Sunday, October 9, 2011

Wall to Wall Coverage of the Haggerty Trial


10/7/2011
NYT: Hey NYT What About Bloomberg Testerlying At the Haggerty Trial?
The NYT reporter calls the incitement of a city housing office another black eyes for the Bloomberg administration.  The reporter William Rashbaum cites the mayor's appointment of Kathy Black and the reason he gave to deputy mayor Goldsmith abrupt departure was lying.  What Rashbaum did not say was the mayor repeated that lying on the witness stand when he according to CUNY reporter Tom Robbins accused the mayor testerlying at the trial. * A high-ranking housing official was charged with accepting $600,000 in kickbacks, and the incident marks another staffing black-eye for the Bloomberg administration. *  Mike Bloomberg Occupy Wall St. Ridiculous, How About Perjury?

 

 

 10/6/2011

An Indy Party Fairy Tale at the Haggerty Trial Yesterday 

Indy Party Vice Chair: Haggerty Chiseled Us Too (NYDN) * Connolly said he trusted Haggerty when he said the $1.1 million contributed to the Indy Party by the mayor and then given to the GOP consultant would actually be used for a ballot security operation.* Independence big $laps Haggerty (NYP) Manhattan prosecutors have frozen his party’s funds, but state Independence Party big Thomas Connolly still toed the DA’s line yesterday, telling jurors he would never have forwarded any of the mayor’s $1.1 million campaign donation to John Haggerty if he’d known the accused thieving consultant would use it to buy a house. Independence Party Vice Chairman Tom Connolly admitted he backdated a contract between the Indys and consultant John Haggerty to provide ballot security in 2009 using $1.1 million worth of Bloomberg’s cash.

Connelly just wrote these checks to Haggerty all by himself and didn't get the approval of party chairman Frank Mackay......give me a break.....and Sheeky didn't tell him that the money was for Haggerty.......give me a double break.....and the rules about housekeeping miney not being for candidates are confusing.......give me a triple break...they all are in this together and Mackay is hiding under his wife's skirt. Prosecutors have successfully sued the Independence Party to freeze the unspent portion of Bloomberg’s donation, arguing that the party knew or should have known about Haggerty’s scam.  Indy Party chief in jam over wife loan *  Haggerty Contract Is Said Backdated(WSJ) * Bloomberg Haggerty Trial Connelly Testimony A Joke Like CityTime Simple Math! by Suzannah Troy Artist* Independence Party Vice Chairman Says He Trusted Allegedly Crooked Bloomberg Campaign Aide

 

Radio Personality Frank Frank Morano Quit the Independence Party and Attack the Way It Spent Money?

"It seems as if the only two people who have any say whatsoever in how IP money is spent are Frank MacKay and First Vice-Chairman Tom Connolly (currently on the staff of State Senator Carl Kruger, who is under Federal Criminal investigation fordeceptive campaign finance practices).It’s no wonder then that MacKay and Connolly so often believe that the best use of Independence Party funds is to pay themselves off." Morano wrote a letter to the BOE complaining how the IP - How IP expenditure decisions are made
- Where the money goes
- Use of campaign accounts for housekeeping purposes  Ex-Independence Party Officer Frank Morano Files Scathing Elections Complaint(NYDN) * Indy Party Vice Chair: Haggerty Chiseled Us Too (NYDN) * Connolly said he trusted Haggerty when he said the $1.1 million contributed to the Indy Party by the mayor and then given to the GOP consultant would actually be used for a ballot security operation.



10/5/2011

Their forbidden love bloomed among the campaign spreadsheets, only to die under the withering gaze of rackets investigators

Prosecutors are blaming the financial officer for decision made by the campaign staff and no contract mayor?  Defendant lawyer gets to question her today?

Sex, love & political money(NYP)Fiona Reid was chief financial officer for Mayor Bloomberg’s 2009 re-election campaign affair with Haggerty ended In January, when the investigation [into Haggerty] started, and my lawyer advised me to stop.” 



 Dark Past of Ballot Security

Traditionally been more about scrutinizing voters than enabling them

Roots of ‘Ballot Security’: Dead Voters, Party Fears and Shadowy Tactics(TOM ROBBINS, NYT) * Former Campaign Finance Director Testifies in Haggerty Trial (WSJ)* Bloomy aide's love life under scrutiny in Haggerty trial(NYDN) * Haggerty's Former Lover Says She Was Unaware Of Misspent Campaign Funds(NY1) * NY1 Online: Political Strategists Stone And Gyory Discuss Haggerty Trial (NY1) *  NY1 Online: Journalist Tom Robbins Talks Ballot Security(NY1)

 

Independence Party VP Connolly and the NYP

On February 11, 2011 the NYP wrote DA raps Indie Party in $1M Mike-elex theft  . . . According to court papers party VP  Connolly and Haggerty also fabricated a written contract to make it appear the party had contracted with Haggerty to conduct the Election Day operation * Independence Party big testifies he 'trusted' ex-mayoral aide John Haggerty(NYP) (Was the DA using the NYP to pressure Connolly to Testify against Haggerty?) 

 

Radio Personality Frank Frank Morano Quit the Independence Party and Attack the Way It Spent Money?

"It seems as if the only two people who have any say whatsoever in how IP money is spent are Frank MacKay and First Vice-Chairman Tom Connolly (currently on the staff of State Senator Carl Kruger, who is under Federal Criminal investigation fordeceptive campaign finance practices).It’s no wonder then that MacKay and Connolly so often believe that the best use of Independence Party funds is to pay themselves off." Morano wrote a letter to the BOE complaining how the IP - How IP expenditure decisions are made
- Where the money goes
- Use of campaign accounts for housekeeping purposes  Ex-Independence Party Officer Frank Morano Files Scathing Elections Complaint(NYDN) * Indy Party Vice Chair: Haggerty Chiseled Us Too (NYDN) * Connolly said he trusted Haggerty when he said the $1.1 million contributed to the Indy Party by the mayor and then given to the GOP consultant would actually be used for a ballot security operation.

Grace Rauh (Twitter) State indy party official on stand in trial. Says Haggerty was only person in Bloomberg camp he talked w about ballot security. * At trial, talk of defendant's purchase of his late dad's house in Qns. Lawyer for estate says John needed about $1M at closing.* Indy Party official says donors can make a request about how $ is spent - but it is up to party to honor or not. * During cross Indy Party official says 's $1.2M was a donation to the party and was under party's control. * On stand, Indy Party vice chair refers to pollster Doug Schoen as "Dr. Schoen."


 HaggertyGate (True News)





10/4/2011
Bloomberg's Testimony Saturday Night Live Sketch Material: Watch This Video to Discover How the Real Bloomberg Ran His Campaign



Bloomberg on the Stand: Vague and often "Couldn't Recall"



NYP: "He came across as a startlingly hands-off campaign money manager."

Mike ‘stands’ ground Cool under fire in court testimony. The mayor remained unruffled even when Castello brought up the sensitive topics of the CityTime city-payroll boondoggle and Stephen Goldsmith -- his alleged wife-beating former deputy mayor.

 

NYS Election Law 14-124 (3)

“Housekeeping” is a term that refers to the receipts and expenditures of a party or constituted committee used to maintain permanent headquarters and staff, and to carry on ordinary activities that are not for the express purpose of promoting the candidacy of specific candidates. (EL 14-124 (3).)"

Mayor's Testimony

Bloomberg insisted he was not violating campaign-finance law when he paid for what he thought would be a $1.1 million Election Day ballot-security operation through a donation to the state Independence Party’s housekeeping account. Just to be clear, says David Seifman: “(N)o one writes a check to the state Independence Party except to get something in return.”



NYP's Seifman: Trying to rewrite history on the witness stand

Term Limits: I Did Nothing to Push for It

Bloomberg’s performance forgettable(NYP) The mayor objected to the wording of Haggerty Lawyer question on term limits.  “Not overturning,” he insisted, claiming he had simply asked that the Council change the law so incumbents could serve an extra four years. Somehow, Bloomberg forgot about the council members pressured by his aides to vote the right way and the paid stooges dispatched to pack the contentious City Hall hearing on the issue.



Bloomberg: Give Them What You Think They Need
Haggerty lawyer Castello was stopped by another defense objection as he tried to read aloud from Page 145 -- “As I found out at Salomon and again with the Bloomberg terminal, you promise users everything; then you build what you can and what you think they need.”




The Goldsmith Lie for Leaving
Then, when a question was raised in open court about former Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, Bloomberg held firm to the press- release version of events that his top aide left to pursue opportunities in infrastructure finance. Of course, Goldsmith would still be here if not for his arrest in a domestic dispute after his wife called 911 from their Washington, DC, home.




No Contracts What Money

Remarkably, the mayor had no recollection of the 2008 donations, made in four separate wire transfers of $150,000 to $500,000 between May and October.  Bloomberg also admitted that he never signed a contract with Haggerty, and never ordered an accounting of his spending until questions were raised later.

 

 

Mayor, Not Recalling Much, Testifies in Consultant’s Trial (NYT) * On the Stand, a Calm Mayor(WSJ) * Molloy: Bloomberg cool on witness stand during Haggerty trial (NYDN) * Mayor Endures Harsh Cross-Examination In Haggerty Trial(NY1)* Into the Dark Maze of Election Spending (NYT) * Like Putin, Like Bloomberg(NYT) ***10:30PM The Roots of ‘Ballot Security’: Dead Voters, Party Fears and Shadowy Maneuvers (Tom Robbins, NYT)

Transcripts of Bloomberg’s testimony are available here.* Document Drop: Haggerty Case Transcripts



And although he insisted the $1.1 million political operative John Haggerty allegedly absconded with was for ballot security for all Independence candidates, the mayor couldn’t name a single other IP candidate who might have benefited.

RACE LURKS BELOW HAGGERTY TRIAL: Today we report that two memos shown to Mayor Michael Bloomberg in court yesterday are said to hint at John Haggerty's real role in the '09 election - white voter turnout


Hush Money?

Ex-Aide Earns $350,000 at Mayor's Charity Allison Jaffin

Twitter Reports on Jaffin's Testimony 

 

Bloomberg's Money Mule?
Sarah Steiner (Twitter) Jaffin says never wrote to Conflicts Bd. Shown letter she wrote, admits it doesn't cover campaign work.   * Jaffin admission she wrote letter she denied is followed by string of dozen "I don't remember" answers on cross. *  Jaffin relied on budget to approve mayors persl contrib to Ind Pty. Wouldn't have if Fiona Reid had objected. * Mayor + Harris gave Jaffin this authority to approve contribs from his pers'l funds, not Fiona.  * Before Jaffin worked for foundation, worked for Mayor at City Hall running events ($117k) and personally as a gofer (extra$60k). * Jaffin says Sheekey told her was to be the ballot security guy, while he was Deputy Mayor. *  Jaffin remembers absolutely nothing whatsoever about her meeting with . Which she arranged from City Hall. * There was a cover letter to the Ind Pty about contribution. Per Sheekey instructions, it was not sent out. 



 Mike's Campaign Account Reid Work for Quadrangle Steve Rattner Illegal Pension Fund Corruption


Fiona Reid Mike’s CFO on his Campaign Worked for Rattner Quadrangle and Than New Name Willett Advisors after Quandrangle Was Forced Out of Business (Suzannah B. Troy)*  Ex-mistress testifies about affair in $1.1M Bloomberg campaign cash case(NYP)* Reid, the chief finance officer for Bloomberg’s 2009 campaign, said she and Haggerty (who is still married to someone else) only broke up when the Manhattan DA started investigating him for allegedly stealing $1.2 million from the mayor.* Haggerty's Former Lover Says She Was Unaware Of Misspent Campaign Funds (NY1)* Former Campaign Finance Director Testifies in Haggerty Trial(WSJ)  * Bloomberg Aid Said She Dated Haggerty (Capital) * Mistress' testimony raises questions about jurors' knowledge * In a Trial, Only a Quick Nod to a Bloomberg Aide's Affair(NYT) *Former Campaign Finance Director Testifies in Haggerty Trial


Haggerty’s mistress Mike money gal -- their money mule Steve Rattner as well -- reminder Rattner got busted -- paid $10,000,000 not got jail and paid to not plead guilty -- He had to break off with Quadrangle so became a new company to manage Mike’s money and that is Willet Advisor until he was told he is suspended by SEC.  

The mayor was so deep into mixing city government with his private business he did not care that the scandal scared Steve Rattner was in the middle of it.  Both DA+ move to close courtroom for testimony of Fiona Reid tomorrow morning, because of F&H's affair. * Judge will permit questions about the affair between Fiona Reid + , but maybe not about whether it was extramarital.* Ex-mistress to take stand this morning in $1.1M Bloomberg(NYP)

Haggerty's House
Azi Paybarah (Twitter)  Woman who handles 's personal finances, Diane Rizzo, is testifying. *  In case of political operative, judge explains "if there was an intimate relationship, it should be left at that."* Treasurer for all 3 of 's campaigns: I received no $ for that work. It was part of my job at Geller accounting firm. * "Out of line" says judge when defense lawyer says witness shouldn't look to prosecution for clues on how to answer.* Begs the question did Geller get paid for the accounting service from the campaign. * Chief financial officer for campaign Fiona Reid testified she dated defendant until "January, when the investigation started"




Harry Siegel (Twitter)  defense: "we're NOT saying there was a campaign finance violation... there wasn't... & Mr Haggerty is only guilty if there was one * So in tortured letter-of-the-law sense, defense argument aligned with that of the alleged victim


Grace Rauh (Twitter) . campaign aide who had affair w says relationship ended when investigation began. * he says her lawyer advised her to stop.



 


10/31/2011

Bloomberg on the Stand
Vague and often "Couldn't Recall"

At Consultant’s Trial, Bloomberg Is Queried but Not Rattled(NYT) *  Bloomberg Testifies in Political Operative's Trial(WSJ)* Haggerty Defense Grills Mayor Over Campaign Spending(NY1) * #Haggerty lawyers have their crack at Bloomberg, who mostly sticks to the script (Capital) *Mayor Bloomberg Exposed On the Stand(Village Voice) *  With Furtive Steps, Bloomberg Made His Way to Court (NYT) * Bloomberg takes stand in Haggerty trial (crainsNY) *  Mayor Endures Harsh Cross-Examination In Haggerty Trial(NY1) * Ex-Aide Earns $350000 at Mayor's Charity(WSJ) * Mayor, Not Recalling Much, Testifies in Consultant’s Trial(NYT)



Bloomberg Testimony Reported on Twitter


Grace Rauh (Twitter) and lawyers in courtroom. in the audience along w reporters. Seats still avail for testimony. * . enters courtroom to take the stand. . Standing room only. * .: we tried to get an accounting of how the ballot security money was spent. . says he does care that money wasn't used for ballot security. Says $1 M would have done a lot of good for society. 8 Trial RT : . says he never agreed to give or loan $1M to John .
Bloomberg left the criminal court complex downtown Monday through an entrance usually used to transport prisoners
. says the $1.2M to Indy Party was not a general donation to party. Says it was given w a purpose. $1.1 for ballot security. * Raymond Castello cross-examining . * . says he thot more appropriate to pay for ballot sec through pol party bc it helped other ...* MT@NYDNHammond: Confessing viol of elect law? MT : says $1.2M to Indy Party was .. given w a purpose. * Castello starts asking about term limits. . * . says it is NOT fair to say he would have been willing to spend whatever it took to win in '09. * .: Haggerty "promised things that he did not do." Castello: Isn't that what u did regularly at Solomon Bros? * Now Castello asks about Stephen Goldsmith. Accuses mayor of not being truthful about Goldsmith's departure.



John Eligon (Twitter) cracks a smile when saying he did not know whether his support of term limits was forceful * has no recollection of $1.2 million contribution to Independence Party in 2008 * and defense argue over the content of an email between spokesman Howard Wolfson and NYPost reporter. * laughs incredulously at suggestion that he regularly did not do things that he promised to do at investment firm. * on goldsmith resignation: "I was exactly truthful" * Cross examination of ends. taking a short break.






Adam Lisberg When tweeting pace slows in trial, it's not cuz it's boring procedural stuff -- it's cuz news is so jawdropping we're stunned.* lawyer spends entire Bloomberg cross-examination trying to dirty up the mayor, not defend his client. If this were a rape case ...






Errol Louis (Twitter) Inside Manhattan Criminal Court waiting for witness . Most of City Hall press corps is here.


Azi Paybarah (Twitter) The media sure does like the trial. Also here: 's Seifman, NY1's anchor , 's , etc. * Dark suit, white tie, enters, and is sworn in * Why have ballot security? testifies it was to prevent voters from being "pushed aside." * . says his $1M "could have done a lot of good" had it not been misspent. * . said he felt it would have been "inappropriate" to spend campaign $ on ballot security. * . says he does not know Kevin Sheekey's salary at Bloomberg LP. * . calls Patti Harris "close confidant" and is "authorized to act on my behalf when I am out of town." * . denies he deputized anyone to his "agent" specifically for "ballot security."  
. says he prefers to look someone in the eye and shake on a deal, rather than a written contract. * Were you enrolled as a Democrat before 2001 "All my previous life," testifies.   * Asked if pollster Doug Schoen worked for Bloomberg LP, said he's not sure. * Three times already, lawyer asks "can you answer my questions?" * Trying to rattle , lawyer says "my question was about the Republican Party. Can you answer my question?" said ballot security is "not something I'm familiar with." * Lawyer asked "when" did decided to run 4 re-election in 2008. Doesn't remember. Attorney tells judge "he's not responsive." 
  "It was very valuable to be on multiple party lines" in 09 testifies. * . says he had to spend more $ in 09 than in past. Diffuclt decisions & higher ad rates to blame. * Asked if he recognizes a letter, , smirks, & says "I assume so. I signed it." * Asked if letter authorizes aide to spend his personal $, said it's in there, focuses on words "planning & execution." * .'s statements about the Independence Party allowed as evidence in the trial. * . David Seifman gets mentioned in trial. says he doesn't know Seifman's email address. * . said he didn't have any conversations w/ . "Didn't have a chance to lead or mislead..." * Lawyer: did you get a waiver to let Deputy Mayor Harris work for u personally. : "When she works 4 me, its otside city time." * Surreal! Laywer to : "how about financial? Do you know what that term means?" * Whoa! : "took the money for personal gain." Lawyer: "isn't that what u regularly did @ Solomon Brothers?" * 's book, Bloomberg by Blomberg, entered into evidence. * Lawyer reads passage of 's book & said it's not true. It goes to the alleged victim's "credibility" says lawyer. *Judge blocks lawyer's 2 attempts to use 's book, on grounds of "relevancy." * .: "I'm sure we tried to get the money back." * Lawyer trying to undermine 's credibility by asking mayor about public comments he made about Stephen Goldsmith. * nd now castello brings up goldsmith saying he made an "untruthful" statement * .: until u have specific documenation "nobody in their right mind would send a check." * . says he does not lie. Lawyer tries challenging that claim by citing his autobiography. Judge, again, blocks it. * Recess in trial. remains on the stand. Maybe more questions later. * . steps down from the stand * . said his $ to the Indy Party was 2 benefit all the candidates on that line, but couldn't name any
 

Michael Powell (Twitter)  Bloomberg meets Vacco; Mogul v. Attack Terrier at Haggert trial* Much over-used, often unearned, term but true dean of ny press corps in house: Gabe Pressman * There is controlled and there is controlled. Hizzoner like lizard in sun under cross exam. Barely moving. * Mayor can't remember million$ given to Independence Party ... personally, i hate when I mess up my bookkeeping like that * Mayor could not be more buttoned down emotionally. Never peers at jury. Takes hi goo-goo pose. * Mayor Out of Body ... doesn't remember $100000 checks, complaints filed by opponents. Nada. It's only $. * trial and Bloomberg testimony tends to underline the legal charade that is campaign finance laws * Financial activity? Authorized committee? Mayor doesn't understand terms. What we have here is a failure to communicate. * We're about to go into hizonner's time on wall street and alleged situational ethics # haggerty * City time, Goldsmith, problems on wall street: Defense officially in throwing kitchen sink phase of Bloomberg cross exam. * So the cross exam ends. Mayor Unflappable largely unflapped. So many checks, elections & people purchased, howz mogul keep track? * There is controlled and there is controlled. Hizzoner like lizard in sun under cross exam. Barely moving.




David W. Chen (Twitter) - he generally doesn't believe in contracts but rather handshakes * In trial is asked to read documents but not say they are out loud bc not in evidence * In , mayor, asked if TL wud b a problem w voters said "there are lots of issues" and "that would certainly be one of them" * - mayor, asked if fair to say he wud spend whatever it took in 09, said "not fair to say at all" * - Castello quizzing mayor now over conflicts letter re jaffin, displays letter on overhead * If had a soundtrack for mayor's testmony, my suggestion: peter gabriel's "I don't remember" * Mayor, asked if misled him re IP aims and goals, said he never had chance to "lead or mislead" me * Book reading from "bloomberg by bloomberg" ruled out by judge zweibel * No further qs from DA; bloomberg steps down in


Bill Hammond (Twitter) Bloomberg spox: Nothing in nys law says you can't have an expectation as to how money in a contribution would be spent.


Sarah Steiner (Twitter) Now Bloomberg being asked about CityTime + other frauds against city, where he did ask for $ back. * Bloomberg never asked for money back from but assumes one was made. By some lawyer. To someone. * Bloomberg defending his false statements about Goldsmith resignation. Amounts to "It was truthy." * Bloomberg says there was "verbal agreement" w Indep Pty for $1.1million for ballot security. rep'd mayor, dk who re'd Party. * Bloomberg: I assume I'm paying lawyer bills for everyone involved in this. No idea what it is costing.   * Note: Under law, candidate may not designate hoisekeeping $ for this purpose. * Bloomberg: we all agreed that $100k would be separate from $1.1million. I don't recall telling Harris that. We all agreed.  * Mayor doesn't look at jurors as they enter, or as he testifies. DA has no redirect. Mayor leaves courtroom.


City Hall News (Twitter) Question for jury: Do you believe the famously hands-on, detail-oriented mayor really doesn't know all these hands-on details?* Castello got close to asking Bloomberg how he paid for “grassroots” term limits activism in 2008, but backed off. See Brennan, Patrick. * NYPost's Seifman and sitting 8 feet apart as Bloomberg is quizzed about email between them in trial. * trial question about Indy Party cash: “$1.2M is financial activity?” Bloomberg: “It is a transfer of monies.” * RT : City time, Goldsmith, wall street: Defense officially in throwing kitchen sink phase of Bloomberg cross exam.

PolitickerNY live Blogging * Mayor Bloomberg said he doesn’t “believe” in contracts and so never signed one with John Haggerty. He also never followed up to see how Haggerty had performed in his ballot security services.






NYT:  Mr. Bloomberg is answering questions posed by a prosecutor, Eric Seidel.  Mr. Bloomberg, who is answering solemnly, Mr. Haggerty, who he says worked as a volunteer for his campaign. In response to questions  from Mr. Seidel, Mr. Bloomberg says he personally approved a payment of $1.1 million for ballot security. Mr. Bloomberg says that Mr. Haggerty provided the same service in 2005, for the same amount of money. Mr. Bloomberg says he would not have made the donation if he were not receiving ballot security services. Mr. Bloomberg appears a bit impatient but is sitting very still and answering quietly.  * Mr. Bloomberg spent about 10 minutes answering Mr. Seidel's questions. Then it was time for cross examination. Mr. Castello wasted no time in starting an aggressive line of questioning.  "Did you personally rely on anything" John Haggerty told you in making the donation, he asked Mr. Bloomberg. Mr. Bloomberg said, "I relied on the details that he gave to my staff." Mr. Castello moved to strike that from the record, and repeated: "When I asked if you personally relied on anything John Haggerty said, did you understand my question? Did you personally rely on anything John Haggerty said?" Mr. Bloomberg did not react to the aggressive questioning; impassively, he said no. *
Mr. Castello, in asking Mr. Bloomberg about the 2005 election, took an opportunity to needle him about his support at the time for term limits, and his later reversal. "And you spoke forcefully about term limits?" Mr. Castello asked.  "I certainly spoke, whether it was forceful or not I don't know," Mr. Bloomberg said, emitting a small chuckle.  Mr. Castello is taking a tough tack with the mayor, questioning him on details of ballot security, poll watching, and contributions to political parties.
"Now, ballot security has sometimes had a negative connotation, is that fair to say?" Mr. Castello asked. In some places and times, Mr. Bloomberg said, but "I don't think so in New York, and certainly not now."  Mr. Castello asked Mr. Bloomberg if he recalled Freddy Ferrer, who ran against Mr. Bloomberg in 2005,  charging that Mr. Bloomberg's ballot security operation amounted to voter suppression. "You'll have to ask Freddy Ferrer, I just don't know what he raised at that time." * Despite the at-times contentious line of questioning from Mr. Castello, Mr. Bloomberg keeps sitting still, his hands folded in his lap and taking in a calm, deliberate tone. The jurors seem transfixed by the moment, serving back and forth between Mr. Castello and Mr. Bloomberg, like spectators at a tennis match.


Bloomberg, as Witness, May Face Prickly Questions(NYT)
“You’re the first deputy mayor of the City of New York,” Mr. Vacco bellowed at Patricia E. Harris, a longtime aide of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “You don’t understand when I ask you, ‘Is it in writing?’ ”
Why did Mr. Sheekey not make sure that the Republican Party, in 2005, had spent the money the mayor had given them on ballot security? “You didn’t care, did you?” Mr. Vacco asked. “Well, we won,” Mr. Sheekey responded. “I suppose I was looking forward.”
 
NYP Defends Mayor and Says Haggerty Mistress Made the Decision to Pay Him for Ballot Security 
The mayor and his top aids meet with Haggerty on Ballot Security on August 28 and the NYP blames low level aids for the contract? 
Pity poor political consultant John Haggerty -- his mayor and his mistress are both due to testify against him in a press-packed Manhattan courtroom today. The NYP says mayoral aid Fiona Reid, began an affair with the married Haggerty in August.  Later Reid working under mayoral aide Allison Jaffin, gave preliminary approval to Haggerty’s pricey ballot security budget.

Bloomberg's Money Mule?
When former Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey testified last Monday that he had no direct contact with the state's Independence Party that was also part of the cover-up.  Bloomberg's lawyer Martin Geller set up a company called Manhattan West to pay for campaign activities like Haggerty's operation.  Bloomberg paid Allison Jaffin and two other city employees a second double dip salary for working for Manhattan West. Haggerty lawyers questions of  Jaffin who is on the list to testify should shed more light on how the mayor violated campaign finance laws.  Mayor's Assistant Jaffin Helped Arrange Cash (WSJ) City Room: When Hizzoner Takes the Stand, Things Can Get Testy(NYT) * Trial For John Haggerty, Accused Of Stealing From Bloomberg Campaign, Highlights Ballot Security (WABC) * Heat’s on at elex-aide trial (NYP) * It’s unclear which of Haggerty’s two attorneys, former AG Dennis Vacco or Raymond Castello, will have the honor of questioning Hizzoner. But it seems Vacco has been enjoying himself immensely up to this point.* Bloomberg’s “near visceral inability to take personal criticism or disloyalty” could make today’s proceedings very interesting.* The trial has shined a spotlight on the sometimes shadowy practice of ballot security.* Live-Blogging Bloomberg’s Testimony in Consultant’s Trial (NYT) * God, God, God, I do worry for the state of memory at City Hall. Perhaps a dementia cluster in the making?

Azi Paybarah (Twitter) . Jappin aide said had previously contacted accountants directly. * "I thought it sounded good" aide Jappin testifies, re: ballot-security operations.
Azi Paybarah * Lawyer: "anything in there about approving political contributions?" aide Jappin: "no." (Re: letter to Conflict Interest Brd) * "I did not remember" but I guess I did write to the conflict of interest board, aide Jappin testified. . aide Jappin testifies "I did not write to the conflict of interest board...the mayor may have..."* lawyer grilling aide Jappin over the meaning of phrase "caught up." He suggests payment. She argues verbal update. * This was 's white voter turnout operation. Somebody just say it and be done with it! * . aide Jaffin said the word "gift" she wrote in her notes about political donation "stands for something." * . aide Jaffin said she didn't discuss city business w/ but on cross-examination, said she can't recall the convo * Fiona Reid(sp?) Just left the courtroom. A prosecuting attoryney had said she should not be here right now.   * I'm told Fiona Reid(sp?) is in the courtroom right now. Could be an explosive witness, when trial resumes. Bigger than maybe? * Judge will allow Fiona Reid to testify about the "nature" of her relationship with . Unsure if that'll include alleged affair. * Unexpected appearamce of the day: lawyer representing 's wife * 's wife has her own, Michael Ambrecht, former counselor to Pataki . Ambrehct says she's still "Mrs." Haggerty
Sarah Steiner (Twitter) DA going through line by line of proposed budget as if it were something other than an estimate.* Jaffin says never wrote to Conflicts Bd. Shown letter she wrote, admits it doesn't cover campaign work.   * Jaffin admission she wrote letter she denied is followed by string of dozen "I don't remember" answers on cross. * Allison Jaffin: Cost for Bloomberg ballot security in 01 + 05 each just under $1mill * Jaffin relied on budget to approve mayors persl contrib to Ind Pty. Wouldn't have if Fiona Reid had objected. * Mayor + Harris gave Jaffin this authority to approve contribs from his pers'l funds, not Fiona. * Mayor + Harris gave Jaffin this authority to approve contribs from his pers'l funds, not Fiona. * Before Jaffin worked for foundation, worked for Mayor at City Hall running events ($117k) and personally as a gofer (extra$60k). * Jaffin says Sheekey told her was to be the ballot security guy, while he was Deputy Mayor. *  Jaffin remembers absolutely nothing whatsoever about her meeting with . Which she arranged from City Hall. * There was a cover letter to the Ind Pty about contribution. Per Sheekey instructions, it was not sent out. * Both DA+ move to close courtroom for testimony of Fiona Reid tomorrow morning, because of F&H's affair. * Judge will permit questions about the affair between Fiona Reid + , but maybe not about whether it was extramarital. * The idea that she was authorizing $ to the well-qualified bcs she was shtupping him is ludacris to me. * Fiona seems to have helped develop election day op budget in question. She worked for Mayor's accountants.






City Hall Refuses to Answer NYP Freedom of Information Request for Deputy Mayor Patti Harris
Harris works both for the city and for the mayor's family charitable foundation.  The deputy mayor gets paid $246,000 a year overseeing a dozen city agencies, but City Hall refuses to document how and where she spends her days. The Post on Jan. 5 requested under the Freedom of Information Law a year of her public schedules.







9/30/2011

 This Time He Has to Swear to Tell the Truth - Bloomberg Takes the Stand Monday

Bloomberg to Testify Monday at Trial of Consultant(NYT)

  



Haggerty Trial: Everybody Talking About Ballot Security, But . . .

Where are the examples of how ballot security has slowed down voting in NY?

Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 and the loss of county of the machines over voting in unfixed real elections. It looks like ballot security is something that no longer is possible, beyond the treats of consultants looking for money and candidates wanting to keep the minority vote down. Haggerty Trial Exposes Issues With Ballot Security (NY1)

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Haggerty On Trial for Ripping Off Bloomberg's $$$ is in Court in A Queens Court Over the Control of the Queens' GOP

Are the two trials connected.  It is clear that Haggerty pushed Bloomberg on Queens GOP chair  Ragusa.  Is that the reason that Haggerty was not paid though the Independence Party and not the GOP like he was in 2005 by the mayor for the same type of ballot security operation?

Some guys apparently just can’t stay out of the courtroom. Queens Republican spokesman Robert Hornak says Republican operative John Haggerty was in court before a Queens judge yesterday, for a matter entirely unrelated to his ongoing trial for allegedly stealing $1.1 million from Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Because of the Jewish holidays, that trial has been on hiatus from last Tuesday until next Monday, allowing Haggerty to show up for the separate proceeding involving litigation in his insurgent bid to take control over the Queens Republican Party. Both the Haggerty faction of the party and current Queens Republican Party chairman Phil Ragusa claim to have won the right to lead the party during separate leadership elections held Wednesday night. (CHN)




9/29/2011

Thompson Told the NYP He Did Not Want To Turn On His Base in 2009?  More Pro Bloomberg Spin on Damaging Info From the Trial

Sometime later to today or when the 2013 heats up Thompson will reverse his quotes in today's NYP Seifman story and claim he was the intended victim of the mayor's racially motivated ballot security plan.  The fact that Bloomberg payed $1.2 million for suppressing the vote will energizes his base. Which the uncharismatic and low key Thompson cannot do by himself. Mike’s money for nothing ’09 foe scoffs at ‘swiped’ $1M(NYP)Thompson told The Post he wouldn’t have made that explosive charge even if he was aware of what the mayor was up to two years ago. “I think with so much money being spent, I don’t think it would have been a big issue,” he said, of the $108 million Bloomberg shelled out. Thompson spent $9.4 million and came within 50,000 votes of a stunning upset. Bloomberg defended his decision to pick up the legal tab for current and former top aides testifying in his defense. 



 Why Or Who Told the NYP To Start the Haggerty Investigation?
The mayor’s campaign didn’t ask Haggerty for an accounting until The Post began asking questions about his situation.




Bloomberg Buys Tammany Hall Corrupt Parties . . .  Where is the Reform?
"Bloomberg actually abhors how politicians raise funds, said Sheekey.  “The basic view is it’s a corrupt system.”  The mayor is far and away the largest single contributor to both the GOP and Independence parties.


Nick Confessore (Twitter) "You'd hope your boss would pay your legal fees," Bloomberg told one reporter. "Someday, maybe you'll find out."





Ballot Security Intended to Keep Your Opponent Vote Down . . .  Why Else Spend $1.2 Million?
The stated goal - preventing voter fraud - is sometimes overshadowed by the tactics, targets and ulterior motives of those who engage in it. "The main concern about privately run efforts ... is they use tactics that suppress legitimate voters, intimidate voters and discriminate against them," said Wendy Weiser of the Democracy Center at NYU's Brennan Center for Justice.  John Haggerty trial: Ballot security is benign term with a controversial history (NYDN)



9/28/2011

Haggerty Lawyer Vacco's argument in court. "You can't believe the prosecution's witnesses! They won't tell the truth! They are being paid by the alleged victim!


“It was hogwash,” Sheekey added of Ferrer’s insinuations that ballot “security” was interchangeable with “suppression.”

Mike’s aides grilled(NYP) Vacco, a former state attorney general, suggested in a series of questions to former deputy mayor and Bloomberg LP exec Kevin Sheekey that in 2009 the mayor was still smarting after taking a public-relations hit over ballot security in the 2005 campaign.  Back then, mayoral opponent and former Bronx Borough President Fernando “Freddy” Ferrer accused the mayor of funding a million-dollar ballot-security operation through similar back channels, and implied that for Bloomberg, “security” was interchangeable with “suppression.” * Former Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey admitted he has no idea how much his legal defense costs.



First Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris told defense lawyer Dennis Vacco, “Don’t yell at me”

It’s sweet justice for term limits(Goodwin, NYP) Rocked by scandals, snowstorms and a diminished legacy, Bloomberg now faces the indignity of having to explain publicly, and under oath, something he tried to keep secret. He and his campaign team are spinning like tops as they try to make the $1.2 million payment to the Independence Party seem honest. * Bloomberg has a lot of work to do to realize his goal of being remembered as the greatest mayor in NYC history. (More here) *  Barbaro at the Gate: Bloomberg’s Times Gadfly Lands on Romney (NYO)

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Ballot Security Bloomberg's Embarrassment
Defense lawyers convincingly argued on the first day of the trial that Bloomberg made the payment secretly because he was embarrassed about its purpose. The charge packs a special punch when leveled by minority candidates, as both Ferrer and Thompson were.* Bloomberg Aides Defend Boss In John Haggerty Trial(NY1) * The mayor is picking up the legal costs for his current/former top aides who are testifying in his defense during the John Haggerty trial.* Friends and allies present a different view of “old school” Haggerty than the one being offered in court.*  Minders keeper$: Mike aide (NYP) * As a Consultant Stands Trial, Bloomberg’s Style Comes Under Scrutiny (NYT)*  Mayor Bloomberg defends choice to pay legal bills for City Hall workers testifying in Haggerty trial(NYDN)


9/27/2011
A Crack In the Hidden World of Bloomberg's Campaign $$$

Even If Haggerty loses and goes to jail this trial is giving us a very clear picture of our very secret mayor.  We have learned so far that mayor wanted to use voter suppression at the polls to keep down the black vote expected to turn out in high numbers for Comptroller Thompson.  We is known is the  mayor tired to hide the money by paying Haggerty thru the Independence Party to protect his campaign and image. What is not known is that was only the beginning of the cover-up.  

Bloomberg's Money Mule?
When former Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey testified Monday that he had no direct contact with the state's Independence Party that was also part of the cover-up.  Bloomberg's lawyer Martin Geller set up a company called Manhattan West to pay for campaign activities like Haggerty's operation.  Bloomberg paid Allison Jaffin and two other city employees a second double dip salary for working for Manhattan West. Haggerty lawyers questions of  Jaffin who is on the list to testify should shed more light on how the mayor violated campaign finance laws.  Mayor's Assistant Jaffin Helped Arrange Cash (WSJ)

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Defense Says Bloomberg Lost Control of the Street Money When It Was Given to Independence Party
Ballot Security
Haggerty Lawyer Costello called the $1.1 million “a never-disclosed campaign expenditure,” designed to keep his minority opponent from raising ballot security as an issue. * Minders keeper$: Mike aide(NYP) Arguing that the mayor himself was the lawbreaker. The mayor could have simply paid for the operation directly and declared the $1.1 million as a campaign expense, Haggerty’s defense argued. Instead, he shunted the donation to the housekeeping account of the Independence Party, where it wouldn’t be declared until two months after the election -- but in doing so, he by law lost all control of the loot. * In Consultant’s Trial, Defense Attacks Mayor(NYT)

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Bloomberg who is expected to say he was duped by the veteran GOP consultant when he takes the stand next week

Ballot Security = Voter Suppression
Mr. Bloomberg’s Democratic opponent in 2005, Fernando Ferrer, threatened to say that the mayor’s ballot security operation was akin to voter suppression, said Raymond R. Castello, the lawyer for the consultant, John F. Haggerty Jr.  “The last thing Mr. Bloomberg wanted in 2009 was a claim of voter suppression,” Mr. Castello told jurors during his opening statement in Mr. Haggerty’s trial in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, adding that the mayor had already been criticized for having term limits extended. * Defense Strikes at Bloomberg(WSJ) * At the trial of John Haggerty, the defense portrayed the defendant as someone scapegoated by the mayor to avoid the appearance of disenfranchising minority voters. Interesting Executives Expect Scandal From Undisclosed Campaign Donations (Bloomberg) * Haggerty Defense Turns Tables On Bloomberg (NYDN)* Mayoral aides to take stand in campaign larceny trial(NYP) * Mayoral aides take stand in campaign larceny trial (NYP) * Mayor's Charity Pipeline  Bloomberg Builds His Private Foundation's Staff With Administration Stalwarts (WSJ) * John Haggerty trial: Kevin Sheekey defends mayor in fraud trial of ...(NYDN) * Aide at political operative’s trial: NYC mayor wasn’t trying to hide poll-watching plan (Wash Post) * Bloomberg Aides Defend Boss In John Haggerty Trial(NY1) * Mayor's aide slammed by political operative in finance trial (AM NY)
* Haggerty lawyer attacks Patti Harris about spending Bloomberg's money, doesn't(Capital NY)
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Haggerty Trial Reported By Twitter

Azi Paybarah (Twitter) "Freddy [Ferrer] often said things that were not true" Sheekey said, referring to 05 race where Ferrer complained of voter supression. * "That is ground for a mistrial!" Defense lawyer says, jumping up from table. Judge says no. More info later. * "John was somewhat of a loner" and "didn't work well with others" said sheekey, at trial. * In 2009, Sheekey said he worked about 60 hours a week for NYC & 5 for the campaign. * Sheekey says "there was no ballot security" in 2009. * After saying he was done, defense lawyer in trial, vacco, has more Qs for sheekey. RT: Dep Mayor Patti Harris takes stand in trial. Hearing her speak today more than I have in entire tenure * Deputy Mayor Patti Harris: "I volunteer my time at the foundation."  * Deputy Mayor Harris said she "resigned" from govt in '05 to work on 's campaign. Didn't take a "leave." * How much did Patti Harris get paid by campaign in 2005? $450,000, she said.   * Sheekey and Harris Testify (Capital) * lawyer asks if Patti Harris has, in writing, the authority 2 spend 's $. Harris: "I can't answer that Q yes or no" * lawyer asks if Patti Harris has, in writing, the authority 2 spend 's $. Harris: "I can't answer that Q yes or no" * So Patti Harris took a leave from NYC in '09 with stipulation it ended immediately if something happened to Bloomberg.* Judge will lift gag order in trial, to "level the playing field" after defense complains of "hired" PR man 4

Adam Lisberg (Twitter)  Manhattan DA's office used to ask public officials to waive immunity when testifying to grand juries: *  Funny thing about Haggerty trial: Bloomberg didn't want it. Haggerty didn't want it. Now not sure if Vance wants it either.


Erin (Twitter)  Sheekey on stand in haggerty trial: "a lot of democrats try to inject race" into campaigns. *  Defense lawyer: "u won...U got ur ballot security & u didn't care." Sheekey: "I suppose." (Re: 2005 race) * Sheekey adds: it's not uncommon for dems to suggest that ballot security is something that it isnt-- attempt to stop people from voting * Sheekey: haggerty was "somewhat of a loner... didn't necessarily work well w others" on campaign. * Sheekey: no contribution the mayor has ever made has ever been made w/o the approval of a lawyer. * Patti Harris is now on stand, under oath. * Haggerty lawyer accuses patti harris of trying to "skip through a loophole" in getting waiver to work for foundation. * Defense attorney asks how long was 's presentation describing ballot-security operations. Patti Harris: "5 minutes...very brief." * Correction: announcement on PA system at trial was from people running courts. * Patti Harris says is paying for her lawyer, who is also the lawyer representing Sheekey. * lawyer Vacco asks judge to include Jason Post in gag order.
Grace Rauh (Twitter)  Sheekey on stand in trial: "I think my political instincts are quite good." * Sheekey on : "John was quite frankly something of a loner. He didn't necessarily work well with others inside the campaign." * Sheekey on 09 ballot security: "I believe it has been well established that John did nothing." Judge strikes statement. * lawyer Dennis Vacco gets heated w Harris. "You don't need to yell at me," she sez. Judge tells Vacco to keep his tone down. * acco says Post is putting spin on what happens in courtroom. * Vacco asks judge to include Jason Post, who is acting as spox for Bloomberg in case, to be included in gag order.   * Judge lifts gag order in trial. Says he thinks this will "level the playing field."

More on Patricia Harris

Deputy Mayor to Bloomberg Will Also Run His Charity - NYTimes.co *  City Hall aides yesterday declined to reveal how many hours Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris devotes to the $1.6 billion Bloomberg Family Foundation while on the taxpayer dime, insisting that a 2-year-old retroactive Conflicts of Interest Board ruling cleared her. City Hall stingy on aide's charity hours (NYP)  * Bloomberg's Deputy Mayor to Also Run His Charity -- Daily Intel * Bloomberg Pays Costly Tribute to an Aide, Patricia Harris - NYTimes 


9/25/2011
No News From the NYP and NYT on the Mayor's Trial

Fund Day In Court for Mike(DN)
Bloomberg Donations Loom in Haggerty Fraud Trial(Barbara Ross, NYDN, No Link)
The Plan is Set By the Mayor
Just before Holloween of 2009 Bloomberg and Haggerty sat down to finalize plans to spend $1.2 million of the mayors money to win a third term.
 
Bloomberg's Negotiators
Court records show Team Bloomberg Brad Tusk, Keven Sheekey and Pattie Harris took weeks to nail down the deal with Haggerty.




Why Haggerty's  Money Was Hidden
Ballot Security
The money was to be used for "Ballot Security" on Election Day.  The money was to be hidden in the Independence Party housekeeping account.  This method of payment let Bloomberg delay disclosure of a potentially embarrassing ballot security operation until January.  Instead of revealing it hours before the election.  Aggressive ballot security workers can create chaos by challenging voters.  This can create long lines and discourage people from voting. 





Bloomberg Hid the Ballot Security Operation Because of the Embarrassing Racial Message it Sent
Bloomberg was trying to stop Comptroller Thompson, a black candidate who was rising in the polls.   Many blacks in the south lost their lives fighting against voter suppression in the 50's and 60's.  Dr. King pictured in Alabama, march for voting.



Did the Mayor's Team Break Campaign Finance Laws? Yes
Haggerty $$$ were campaign expenditure not a party housing keep donation as the mayor claims, according to election lawyers.  Election lawyers say Bloomberg money he sent to the Independence Party were not really donations because they has strings attached to them.  Bloomberg expected the money to be spent in accordance with the Haggerty's detail budget.

Mike Bloomberg in Court Tuesday Haggerty Trial NYDN Exposes Major Corruption Bloomberg Campaign Article Not on Website!(http://suzannahbtroy.blogspot.com/)

HaggertyGate(True News) * Old Gray Lady’s Alzheimer’s Bloomberg to Testiy


No News From the NYP and NYT on the Mayor's Trial

Fund Day In Court for Mike(DN)
Bloomberg Donations Loom in Haggerty Fraud Trial(Barbara Ross, NYDN, No Link)
The Plan is Set By the Mayor
Just before Holloween of 2009 Bloomberg and Haggerty sat down to finalize plans to spend $1.2 million of the mayors money to win a third term.
 
Bloomberg's Negotiators
Court records show Team Bloomberg Brad Tusk, Keven Sheekey and Pattie Harris took weeks to nail down the deal with Haggerty.




Why Haggerty's  Money Was Hidden
Ballot Security
The money was to be used for "Ballot Security" on Election Day.  The money was to be hidden in the Independence Party housekeeping account.  This method of payment let Bloomberg delay disclosure of a potentially embarrassing ballot security operation until January.  Instead of revealing it hours before the election.  Aggressive ballot security workers can create chaos by challenging voters.  This can create long lines and discourage people from voting. 





Bloomberg Hid the Ballot Security Operation Because of the Embarrassing Racial Message it Sent
Bloomberg was trying to stop Comptroller Thompson, a black candidate who was rising in the polls.   Many blacks in the south lost their lives fighting against voter suppression in the 50's and 60's.  Dr. King pictured in Alabama, march for voting.



Did the Mayor's Team Break Campaign Finance Laws? Yes
Haggerty $$$ were campaign expenditure not a party housing keep donation as the mayor claims, according to election lawyers.  Election lawyers say Bloomberg money he sent to the Independence Party were not really donations because they has strings attached to them.  Bloomberg expected the money to be spent in accordance with the Haggerty's detail budget.

Mike Bloomberg in Court Tuesday Haggerty Trial NYDN Exposes Major Corruption Bloomberg Campaign Article Not on Website!(http://suzannahbtroy.blogspot.com/)

HaggertyGate(True News) * Old Gray Lady’s Alzheimer’s Bloomberg to Testiy

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