Winners and Losers

We felt like it would be fun to point out some of our recent winners and losers in New York State politics over the last several days. We hope many of our readers will concur with our assessments. Feel free to add others to either category in the comments section, or debate why we are wrong in our analysis.

Biggest Losers:

Governor David Paterson - Putting Tiger Woods aside, we don't think anyone can deny that this guy wins the gold medal for the biggest loser. Our 55th Governor of the State of New York has racked up a long list of stupidness: pending ethics violations over accepting World Series tickets, covering up sexual abuse scandal with state resources and direct calls to police to save his body man, rumors of various affairs including one with a state employee that he admitted when he first came to office, proposed tax increases on all sorts of goodies, appointing Kirsten Gillibrand to a US Senate seat and a general gross mismanagement of the state's runaway budget deficit. Paterson's story is playing out like a bad scene from the Jersey Shore. Good riddance.

Congressman Eric Massa- Rumors are abound that the House ethics committee will investigate whether Massa had sexually abused a male staffer and will be retiring at the end of 2010. Just wait for the attack dogs and Democratic colleagues alike to call for his resignation. A special election like the one in New York 23 might be just around the corner.

Congressman Charlie Rangel - Rangel is caught up in some compromising ethics violation(s). Politico reported that, "the catalyst for Rangel's removal came last week, when the ethics committee ruled that he had broken House gift rules by accepting corporate-sponsored travel to the Caribbean." He has now lost his chairmanship of the powerful Ways and Means Committee that writes tax policy after serving the House for 39 years. Is there anymore to say about that? Owens is counting his lucky starts that he didn't have to vote on removing Rangel of his chairmanship.

New York State Democrats - How many Democratic Governors can New York blow through without looking ridiculous? Spitzer, Paterson, State Senator Monserrate, Massa and Rangel have seriously damaged the party brand in New York. Are these leaders a reflection of the Democratic party as a whole? The budget is a mess, taxes are high, businesses are moving out of state, party leaders getting greedy and Harold Ford said he got out of the primary race because the party in New York State Democrats aren't strong enough to deal with the pressure and still win. All bets are off in 2010.

Congressman Bill Owens - Our new representative is talking about jobs recently, but he is about to lose his own for voting for socialized medicine that includes all sorts of perverse carve-outs for other states, increased taxes and cuts to Medicare. If he flip-flops on the health care vote he will discourage his base of Democrat supporters. If he votes for it he loses the election to whatever candidate(s) that run against him. It is a tough spot to be in, but Pelosi and Obama are the ones who got him to Washington and he owes it to them. Ironically, Pelosi and Obama, the same people who got Owens elected, are the same people who are going to get him run out of office.

Assemblyman Will Barclay - His campaign will not answer our questions and the candidate is not being open with the public. Michael Baucus of the Barclay campaign responded to an e-mail request to get 3-5 of our 20 questions answered with this lame response: "Will Barclay would be more than pleased to answer each of those twenty questions if he becomes a candidate for Congress. If you live in the 23rd Congressional District, all you have to do is attend any scheduled candidates debate, stand up, identify yourself and state your question. Will Barclay would, of course, afford any district voter the same opportunity." So for our readers -- feel free to ask your questions when you see Barclay on the campaign trail. But good luck getting your questions answered.

Mayor Jeff Graham - If Mort Zukerman had given up control of his media empire to run for US Senate, Jeff Graham could have made a quick move to cut into the media mogul's huge national market. Graham is still doing well with his blog and radio show. But had Zukerman officially gotten into the race, Graham could have capitalized and made it big.

USA Men's Olympic Hockey Team - Team USA were the underdogs, no doubt. We played hard but only got the silver medal -- unfortunately, second place is the first loser. And you lost to Canada!

The Watertown Daily Times - The Times falls into the loser category because they are awful almost every week. Any objections?

Winners:

Andrew Cuomo - Love him or hate him or just don't care, this guy is undoubtably going to be the Democratic nominee for Governor. For the sake of our state, lets just pray he is better than Spitzer and Paterson.

Harold Ford Jr. - He got out of the Democratic US Senate primary just in time. The New York Democratic establishment was about to eat the guy up and spit him out. He saved his reputation and now maybe he can make a run for Charlie Rangel's seat.

Bruce Blakeman - Media mogul Mort Zuckerman is pulling out of the US Senate race against Gillibrand and that opening gives Blakeman a clearer shot at the GOP nomination. Gillibrand's negatives are so high that the Lewis county dog-catcher could make it a competitive race in year where Republicans were able to win in Massachusetts.

Ann Marie Buerkle - We haven't talked about our neighbor district to the south-west, but they have a battle brewing for the congressional Republican nomination to challenge Representative Dan Maffei in NY-25. Buerkle is winning Republican and Conservative endorsements for her race at a blistering pace. What's Up NY-23 isn't offering its endorsement yet, but is predicting Buerkle is on the best path to become the GOP nominee for that race.

Darrel Aubertine - Getting beat up by New York City press for opposing a liberal farm workers bill isn't always a bad thing for an upstate Democrat. He is also now a member of the fiscal watch force. Let's see what he does with it.

Mike Long - The Conservative Party Chairman has been gaining credibility across the state and has to be taken seriously by Republicans at every level because of the fusion voting system in the state and the conservative movement's ability to tap into voter discontent.

Patty Ritchie - Even though Ritchie has been attacked on the Lewis and Oswego blogs, she is still the frontrunner for the 48th Senate district race. Whoever gets the nod could make it a race for the ages against Aubertine. There is still a lot of time left, but Ritchie has positioned herself and it doesn't look like Matt Doheny is going to jump races as we move into the spring.

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey - Duprey seems to be handling her competition for the GOP nomination with stride. David Kimmel has yet to make the kind of impact that conservatives had hoped for, which may leave the door open for Paul Maroun or another candidate to jump into the race at this early stage. There is still time for Kimmel to make his case for the nomination, but each day that Kimmel lags is another day Duprey is counting her blessings.

NewzJunky.com - Just because they are better than the Watertown Daily Times.

SU Men's Basketball Team - First time the Orange have been ranked #1 in years. Congrats and Go Orange!

Bad Timing for Bruce Blakeman to Announce for US Senate

The big political news today is the US Senate race in Massachusetts between Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown. It seems like everyone is talking about Brown's surprising momentum in the polls and President Obama's visit to Boston today. On top of that story is news out in New York that Governor Paterson was allegedly seen kissing a much, much younger woman at a New Jersey restaurant.

The Paterson controversy may create a bigger opening for Andrew Cuomo's inevitable decision to run for Governor, but that controversy, combined with all eyes focused on the Massachusetts Senate race, the tragedy in Haiti and the ongoing NFL playoffs, certainly made for bad timing on Bruce Blakeman's announcement to run for US Senate. With everything going on today not many people were paying much attention to a long shot Republican named Blakeman, who was a former Nassau County Legislator, former candidate for State Comptroller and candidate for New York City Mayor last year.

For those of you unfamiliar with Blakeman, he was beaten badly by Carl McCall in 1998 for Comptroller and just last year dropped out of the mayoral race against Michael Bloomberg, who he later endorsed. At Blakeman's announcement today was Former US Senator Al D'Amato who was a prominent supporter of current US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. His remarks I am told were focused on security, cutting spending, creating jobs and promoting middle class values.

The good news for Blakeman, however, is that it appears he could have a clear run at the Republican nomination. Rudy is out, Liz Feld has taken her name out of consideration, Pataki has been MIA, Congressman King has stated publicly he is not interested in the promotion and Susan Molinari recently announced she would not make a run. If the field is totally clear it could help rally Republicans and be a shot in the arm for Blakeman's bare bones, upstart campaign.

On the Democratic side Gillibrand, in a sign of possible desperation, mixed things up late last week by coming out against the President's new proposal to tax the financial services industry. In her effort to flank Harold Ford's credibility among Wall Street executives, she may have put herself at odds with the sitting President who is doubling down on a populist approach to recover TARP money spent on freeing up credit, buying off toxic assets and bolstering support of the automotive and real estate industries. Just recently the President's spokesman announced the White House's opposition to Harold Ford's primary challenge, but with Gillibrand's public opposition to a key Obama policy decision, national support may dwindle considerably, especially in light of a new poll that came out last week showing Kirsten Gillibrand in a vulnerable position.

Gillibrand still leads Ford in a head to head match-up, but only by 19 points. More troubling, however, was Gillibrand's pitifully low 24% voter approval rating. A quarter of those polled had no opinion of Gillibrand at all. The image of Gillibrand is that she is a mediocre politician who lacks the charisma and gravitas New York Democrats are used to. According to a New York Post article today Gillibrand has, "failed to capture the hearts and minds of New Yorkers the way her outsized forbears - Bobby Kennedy, Pat Moynihan and Hilliary Clinton - did." It's going to be hard to keep up with everything in New York State politics in the next few months. I expect we will see a lot more horse-trading, posturing and positioning among politicos on both sides of the aisle as we move into February. It looks like Blakeman and Gillibrand will both have their work cut out for them in the next several months.

Fielding Statewide Candidates for Senate & Governor

Here's a brief update of the statewide political news from yesterday that we didn't get a chance to really cover. Races are heating up so you better buckle your seat belt for some bumpy political roads ahead.

It looks like lobbyist Susan Molinari won't be running for US Senate after all. Neither will Congressman Peter King. Molinari conveniently cited family reasons, as did King. But in King's defense he does have a pretty good job. What Republican would honestly give up a key post on the Homeland Security Committee for a chance to meet Gillibrand/Ford in round 2? And Lazio made it crystal clear that he just isn't interested in US Senate race either. Love him or hate him, Lazio's response to former Senator Alfonse D'Amato's appeal to switch races yesterday was simply funny to read. Lazio basically gave Al an upper-cut to the chin with the statement below, even though according to the New York Post it looks like Ed Cox favors Chris Collins for Governor. Here is Team Lazio's response to D'Amato,

Today's story only proves how nervous Andrew Cuomo is about Rick Lazio. His camp knows that Rick Lazio represents something new and fresh while Andrew Cuomo is part of the same old Albany gang that has failed us. To be clear, Rick Lazio is running for Governor, and under no circumstances will he switch to run for Senate. End of story.

I would believe him, except his press aide didn't put an exclamation point at the end of the statement!!! But really, it does now looks like the winner of the Lazio/Collins match-up will face the winner of the Paterson/Cuomo/Levy brawl.

And for the record, we here at What's Up NY-23 don't believe that the Levy criticism, that he is a "stalking horse" for Cuomo, is fair or warranted at this early juncture of the race. Everyone is entitled to run for public office. Whether Steve Levy's candidacy is or is not really a "stalking horse" for another candidate is a debatable point, yes. But in the end it is really Levy's choice. Besides you can never tell what might happen in those three-way races. Stranger things have happened -- remember the history of NY-23! With that said, I conclude that this is truly What's Up in NY-23. It's what I live for -- it really is New York politics at its best.

Big Wind Becoming a Big Political Issue in NY-23

One of the biggest local issues people seem to be following is the PILOT in Jefferson County. Today we have the chance to get a broader sense from a private citizen named Jonathan Hirschey from Cape Vincent who has done some research into some of the issues associated with "Big Wind." And he brings forth some very compelling arguments against its expansion into Northern New York.

Mr. Hirschy also makes the claim that a majority of Cape Vincent town board had contracts with the wind developers when his father ran for Town Supervisor, and that those board members stood to gain financially from the expansion of Big Wind. This interview begs the question as to whether small town politicians and Big Wind are colluding in an effort to sell out our jobs, federal tax dollars and our environment for some personal financial gain. As political races in NY-23 build steam it will be interesting to see which candidates side with or against Big Wind. This is developing into a major local issue that candidates will eventually need to take a clear position on (don't count on the Watertown Times to keep them honest). To see why all the politicians are so quiet and why ordinary citizens are so outspoken, read on!

Buggs Buddy Question: Thank you for your time Jonathan. I am interested to know what are some of the most important things you have learned about wind development since the debate came to the eastern shores of Lake Ontario?

Jonathan Hirschey Response: Sure, I started researching wind energy after my father ran for office of Town Supervisor to address blatant conflicts on the Town Board. Otherwise, I hesitate to admit, I may not have given this the time and energy I otherwise would have. Thank God I did.

The most important thing I have learned is that wind energy is grossly misunderstood by the general population and that most people, like I was, are under the false assumption that it will lower our energy costs, our taxes, and significantly reduce greenhouse gases - it will not do any of these. I have learned that wind energy is not a good source of renewable energy - actually, considering the expansive amount of land you have to use, which is a finite resource - it shouldn't qualify as renewable at all. I have learned that people who thought that pursing wind energy is a good idea, didn't know all the facts, and, as I was, were very surprised when they heard them. I have learned wind energy is a very complex subject (I struggle even with a master's degree) and the developers rely on this to deceive the general public. I have learned that wind energy is a way for foreign companies like British Petroleum (UK) and Acciona (Spain) to tap into our Federal Stimulus dollars. There are plenty of subsidies in Great Britain too, but it should be of interest that they are still pulling out of those markets because our subsidies make the US market even more lucrative. I have learned that wind energy is about money, not pursuing a renewable resource. I have learned a single turbine would not be standing if it were not for the enormous economic subsidies our government has made available - probably because they are misinformed, just like I was. I have learned not a single turbine would have been erected without huge subsidies because economically, it does not make sense.

I have learned that, contrary to popular belief, producing power with wind will not decrease our dependence on foreign oil. I have learned that a major pretext developers are using to push wind energy is to say it will reduce our carbon emissions - it won't. I have learned that if humans were eliminated from the earth, there would only be a 0.28% reduction in greenhouse gases, since most of the greenhouse gases are naturally occurring anyway. And what part of that 0.28% do you think building turbines will have an effect on? A very small part. I have learned that the promises made by the wind developers in terms of the jobs they will create and the prosperity they will bring are empty promises. They don't create the jobs, and the efficiency is less than they claim it to be.

I have learned that the Maple Ridge developer in Lewis County, Flat Rock, is suing the municipalities to get their money back because they lost their Empire Zone status. The same law firm that is suing Lowville to get their money back is representing the wind developer for Galloo Island. They lost empire status because they didn't really create jobs, like they said they would. Instead they lost their status because Flat Rock "claimed it created jobs when it actually just transferred employees from one entity to the other." I have learned that building hundreds of turbines it is not environmentally responsible and changes the surroundings for generations. I have learned that wind energy just doesn't produce that much power, relatively speaking. One nuclear plant can produce about 1500 megawatts with a capacity value of almost 100 percent. This is extremely important because you need "base-load" power. We will always need to rely on traditional power plants other than wind, since the wind doesn't blow all the time. The capacity of wind factories started out at 8% but is probably less. All I have said so far pertains to land-based wind turbine installations, in general, such as places like Maple Ridge in Lewis County. This does not account for any additional sacrifices, such as the visual pollution or any of the numerous health problems that they create for people living near them. When you add the opportunity costs of what Jefferson County will lose in terms of tax-base from property devaluation, tourism and sport-fishing revenues, I am flabbergasted we are even considering such a course of action. And as staggering as the costs for land based turbines are, water based turbines are twice as expensive! So if it didn't make sense before, it definitely doesn't make sense in the water. Who do you think is paying for this nonsense? We are. I have learned there are numerous adverse health effects associated with turbines, but haven't had a chance to read all about them yet.

I have learned that on April 8th, 2008, Governor Paterson made a speech opposing the Broadwater energy project in Long Island Sound because of all the same concerns that people opposing wind projects on or near the water have here. He said, “One of my goals as Governor is to protect Long Island Sound, by preserving it as a valuable estuary, an economic engine for the region, and a key component to making Long Island’s quality of life one of the best in the country,” said Governor Paterson. “Broadwater does not pass that test. Shame on us if we can’t develop a responsible energy policy without sacrificing one of our greatest natural and economic resources.” How does that differ from Lake Ontario?? Shame on us is right.

I have learned that your views on wind energy should have nothing to do with being a Republican or Democrat or whether you are wealthy or poor. I have learned enough to know for certain that we should not be rushing into building industrial wind turbine complexes in Jefferson County any time soon - if ever.

BB: Some activits who oppose the PILOT say other local citizens who are also opposed to wind development are scared to speak up, that people are fearful of being targeted by elected town officials. Do you think there is any truth to that? Do you believe town officials are vindictive or that they have a real financial stake in the wind project? And have most of your inquiries been answered by local officials, regulators and developers who have an interest in seeing the project move forward on Galloo Island?

JH: I don't think local citizens are scared to speak up. I think that local citizens are just unfamiliar with how poor wind is as a "renewable" energy, or perhaps that they don't realize what is at stake, or they just don't care. I wasn't very motivated to learn about it until my father ran for public office in Cape Vincent so why would anyone else be? My father ran for Cape Vincent Town Supervisor because a majority of the town board had contracts with the wind developers and stood to gain financially, which most people would classify as a blatant conflict of interest. If you had asked me, before my research, if I thought Maple Ridge in Lowville was a good idea, I would have said, "Of course...," because of how uninformed I was. However, wind energy just doesn't make sense, no matter how you slice it. The state is just trying to meet some arbitrary Renewable Portfolio Standard and foreign wind companies are trying to cash in on our tax dollars (stimulus money).

I think it's incredible that almost all the major politicians, such as Darrel Aubertine, whose home town is Cape Vincent, and who, in June 2006 wrote a letter encouraging the conflicted board members to vote on the issue, have remained silent on the most controversial issue I have ever been a part of. I don't think any of the major politicians have taken a position on the issue. I mean, I know you're supposed to ride the fence, but come on.

BB: Will you be working to replace any legislator that supports the PILOT or other measures that would allow for expanded wind power development? What is your next plan of action in dealing with the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency?

JH: I don't have any leadership role in an organization fighting the PILOT, but as a constituent, I don't think there is any excuse for a politician to be ignorant of these facts I found time to learn or make a decision that is so irresponsible to the citizens of Jefferson County.

What Sources in Albany?

The story about Governor Paterson stepping down and running for Congressman Rangel's House seat in a special election, pushed by anonymous sources in Albany, sounds a little suspect to me. Forgive me if I sound a little cynical, but isn't Congressman Charles Rangel the guy defending Paterson? Rangel is the same guy who said that Andrew Cuomo won't primary challenge the state's first black governor because it would be a "moral decision?" In other words Rangel is lining up his base of support for Paterson and Cuomo shouldn't dare try to run against another black politician again.

This is how I see things play out. Miffed at both Rangel and Paterson, Cuomo's PR team kicks into high gear to pit his opponents against each other. But I don't think Rangel wants to give his House seat up. And if Rangel's ethics haven't caught up with him by now how could they ever in the future? And if President Obama can't push Paterson out of the race, then I have a hard time believing that these rumors can either. Get ready for a wild Democratic primary!

State of the State and a Few Other Items

Governor David Paterson's State of the State address today was actually praised by none other than the NYS Republican Chairman?

Here is the skinny on his remarks. Some could argue that Governor Paterson has tapped into some of the Tea-Party sentiments on issues of transparency and popular self-government. He focused his remarks on finding ways to measure the effectiveness of our state bureaucracy, impose spending caps, new ethics reform, term limits for the legislature and statewide offices and stated that, "there are more deficits up ahead that will require an even greater sacrifice." A lot of what I would consider conservative proposals.

The Governor also announced a public campaign finance system that would limit or eliminate corporate contributions and would provide 4:1 public matching funds. Paterson also announced an the Excelsior Jobs Program to focus on high tech and clean energy jobs, a Small Business Revolving Loan Fund for minorities and women and a Climate Action Plan to identify ways to achieve a very aggressive 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. A lot of what could be considered liberal proposals.

A few other items:

Mayor Graham points out an interesting thought piece by George Marlin who has some advice to NYS GOP Chair Ed Cox.

Jefferson County Legislature didn't vote on the PILOT last night. But Ken Blankenbush said, "I'm not saying let's throw out the whole PILOT." That statement could be used for or against him if he decides he wants to run for State Assembly this year and we might see Rick Lucas run for Assembly against Dede Scozzafava.

The Republican Hangover?

We aren't taking sides in the GOP knife fight that is about to ensue all across New York State and NY-23. But 2010 will be a tremendously important year for political parties all across the state and it will have a dramatic impact on the next round of political redistricting and the policies that come out of Albany and Washington for decades to come. With that in mind it is safe to say that Republicans are still suffering from "a major Scozzafava Hangover" that we aren't sure they will soon recover from anytime soon. Lets review!

US Senate:

First, there is no serious Republican candidate for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's US Senate seat. And it is starting to get late in the game for former Governor George Pataki to get into the mix. Senator Gillibrand is locking down endorsements and support from all corners of the district, while Republicans wonder into the wilderness. And if Former Tennessee Congressman Hank Ford were to win a long-shot Democratic primary attempt it would likely be even more difficult for the Republicans to pick up the US Senate seat left by Hillary Clinton.

NYS Governor:

Regarding the Governors race we have to be fair in saying Democrats have their own in-fighting between Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Governor David Paterson supporters, but it happens behind-closed-doors. Paterson is the first black Governor of the state and Cuomo is eyeing to take him out -- in my analysis, for right or wrong, that is a dicey move in statewide politics in New York. The Republican Party has an "okay" candidate in failed US Senate candidate Rick Lazio, and an unknown quantity in Chris Collins, an Erie County Executive, as Plan B. Rudy Giuliani and John Faso have already run away from the offer. For Lazio, it doesn't help with a major New York headline reads,"Even in G.O.P., Lazio's Bid for Governor is a Hard Sell." For Collins, it doesn't help that he is way behind in organization and fundraising. Some NY-23 chairs had fallen over themselves so much so that they set up a secret meeting with Collins that ordinary constituents weren't allowed to participate in. It sounds like NY-23 all over again. But on a positive note, even though Collins has yet to announce his candidacy, it appears as though the executive has garnered the signatures of at least 15 county chairs on a letter of endorsement including two GOP County Chairs from NY-23, Donald Coon of Jefferson County and James Ellis of Franklin County. But is that a wise move for the county chairmen after what just happened in NY-23? Voters in Upstate New York don't even know who Chris Collins is, anything about his record or what his uniting message will be. "Anyone but the Democrats?" Someone please remind the GOP that Democrats outnumber Republicans by something of a 2 to 1 margin statewide. The county chairs that make up in NY-23 may want to be careful when they are playing with fire.

More on the Collins Letter & NY-23:

Jude Seymour of the Watertown Paper highlighted this week how Nancy Martin, the St. Lawrence County GOP boss, declined to sign the Collins letter because she hasn't addressed the issue with her local committee and because the letter sounded like an endorsement.

Sounds like a good enough reason on the surface, but if Martin's logic is to first consult with her committee before making this type of decision so as not to alienate the local party faithful then why is she actively trashing Doug Hoffman, a potential Republican candidate for the NY-23 race, without first also consulting her caucus to see if they have her back? We got two angry e-mails this week from county leaders who were none to pleased with the contents of the Ogdensburg paper that Sunday.

Here is the skinny. It appears that in December Martin pushed a top-of-the-fold, front page, full-frontal attack on Doug Hoffman, just out of spite. Martin's name was littered in the text of the article with quotes like, "During the past congressional election Mr. Hoffman broke with the party," and "I don't think the Republican party has forgiven Mr. Hoffman. A lot of DeDe's supporters are still angry." She continued, "We need to have a broad-based party," then dug in a little more by pointing out that Mr. Hoffman lost in the general election to Mr. Owens, who won with only 48 percent of the vote.

And as if she hadn't made her point clear enough, Mrs. Martin dropped her opposition language and revealed her true vindictive character by stating that while the 11 county Republicans party chairs in the 23rd District drew sharp criticism from outside the district for not supporting Mr. Hoffman's candidacy, the reality is that Mr. Hoffman was among the bottom of the nine candidates who were questioned by party leaders during four public interviews held across Northern New York. "Republicans aren't going to embrace him. Republicans are looking for a more electable candidate." We were thinking that maybe Martin was referring to an incumbent Assemblywoman from Gouvernor, but we were actually referred to another story in the same paper on that same day, in which Martin was quoted as saying favorable things about another potential NY-23 candidate, Matthew Doheny. Doheny, another top-tier candidate with an ability to raise money, was able to draw nearly 100 supporters to a small-dollar fundraiser for his election campaign in Watertown last month.

Conclusion:

The problems at the state level with recruitment are one problem. Local disenfranchisement is another. Infighting and throwing fellow Republicans under the bus in the local press is yet another. And dissatisfaction with the direction of the Republican Party is a whole different animal, too. But this hangover is not likely to go away in NY-23 when activists are complaining that they are fed up with the local Republican party chairs' complete intolerance, systematic dysfunction and strong-arm tactics. Maybe post-Scozzafava, Republican leaders don't have enough confidence in themselves to find a good candidate to challenge Addie Russell and Darrel Aubertine. Or maybe it is the potential candidates who don't have enough confidence in their county leaders to put their name and reputation on the ballot.

As we see the dynamics unfold in Clinton and St. Lawrence Counties we can be sure controversy will begin to brew in the others. And there are real undertones of a Republican grassroots rebellion like we have never seen before. For NY-23, some in the GOP camp fear that the Scozzafava hangover might be here to stay past election day 2010. There is a pill Republican leaders can take to cure their hangover, but it is an awful tough one to swallow.

Interview with Democrat Ted "Ezra" Ford

Our goal with this site is to hear all sides of the debate on the left, right and center so that we can bring forth new ideas and positive discussion to our friends and neighbors in NY-23. And we were happy to connect with Ted "Ezra" Ford of the Jefferson County Democratic Party as we begin this journey. For those of you who may not know, and for those who want a reminder, Ford is the past Jefferson County Democratic Committee Chair, a former Democratic candidate for the NYS Assembly in 1998 and also the Jefferson County Legislature in 2000. He is most certainly "in the know" of Democratic politics in NY-23, so here we go!

Buggs Buddy Question: Ted, thank you for agreeing to taking the time to participate in our interview and thanks also for highlighting our new site on your your page,www.jeffersondemocrat.org. I am sure our readers are very interested in learning about your thoughts on NY-23, local politics and the direction of the Democratic Party. Please share with us when you first started your site and how it has developed since its inception. Why did you decide to start your site?

Ted "Ezra" Ford from Jefferson Democrat Response: Thanks for asking. I'm flattered. The blog I run began almost five years ago as an effort to just stir the hell out of a stagnant, moribund political pot because I thought it needed some jostling around. There was no blog like ours on the local web then. Originally we called ourselves Danger Democrat (DD), and brought a conscious case of big attitude to the local political atmosphere. Other bloggers adopted the strident style and in reaction Jefferson Democrat (JD) became a little calmer in presenting an always progressive viewpoint. We are a very small site. The meter reads about 200 or so page views a week. But thats fine.

BB: Obviously Democrats picked up a big win in NY-23 with Bill Owens beating Dede Scozzafava and Doug Hoffman several weeks ago, a seat that hasn't been held in a very long time by a Democrat. Can you tell us what you think are some of the other major accomplishments that Democrats have seen in Northern New York in the past year. What do you think Bill Owens' chances of keeping the seat in 2010? And if you want to answer this -- which Republican opponent do you think would be the hardest and easiest for Owens to go up against?

TEF: Democrats have pushed forward a lot. This year Mark Bellardini in St. Lawrence County led the Party to a numeric enrollment advantage. WhooHa! As Billy would say, "That’s huge." The actual geographic spot that JD calls home has a Democratic Assemblywoman, a Democratic State Senator and a Democratic Congressman. Ten years ago there would have been very few who would have suggested that the Democrats could have won even one of those seats. And even more important by winning those seats the area now has a voice in the majority caucuses in each of the legislatures. That means we have representatives with substantial clout instead of the bygone bystanders.

Of course, Bill Owens is the odds on choice to repeat this year. What would lead anyone think otherwise? For my money the Congressman would probably have to beat himself to lose and it appears that isn't very likely. The Republican Party is first going to have to sort out its ideological inconsistencies and make internal accommodations before any challenger could begin to mount a reasonable bid.

BB: What are the main policy issues you are focused on and will focus on at www.jeffersondemocrat.org and why do you think those are important issues for voters in our region?

TEF: My main area of focus and concern is always progressive politics generally. May I quote JFK when he was asked derisively about being a liberal?

If by a “Liberal” they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people – their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties – someone who believe we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our politics abroad, if that is what they mean by a “Liberal,” then I’m proud to say I’m a “Liberal.”

BB: Are you supporting any particular candidate for Governor in 2010? There seems to be a lot of anxiety over the tenure of Governor David Paterson? Do you think voters in Upstate New York are looking for someone different like Andrew Cuomo or are they are satisfied with Paterson for now?

TEF: Its way, way too early to think about a Democrat candidate for Governor. David Paterson will be mainly judged by his own party by the success of his budget presentation to the legislature. That begins with the State of the State on Wednesday. Andrew Cuomo is polling well, but as soon he declares candidacy prior to the Convention he'll be plagued by the same questions being asked of Paterson. Frankly, he may not want to answer those questions. I don't have a favorite.

BB: What candidates or local leaders are you most excited about and who do you see as rising stars of the Democratic Party in Upstate New York?

TEF: My pick for a rising democratic star is my boss, Assemblywoman Addie Russell. I'm a part time constituent liaison in her Watertown office and every day I'm there I get to see the intellect, the humanity, the political awareness of a really strong emerging player. Last year as a Freshman she was a press pick for a list called 'The top 40 under 40' in Albany. They can see it too. She led the Freshmen with chaptered legislation she sponsored. I'm paid for about 10 hours a week and volunteer about 20 more. She is truly worth it.

BB: The Republican Party in NY-23 seems to be contemplating its future direction and how to manage its moderate and conservative interests? What do you think about the direction of the Democratic Party and do you see the Democratic Party having to deal with similar competing interests within its party?

TEF: Decades ago Will Rogers said, "I don't belong to any organized political party. I'm a Democrat." It’s still true. Democrats have a history of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. We've done it many times with infamous, sometimes annoyingly petty, infighting. Just like the elephants in 23 last time. Of course there are competing interests in our party. We are a little different than the Republicans though. We have gotten used to that stuff over the years. A person in my party can be sure of only one thing. Whatever you present another Dem will probably disagree.

BB: Thank you for your time. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you and the Jefferson County Democratic Party that might be of interest to our readers?

TEF: I would refer you to the official blog of the Jefferson County Democratic Committee called North Country Democrat,www.northcountrydemocrat.blogspost.com. Current Chair Sean Hennessey does a good job with the official party line. Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed. Good luck with your blog Buggs and be prepared to be picked on. It’s in the nature of the folks that read this stuff to pick any scabs they can find. God love em. And about your last name, Mr. Buddy...I think it could be an adenoid flareup.

BB: Ted, thanks for your insight and outlook on politics in NY-23. I look forward to future discussions and best of luck to you.

One question we will have to get an answer from Ted on eventually is who he thinks is the toughest Republican candidate to go up against Owens. He'll have to get back to us on that.