hoffman said publicly he does not know the local issue.

Wow, someone actually paying attention before they endorse a candidate unlike others such as Palin who probably thinks she can see New York from Alaska.

Commercials

Do you think we will see any commercials like this in the final days of the NY-23?

Probably not, the candidates are at each others throats, and Invsi-Bill-O, who is absent as usual, continues to ignore Jefferson County because Jefferson County is not included in his strategy to win.

Anyway here is a Bloomberg commercial. This guy should be running for Governor.




But if you elect Invisi-Bill-O, this is what you will get more of;

Non Political

This is not exactly a political post but we will try to tie it in.

Northern New York's Craig Conroy who stars for the Calgary Flames hockey team and is the son in law of the famed "political" restaurant, Pete's owner Tommy Costanzo is giving another home grown celebrity a run for his money.

John McHugh was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people on Capitol Hill by The Hill magazine.

Conroy was feature on this Canadian magazine cover.

Northerner New Yorkers are mighty proud of their locals, Conroy and McHugh being two of them!

Who Cares?

Glen Beck,
Sarah Palin
Steve Forbes
Michelle Bachman
Rick Santorum
Dick Armey

And who ever else wants to chime in and give the people of the 23rd Congressional district their two cents - who really cares?

Do I really care if this election redirects the national debate on the direction one political party or another?

Do I really care if this is a fight for the heart and soul of the Republican party?

Do I really care if this is a fight for the Blue Dog Democratic Party movement?


What I do care about is some of the hard line approaches taken by candidates.

For example - earmarks - it is guaranteed I do not support the current system, but until reform happens then I want my member of congress to get our fair share. Same situation with the state level member items and the leaders exclusive control of the money; the system and process is broken and needs reforming. Reform does not equal refusal.

What I do care about is Fort Drum.

What I do care about are affordable housing options in our community that depend upon a working relationships with agencies such as HUD.

What I do care about are various water and sewer system upgrades in various towns and villages that require some federal funding to maintain or upgrade.

Did I mention jobs? Ah yes, Fort Drum, jobs that depend upon people from the base getting services and products such as; oil changes, electronics, vehicles or home furnishings. Construction workers that are supported by the work in and around our area.

I do care about health care and that it is delivered to people who need it (absent of total government take over) and the quality of the facilities in our region that depend upon our member of congress.

I do care about education and even more so in a tough economy when people utilize it more while unemployed.  

Yes, Mr. Armey, I do care about the "parochial" issues, isn't funny how that works? And yes I do not care about your petty political party squabbling that you want to make this race about!

Dick, Rick, Steve, Sarah, Michelle and anyone else who wants to intrude in our 23rd Congressional race for your own selfish reasons - STAY HOME, we are bright intelligent people who can decide what is best for ourselves.

True Colors

Hoffman wagon coming unhitched?

It appears when you get down to the issues and beyond the rhetoric that may be the case.

This kind of says it all.

The problem with this easy cruise is Hoffman. He's not particularly nimble, in terms of his presentation, and it's not apparent that he has a particularly good grasp of the issues. I found this when we spoke about health care, and Jude Seymour seemed struck by some of Hoffman's non-answers before the editorial board of the Watertown Daily Times.

Read more here

But the real story of the race is another poll that shows Hoffman down 12 points, a gap that can only be closed in the final days of this race with a Hail Mary pass! You are not likely to win a race when you are down 12 points with a little over a week to go.

Hoffman is

Scozzafava is still very much a contender to win this race, statistically a dead heat between her and Invisi-Bill Owens.


The numbers: Owens 35%, Scozzafava 30%, and Hoffman 23%, with a ±4% margin of error. This is consistent with last week's Siena poll, which had Owens ahead by 33%-29%-23%.

Read more here

People waffling - a  vote for Hoffman is a vote of Owens, Hoffman can't win.

....hmmmm does that mean by extension you can tie him to Nancy Pelosi like he attempts to tie Scozzafava to her.

Open Thread

It is time for an open thread with a multitude of subjects to discuss, such as:

• Obama's war on Fox News
• The week in the campaign for the 23rd Congressional seat (plenty there to talk about)

1. Dede's police call or press conference
2. Hoffman bombed at the Times editorial board interview
3. Palin endorses Hoffman (who really cares)
4. Owens - well Owens continues his 23rd race game of hide and seek.
   

• Senator Monserrate conviction on misdemeanor assault and pending Senator Parker trial. 
• State budget fiasco and Senate Democrats continued lack of any leadership.
  

Have They Made The Grade

Let's take a look at some basic fundamentals of running a campaign and grade whether or not the Scozzafava campaign folks have passed or failed.

a. Raised campaign funds to run a successful campaign. Grade F

b. Use marketing effectively to define your candidate, never let your opponent define the candidate. Grade F

c. Campaign workers never become the news story. Grade F

d. Create a message and stay on it, do not let your opposition knock you off message. Grade F

e. Use earned media through press conference, press releases and events to highlight issues important to residents of the 23rd district. Grade F

f. Assess situations such as press conference and events for the upsides and downsides. Grade F

g. Be ready to address your weaknesses, stick to your strengths and attack your opponents weakness.  Grade F

h. Never, Never take on the media, especially the opposing media, in this case the dean of the conservatives William Kristol. Grade F

Have they done anything right? Not sure yet, there is a little less than two weeks to go, they still have time to get something right.


The situation, mood and atmosphere for this campaign was right; the country and for the most part this district was leery of being pushed to the left too far too fast. People are a bit apprehensive of the agenda in the country, this race should have been much different than the 20th Congressional race. It is, welcome 23rd CD to the conservative movement.

Novice campaign people should have been able to run this race and win it.

23rd Congressional District - Issues? Not A Chance

This race has quickly become anything but about the issues that effect the people of the 23rd District. This race is now seen as a bellwether not on the issues - on the National GOP. It has totally lost its focus on the people of the district or the day to day issues that effect us.

And thanks to people like Scozzafava campaign spokesman Matt Burns, who is suppose to understand the media and the rules of engagement, but failed to realize a basic fundamental - not make an issue a week long story instead of a day story.  Here is a taste of what we have in front of us for the remainder of this race.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Not Him

This is one New York Democrat Senator who will be watching the internal proceedings against his colleague Hiram Monserrate.

Senator Kevin Parker is likely to face the same fate as Monserrate if he is also convicted on assault charges. He was arrested on felony assault from his alleged attack on a New York Post photographer.

Parker is almost guaranteed to be a no vote for removing Monserrate. It would set a precedent that if he was also to be convicted of even a lesser misdemeanor same as Monserrate then his removal would be imminent.

My dear friend at JLL (who is an excellent blogger and good person, despite our differing opinions) crows today in PIV comments about the Democrats beating up on a strong Republican party. The first thing the Democrats in the state senate ought to be doing is cleaning their own house.

Overhaul

The Scozzafava campaign has not exactly been a text book stellar campaign.

The candidate has been underfunded from the get go and this blog has consistently preached about getting earned media, getting the candidate into print newsrooms, in TV studios and getting a presence on the internet talking about the issues.

The Owens campaign served up red meat on a platter - "Invisi-Bill" - they loaded the campaign gun and all the Scozzafava campaign had to do was fire away. 

But, the publicity the Scozzafava campaign received yesterday is NOT the earned media they needed; it is the last thing a campaign needs - campaign workers becoming distractions.

Scozzafava had enough to worry about with Hoffman and his minions on the attack 24/7, lacking any credible campaign of their own to run, except that "I am not Dede." Now, the Scozzafava campaign has ignited the far right media that has heretofore been somewhat passively (except RedState) following the campaign.

As if Scozzafava's campaign did not have enough to worry about, now they have:
Michelle Malkin
RedState
William Kristol & The Weekly Standard
The Wall Street Journal
The National Review 
and Fox News.

This is the headache the candidate did not need heading into the final weeks. In the wake of yesterday's events these media outlets will become more persistent.

This campaign has been seriously, seriously mismanaged and the candidate needs to take the reins heading into the homestretch.  

FNC vs. Obama

The war between the White House and FNC continues with this new promo shortly after Obama declared Fox isn't news.

Armey Heading To NY-23

Dick Armey is headed for the Congressional district to campaign for Hoffman.

Read: Dick Armey Heads to NY-23 for Hoffman

Meanwhile, Representative Peter King speaks the truth - just look at the polls. Hoffman surged in the last poll before which Dede lead, then as he gained points they came at the expense of Scozzafava and now Owens leads. Typical narrow minded party politics that will split a party and land the opposition in the seat.

In a statement, King made the case that voting for Hoffman will only help Democrat Bill Owens win.

“Dede is the only Republican candidate in this race, and the only candidate with a proven record that Republicans can trust in Washington,” King said. “A vote for either of her opponents is a vote for Nancy Pelosi and her far-left, radical agenda.”

Worth The Watch

NY Now from the Times Union Newspaper covers: New York's deficit, Hiram Monserrate and the 23rd Congressional Race. I would highlight specific clips, but the entire video is worth watching.

Threatened?

Obama is feeling threatened by Fox News and taking a "Nixonian" approach to attacking and declaring war with Fox News.

Should "W" have attacked MSNBC?

Listen to Karl Rove's take on it and Terry McAuliffe's defense of it and then Rove responds. Rove makes some very interesting valid points. 

Piling Up

The opposition against Hiram Monserrate is piling up. The Democratic New York Senator was convicted last week of a misdemeanor for assaulting his girlfriend and he is finding out quickly how fast his friends of the Democratic majority will dump him.

Monserrate, who was also part of the coup early this summer that deadlocked the New York State Senate is a former New York City police officer. He was welcomed by both sides during the struggle for control of the Senate at the same time he had been arrested but not yet convicted.

Several Democrats have issued cookie cutter press releases seeking to slip the noose now known as Hiram Monserrate, but he is refusing to budge and has at least one ally in Senator Ruben Diaz.

There is an entire website dedicated to him resignin: Monserrate Resign

NOW has launched an on lijne petition: Monserrate Must Go 4 Ever

Or the Albany Project: Fire Monserrate

The Democrats in the Senate majority know this issue is toxic, hence the reason they are all issuing press releases calling for his departure. The need to by pass political rhetoric in this case, put some meat on the bone and remove him. 


Will they act? If they do act it will leave the chamber temporarily short of a majority needed to pass any legislation until a special election determines the next Democrat to hold Monserrate's seat. Will the Democrats choose principles overs politics even at the risk of putting the chamber in limbo again? 

Campaign Swings

The campaigns were out in full swing yesterday. Hoffman had his office opening and Jude Seymour did a nice job on the spot. The Hoffman campaign people were in the 'hood later in the morning and the Scozzafava people made campaign stops in the area as well.

Campaign material received from the Scozzafava and Cheryl Lane for County Clerk campaign.

The War Against Dede - Debunking the Myth!

THIS IS A REPRINT, but someone did the research that proves Hoffman and Owens are blowing smoke up people's a--.

Friday’s Wall Street Journal reports on how Tea-Party conservatives are successfully trying to damage a moderate Republican’s shot at a vacant Congressional seat in Upstate New York that has long been a Republican seat. The Republican in question is Dede Scozzafava, a Republican State Assemblywoman who is running to suceed John McHugh, a Republican congressman that was tapped by President Obama to be Secretary to the Army.
Tea-Party conservatives along with other hard right activists have been trying hard to sink Scozzafava’s candidacy because of her socially liberal views on abortion and gay marriage. They have tried to paint her as a tax and spend liberal. Back in August, I wrote a blog post at Republicans United about the attacks that were then mounting against Scozzafava and I also did some digging around. Below is that that post are some of the highlights from that post showing her true record.

I decided to look into some Scozzafava’s views on various issues while in the New York legislature. There is a lot of info, but here are some of the highlights from Project VoteSmart. Let’s look at taxes:

Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Slightly Decrease e) Gasoline taxes
Slightly Decrease f) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Slightly Decrease g) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Slightly Decrease h) Sales taxes
Maintain Status i) Vehicle taxes
Undecided k) Should the state sales taxes be extended to Internet sales?
No l) Should accounts such as a ?rainy day? fund be used to balance the state budget?
No m) Should fee increases be used to balance the state budget?
Yes n) Should the New York Legislature list discretionary spending item by item in the budget?

Well, she doesn’t look like a tax and spend liberal. What about crime?

X c) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X d) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
e) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X f) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
g) Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
X h) Require that crimes based on race, ethnic background, religious belief, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X i) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X j) Eliminate the statute of limitations for criminal sex cases.
k) Eliminate the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits seeking damages in sex cases.
X l) Support the restriction of the sale of products used to make methamphetamine (e.g. tablets containing pseudophedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine).

Hmm…maybe she doesn’t support the death penalty, but she does seem to be tough on crime. What about guns?

X b) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.

No namby-pamby liberal there. One should add that Ms Scozzafava recieved a grade of “A” by the NRA Political Victory Fund in 2008 and an “F” from New Yorkers Against Gun Violence in the same year.

If that’s not enough, the liberal-leaning Albany Project blog also did some digging around and found out the shocking truth: Scozzafava is a conservative. They state:

The conclusion I draw from looking over numerous pieces of legislation is that Scozzafava on most issues is nothing more than your average Assembly Republican. Most of the votes that she did support the Democratic (or progressive) positions came when the whole Assembly voted unanimously for a bill. Scozzafava’s conservative positions are not reflected in the mainstream media, where she is labeled a “liberal” because of her stances on two social issues that, while important, should never define any candidate and should never be the sole indicator of a candidate’s ideology.
I see Scozzafava as someone who is far from the Glenn Becks of the world. But that doesn’t mean she is not conservative. The modern-day conservative is a different breed, but a lot of what Scozzafava stands for resembles an old school conservative. At best, she’s a moderate with conservative leanings. At worst, she’s a conservative Republican whose liberal stances on two social issues have given her an inaccurate label.

As I said in a recent post, what bothers many conservatives who are against Scozzafava is her stance on two social issues. Because of this she is tarred a “liberal” even though the rest of her record is pretty conservative.
If Scozzafava were to make it to Congress, my guess is she would stand with her party 80 percent of the time. Ronald Reagan had something to say about having someone as their 80 percent friend and not their 20 percent enemy. It’s too bad his supposed heirs have missed the message.

On His Watch Or Not

Paterson made a bold move today paring down spending by $5 billion dollar as a start to close this year's gap and begin on next year's deficit. 

Here is what he had to say:

"Not on my watch will I allow this state to go into default," Paterson declared. "Not on my watch will I let us fritter around and make reckless decisions at a time when the citizens of this state need leadership, leadership that looks at the big picture despite the distractions of politics and special interests...and the 24-hour news cycle."

But what he wants on his watch, other declare - not so fast!

Democrats in the Senate lead by Finance Chair Carl Kruger are not ready to stop spending. Kruger calls Paterson's plan a "doomsday atmosphere," (hmmm sounds familiar) and cautioned his fellow Democrats about going along with Paterson. Kruger even went as far as saying Paterson can't do his own job.

Kruger -

"We will not treat this as if it’s a mass hysterical fire drill," the senator said. "And I'm not going to allow him to use us as his punching bag. So if he wants to up his poll numbers and run for re-election, he won't be running against the Legislature."

It is tough to get leadership these days that understand spending within their means. 

In God We Trust

All others vote Republican or Democrat.

The Church of the Good Shepard in downtown Watertown.

Is this Hoffman Headquarters, backward flags and all?

Is this church still active, do they get public money?

Breaking News (Updated)

Siena Research Institute polling for the 23rd Congressional District to be released this morning will show Dede Scozzafava down by 4 points. That represents an 11 point swing from a recent poll that showed her 7 points up.

Frankly, as much as she is being attacked it is no wonder she is not down double digits.

Dede needs to fight back!

Update:
By a margin of 29-12, those who've seen a Scozzafava commercial say the spots make them less likely to support her, while a small plurality of those who have seen an Owens ad say it made them more likely to pull the lever for him.

Is this what the electorate is reduced to, who they will pull a lever for based a commercial? 

Enough is Enough

If you ran a company would you hire a person if you never interviewed them?

The answer should emphatically be NO!

The same should be true for the any candidate in the 23rd Congressional District. Democrat Independent Bill Owens who is willing to change his spots just to get elected is hiding behind slick commercials, Conservative Republican Doug Hoffman is hiding behind attack ads aimed at Dede Scozzafava. Neither candidate has run a campaign of substance.

To this point, neither have made themselves available to the public for a forum of questions and answers. In fact neither of the two have even made themselves available to the media. The media folks openly admit Owens and Hoffman are denying them any access other than a prepared statement.

A person who was in attendance at the Cape Vincent grip and grin on Sunday for Bill Owens came away with the impression that Mr. Owens is quite confident about victory and gives off the impression he does not need nor care about Jefferson County in order to win. Would you elect someone from three hours away that you never met and has this kind of attitude?  In a community where Fort Drum equals boom or bust; the answer to that question should emphatically be NO!

Mr. Owens has never faced an issue that he would prefer to address, time after time he deflects an issue and does not take a position and repeatedly admits to not being informed. Such as today: "I feel very strongly about the fact that people should not make speculative pronouncements about issues that they are not fully informed about" if he is not informed of the issues then why should he be elected. 

Doug Hoffman, who does not even live in the 23rd Congressional district, is baseless in his campaign. He is really not a contender to win, but attempting to be nothing but a spoiler. Here is a quote from Hoffman that proves the that point. "There's only 20 days left . . . but we have her on the run" Are the people of North Country prepared to fall for this bull-hit, are they willing to throw an election for this crap?

Dede Scozzafava is the only person known to the constituents in the North Country, you know her record, which is being distorted by her opponents. You have probably in several cases had the opportunity to speak with her in person.

According to media sources she is the only candidate making herself available to them, although one could argue she needs to do more. Dede should be holding public forums on her own, whether the other two attend or not is up to them to explain. Dede should be getting in front of the media and talking about the issues, flushing the others out.

Come out from hiding Doug and Bill!

If they don't then they simply do not deserve a vote, either vote for Dede or write in someone you know and like!

Fragmented Senate Democrats

If you wonder why the New York State Senate cannot get anything done and is ineffective take a look at this graphic composed by Cap Confidential.

Senator Aubertine is grouped with the "Klavino" group, which is the most loosely formed faction named after Sens Klein and Savino. The entire graphic is a fairly bold presentation.

Blood Sport

ft there is any doubt that politics is a blood sport just watch this commercial. The New Jersey Governor's race is a bloody race about as ugly as two party politics gets these days. Incumbent Democratic Governor Jon Corzine is now taking a subliminal jab his opponent Chris Christie's weight. Corzine's ad uses the term "threw his weight around" and shows Christie unfavorably exiting  a vehicle while running text over his face and clearly the focus of the shot is mid body.

Critics say offending obese people personally will backfire - they are right it should.

Adrenaline Shot

Local governments just received a boost in their sales tax collection with the summer cash for clunkers program.

AP covers the story of how the clunkers program boosted not only car sales, but state and local governments sales tax collections, here.

Government debt to boost government revenue, you might say that works, right? In reality the clunkers program actually does little for local government but buy a little time before they must face the inevitable.

Watertown Defeats Plattsburgh

Football or Politics?

Well, for now it is football with the Watertown Red and Black defeating the Plattsburgh Northstars for the EFL football championship, but soon another race will determine whether or not Watertown can repreat over Plattsburgh in the 23rd Congressional race.

The race may just simply come down to access - where do you want your Representative in Congress to come from, next door or 3 hours away?

In race after political race North Country voters have shown parochialism is a strong factor in determining their choice for office!

So here is a continuation of rooting for the home team - Congratulations Red and Black

Open Thread

A good open thread topic: the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama for making speeches.

Have at!

Say You

Less than one week before the Obama was awarded NPP, Gore Vidal (cousin to Al Gore) famous and often described as America's greatest essayist and best selling novelist who is known for his curmudgeon style had this to say about Obama.

"I was like everyone else when Obama was elected – optimistic. Everything we had been saying about racial integration was vindicated," he says, "but he's incompetent. He will be defeated for re-election. It's a pity because he's the first intellectual president we've had in many years, but he can't hack it. He's not up to it. He's overwhelmed.

He regrets changing his support from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama. 

Read more here.

It is a fascinating article, but conservatives beware, this guy and article is anything but one.

Family Feud

Do you think Governor David Paterson has issues with Senator Darrel Aubertine? It certainly appears that way with all the flaps (NYPA, et al) these two seem to experience.

The Governor has thrown another anvil off the roof while Aubertine walked by, this time upending Aubertine's promise to bring road and bridge projects to upstate in exchange for his support of the MTA bailout. Even the NY Times took the bait, dubbing Aubertine the “North Country One” who was able to bring Albany to a screeching halt to win his demands.

Senator Darrel Aubertine, May 2009 - "What we’ve gotten along with this legislation is a renewed commitment to Upstate which will ensure road and bridge projects throughout the state will be a priority as we put together a five-year plan.”

Yesterday the Governor rejected any five year upstate road and bridge plan as "simply unaffordable",

Paterson is more concerned about cutting the deficit in the budget while the legislators are concerned about spending more it seems. Paterson has requested their assistance to cut spending and correct the mid year $3 billion dollar deficit, but Aubertine and company are sprinkling money around their districts like candy and Paterson has responded. 

Is it just a case of disjointed priorities between the two or are there deeper divisions?

Which Is It?

Which is it? Is the ad from the NRCC attacking Doug Hoffman, but does it give Hoffman credibility or does it rightfully point out his shortcomings? Which is it?


The response from Hoffman spokesman Rob Ryan will make you bust a gut - "So the NRCC is getting desperate and throwing mud."

Uhmmmmm, wait a minute - oh that is right - Hoffman's entire campaign has been slinging mud at Dede Scozzafava. Com'on you are a professional hit man for politicians, most certainly you can be more original than that, right?

Do They Get It?

If the Scozzafava campaign people have learned anything they should have one lesson down by now - the one issue Hoffman campaign will leap at any opportunity to paint her as a liberal!

If they continue to diddle around with the Working Families Party (WFP) they are playing with fire and no doubt will get burned beyond imagination. The attacks would be relentless and endless if she accepted this line.

Just like another quality campaign message - the Scozzafava campaign should just SAY NO to the WFP and say it now publicly!

The WFP is a toxic line poisoned by scandals, voter fraud, front organizations funneling money around campaigns and close association with scorched groups like ACORN. The electorate has seen all they need to see to understand their mission is seriously flawed.

There should be - no - none - zip - nada - in terms of hesitation on the Scozzafava campaign to say no thanks to this line and remove some imagery that she is being broad brushed with by Hoffman. Let Owens have the line the votes at all cost are not worth the association, if the Scozzafava is principled as their commercial states, then show it.

GOP Fall Dinner

The elephants have scheduled their fall dinner for October 16th at Bonnie Castle and will feature the GOP slate of candidates; Dede Scozzafava, Cheryl Lane, John Hallett and several legislators and local elected officials.

The guest speaker that evening will be Dean Skelos, New York State Minority leader. It will be guaranteed that Skelos will serve up some red meat to motivate the GOP as 2010 will be his last election cycle to regain the majority before reapportionment, which will relegate the minority party to a state of oblivion for many years to come.

His message (just a guess):

• The Democrats in the Senate are not ready to lead as demonstrated this year.
• The budget was disastrous this year and it passed with 32 Democrats voting in favor and 30 GOP against and claiming one vote (hint who he will name) could have stopped the budget. 
• Voting records of certain members (hint who he will name) and their similarities to NYC voting, where is their allegiance. 
  
• $13 billion increase in spending and $11 billion in taxes this year in one of the worse economic times we have seen recently was irresponsible. 

Will the message be well receive and be enough to generate enthusiasm, show up to see. Also, will Skelos provide a glimpse of perhaps a new direction the GOP would take the state in a majority leadership in the Senate - that might be refreshing to hear for a change!

JC Legislators Prepare For Halloween

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Where Are They Now

The etiquette patrol only seems to appear to criticize the Republicans. It is funny how they are never around when the Democrats have diarrhea of the mouth.

Central Florida freshman Congressman Alan Grayson props and all!

Followed up in an interview on CNN with
Republicans he believes are obstructing health care reform are "foot-dragging, knuckle-dragging Neanderthals."

Mr Grayson it is your party that has control of every policy making piece of the federal government - President, Senate and House - pass the bills that you feel are necessary. If Democrats feel discourse and debate on major legislation is unnecessary, by all means pass the bills.

The Portrait of Georges

George Pataki had his portrait unveiled last week at the capital.

Interesting similarity in every aspect of the portrait; position of the arms, legs and depth of the background, except George Pataki is missing his cannon.

More Mud Please

The mud slingers from the wild wild west are still at it, at least it is a slight improvement in production quality from the pre-school production with the dancing gift.

NY-23


This is one of the NRCC's recent releases. Where are the jobs.

No Show

Democrat, Independence, Democrat in waiting candidate Bill Owens was a no show at a voter's forum held in his hometown.

Owens who has been evasive on the issues and consistently answered questions on issues with - I'll have to read more on it or I'll have to review it further - failed to show up for a forum that would have flushed answers out on issues important to the voter's of the 23rd Congressional district.

Someone needs to organize another forum and the candidates stances on issues should be known to voters. Glossy commercials should not be the determining factor in who you vote for in this election. If Owens continues to hide how could anyone vote for him?


Owens No Show

SNL Skewers The Great One

Leadership

Erie County Executive Chris Collins gets it!

Collins is proposing a budget that shifts county provided services to non governmental organizations who provide the same service. "Collins says he wants to streamline county government, support non-profits when possible and lessen Erie County’s legacy costs for retiree health care, now forecast at around $890 million."

His driving statement in the article - "It is my strong belief that Erie County should not be competing with local not-for-profit or community organizations that have the expertise, ability and willingness to provide these services to county residents"

His county budget proposes a spending increase of only .2%.

Refreshing leadership this guy actually believes in assessing county government functions and separating core services from those other services that can be provided more efficiently by others.

Read: Drops more services county has provided

Dede Is On The Air

Finally, a message from the Scozzafava campaign! Dede is up with a TV ad. Now, get out in front and make the other campaigns start reacting, start driving the message and debate.

 

There They Go Again

Instead of getting out in front of their candidate, defining her and controlling the message the tail (Hoffman campaign) is wagging the dog (Scozzafava campaign) like a puppy chewing a shoe.

The Club for Growth has introduced a new ad for Hoffman today with the same old tired message and the Scozzafava campaign workers are crazy running around dropping press releases (below) responding to the ad.

“Dishonest Doug is probably demoralized by today’s poll numbers, which show he’s totally unelectable. Still, that’s no excuse for Dishonest Doug and his special interest supporters to distort Dede’s record of principled leadership. Someone should probably let Dishonest Doug know that perpetuating lies with $250,000 in special interest money won’t make them true. Voters of the 23rd Congressional District, where Dishonest Doug doesn’t even live, are already rejecting his negative campaign.”

Television Ad
Claim: Narrator: “In Albany, Scozzafava voted for bank bailouts and last year’s huge Paterson tax-and-spend budget.”
Text on screen: “Scozzafava Backs Paterson Budget”
Facts: David Paterson did not become Governor until March 17, 2008.  The 2008-2009 Executive Budget the Club For Growth cites in its advertisement was introduced by then-Governor Spitzer on January 22, 2008. It was NOT David Paterson’s budget.  The only budget David Paterson introduced was this year’s, which Dede voted against – in its entirety.  The ad is false.

Who the heck cares which Governor introduced what budget? They missed the whole point! Let Hoffman crash and burn on his own, it will happen if you quit reacting and providing their campaign credence. Today's Siena poll found 71% of the people in the district do not even know Hoffman, yet this ad released today does not even mention him. His campaign does not have a message other than I am not Dede.  IGNORE THEM.

Get on message folks, define your candidate, start taking some stances on issues and make your opponents react; tell people they she will not support the current direction the federal government is moving, tell people she does not support any more bailouts, buyouts or government control of private sector business, craft a health care position, on and on.

Get some marketing out on the internet, TV, radio, direct mail, etc that carries a message, just get with it!

 

Face Reality

Dede Scozzafava's spokesperson and campaign people need a good dose of reality, stop the whining and run a campaign.

The statement they issued (here) prior to the release of the Siena poll is attempting to brace people for something they are not prepared to deal with in reality - it will be closer than they like.

"Since John McHugh's confirmation, Dede has been under constant attack by her opponents and their special-interest backers;

Dede's opponents and their supporters have already aired hundreds-of-thousands of dollars of television advertisements;"

Ok, so what is their point? That is how campaigns are run; you promote yourself and attack your opponent or preferably their positions. If the opponent is controlling the message and your poll numbers are closer than they would like, then do something about it, CONTROL THE MESSAGE!

The people in the Scozzafava campaign need to drop their training wheels and start running a campaign.