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NY: Talk of New Governor Leaving; Bruno To Lead
Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 March 2008 02:17 Written by rslcpol Tuesday, 25 March 2008 01:48
Man, if this keeps up in New York, they’re going to have to rename the state North New Jersey.
If Governor Paterson resigns or is forced from office before the end of his term, the state Senate majority leader, Joseph Bruno, would serve as the acting governor until the next November general election.A new election could occur as early as this fall if Mr. Paterson, who is under scrutiny for his use of campaign funds to pay for hotel rooms, clothing, and other expenses, steps down more than three months before Election Day, which is November 4. Voters would then elect a governor and lieutenant governor.A resignation by Mr. Paterson within three months of Election Day or later would allow Mr. Bruno to remain acting governor until the next general election, when an election for a governor and lieutenant governor would take place. The state constitution’s rules on succession were reported in the New York Post yesterday. A Senate official told The New York Sun that the report was accurate.
Posted under Dems Behaving Badly, State Legislature News | No Comments
NY: Sen. Bruno Happy Truth Came Out About Spitzer
Last Updated on Tuesday, 25 March 2008 02:24 Written by rslcpol Tuesday, 25 March 2008 12:31
We think the only person NOT happy about the truth coming out on this is Mr. Spitzer. And maybe Governor Paterson. Ding, ding, ding, ding.
ALBANY – Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno claimed vindication yesterday – and blasted the Albany County DA – with new revelations of then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s deep involvement in the Dirty Tricks Scandal.”I feel great that the truth comes out, and I have a great comfort level, and I thank The Post for providing the leadership,” said Bruno (R-Rensselaer).
He spoke after the disclosure that former Spitzer Communications Director Darren Dopp admitted under oath to the district attorney that the disgraced ex-governor had urged on the plot to use the State Police to damage Bruno – despite Spitzer’s public claims to the contrary.
Posted under Dems Behaving Badly, State Legislature News | 1 Comment
NY: Looks Like the end for ‘Troopergate’
Last Updated on Thursday, 20 March 2008 10:22 Written by rslcpol Thursday, 20 March 2008 10:22
Members of Troop F, which has headquarters in the Town of Wallkill, said they had known of his retirement since Wednesday.
The New York Post reported today that Felton was forced out by new Gov. David Paterson because Paterson perceived that Felton helped former Gov. Eliot Spitzer smear Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.
Paterson asked for the resignation of former Gov. Spitzer’s executive staff and every agency commissioner yesterday, the Post reported.
Posted under Attorney General News, Dems Behaving Badly, State Legislature News | No Comments
Another New York Dem Sex Scandal?
Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 March 2008 10:12 Written by rslcpol Wednesday, 19 March 2008 10:07
Who knew that’s why they made such a great ticket?
Paterson, a Democrat who was sworn in on Monday, admitted yesterday to having had several extramarital affairs, but contended they all ended years ago. He was informed by The Post in the morning that at least one news organization had been notified he had recently been involved with a woman from Brooklyn.Paterson denied the claim.
But a few hours later, Dixon called The Post to say she had received a message from Paterson inquiring about whether she was talking to the press.
Posted under Dems Behaving Badly, Lieutenant Governor News | 1 Comment
NY: Former Gov. Spitzer’s Replacement Admits Affair
Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 09:40 Written by rslcpol Tuesday, 18 March 2008 09:40
With his predecessor’s term doomed by a sex scandal, brand-new Gov. David Paterson tried to come clean about his own skeletons just hours after assuming office by acknowledging a years-old affair.
Paterson was sworn in almost exactly a week after allegations first surfaced that former Gov. Eliot Spitzer was “Client 9” of a high-priced call girl service. Responding to rumors circulating in Albany, Paterson and his wife, Michelle, told the Daily News of New York City that both had affairs during a rough patch in their marriage several years ago.
“This was a marriage that appeared to be going sour at one point,” Paterson told the Daily News. “But I went to counseling and we decided we wanted to make it work. Michelle is well aware of what went on.”
Posted under Dems Behaving Badly, Lieutenant Governor News | No Comments
NY: Lawmakers React To New Gov’s Speech
Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 March 2008 10:57 Written by rslcpol Tuesday, 18 March 2008 09:02
Who remembers the team building spirit of Eliot Spitzer’s inaugural address in January of 2007 when he said:”Like Rip Van Winkle, the legendary character created by New York author Washington Irving, New York has slept through much of the past decade while the rest of the world has passed us by,” while outgoing Governor George Pataki sat nearby. Nice touch of class by Mr. Spitzer. Thankfully, it appears Mr. Paterson has shown some restraint in his inaugural remarks.
– Former Gov. George Pataki: “Whenever New York has faced a challenge or a difficult time we come together. And David Paterson is the type of person who will work well to bring people together. We have to put aside politics and partisanship and work in the public’s interest.”
– Attorney General Andrew Cuomo: “Gov. David Paterson … has the experience, skills and personality needed to lead this state. The recent negative developments on Wall Street serve to illustrate that significant challenges lie ahead. The governor is exactly right: We must all work together to move this state forward.”
– Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady: “His leadership skills are needed – and will be tested – more than ever, as New York struggles with a nearly $5 billion budget deficit, some of the nation’s highest property taxes, an economy – especially upstate – that is hurting and a state fiscal deadline of April 1 that is upon us.”
Posted under Attorney General News, Lieutenant Governor News, State Legislature News | No Comments
NY: New Governor Talks Tax Hike
Last Updated on Friday, 14 March 2008 11:21 Written by rslcpol Friday, 14 March 2008 10:43
Maybe the new Democrat Governor will also increase taxes on high dollar escort services…call it the 871 Bill.
Although Paterson vowed to continue with Spitzer’s policy not to raise taxes further, Paterson said the tax hike intends to target only those earning more than $1 million a year. The tax increase for big earners was an idea from the Democrat-led New York state assembly.It is expected, though, to be resisted by Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. “Senate Republicans will not be a party to such a massive new tax increase in this, or any other state budget,” Bruno said. He warned that more taxes may drive New Yorkers out of their houses and the state.
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How Spitzer’s Resignation Affects Albany
Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 March 2008 02:34 Written by rslcpol Wednesday, 12 March 2008 02:32
The wily Democratic majority leader of the Assembly, who took a back seat on many issues to Mr. Spitzer, could fill a power vacuum left by the governor’s departure, at least during Mr. Paterson’s transition. “Silver knows when to play and when to lie low,” said Alan Chartock, a University at Albany professor.
…
The Senate majority leader gets along well with Mr. Paterson, the former Senate minority leader. The Republicans now hold 32 seats in the senate, to the Democrats’ 30, so the loss of one seat will create a tie. But because the position of lieutenant governor will not be filled for the remainder of Mr. Paterson’s term, and because the lieutenant governor casts tiebreaking votes in the Senate, the question of who controls the Senate may remain an open one, even if the Democrats pick up a seat.
Posted under Dems Behaving Badly, State Legislature News | No Comments
Source: Spitzer to Resign This Morning
Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 March 2008 09:58 Written by rslcpol Wednesday, 12 March 2008 09:38
From WCBS:
NEW YORK (CBS) ? Eliot Spitzer, the 54th governor of the state of New York, will resign Wednesday morning, a high-ranking official tells CBS 2’s Andrew Kirtzman.
Spitzer will announce his decision during an 11:30 news conference from his office.
A state official told the Associated Press that the resignation will be effective Monday. Lt. Gov. David Paterson would then be sworn in as the state’s 55th governor.
Here’s a profile on his successor – Lt. Governor David Paterson.
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NY: Spitzer Investigation Politically Motivated?
Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 March 2008 12:57 Written by rslcpol Tuesday, 11 March 2008 11:54
Quick show of hands, who remembers how they finally caught up with Al Capone? That’s right – they got him on financial misdeeds – not the other crimes he committed. You have hand it New York’s Democrat Governor Eliot Spitzer (who once thought himself more of a Ness and less of a Capone we’re sure), at least he didn’t make things worse for himself by denying any of the things that have happened here.
You read the coverage of this mess as it unfolds, and what comes into focus is a guy who thinks the laws of this country apply to everybody else – and not himself. A guy who has, apparently, repeatedly used the services of this online prostitution service – with little regard for family, public, or self. And who knows how deep and sinister this international prostitution ring really goes – it’s not like the people who run this thing are the bingo hall ladies from St. Agnes the Redeemer (not a real church). They’re, AT BEST, organized crime (think mob types), and possibly closer to folks with links to international terrorists. Think it’s a stretch? Give it time, something even more sinister will bubble to the surface on this whole mess.
Oh, and on the whole he’s resigning, he’s not resigning thing when this all broke. We can’t take credit for the thought, but will echo it. CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin made the point the other night that Spitzer’s lack of resignation is part of a plea bargaining strategy to have his charges reduced. In short, he’ll tell prosecutors that he’ll resign as Governor if they reduce the charges. That Eliot Spitzer, always thinking like a lawyer – that’s probably brilliant and clinical legal thinking, but seriously flawed political and personal thinking. We’re afraid this former Democrat A.G. is on a collision course with reality real quick.
Heck of a Valentine’s Day present Governor Spitzer gave himself isn’t it?
The top question that remains in the case as of Tuesday morning was whether Spitzer would resign as governor of New York. If he does, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson would take his place.
But there are also questions about whether the original investigation into Spitzer’s money transfers may have been politically motivated.
Spitzer made a lot of enemies on Wall Street when he was New York State Attorney General. His office was responsible for banks separating its investment banking and research functions, which Spitzer claimed were too close for ethical comfort. His investigations into market timing, where brokers made multiple or late trades in mutual funds for hedge fund clients, resulted in firms paying billions of dollars in fees.
Posted under Attorney General News, Dems Behaving Badly | 1 Comment