SenatorPeralta joining @JeffKleinNY and IDC to become their 8th member Liberals to Run Campaigns Against IDC Members
Mainline Dems face new challenge, may lose Senate seat as member runs for Council (NYDN) As the war between the fractured Democrats in the state Senate rages on, the mainline Dems could lose another member this week — though not to a rival faction. Sen. Bill Perkins (D-Harlem) is the favorite to win a City Council special election Tuesday. If he’s victorious, he’ll immediately resign his Senate seat, leaving the mainline Dems with 22 members in the 63-member chamber heading into budget season. More important, it would mean even if all nine breakaway Senate Democrats who are aligned with the Republicans had rejoined the fold — as progressives demand — the Dems would be a vote shy of holding the majority for at least several months. And the Senate would be thrown into chaos since neither party could muster a majority. The earliest the Democrat-safe Perkins’ seat could legally be filled would be mid-April, which is several weeks past the budget deadline. Under state law, a special election must be held between 70 and 80 days from when the governor formally calls for one. But Gov. Cuomo, who has an icy relationship with the mainline Senate Dems, is under no obligation to order a special election. With previous vacancies, he sometimes waited months or didn’t call one at all. If he doesn’t set a date, Perkins’ seat would remain unfilled until the November elections. The intrigue comes as tensions between the traditional Democrats and the eight-member renegade Independent Democratic Conference have hit a boiling point. A ninth breakaway Dem, Simcha Felder, of Brooklyn, actually caucuses with the Republicans. He recently was quoted as saying he’d consider switching sides if the IDC also went back. The tensions were inflamed by the election of President Trump and bubbled over after veteran Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Queens) recently defected to the IDC. IDC member Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island) said that after Peralta’s move, she received a call from Senate Democratic Deputy Minority Leader Michael Gianaris seeking a commitment that her group would not poach any more members.
Rift among NY Democrats grows again (LUHUD) *
Breakaway Democrats in New York Senate Add Another to Their Ranks(NYT) *
A Message to All New Yorkers From A Group Cleaning Up Albany and City Hall
State Senate Control IDC
No big tent for Senate Dems, but they do make a 'circus' (Crains) Party is poised to occupy 32 of the Senate's 63 seats but risk being unable to control the chamber
GOP Running Against de Blasio in Effort to Remain in Control of the Senate
Republicans are bombarding voters in Nassau County and the Hudson Valley with TV ads and mailers linking Democratic candidates to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in an effort to hold onto their control of the state Senate, the Post reports. * GOP campaigns on unpopular de Blasio in battle for state Senate (NYP) Embattled Republicans are banking on an old foe — Mayor de Blasio — to help them in this year’s state Senate races. The local GOP is bombarding voters with TV ads and mailers linking Democratic candidates to Hizzoner in an all-out effort to hold onto their tenuous control of the chamber. In the final days of campaigning, de Blasio is expected be featured as a bogeyman in a half-dozen contested races in Nassau County, LI, and the Hudson Valley, GOP sources said. * Hedge fund billionaires, public school teachers, developers, hospitals and New York City landlords are the financial backbone of of the political action committees lined up to influence which party controls the state Senate, The Buffalo News reports. * The arrest of GOP Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano has many Democratic leaders dreaming of a countywide sweep, particularly because their party has a slight voter registration advantage, the Times reports. * After never headlining a fundraiser for state Senate Democrats during his nearly six years as the state’s top Democrat, Cuomo has practically become a campaign carnival barker for their candidates, The New York Times reports.
Fredric U. Dicker @fud31 Senior state Dem: "Cuomo's campaigning for Senate Dems on L.I. is really campaigning from himself - to avoid a 2018 Schneiderman primary.''
With the IDC Strong Cuomo Covers His Ass With Democrats
Cuomo is slated to headline a rally Monday on behalf of two Democratic state Senate candidates in Nassau County, and sources said Cuomo is expected to make more endorsements in contested state Senate races, the Daily News’ Kenneth Lovett reports.
The Assembly Started A PAC This Year To Protect Their Incumbents, Both the Dems and GOP Senate Parties Have PAC to Protect Their Incumbents
The Assembly Started A PAC This Year To Protect Their Incumbents, Both the Dems and GOP Senate Parties Have PAC to Protect Their Incumbents
Assembly Democrats plot to back incumbents in primaries (NYP) It’s going to be almost impossible to unseat a Democratic legislator in the state Assembly under a plan being hatched by Speaker Carl Heastie, The Post has learned. Heastie intends...* A shift by the state Assembly Democrats’ campaign arm could give the chamber’s leadership greater sway by increasing its ability to assist lawmakers facing difficult primary election challenges.* Assembly Democratic fund to help fight primary challenges (TU) * An independent expenditure group recently set up by education reform advocates associated with StudentsFirstNY has raised $1.75 million over the past week to pour into New York’s November elections—and is likely to help Senate Republicans, Crain’s reports: *Charter-schools group poised to aid Senate GOP
CAT BIRD SEAT Klein IDC Goes to the Highest Senate Bidder Hamilton Joins IDC
Felder Beats IDC in Assuring GOP Control of the Senate
Republicans on verge of keeping control of New York State Senate (NYDN) GOP Thanks de Blasio for Helping Them Keep Control of the Senate Seeking to Keep Control of New York Senate, G.O.P. Finds a Villain: Bill de Blasio (NYT) * Late $550K to help Senate Dems sparks GOP complaint... * Democratic leaders urge NYC pols to join the party, end alliance with GOP to regain Senate control as Trump presidency looms (NYDN)
Brooklyn state Sen.Simcha Felder to side with Republicans, damaging Dems’ dreams of taking chamber (NYDN) Even with two races still undecided, the New York Democrats appear to have suffered a fatal blow in their bid to claim control of the state Senate. Sen. Simcha Felder, a Brooklyn Dem who has sided with the Republicans during his time in the Legislature, told upstate cable's "Capital Tonight" that he would not be switching back to the Democrats regardless of the outcome of the two open races in Nassau County. That means even if the Democrats win at least one of the two open races, they would still be one shy from being able to control the chamber.*
Republicans on verge of keeping control of New York State Senate (NYDN) GOP Thanks de Blasio for Helping Them Keep Control of the Senate Seeking to Keep Control of New York Senate, G.O.P. Finds a Villain: Bill de Blasio (NYT) * Late $550K to help Senate Dems sparks GOP complaint... * Democratic leaders urge NYC pols to join the party, end alliance with GOP to regain Senate control as Trump presidency looms (NYDN)
State Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein signaled his group’s allegiance is up for grabs, but Sen. Mike Gianaris expressed optimism that the Democrats could lure back the IDC and control the chamber, The Wall Street Journal reports. * State senate could be reliant on Long Island races (NYP) Which party controls the state Senate depends on the results of five hotly contested races in Long Island next week. Democrats hope a wave of Clinton supporters flooding polling stations...* State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan’s future as GOP leader is unclear, and if the Republicans fall into the minority, it's likely state Sen. John DeFrancisco or someone else from upstate will become the new Republican leader, the Daily News writes. * She hasn't even been elected yet, but already Marisol Alcantara is getting pressure to back a Democratic takeover of the state Senate next year, with 29 community groups calling on her to pledge to vote against Flanagan as majority leader, the Daily News writes. * About a dozen super PACs have reported spending about $14 million in state Senate races since the September primaries, often pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars a day into television ads and other types of campaign support, The New York Times reports. * With only a handful of seats likely to change hands on Election Day, state Sen. Jeff Klein's breakaway group of Senate Democrats, the IDC, is likely to play a pivotal role in determining which party has enough seats to claim control the chamber, the Daily News writes. * Police arrested state Assemblywoman Diana Richardson after her 13-year-old son showed up at a Brooklyn police station saying she beat him with a broomstick over his grades, cops said on Sunday, the Daily News reports.
Felder Could Be Senate Balance Except for Two LI Recounts and the IDC
State politician’s party decision could tip senate balance (NYP) One Brooklyn politician may hold the key to the balance of power in the state Senate. Sen. Simcha Felder, who ran on the Democratic, Republican and Conservative lines, was first elected as a Democrat in 2012 but has conferenced and voted with Republicans as the two major parties slugged it out for control of the chamber. This year, Republicans won 31 of the Senate’s 63 seats; Democrats took 30. Officials are counting ballots in two Long Island races, and results are expected to take weeks. So Felder’s decision about which party to align himself with could determine who controls power. “I’m not a loyal Democrat,” he told The Post. “I never was.” He says he sides with Republicans when it comes to money, policing and terrorism. Still, Felder said he believes in “social services for the poor.” But Felder’s decision will be fueled by pragmatism. “I may be crazy, but I’m not stupid,” he said. “I’m going to do what’s going to get the most for my constituents.”*
MainlineDemocrats and IDC arrive at a tentative peace (PoliticoNY) With the IDC poised to grow to at least six members, the breakaway conference will likely play a crucial role in which party will control the upper chamber. In the meantime, mainline Democrats and Republicans don’t want to ruffle any feathers with their colleagues in the IDC and have maintained a diplomatic relationship.
Now That the IDC is a Lock Cuomo Does Fund Raiser for Senate Dems
IDC's Klein Power Broker in A 2017 Cuomo Triangulation State Senate
Now That the IDC is a Lock Cuomo Does Fund Raiser for Senate Dems
Albany Incumbent Protection Society 198 of 199 Re-Elected
198 of199 Albany incumbents re-elected despite corruption, calls for reform (Syracuse). The unseated incumbent was Democratic Assemblyman John Ceretto in the 146th Assembly District, which covers portions of Erie and Niagara counties. Angelo Morinello defeated him by about 4,000 votes.
Klein's IDC Unauthorised Slush Fund Pays Election Lawyers and Ethics Chair Avella Campaign Maybe Under Investigation by the State Bd of Elections?
The state Board of Elections launched an inquiry last year into a campaign group created by state Sen. Jeff Klein’s five-member Independent Democratic Conference, though the group has not heard from the board since
With Republicans clinging to a razor-thin state Senate majority, Sen. Jeffrey Klein said the Independent Democratic Conference would consider once again teaming up with Republicans after the 2016 elections to keep the GOP in control.* Narrowly Divided Senate Could Put New Focus On IDC (YNN)
Probe into Senate IDC's campaign efforts (TU) Independent Democratic Conference group paid $65,000 to campaign finance lawyers he state Board of Elections launched an inquiry last year into a campaign group created by the Independent Democratic Conference, a key five-member bloc in the state Senate led by Bronx state Sen. Jeff Klein, the Times Union has learned. Campaign finance records show that since March 2015, the group — called the IDC Initiative — spent about $65,000 on campaign finance attorneys. The sum represents about 63 percent of its total spending in 2015. In September, the IDC Initiative paid about $45,000 to Martin Connor, a former Senate Democratic minority leader who's now a prominent election lawyer, and nearly $20,000 since last March to the
“This was a bogus claim made by John Liu, which is kind of ironic because his career was destroyed by campaign finance violations,” Klein said in the interview, referencing Liu’s former campaign treasurer being found guilty of using straw donors to gain more public matching funds in the 2013 mayoral race in New York City. The complaint raised questions, though, over the IDC’s retained lawyer, former Senate Minority Leader Marty Connor, who was working for both the committee and Avella. Klein said Connor “works on retainer and helps us with our compliance” while also helping with the petitioning process. By law, PACs cannot donate more than $16,800 to a candidate, making them different from conference campaign committees. In 2014, the IDC moved to re-register as an independent expenditure committee, allowing it to expend unlimited funds, but not coordinate with any candidates’ campaigns.* Amid concerns about a potential conflict of interest in Sen. Jeff Klein’s crusade against Herbalife, the real issue is whether this is another example of the state Capitol’s problem of looking the other way, theTimes Union writes:
@unitedNYblogs It is different because the IDC is not an authorized committee of a political party under election law
More on Klein and the IDC
Albany Budget, Ethics, Pay Raise, Three Men in the Room, Pork
Albany Budget, Ethics, Pay Raise, Three Men in the Room, Pork
Klein, Lobbyists Mirram and Herbalife Connected
New state lobbying filings raise questions about the level of coordination between a powerful state lawmaker – IDC Leader Jeff Klein – his influential political consultant (Luis Miranda) and a billionaire who has placed a $1 billion bet against the stock price of Herbalife, a multinational nutritional sales company.
Senate GOP Plans to Stop the $15 Hr Wage Hike
Leaders from the New York State Business Council and other groups told a Senate panelthat the proposed statewide $15-an-hour wage hike would cost employers nearly $16 billion in added costs, far exceeding the benefit of any possible tax cut. * Deputy Senate Majority Leader John DeFrancisco said he does not think the Senate will pass a $15 an hour minimum wage this year because it would hurt small businesses.* One influential senator predicts NY will not pass a statewide$15 minimum wage * Everyone else will pay for the war between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and de Blasio on the minimum wage, including the mayor’s $15 wage for city employees and Cuomo’s similar windfall for state university workers, the Post argues:
DSCC Cuomo Takes LLC $$$ As They Attacks The Corruption They Cause
And Gianaris' DSCC Hires Parkside Lobbyists Who Works for REBNY Jobs for NY
Brooklyn senatorcould decide which party controls New York senate (NYDN) A Brooklyn senator who could be the key in deciding which party controls the chamber wouldn’t commit to either side on Monday. Though a Democrat, Sen. Simcha Felder has caucused with the Republicans since taking office in 2013, helping them maintain their slim majority. But if the Democrats win an April 19 special election to fill the seat left vacant by the conviction of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, it would give the Dems a numerical majority in the chamber. Whether they would ascend to power, however, would depend on whether Felder and a separate group of five breakaway Democrats who formed their own independent conference agree to work with the mainstream Dems in a majority coalition. The six Dems have been aligned with the Republicans. Felder wouldn’t commit when asked by the Daily News what he might do.* Brooklyn state Sen. Simcha Felder and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein would not disclose which party they would caucus with after an April 19 special election for an open Long Island seat, the Daily News reports: * State Republicans shoot down proposed tax hike on the rich (NYP) * Sen. Michael Nozzolio, 64, who has represented the Finger Lakes region for more than 30 years, announced he will not seek re-election in the fall, citing a heart problem. * Nozzolio’s departure causes another headache for the Senate GOP as it seeks to retain the majority this fall. He was unopposed in four of his last six Senate campaigns, and with $209,986 in his campaign accounts as of mid-January,he likely would have been difficult to unseat in 2016. * Many New Yorkers who earn more than a million dollars a year would see a tax increase under the terms of a proposal introduced by Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. (The idea was immediately shot down by the Senate Republicans).
Why Are de Blasio and Albany GOP Meeting and Pretending Their Real Goal is To Destroy Each Other?
3 Months Flashback
de Blasio Say He Plans to Be Less Involved In Pushing for A Democratic State Senate
After a bruising state Senate election season in 2014 that failed to produce a Democratic majority in the upper chamber, de Blasio said he plans to be far less involved in next year's legislative elections when control of the state Senate is one again in contention, Politico New York writes:
The feud between Cuomo and de Blasio has added a new dynamic in Bronx politics as Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has stepped up his attacks against the mayor's policies and increasingly places himself in lock step with the governor, his ally, Gotham Gazette reports: * In an interview on the Brian Lehrer show, Cuomo declined to directly criticize de Blasio’s handling of homelessness in New York City , instead leaving his criticisms veiled while promising a full homelessness plan in his upcoming State of the State address.
War for Control of the State Senate: Dems Run A Former Prosecutor Who Put Espada in Jail
Democrats close to announcing candidatefor Skelos’ seat (NYP) State Democrats are close to picking a former federal prosecutor to run for scandal-scarred former state Senate leader Dean Skelos’ newly open seat while Republicans are scrambling to find a candidate. Democrats wasted no time tapping Long Beach , LI, Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky, 37, to replace Skelos and could spend in the “low millions” to take the Republican-leaning seat, party insiders say. Kaminsky, who helped put away ex-lawmakers Pedro Espada, Jimmy Meng and Michael Grimm on embezzlement, bribery and tax-fraud charges, respectively, acknowledged he was “seriously considering” a bid. New Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, from Suffolk County
War: de Blasio vs Cuomo, How the GOP Won the Senate, Education Attack
The Battle for the State Senate
Skelos Conviction Leaves Key Vacancy in Nassau County Senate Seat (NYT) Republican leaders say only a spotless recruit can make the case to Long Island voters that Republicans should retain their slim majority in the State Senate.*
Corruption Played A Big Role In the Democrats Winning the Nassau DA Race This November . . .
Sunday True News Wrote
With the Senate in Balance of Power In Question Will Cuomo Call for A Special in the Skelos Seat?
The Importance of the Skelos Seat to the Balance of Power In the Senate
Gianaris: Senate Dems In Good Position To Win Skelos Seat (Updated) "The convictions of former (Assembly) Speaker (Sheldon) Silver and former Majority Leader Skelos should be a wakeup call for the Legislature and it must stop standing in the way of needed reforms," Cuomo said Friday. Meanwhile, Cuomo's office hasn't said if and when the governor will call a special election to fill Skelos' now vacant seat. After Silver's conviction Nov. 30 in an unrelated corruption case, Cuomo said he expected to call a special election for April 19 to fill that seat. With Skelos gone, the Republicans now hold the slimmest of slim majorities, and that's only with the help of Sen. Simcha Felder, a Brooklyn Democrat who has been sitting with the GOP. With Felder, the Republicans have 32 members in their conference — the exact number needed to pass legislation in the chamber. That means they will need help from a group of five breakaway Democrats if they are to pass anything if one of their GOP members is absent from the chamber or opposes a measure.* Former Senate Majority Skelos’ conviction on eight public corruption charges means thatCuomo “can’t hide this time” when it comes to getting a Democratic elected to the Senate, a senior state Dem has told The Post’s Fred Dicker. * Former Sen. Skelos was caught on a wiretap bad-mouthing his erstwhile partner in power, IDC Leader Jeff Klein. But Skelos’ conviction could give Klein and his group more influence heading into the 2016 legislative session. The Republicans might “throw him a few bones” as a result.* Former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos’ conviction on eight public corruption charges means that Cuomo “can’t hide” when it comes to getting a Democratic elected to the state Senate, the Post’s Fredric Dickerreports: * Cuomo said he’ll push to close the so-called LLC loophole next year and discuss it as part of an ethics reform agenda that includes outside income and more disclosure rules and is unveiled at his State of the State address, the Daily News reports: * Skelos' Departure Puts Balance of Power in State Senate in Flux (NY1)
True News Wags Dicker and the NYP
Skelos Conviction Outs Cuomo's Secret Support for Senate GOP . . . Senate in Play
Cuomo’s leadership will be tested in upcoming special elections (NYP) Former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos’ conviction on eight public corruption charges means that Gov. Cuomo “can’t hide this time’’ when it comes to getting a Democratic elected to the Senate, a senior state Dem has told The Post. Cuomo has worked behind the scenes for years helping Republicans gain or keep their narrow control of the Senate in order to restrain the “progressive’’ tax-and-spend wing of his own Democratic Party — most recently earlier this fall,when he picked and then failed to support Barbara Fiala, who suffered a humiliating defeat in a special Binghamton-area Senate election. But Skelos’ Nassau County district has more Democrats then Republicans, unlike the Binghamton district, and his high-profile conviction, combined with ongoing investigations of possible corruption by other Nassau Republican officials, has created the climate for a major Democratic win, insiders from both parties agree. “Skelos’ seat is majority Democrat, it’s in the New York City media market, and the Democrats will have an unbeatable candidate, no thanks to Cuomo,’’ the senior Democrat told The Post. “Unlike Binghamton , all eyes will be on this Senate race, and Cuomo must go all out to help win it or be permanently damaged. He can’t hide this time,’’ the Democrat said. Skelos was immediately ousted from the Senate upon conviction, and Cuomo is expected to set April 19, the presidential primary day, as the date for a special election to fill the seat, the same date he said he’ll likely call an election to replace former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), who was bounced last month, also as a result of multiple corruption convictions. Democrats are expected to endorse Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky — a former federal prosecutor who has a stellar anti-corruption résumé, including the successful prosecution of former Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx) — for the Skelos seat, while Nassau Republicans, who suffered a surprise upset defeat in the race for district attorney last month, are having trouble recruiting a candidate* What it will take to clean up New York politics (NYP) * Cuomo briefly previewed what may be included in his 2016 ethics and campaign finance reform package, including making closure of the “LLC loophole” a priority.
de Blasio's Albany Lobbying Office Clears Out As Both Sides Get Ready for the War to Control the State Senate
Not Much Point in Lobbying Someone Your Trying to Kill Off
De Blasio loses Albanylobbyists amid ongoing rift with Cuomo (NYP) de Blasio’s Albany lobbying office has been hit with a flurry of departures just as City Hall faces a tense year of negotiations with Gov. Cuomo and state lawmakers, The Post has learned. Jennifer Richardson, who served as the office’s $120,000-a-year deputy director, left last month to join the lobbying firm Ostroff Associates. Another city staffer, Jason Litwak, also is packing up for a lobbying job in the private sector. He was making $75,000 a year. Among the changes: Ariana Caplan, already part of the legislative team, has been promoted to deputy director to fill Richardson ’s spot. Jake Herring, from the lobbying firm Wilson Elser, was hired as chief of staff and counsel. City Hall also added Cheska Tolentino, who was deputy political director at the Transport Workers Union Local 100. Most recently, Cuomo’s office charged that de Blasio “can’t manage the homeless crisis”and said the governor would offer his own remedies during his State of the State speech in a couple of weeks. For his part, de Blasio over the summer accused his fellow Democrat of exacting “revenge” and carrying out a “vendetta” that thwarted the city’s agenda in Albany last year. Albany lobbying office has been hit with a flurry of departures as City Hall faces a tense year of negotiations with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers, with one staffer calling it useless to stay, the Post writes: * In the likely high-stakes race to fill former state Sen. Dean Skelos’ seat, Democrats will try to tie any GOP candidate to the convicted Skelos, while Republicans will stoke fears that a Democratic Senate would be too city-focused, Newsday reports:
Is There A Death Watch On the GOP Control of the Senate As Sen Martin Decides to Run for Congress?
5 IDC Senators Smell GOP Long Island Corruption Indictments Position Themselves With Reform Plan
A breakaway group of five Senate Democrats who have been aligned with the Republicans are set to reintroduce an ethics package that would ban state public officials from receiving any outside income, the DailyNews reports: * From tighter campaign finance rules to term limits to a full-time Legislature barred from working outside jobs, there’s no shortage of proposals to clean up the corruption that has long plagued New York state government. But with each measure facing its own set of political challenges, it remains to be seen whether action will finally be taken.* A breakaway group of five state Senate Democrats who have been aligned with the Republicans are set to reintroduce an ethics package that would ban state public officials from receiving any outside income following Silver’s corruption conviction.
IDC Which Skelos Wiretap Said Had No Power Sticking With GOP
Coaching A Witness At the Skelos Trial for A Bag Job Ordered By Glenwood
The corruption trial of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son, Adam,came to a halt late this afternoon after one juror complained of chest pains.
Senate staffer accused of coaching witness during Skelos trial (NYP) Welquis “Ray” Lopez, 61, was summoned to the bench during a break in the proceedings and threatened with ejection by
NYP's Dicker Cuomo Still Helping GOP Senate Stay In Control
Cuomo’s lack of support may lead to Senate candidate’s downfall (NYP) Democratic state Senate candidate Barbara Fiala’s campaign will be crushed by her Republican opponent because Gov. Andrew Cuomo reneged on his pledge to go all out to help and wants to maintain a GOP-controlled state Senate, the Post’s Fred Dicker writes:
GOP Which Lost Their Way On LI Spins de Blasio as Their Punching Bag Target
Fred Dicker: “(NYC Mayor Bill) de Blasio is so reviled across the state that Senate Republicans are planning to use criticism against Hizzoner to boost their candidates in next year’s campaigns — and they’ll use critiques leveled by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help demonize him.”* De Blasio-Cuomo feud is Republican ammo for 2016 (NYP) *
Catsimatidis goes easy on de Blasio as he debuts new press strategy(NYP) A de Blasio spokeswoman conceded the questions were grapefruit league. “The Cats Man is not known for asking tough questions, and there are plenty of other elected officials who have been thrown softballs on his show,” said de Blasio spokeswoman Karen Hinton, who said the program was taped Wednesday.
Judge Denied Team Skelos Lawyer Request to Dismiss Based on Bharara Comments Bashing Public Corruption
Federal Judge To Skelos: ‘Denied’ (YNN) Count U.S. District Court Judge Kimba Wood as not impressed when it comes to the argument pushed by lawyers for Sen. Dean Skelos knocking U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for recent comments he’s made bashing public corruption. She added further down: “The remarks that are the subject of this letter are too generalized to support the relief sought by defendants.” Wood, in a brief determination handed down on Friday, wrote “denied” in the margins of a brief filed by Skelos’s attorneys, who objected to Bharara’s comments on unnamed officials who are accused of corruption being able to hire “high-priced lawyers.”*
Skelos’ attorney cited a @PolHudson post to try todiscredit Preet Bharara. It didn’t work (LoHud) A federal judge wasn't persuaded by former Senate Majority Leader Skelos’ complaints about Bharara’s public comments.
Facing Fed Investigation Dumb and Dumber Skelos and Son Failed Plot to Use Cuomo Gal Pal Sandra Lee
How Sandra Lee was a pawn in a political power struggle (NYP) Disgraced former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son were caught on wiretaps bad-mouthing Gov. Cuomo’s family, plotting to use his gal pal, Sandra Lee, against him and even musing how Skelos and other Republican lawmakers were “smarter” than the governor, new court papers state. Skelos and his son Adam — both of whom face corruption charges — were recorded last Feb. 27 talking about how Skelos planned to “stick with” the proposal he made “relating to disclosure of the outside income of the Governor’s significant other,” federal prosecutors wrote in court papers filed Monday. State Republicans had just introduced a bill that was seemingly targeted at the governor, because it would have required state leaders with domestic partners, such as celebrity chef Lee, to disclose their income. “Adam Skelos told Dean Skelos that ‘you guys are smarter and just more experienced, so, you know, you flip it on him. Then [Cuomo] goes crazy [over the disclosure bill] and then he comes back and he negotiates,’ ” a better state budget deal, the court filings state.*
Why Did Adam Skelos Go To Senator Klein To Fix A Traffic Ticket . . . Do They Fix Parking Tickets In the Bronx?
Dean and Adam Skelos in ticket quid pro quo, feds claim (NYP) Former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos’ son steered a corporate exec to one of his dad’s political allies for help beating a traffic ticket — proof that both father and son were peddling their influence in Albany, federal prosecutors allege in new court papers. Adam Skelos sent a January text message to the exec, who’s now cooperating with authorities, offering an introduction to state Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx) in connection with a summons for gabbing on a cellphone while driving, the feds say. When the exec — who has been identified as Bjornulf White, then a VP of AbTech Industries — texted that he was interested, Adam allegedly called his dad. The feds say the elder Skelos was caught on a wiretap instructing his son to “call [Klein] and tell him you have somebody . . . but . . . the guy’s got to pay something.” The next day, Adam allegedly told Klein: “Now, this guy, he also — he happens to be a CEO of an engineering company based in Connecticut . They’re starting to do some work here in New York . . . you never know, it could lead to other stuff.” Klein responded, “Yeah, give him my number and I’ll see what I can do to help,” according to the feds. Klein’s spokeswoman said, “There was no follow-up to this conversation beyond Sen. Klein instructing that his law firm be contacted to handle a traffic ticket.”
Silver and Skelos Trial
A Fight Over the Feds Wiretaps of Skelos
A Fight Over the Feds Wiretaps of Skelos
Wiretaps Offer New Details in Corruption Case Against State Senator Skelos and His Son (NYT) Prosecutors in the corruption case against Senator Skelos and his son, Adam B. Skelos want to play wiretaps that they say show the son sought to leverage his father’s influence to his own benefit. Among the wiretaps, excerpts from which were contained in the filing, is a conversation in which the senator and his son, Adam, talk about getting the son’s wife a job on a Long Island zoning board and discussing the salary and health benefits the position would bring to the couple. “The purpose of the appointment was to make sure that Adam Skelos received additional income and health benefits, and that Adam Skelos would be able to corruptly use his wife’s position with respect to his real estate deals,” prosecutors said in their filing. The prosecutors hope to present the court-ordered wiretaps to the jury to bolster their charges that the two men conspired in an extortion and fraud scheme, utilizing the senator’s office to reap hundreds of thousands of dollars for his son. Prosecutors said in the filing that Senator Skelos “repeatedly pressured the entities from which he and Adam Skelos solicited money” around the time that “the same entities were lobbying Dean Skelos to take legislative actions in the entities’ favor, and Dean Skelos then took numerous official actions in favor of the entities that agreed to pay his son * Excerpts of wiretapped phone conversations between state Sen. Dean Skelos and his son have become the subject of legal squabbling over their admissibility in the pair’s federal court case, The Wall Street Journalreports: * Wiretap: Adam Skelos makes a sales call (TU)
Ex-Senate Majority Leader caught on wiretaps plotting to get son's wife on Nassau zoning board: feds (NYDN) "During the sales call, Adam Skelos invoked the power of Dean Skelos's office by citing his frequent appearance in the 'papers,' and stated that, if the individual wanted to 'utilize' Adam Skelos's 'reach,'" he should set up a meeting with him, the feds said. The son made it clear in the Dec. 22, 2014 call he was angry the unidentified businessman hadn't done so yet. "Now, if you want to utilize my f---ing reach and business opportunity, then you call me and I'll set up a meeting. Otherwise, don't tell me you're going to set up a meeting and not set it up, okay? Because you bulls--- . . . like every other Greek business person. . . you don't do a f---ing thing. Okay? That's why you are where you are and i am where I am, okay?" Adam says on the tape, according to prosecutors. * Adam Skelos used dad’s power to try to bribe diners: court papers (NYP) Adam Skelos told a representative for an association of Greek diner owners that if they’d buy energy services from his employer, in return his dad, then one of the state’s most powerful politicians, would deliver a “quid pro quo,’’ new court papers charge. Adam allegedly boasted of the power he held thanks to his father’s “reach” as he tried to pressure the diner representative, Demetrios Raptis, into meeting with him. “It’s a privilege to have that number. Now, if you want to utilize my f–king reach and business opportunity, then you call me and I’ll set up a meeting.” The papers also claim that Dean Skelos, 67 — the former Senate majority leader who stepped down from his leadership position after the charges were filed — lied about keeping the required distance from the lobbying arm of his law firm by meeting with the owner of multiple pharmacies who wanted to discuss legislative issues. “There are similar e-mails and other communications reflecting actual or potential meetings between clients of the lobbying firm and/or the law firm with business before the state and Dean Skelos,” the papers state.
Bharara Arrests of Silver and Skelos Shuts Down Litwin's Glenwood Campaign Funding for Albany
Filings show Glenwood no longer a major donor (Capital) Preet Bharara has made actual, tangible results in getting money out of NY politics * Glenwood Management, perennially the state’s largest campaign contributor, has drastically reduced its campaign donations in the wake of federal investigations in which company officials are reportedly embroiled, Capital New York reports: * The Real Estate Board of New York spent $3 million opposing a prevailing wage provisionin the renewal of the 421a tax abatement.
Developers Tied to Skelos and Silver Cases Funded 421-a Lobbyists Effort
Developers tied to Skelos and Silver cases funded lobbying effort (TU) In the wake of two high-profile political corruption cases allegedly involving major New York City real estate developers, some of those same developers helped fund a $1.9 million Albany lobbying effort this year for a lucrative tax break. A lobbying disclosure filing provided Friday by the group Putting New Yorkers to Work, a nonprofit run by leadership of the real estate trade group the Real Estate Board of New York, reported the group taking in $200,000 in May from eight limited liability companies controlled by Glenwood Management.
That’s the Long Island luxury residential developer that played a supporting role in the federal corruption charges against ex-Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Silver stepped down from his legislative leadership post in January and Skelos in May. Glenwood’s donations to the lobbying group are listed as coming in on May 8 – four days after Skelos was arrested and charged. Glenwood has long been the state’s biggest political donor, including to its three statewide Democrats – Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli – but appears to have tamped down its campaign spending in light of the federal scrutiny. Last Wednesday, Cuomo reported no political donations from the company the past six months. The company did, however, make the $200,000 lobbying contribution, which was part of nearly $1.9 million in total spending by Putting New Yorkers To Work in May and June.
The spending went to television and radio ads, digital media, and polling. Charles Dorego, a top Glenwood official, was given a non-prosecution agreement in conjunction with his assistance in the Skelos case. In both the Silver and Skelos cases, the lawmakers are accused of concocting schemes in which Glenwood would enrich them, or their families, in exchange for favorable treatment on one or several of the key issues Glenwood has before the Legislature, from rent regulation to tax breaks for developers. Skelos allegedly threatened to stop helping the industry if he didn’t get its support. A developer that had a cameo role in the complaint against Skelos, Tishman Speyer, also gave $250,000 to the lobbying effort, the disclosure shows. According to the complaint against Skelos, Skelos’ son, Adam, who is also facing charges, sought title insurance work from the developer. Neither Glenwood Management nor Tishman Speyer has been charged with wrongdoing. Putting New Yorkers to Work was formed to push for the interests of big real estate and affordable housing developers in the battle over the extension of the 421-a tax abatement, which expired in June and gives lucrative tax breaks to developers in exchange for their building affordable housing. Of the $3.1 in contributions collected by Putting New Yorkers to Work, the biggest donor was the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, a trade association for affordable housing developers that gave $500,000. Many of New York City ’s biggest developers gave, from the Durst Organization to The Related Companies. The group was aligned with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who has made building affordable housing a priority for his administration, but was at odds with a group funded by buildings trades unions, UP4NYC, that itself engaged in a well-funded push for a new prevailing wage mandate for construction workers at 421-a projects. * "Neither Glenwood Management nor Tishman Speyer hasbeen charged with wrongdoing". (TU)
Skelos Goes After the Feds
Skelos says feds have been on a "fishingexpedition" to contrive a corruption case against him (Newsweek)
NYP Dicker Says Buzz Skelos Going to Rat
There’s widespread speculation in GOP circles that former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son, Adam, facing trial in November on corruption-related charges, are seeking a plea bargain with US Attorney Preet Bharara. “Bharara has a much stronger case against Dean and Adam than he did against Libous and his son, and if he’s smart, he’s already had his lawyers talk to Bharara about a plea deal,” said a prominent Republican with ties to Skelos. Libous and his son Matthew were convicted this year on charges stemming from the elder Libous’ having used his influence to gain a high-paying job for his son at a Westchester law firm. Last week, Adam Skelos’ wife, Ann Marie, was arrested on two local misdemeanor charges in connection with a dispute with her nephew.* Nearly $10 million in Nassau County
Silver and Skelos Trials Both Scheduled for November
This Month Both Sampson and Libous Convicted
Friday Disgraced ex-state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam will stand trialon corruption raps in November – the same month that former state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s graft trial is scheduled to begin. * The Skeloses pleaded not guilty to new bribery and extortion charges laid out in a recent superseding indictment. * Former Broome County
Skelos And Son Plead Not Guilty To New Charges: Dean Skelos, the former Senate majority leader, and his son Ad... * Skelos And Son Plead Not Guilty To New Charges (YNN) * Despite Reformers’ Calls, A Special Ethics Session Seems Unlikely (YNN) * Leader @SenatorSkelos, son pleadinnocence in new bribery charges. Trial set for Nov. 16 via @AP * Former NYS Majority Leader @SenatorSkelos, son pleadinnocence in new bribery charges. Trial set for Nov. 16 via @AP* State Senate Majority John Flanagan appointed state Sen. John DeFrancisco as the Senate deputy majority leader after the post was vacated last week when the former deputy leader, Tom Libous, was convicted last week, Gannett Albany writes: * Dean Skelos, Son
Plead Not Guilty to New Corruption Charges
IDC GOP Senate Coalition and Skelos Flanagan
prominent elected officials between January and July, state Board of Elections filings show.
State is Still Driving Skelos and Son
LOVETT: Sen. Dean Skelos still receives state car despite federal corruption charges — 'What does one have to do to be stripped of the perks of office?' (NYDN)
Breaking: Senator Libous Found Guilty
Tom Libous, one of the most prominent Republican lawmakers in the state Senate, has been found guilty by jury of lying to federal agents in a case stemming from his son receiving a job at a politically connected law firm, State of Politicsreports: Libous’s lies have been exposed, his crime has been proven, and Albany will be the better for it State Senator Tom Libous found guilty of lying to the FBI (NYP) * NYC famed biker bar to close after massive rent hike (NYP) * State Sen. Thomas Libous guilty of lying to FBI agents (NYDN) * State senator found guilty of lying to FBI about arranging$150K-a-year job for his son * Tom Libous is convicted of lying to the FBI about a job hearranged for his son, and loses #nysenate seat (Capital) * Jury Finds Libous Lied To FBI (YNN) * Senate Republicans no longer have an elected majority after Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous was convicted today on a federal corruption charge, leaving the GOP one vote short of the 32 needed to control the chamber – if, for some reason, Sen. Simcha Felder, a Brooklyn Democrat, decides to defect, and the IDC refuses to step in to assist. Monday Republicans ready to take on Cuomo in race to replace Libous (NYP) Cuomo made a “major tactical blunder’’ last week by vowing to go all-out to win the Senate seat left vacant by the conviction of Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous...* State Republicans believe Gov. Cuomo has put his “prestige” on the line by endorsing a Democrat to win Sen. Tom Libous’s Senate seat, considering the heavy GOP enrollment.* State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan said whoeverreplaces state Sen. Tom Libous as deputy leader is likely to be an upstate lawmaker, State of Politics reports:* John Flanagan announces his onetime majority leader rival, @JohnDeFrancisco, will serve as deputy majority leader.
Libous Like Skelos Gets Son A Job
State GOP leader used office to get son law-firm job: prosecutors (NYP) State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous (R-Binghamton) is on trial for allegedly lying to the FBI about getting a Westchester law firm to hire his ne’re-do-well attorney son, Matthew, 37. “Why was a Westchester law firm giving his son a job, paying him more than the partners make and giving him a car?” Assistant US Attorney Benjamin Rial Allee said. “The truth is, he used his influence,’’ Allee said of the 62-year-old state senator. “He told the firm that he would send so much work to their law firm that they could build a new wing” if they hired his son. Allee said that after Matthew Libous was hired by the law firm Santangelo, Randazzo & Mangone, he irritated his higher-ups by leasing himself a pricey car on the company tab. The case against Tom Libous is similar to charges brought against ex-state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who stepped down after he was indicted in a corruption scheme to peddle his influence for cash and work for his own son. * 2010 Meeting With F.B.I. Agents Is Focus at Senator Thomas Libous’s Trial (NYT)The high-ranking New York State
New Skelos and Son Indictment
BREAKING: Superseding indictment in the US attorney'sfederal case vs. @SenatorSkelos & his son, Adam. * Skelos’ son allegedly threatened to ‘smash in’ boss’ head (NYP) * The expanded indictment filed by federal prosecutors against Adam Skelos and his father, former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos added two new charges of soliciting bribes from a Long Island company, The New York Times reports: * New indictment: At no-show job, Skelos' son bragged aboutfather's power
Has There Ever Been Two Leaders Of the Senate On Trial At the Same Time? Smith Sentence Last Month
More Evidence Flanagan is Skelos' Puppet
Dean Skelos’ brother to helm former law firm of his state Senate successor (NYDN) The brother of indicted former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos is set to helm the former law firm of the man Skelos helped install as his successor, the Daily News has learned. Nassau County Politics reports: * Flanagan Says Senate GOP Will Keep Majority (YNN) * As some Democrats agree to disagree with Cuomo, the state’s top Republican, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, says agreements and disagreements are both part of the relationship the GOP has with the Democratic governor. * Flanagan said NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio bungled a chance at long-term control over city schools by refusing to “engage” with legislators. The mayor’s spokeswoman rejected that claim, saying at some point during the end of session, the majority leader simply stopped returning her boss’ personal phone calls. * Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan’s appearance before an eager Albany press corps on Wednesday marks the start of a statewide tour aimed at developing a legislative agenda for next year, he said during interviews with reporters at the Capitol.
Silver and Skelos' Arrests Have Not Changed the Corruption Culture of Albany . . . Bharara Still Has Work to Do
Meet self-described family man and “institution guy” John Flanagan, the new Senate majority leader, as seen through the eyes of Tom Precious.
From Skelos to Flanagan, GOP and IDC Coalition
Skelos Selling House Is A Clear Sign He Ready to Rat to Feds is Silver On Deck?
Dean Skelos was forced out as Senate majority leader when he was hit with federal bribery and fraud charges. But Skelos kept his GOP seat and declared that he’ll be proven innocent. Strange, then, that he’s selling his Albany condo. Capital New York reports an ad on Craigslist offers the two-bedroom unit for $130,000 and says the seller is “motivated.”*
Bharara’s indictment of just-resigned state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, following the prosecutor’s takedown of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, reduces Albany ’s once fearsome power triumvirate to Gov. Cuomo — alone in a room staring at untested backbenchers. And nobody’s quite sure what Bharara has in store for Cuomo, who has power-sapping vulnerabilities of his own — including ties to a central figure in the ever-metastasizing scandal.* Skelos had to go — but Preet Bharara still has plenty to do(NYP Ed) It took the majority party in each house too long to figure out the public wouldn’t stomach an indicted leader. That fact alone should dispel any notion that Albany ’s headed for a cleaner future. * Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan attended his first leaders meeting, spending about an hour behind closed doors with Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate IDC Leader Jeff Klein, State of Politics reports: * Bill Hammond: “In his first 24 hours as majority leader of the state Senate, Long Island Republican John Flanagan has already proven a master of one skill that’s critical to the job: talking a lot without saying very much.” * Gotham Gazette took a look at Flanagan’s “fundraising velocity” since he joined the Senate in 2003 after many years in the Assembly.* With Flanagan In Charge, Advocates Have New Hope For Bills (YNN) * DeFran: Cuomo ‘Definitely’ Influenced Senate Leadership Fight (YNN) * Squadron: ‘Insane’ LLC Loophole Still Around (YNN)
If not for calls for Skelos’ ouster — from The Post and others, and from Democrats vowing to force a vote on the issue — who knows if the Senate Republicans would’ve ever dumped their boss? Plus, Skelos’ replacement is the one he reportedly demanded if he was to step down: fellow Long Islander John Flanagan. Oh, and Tom Libous, indicted in a separate matter, gets to stay on as the Senate’s No. 2. Another sign of how bad Albany ’s gotten: Skelos reportedly threatened to quit as senator — and jeopardize his party’s control of the chamber — if his colleagues booted him. He plainly didn’t think twice about putting his personal interests above those of the very party that pushes the principles he supposedly believes in. And he was the guy Republicans chose as their leader. Actually, what’s evident is that the now-former majority leader has only one principle: Do what’s good for Skelos. Much of Albany operates similarly.
Cuomo in Poll Free Fall A poll shows Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s approval rating dropped to 37 percent, its lowest since he took office in 2011, in part because of concerns over corruption in state government, The Wall Street Journal reports: Cuomo’s approval rating dropped to its lowest mark since he took office in 2011, according to a new Wall Street Journal-NBC 4 New York-Marist poll. Just 37 percent New York voters think he’s doing a good or excellent job, down from 44 percent in October. His approval rating is higher among New York City voters – 44 percent – and equal to NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s approval rating in a similar poll. * RECORD LOW—The Wall Street Journal’s Cuomo's job approval rating has fallen to 37 percent, its lowest mark since he took office in 2011, according to a new Wall Street Journal, NBC 4 New York/Marist poll. Just 37 percent of voters think Cuomo is doing either a “good” or “excellent” job as governor, down from 44 percent in an October poll. The Journal reports Cuomo's numbers have fallen in part because voters are worried about corruption in state government.* Flanagan, The Senate And Continuity (YNN) * Flanagan does not expect new ethics reform legislation thisyear (YNN) * Flanagan: ‘Proven My Mettle’ (YNN) * Flanagan: ‘Proven My Mettle’ (YNN) * Flanagan Asserts His Conservative Bona Fides (YNN)*
Skelos indictment points to medical malpractice firm (Capital) The federal indictment handed up Thursday against former Senate majority leader Dean Skelos and his son, Adam, alleges Adam Skelos earned $100,000 in payments and health benefits from a no-show job at a medical malpractice insurance firm that was simultaneously lobbying the state. Multiple sources told Capital the unnamed firm cited in the six-count indictment is likely the politically connected Physicians Reciprocal Insurers, the second-largest medical malpractice firm in the state. P.R.I., based in Nassau County , Long Island , counts one of the state’s most prolific donors, Anthony J. Bonomo, as its C.E.O. Bonomo's brother, Carl sits on the company’s board. In April, Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Anthony Bonomo, a former a board member, chairman of the New York Racing Association. * New racing boss has ties to Skelos corruption scheme(NYP) Anthony Bonomo, the new chairman of the New York Racing Association, is suddenly in the middle of the Dean Skelos corruption scandal. A federal indictment handed down on Thursday alleged former state Senate Majority Leader Skelos strong-armed a medical malpractice insurance firm to provide his son, Adam, with more than $100,000 in payments and health benefits through a no-show job while the firm lobbied Skelos on legislative matters. The firm was later identified as Roslyn, L.I.-based Physicians Reciprocal Insurers, which is run by Bonomo and his brother, Carl. Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo appointed Bonomo as chairman of NYRA.
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Skelos' Son $100,000 From Medical Firm That Does State Business and Ties to New State Racing Boss
Lobbyists Fed Rat Meara Work or AbTech and Physicians Reciprocal
Physicians Reciprocal is NYRA Bonomo Company Who Pay to Play A $100,000 Job to Skelos Son and Hired Both Meara and D'Amato' Park Strategies
"Physicians Reciprocal, like other large companies in New York, contracts witha number of heavy-hitting lobby firms, including two that are tied to the environmental firm in the Skelos probe. State lobby records show Bonomo's company hired The Capitol Group and Brian Meara, companies that also represented an affiliate of AbTech, the Arizona-based environmental firm linked to the Skelos investigation. Physicians Reciprocal also hired Park Strategies, a firm led by former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato."
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Skelos and Son Pleaded Not Guilty . . . Months of Phone Taps
NYRA Bonomo to go
Bonomo takes 'leave of absence' from NYRA Anthony Bonomo is taking a leave of absence — effective immediately — as the chairman of the board of the New York Racing Association less than a week after his company was revealed to have provide...* Belmont * Anthony Bonomo , CEO of Physicians Reciprocal Insurers, gave de Blasio the maximum $4,950 for his 2013 campaign, another $4,950 toward an old 2009 fine, then another $4,500 — the maximum allowed — for the inauguration. de Blasio donors exploited loopholes allowingdouble-, triple-giving (NYDN) Mayor de Blasio — who railed against loopholes as a candidate — was able to raise money on three fronts in the same election cycle, meaning individual donors limited to giving no more than $4,950 per cycle were able to give the maximum twice and even three times. * NYRA Chairman, Anthony Bonomo, Is Taking a Leave of Absence (NYT) Mr. Bonomo has been accused of providing a no-show job to the son of Dean G. Skelos, the former New York State Senate majority leader. * NYRA boss implicated in Skelos scandal takes leave of absence (NYP) Update New NYRA Leader Longtime Cuomo aide new leader of NY horse racing board Michael Del Giudice is now the association’s vice chairman. He leads a private equity company and has been a top aide to former governors Mario Cuomo and Hugh Carey and has advised Gov. Andrew Cuomo. * Cuomo Says He Backs Bonomo’s Leave Of Absence (YNN) * Michael Del Giudice, an Albany insider with longstanding ties to the Cuomo family, is taking control of the New York Racing Association after its chairman went on leave just days before its premier event, the Belmont Stakes.* Newsday writes that with its chairman stepping down and amany complaints about last year’s race, NYRA needs to do a particularly good job putting on the Belmont Stakes this year: * State lawmakers tucked into this year’s state budget an extension of a law that grants a significant benefit to medical malpractice insurance companies operating in the red, such as Roslyn-based Physicians Reciprocal Insurers, a company linked to the federal probe of Sen. Dean Skelos.
WNY Progressive Caucus, which has ties to Pigeon, The Buffalo Newswrites:
Watch Nassau County's Bid Rigging
Why Did 5 Upstate Senators Vote Against Their Own?
Sen. Cathy Young explained why she backed Flanagan over DeFrancisco, saying she had done so in the name of “stability,” adding: “We blocked New York City from taking control of New York state government. New York City Democrats were planning a procedural move to take control of the Senate.”* Young said there was no “arrangement” for her backing of Flanagan, though senators have said she could be in line to become Senate deputy majority leader, should something happen to Tom Libous. * Flanagan drew support from upstate in winning post (Capital) I border a district with Senator DeFrancisco. My natural inclination was to support him if he had the votes,” Senator Jim Seward of Oneonta told Capital. “But it became apparent by the time I had my chance to vote that he was going to fall short. So I thought it was important to begin to coalesce behind Senator Flanagan, so I voted for him.” Along with Seward, senators John Bonacic of Mount Hope and Bill Larkin of Orange County Seneca County , Catharine Young of Olean and Hugh Farley of Schenectady County
Flanagan said that while he may be from eastern Long Island, he plans to represent all of New York as the chamber’s new leader and that he has great respect for his colleagues, even for those who didn’t support him, State of Politics writes: * Six upstate Republican senators backed Sen. John Flanaganover Sen. John DeFransisco for majority leader, costing the Syracuse region greater influence in state government, the Post-Standard writes:* Speaking in Washington ,D.C. New York City leaders were ignoring the region. Yesterday, he voted forFlanagan over the upstate majority leader candidate, Sen. John DeFrancisco, of Syracuse . Nozzolio and Sen. Jim Seward think Second Amendment advocates should give Flanagan some time before passing judgment.* * Flanagan said he is open to making changes to the SAFE Act gun-control law even though he was one of the handful of GOP senators who voted for the crackdown on assault weapon sales, The Buffalo News writes: * State Sen. Daniel Squadron's goal of getting a committee vote on a bill to close the controversial "LLC loophole" was quashed and is quite possibly finished for the year, the Times Unionreports: * The Times Union writes that Flanagan needs to take up Squadron’s LLC loophole legislation and end the “dark money” in Albany that has been at the center of recent scandals: * Upstate Lawmakers Say They’re Uniting Behind Flanagan (YNN) * The majority leader said he wants people to have confidence in the government but does not expect any further ethics reforms this year. *Dean Skelos Wiretaps Reveal Greed, Schemes & F-Bombs (Long Island Press) * After pro-Flanagan vote: * Flanagan officially joins the three (four) men in a room
Seething NYDN editorial not happy about Skelos' hand-pickedsuccessor (NYDN) The sendoff that Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos got from his Republican colleagues — when he stepped down seven days after his arrest — was an appalling show of how deep the corruption culture runs inAlbany . There Skelos sat, like an honored retiree, as hand-picked successor John Flanagan sang his praises. A fellow member of the tight-knit Long Island caucus, Flanagan had been among Skelos’ staunchest defenders.
Daily News: Long Live the New Hand Picked Corrupt King
The Daily News’ Bill Hammond writes that Flanagan in his first day on the job has already proven a master of one skill that’s critical to the job: talking a lot without saying very much:
Seething NYDN editorial not happy about Skelos' hand-pickedsuccessor (NYDN) The sendoff that Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos got from his Republican colleagues — when he stepped down seven days after his arrest — was an appalling show of how deep the corruption culture runs in
While a brave few Republicans called for Skelos to step down, Flanagan was one of 16 who shamefully issued a declaration of loyalty after Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara laid out his devastating case. Like the old boss, Flanagan has drawn a six-figure salary from a law firm, without clearly saying what he does for the money or whom he does it for — then cast votes on bills affecting the business interests of that firm’s major clients. * *New Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan has shown himself to be fiercely loyal, both in politics and his personal life, The Buffalo Newswrites:
The Daily News writes that Flanagan was one of 16 who “shamefully” professed their loyalty to ex-state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos after his arrest and both are emblematic of why the GOP is risking its slim majority
Flanagan severed that relationship before rising to become one of the state’s three most powerful officials — rather than face persistent and obvious questions about conflicts of interest and, no doubt, law-enforcement interest. Completely missing from Monday’s changing of the guard was the slightest sense that Flanagan will do anything differently. There was no sign, for example, that Flanagan will end one-person rule of the Senate — delegating to rank-and-file members some of the absolute power that has corrupted absolutely. Tellingly and wrongheadedly, Flanagan is keeping Tom Libous as deputy majority leader, even though Libous faces his own federal corruption charges. Meanwhile, Flanagan hailed Skelos’ many years of public service and the “fantastic job” he had supposedly done as majority leader as he heads in all probability toward prison. The Republicans hold the Senate by a slim majority. Under Skelos and now Flanagan, they are doing all they can to lose it. severed that relationship before rising to become one of the state’s three most powerful officials — rather than face persistent and obvious questions about conflicts of interest and, no doubt, law-enforcement interest. Completely missing from Monday’s changing of the guard was the slightest sense that Flanagan will do anything differently. There was no sign, for example, that Flanagan will end one-person rule of the Senate — delegating to rank-and-file members some of the absolute power that has corrupted absolutely. Tellingly and wrongheadedly, Flanagan is keeping Tom Libous as deputy majority leader, even though Libous faces his own federal corruption charges. Meanwhile, Flanagan hailed Skelos’ many years of public service and the “fantastic job” he had supposedly done as majority leader as he heads in all probability toward prison. The Republicans hold the Senate by a slim majority. Under Skelos and now Flanagan, they are doing all they can to lose it.* The Times Unionwrites that Flanagan should counteract the temptations of corrupt that leaders face by embracing Senate reforms that make the chamber more democratic and open: * Our view: Area senators (Nozzolio and Seward) fail tostand up for upstate: via @the_citizen
Where Was the DA or AG? Finance Commissioner Pay to Play With Love Shack Provided Glenwood in 2012?
Barrett How Corrupt Lobbyists D'Amato Runs the State Senate
The wizard of Al D'Amato: The former U.S. senator andcurrent powerhouse lobbyist has his hooks everywhere, including in new Senateboss John Flanagan (Barrett, NYDN)
Gambling in NYS is A Sure Bet for Lobbyists D'Amato Clients
Where Was the DA or AG? Finance Commissioner Pay to Play With Love Shack Provided Glenwood in 2012?
Just Like Drug Dealers Burner Phones
Where Was the DA or AG? Finance Commissioner Pay to Play With Love Shack Provided Glenwood in 2012?
Skelos, Son Charged With Fraud And Extortion (YNN)* Glenwood Management cooperating witness appears from complaint to be Charles Dorego. Glenwood referring calls to a criminal defense attorney. Dorego gave former Finance Commissioner Stock an apt inexchange for cut Glenwood's taxes Developer won't be charged, Bharara says, bc agreed to assist in case. Commission paid to Adam S. for title insurance work, no work done.Bharara: Skelos met with developers and asked for money to go to his son. His son performed no work for $20K * Records show that one of those listed, Glenwood executive Charles Dorego, raised $167,500 for city campaigns in the 2013 election AbTech Linked to Dorego and Litwin's GrandsonTwo men with close ties to the real estate company — Charles Dorego, a top Glenwood executive, and Steven Swarzman, a grandson of Glenwood's longtime principal, Leonard Litwin — have signed public records filed by the company that invested in AbTech's parent company, Abtech Holdings. Mr. Swarzman became friends with AbTech's founder in Arizona , and, impressed by the environmental sponge, became AbTech's East Coast distributor, according to a 2006 article in Newsday.
Bottle whatever it is Leonard Litwin takes to be politically potent at 100. His FBI codename must be 'Viagra.'
Skelos, on wire, explains the duties of Senate majority leader to his son: "I'm going to control everything." Indictment claims Adam Skelos made money from campaign contributors to his dad, Sen Dean Skelos, which had biz before state * Indictment says that in March Adam Skelos said: ethics reform measure 'is kind of getting in the way.' Bharara: Skelos met with developers and asked for money to go to his son. His son performed no work for $20K Watch: Bharara: on mulitple occassions Skelso met with developer and requested commisison for his son. developer then directed money to son. The cooperating witness (a senior exec at mega-donor Glenwood Management) has a non-prosecution agreement with Preet's office. Albany shakes. Bharara: Dean Skelos allegedly used his power & influence as Senate Maj Ldr to illegally enrich his son, Adam, and indirectly, himself * #Corruption is deep-seeded in both chambers of the legislature and both sides of the aisle. * Is Assemblywoman Cook A Rat In Hiding Against Her Fellow Lawmakers More Likely the Prosecutors Have Failed to Clean Up Her Corruption
Albany Lawmakers Silent About Their Corrupt Leaders and Fellow Members
Skelos was not concerned w/ what was good for NY but rather "what was good for his son's bank accounts," US Atty says * Preet: "Public corruption...a problem in both chambers, a problem on both sides of the aisle...we are deadly serious" in tackling problem. * Bharara: Dean Skelos told son to cancel meetings with other lawmakers, saying "We are in dangerous times." "We have a public corruption unit that we have no intention of disbanding," Preet Bharara says, presumably in sly nod to Moreland Commission Preet: "We have a public corruption unit that we have no intention of disbanding." * There are those words again by #Preet: "Stay tuned..
Barrett How Corrupt Lobbyists D'Amato Runs the State Senate
Wayne Barrett is a journalist gem that our founding fathers counted on as a 1st A warrior to battle naturally corrupt govt and protect the public
Lobbyists Miller Works for D'Amato and Lobbyist McCaughey BF Is A Leader of the Manhattan Institute Whose Lobbyist is D'Amato
NY1 Errol Louis discussed state budget negotiationswith the NY1 Wise Guys: former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato, former Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey, and former Assembly Speaker Mel Miller
Lobbyists rule Albany & D'Amato is Example #1 of everything that is wrong. Reform is required to restore democracy
Elsewhere, he expressed "tremendous relief."In many ways, New York state politics is Al D'Amato's world; we just live in it. And Flanagan, the state's single most powerful Republican, is no exception to that rule.Yet, try as we might — and New Yorkers threw D'Amato out of the Senate 17 years ago — we just can't get rid of Fixer Fonz, whose booming lobbying firm now attracts $8 million a year in seduction fees, the second most of the licensed wirepullers in the state. He made several indirect appearances in the indictment of Dean Skelos, the third Senate majority leader he helped install. The charging documents describe a compliant Ed Mangano, the Nassau County executive — who let D'Amato speak at his inaugural, awarded the county's bus line to a D'Amato client and hired D'Amato's daughter — as a champion for the county environmental contract that Skelos is charged with fixing.
Journalist Wayne Barrett Exposes the Media Cover-Up of Lobbyists D'Amato Corruption and Control of State Senate
Skelos is also accused of extorting a $100,000 no-show job for his son from Anthony Bonomo, whose two medical malpractice firms have combined to pay D'Amato's lobbying firm, Park Strategies, $795,000 since 2007. Bonomo has co-hosted political fundraisers with D'Amato, and his goldmine of campaign contributions, including $75,000 to Mangano and $400,000 to Gov. Cuomo, meticulously track D'Amato alliances. Bonomo just stepped down as the Cuomo-appointed chair of the New York Racing Association, and is singing to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who now leads a veritable chorus of cooperating crooners. Also harmonizing for Bharara in the Skelos case and the one against former Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver are top associates of developer Leonard Litwin and his Glenwood Management, both of which were once D'Amato clients and, like Bonomo, synchronized many of their political contributions with D'Amato. Litwin's real estate company paid Skelos' son directly and through the environmental firm, where it was a major investor. Both Bonomo and Litwin are among the few large donors to Renew New York , a PAC controlled by D'Amato that gave $25,000 to Mangano and bankrolls other D'Amato allies. D'Amato's connections to indicted senators don't end there.
Tom Libous, the Senate deputy majority leader whose son has already been convicted in a parallel case with the one against the senator that is scheduled to go to trial in July, is accused of lying about a law firm job he allegedly got for his son. When Libous wanted a bigger paycheck for his boy, a $50,000 bonus was allegedly funneled to the law firm through Fred Hiffa, an Albany lobbyist. Hiffa wound up leaving his own lobbying firm and is now a managing director of D'Amato's. But the recent D'Amato scandal connections don't all revolve around Albany . The FBI and state investigators hit the headlines in Buffalo recently when they raided the homes of three major political operatives, including Steve Pigeon and Steve Casey, both of whom work for one of D'Amato's biggest upstate clients, the Congel family, father-and-son mall developers.Their companies paid D'Amato $2.7 million in federal and state lobbying fees. Not only did D'Amato represent the Congel company on a troubled Rochester project, he represented the Monroe County
Barrett's Investigation of D'Amato's 'World That We Live In' Is A Reminder How Today's Journalism Has Failed New Yorkers
When picked in May by a narrow majority of the 32 Republicans in the Senate, Flanagan announced he was leaving the law firm that was paying him up to $150,000 a year. In the furor over Silver and Skelos' outside earnings, Flanagan's move was a welcome, if belated, acknowledgement of the potential conflicts.Flanagan's firm, Forchelli Curto, was founded in 1976 by Armand D'Amato, just as his brother was taking over as presiding supervisor of Hempstead, one of the most powerful positions in Nassau County Washington office. Armand left the firm when he was convicted on federal fraud charges in 1993, but returned to it in 2002, seven years after his conviction was overturned. Armand, whose use of his brother's Senate stationary to write letters on Unisys' behalf was blasted by the Senate Ethics Committee, joined his brother's lobbying powerhouse Park Suffolk for Flanagan, Armand and a couple of other attorneys. The firm's web archives detail hundreds of actions on behalf of specific clients, but, like Silver and Skelos at their firms, Flanagan isn't identified with any of them. More cachet than casework, he was, apparently, just another letterhead lawyer. The head of D'Amato's Long Island office, Robert McBride, organized fundraisers for Flanagan in 2006 and 2008, and Park officers and clients, including Litwin and Bonomo, gave tens of thousands.But Flanagan wasn't a shoo-in to replace Skelos after his ouster in May. John DeFrancisco was a strong contender. The Syracuse senator, who came within two votes, has said that Gov. Cuomo made calls to senators on Flanagan's behalf, but DeFrancisco, Cuomo, and D'Amato spokespeople declined to answer repeated questions about D'Amato's involvement. A source close to Flanagan says he was "not aware of any calls" D'Amato may have made and "wasn't in contact" with the lobbyist during the selection process. Other sources who closely tracked the selection say Cuomo did not want to look like he was picking a legislative leader, so ally D'Amato took over. It would hardly be a surprise — D'Amato has been a star player in the naming of the last three Republican majority leaders, Ralph Marino, Joe Bruno and Skelos. Flanagan backed medical marijuana, a departure from his history of introducing bills that banned other, less controversial, drugs, and DeFrancisco voted against it. D'Amato was paid enough in 2014 ($180,000) by one marijuana company, Ideal 420 Technologies, to pen an Op-Ed reversing his position on it, and now a long-term client, North Shore LI Jewish Health Systems, which has paid him up to $180,000 a year, says it will apply to become one of the state's five selected dispensaries for grass.DeFrancisco voted against authorizing three or four new casinos across the state and Flanagan backed it. * The political and business dealings of former Deputy Mayor of Buffalo Steve Casey and Rep. Chris Collins’ chief of staff Chris Grant as well as ties to political operative Steve Pigeon, drew the attention of investigators, The Buffalo News writes:
Gambling in NYS is A Sure Bet for Lobbyists D'Amato Clients
D'Amato has six clients that directly benefitted from the bill, with the Suffolk and Nassau Off-Track Betting Corporations written directly into the law, getting 1,000 video slots apiece even if the casino referendum failed. A third client, Yonkers Raceway, was terrified that its half-billion-dollar-a-year Westchester slot business would disintegrate if the Cuomo administration put a full casino in nearby Orange County Yonkers and Greentrack, a company that applied to build an Orange County Oneida counties, which were written into the casino law as well, the beneficiaries of a compact that Cuomo signed with the Oneida tribe granting them exclusive gaming rights in 10 counties. The tribe will pay Madison and Oneida $36 million up front, settling past tax claims against their existing casinos, and millions more in flat and percentage charges for decades to come. He ran up $3.5 million in total casino-related revenue from eight clients and $1.9 million from the Poker Players Alliance, the online gambling organization D'Amato now chairs, combining to make him the king of Albany's gaming insiders, a playground like no other in recent years. The casino issue, in fact, hovered over the Senate selection process. Three upstate senators who voted for Flanagan when they could have relocated the geographic power within the senate GOP to their own region — John Bonacic, Hugh Farley and Mike Nozzolio — got Cuomo-approved casinos in their district. A fourth of the six upstate pro-Flanagan senators, Cathy Young, is so close to Nozzolio that the two are seen in Albany as a team.
While the Cuomo siting board picked these three winners before the Flanagan vote, his Gaming Commission has yet to ratify the selections, adding to the leverage the governor brought to the table.With a senate leader beholden to him, a governor allied with him, a Nassau county executive in his pocket, and extraordinary lifelong ties to the father of U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Al D'Amato, dubbed Senator Shakedown decades ago, rules now without the accountability of a public office, a shadow cast across an already darkened capital.
D'Amato and Ratner
Turnover in journalism = no institutional memory? Real estate coverage driven by developer narrative? Or both?
Skelos Pay to Play 421-a With Glenwood and the Feds Turn Team Litwin
Lobbyists Panic As Biggest Campaign Contributor is Not A Federal Witness
During the Dec. 20, 2010, meeting, Skelos expressed thanks for Glenwood’s support of Senate Republicans. Skelos “directly asked” Litwin and the exec — who is cooperating with the feds — to pay title-insurance commissions to his son, then repeated the request as they were walking out, according to the criminal complaint. The exec arranged a $20,000 payment to Adam and also served as a linchpin in getting him hired by AbTech Industries as a $4,000-a-month consultant, the complaint alleges. Later, the exec “successfully pressured” AbTech to more than double Adam’s salary to $10,000 monthly when father and son threatened to block its $12 million stormwater-treatment contract with Nassau County Nassau officials to pay AbTech’s bills. In a secretly recorded conversation with an AbTech exec, Adam allegedly fumed that “the state is not going to do a f–king thing” for Nassau because it wasn’t paying quickly enough. * REBNY is working behind the scenes to defend the 421-a tax abatement program. * President and CEO of the New York State Association forAffordable Housing Jolie Milstein writes in the Daily News that the future of affordable housing in New York City depends on the renewal of the state’s 421-a tax program: * Corruption in NYS with Pay to Play - Real-estate developerplayed role in Skelos, Silver case
The federal complaint against Skelos has caused concern in Albany because it shows Charles Dorego, senior vice president of Glenwood Management, is cooperating with the feds and he is close to many,” Capital NewYork reports Charles Dorego, the senior vice president of Glenwood Management, allegedly gave Skelos' son Adam a $20,000 cash payment and steered him title insurance work. Like many big real estate firms, state policy changes on rent control and the 421-a subsidy program are worth millions to Glenwood, and it kept Dean Skelos, the Senate majority leader, quite close. What's prompting concern at the Capitol is that Dorego, as well as Glenwood founder Leonard Litwin, are close to everyone. If Dorego is involved,” said one lobbyist, speaking on background, “then you can bet more trees are going to fall.” In the past four years, Glenwood passed out at least $3.6 million to state politicians and the political committees that support them through a roster of two dozen limited liability companies. Records show it has ties to a dark money group that spent another $1 million attacking Democrats in 2012. It's hard to state definitively, because only some of the L.L.C.s can be readily associated, by address, with their parent company. The contributions flowed across party lines through both chambers of the Legislature, pooling around the men with the most power, regardless of their stated affiliations or ideologies. Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has benefited the most, taking in $1.45 million for his campaign committee and the soft money account he controls at the Democratic State Committee. Glenwood is also the largest donor to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Tom DiNapoli, both Democrats. State Senator John DeFrancisco, a Syracuse-area Republican who chairs the chamber's finance committee, allowed a subtle hint. “If the political donor's been giving a lot of money to everybody, maybe a question is how come one of the many get indicted and others don't,” he said. “I can't imagine.” Litwin, a centenarian, has receded from the scene in recent years, according to people who know him. That's left Dorego and the company's stable of lobbyists (which includes two former state senators, Nick Spano and Carl Andrews) to mix with politicians at fund-raisers and check in when major legislation is being drafted in nondescript rooms tucked into the Capitol's upper floors. Glenwood was also revealed in the recent complaint against former Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver as one of the clients of a tax certiorari firm that paid the Democratic lawmaker undicslosed fees. Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney who is prosecuting both Skelos and Silver, accelerated his investigation when he inherited the files of the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption after lawmakers disbanded it in 2014. It subpoenaed major real estate developers—amid concerned entreaties from Cuomo's aides—in search of a nexus between their giving and the bills granting them subsidies.
How Litwin's Glenwood Purchased NY's Govt and Political System
Albany shivers after Bharara flips a major donor (Capital) Charles Dorego, the senior vice president of Glenwood Management, allegedly gave Skelos' son Adam a $20,000 cash payment and steered him title insurance work. Like many big real estate firms, state policy changes on rent control and the 421-a subsidy program are worth millions to Glenwood, and it kept Dean Skelos, the Senate majority leader, quite close. What's prompting concern at the Capitol is that Dorego, as well as Glenwood founder Leonard Litwin, are close to everyone. “If Dorego is involved,” said one lobbyist, speaking on background, “then you can bet more trees are going to fall.” * As tenants rail against subsidy, REBNY comes out swinging (Capital) Real estate lobby argues 421-a vital to rental development
“If Dorego is involved,” said one lobbyist, speaking on background, “then you can bet more trees are going to fall.”
How Litwin's Glenwood Purchased NY's Govt and Political System
Glenwood the Core of 3 Men In A Room
Glenwood is the Real Producer of Three Men In the Room . . . Glenwood's Litwin Bought NY's Govt and These Guys Sold It To Him . . . Is Bharara Going After Cuomo? Connect the Dots
Glenwood is at the core of 3-men-in-room doing Glenwood's bidding, each for their own private bilateral reasons. If Gentling could "own" the 2012 State of the State Casino address with their late-2011 funds-infusion, one can only imagine what Leonard Litwin's Glenwood, a durable big money donor "owned"? Laws? * NYC development firmtied to Skelos, Silver affairs (TU) Glenwood Management a top greaser of political wheels. Glenwood's payments to another top lawmaker, former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, played a major role in this year's other major ethics scandal. As lawmakers deal with the renewal of rent laws and real estate tax breaks in the waning days of this year's legislative session, they may feel pressure to distance themselves from the powerful firm. The complaint revealed that Dorego began cooperating only last month. Glenwood has long been among the state's biggest political donors, and has taken advantage of a loophole in state election law that allows limited liability companies to donate as much as individual donors. In fact, the federal complaint released Monday says that Skelos asked Dorego to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in political donations, even as Skelos was allegedly pressing Dorego to steer lucrative work to Skelos' son, Adam, who also was charged Monday. Glenwood is Gov. Andrew Cuomo's biggest campaign donor and a major part of two politically generous landlord groups, the Rent Stabilization Association and the Real Estate Board of New York. In 2013, former top Cuomo aide Larry Schwartz reportedly tried to stop a subpoena from theMoreland Commission, an investigative panel convened by Cuomo, for information about REBNY's political giving and a valuable tax break related to new housing. REBNY eventually provided the information voluntarily. After Cuomo shut down Moreland in 2014, Bharara's office picked up many of its investigations — while also probing potential Cuomo administration interference and the circumstances surrounding the panel's demise in March 2014. REBNY was also among the biggest players in the Committee to Save New York, a nonprofit that spent millions early in Cuomo's tenure to push through his legislative agenda. "I think it's astonishing that Glenwood is involved in the Sheldon Silver scandal, and the Dean Skelos scandal, and is the biggest single donor to Andrew Cuomo," said Michael McKee, treasurer of the group Tenants PAC, which is perpetually at odds with the real estate industry. "It's the perfect example of how corrupt the system really is." * Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos calls the criminalcomplaint against him "a glorified press release" (NYP) * Conservative Party head urges Skelos to step down (NYP) * Dean Skelos Thwarted Reform and Maintained Power, Despitethe Odds (Gotham Gazette) * Skelos, on his flock: “They know I'm innocent, just like Iknow I'm innocent, and now we're focused on governing." (Capital) * Another Senate Republican Calls For Skelos To Step Down (YNN) * Skelos: Criminal Complaint A ‘Press Release’ (YNN) * Gianaris: ‘It’s A Mistake’ To Keep Skelos Leader (YNN) * Astorino Dings Senate Republicans (YNN) * For you Game of Thrones fans out there: “(US Attorney Preet) Bharara is going Lord Baelish in the Five Boroughs. He knows where the bodies are buried. He’s the one burying them.”* Activists rallied outside Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Manhattan offices and criticized his comments that corruption cases in Albany may make it difficult to push for serious rent regulation changes, the Observerreports
Lobbyists Working for Glenwood Management
Pitta Bishop Del Giorno & Giblin Llc $150,000
Carl Andrews & Associates, Inc. $ 144,000
Empire Strategic Planning, Inc. $ 144,000
Meara, Brian R. Public Relations, Inc. $120,000
Lieberman, Mark L. $90,000
Sanzillo, Francis J. & Associates $90,000
Runes, Richard $60,000
Park Strategies $20,000
Where Was the DA or AG? Finance Commissioner Pay to Play With Love Shack Provided Glenwood in 2012?
Skelos, Son Charged With Fraud And Extortion (YNN)* Glenwood Management cooperating witness appears from complaint to be Charles Dorego. Glenwood referring calls to a criminal defense attorney. Dorego gave former Finance Commissioner Stock an apt inexchange for cut Glenwood's taxes Developer won't be charged, Bharara says, bc agreed to assist in case. Commission paid to Adam S. for title insurance work, no work done.Bharara: Skelos met with developers and asked for money to go to his son. His son performed no work for $20K * Records show that one of those listed, Glenwood executive Charles Dorego, raised $167,500 for city campaigns in the 2013 election AbTech Linked to Dorego and Litwin's GrandsonTwo men with close ties to the real estate company — Charles Dorego, a top Glenwood executive, and Steven Swarzman, a grandson of Glenwood's longtime principal, Leonard Litwin — have signed public records filed by the company that invested in AbTech's parent company, Abtech Holdings. Mr. Swarzman became friends with AbTech's founder in Arizona , and, impressed by the environmental sponge, became AbTech's East Coast distributor, according to a 2006 article in Newsday.
Bottle whatever it is Leonard Litwin takes to be politically potent at 100. His FBI codename must be 'Viagra.'
Skelos, on wire, explains the duties of Senate majority leader to his son: "I'm going to control everything." Indictment claims Adam Skelos made money from campaign contributors to his dad, Sen Dean Skelos, which had biz before state * Indictment says that in March Adam Skelos said: ethics reform measure 'is kind of getting in the way.' Bharara: Skelos met with developers and asked for money to go to his son. His son performed no work for $20K Watch: Bharara: on mulitple occassions Skelso met with developer and requested commisison for his son. developer then directed money to son. The cooperating witness (a senior exec at mega-donor Glenwood Management) has a non-prosecution agreement with Preet's office. Albany shakes. Bharara: Dean Skelos allegedly used his power & influence as Senate Maj Ldr to illegally enrich his son, Adam, and indirectly, himself * #Corruption is deep-seeded in both chambers of the legislature and both sides of the aisle. * Is Assemblywoman Cook A Rat In Hiding Against Her Fellow Lawmakers More Likely the Prosecutors Have Failed to Clean Up Her Corruption
Albany Lawmakers Silent About Their Corrupt Leaders and Fellow Members
Skelos was not concerned w/ what was good for NY but rather "what was good for his son's bank accounts," US Atty says * Preet: "Public corruption...a problem in both chambers, a problem on both sides of the aisle...we are deadly serious" in tackling problem. * Bharara: Dean Skelos told son to cancel meetings with other lawmakers, saying "We are in dangerous times." "We have a public corruption unit that we have no intention of disbanding," Preet Bharara says, presumably in sly nod to Moreland Commission Preet: "We have a public corruption unit that we have no intention of disbanding." * There are those words again by #Preet: "Stay tuned..
Skelos said having rent regs expire every 2 years great for excitement. He meant $$$
We have a Public Corruption Unit, which we do not intend to disband." * first silver, now skelos. preet bharara continues workinghis way through the albanycorruption alphabet: * Dean Skelos has to give up his gun following today'scriminal charges: * "It's like [expletive] Preet Bharara is listening to every [expletive] phone call," Dean Skelos's son griped to him in call recorded by feds * Skelos said having rent regs expire every 2 years great forexcitement. He meant $. (City and State) * Gotham Gazette examines how Skelos came to inherit hisleadership position from former state Sen. Joe Bruno and maintained his power by opposing reforms and cutting deals with Democrats:
Just Like Drug Dealers Burner Phones
Skelos's son used a burner phone in an effort to avoid government surveillance, complaint says: "Burners can give you a measure of anonymity, but they’re by no means untraceable.."
Skelos Used His Fellow Senators to Deliver the AdTech Contract to his Son
Florida the Official Home of the GOP Senate And Their Lobbyists
AbTech lobbyist "owns a Swan Lake Club condo in Naples just a few doors down from Matthew Libous" * "Funke is so new to the Sen he may not have realized how many of his own Rep colleagues had bought homes in Florida ," One other interesting tidbit from Funke's State of the State response speech was his observation that New York had been "overtaken by Florida as the nation's third most populous state," a stat he turned into a call to action. Funke is so new to the Senate he may not have realized how many of his own Republican colleagues had bought homes in Florida, especially in the 45-mile southwest corridor between Fort Myers and Naples, where they reportedly hang out in gated golf-course communities and do Senate business. Lobbyists have figured it out and bought homes there as well, including the three alluded to in the complaint against Skelos. It's just another crack of light into the Senate silo. The leaders at the top of the Senate organizational chart — Skelos, deputy majority leader Tom Libous, Finance chair John DeFrancisco, Majority Whip Michael Nozzolio, Banking Chair Hugh Farley and Corporations, Authorities and Commission chair Michael Ranzenhofer — have Florida homes. So does George Maziarz, the energy and telecommunications chair who did not seek re-election in 2014. Nick Barrella, an Albany-based lobbyist for AbTech, owns a Swan Lake Club condo in Naples just a few doors down from Matthew Libous, whose father, Senator Libous, is under indictment for lying to the FBI about using his influence to get Matt a job and salary hike. The senior Libous is convalescing at one of his two Laurel Greens condos in Naples after a couple of recent surgeries. Too sick to come to Albany for a Skelos vote, Libous signed a letter Thursday joining 16 other Republicans in support of Fort Myers-based Skelos. Bharara has already convicted Matt Libous on tax charges, is scheduled to go to trial soon against the cancer-stricken senator, and raided their Binghamton house to seize wife Frances ' computer and other records.
The senator owns four Florida condos altogether, partnering repeatedly with a controversial contractor from his home district. Like the Libous family, Maziarz is also in Naples and went there to relax even before his final term ran out last December. According to the criminal complaint, Adam Skelos got AbTech to hire Barrella and another lobbyist, Mike Avella, both of whom are described in the complaint as "close" to his father. Barrella wouldn't take the AbTech gig until he spoke personally to the senator himself. Later, he reportedly advised Adam that, "for obvious reasons," Skelos couldn't sponsor the bill that benefitted AbTech himself. Barrella and the Skelos duo even tried to work on fracking approvals that might have been a boost to the firm. Avella, who was once Skelos' counsel, is listed with a home in Hallandale (a 145-mile across-the peninsula trip from Fort Myers ), though it's unclear if he still owns it. Avella's partner, Brian Meara, is now cooperating with the feds. Dorego bought a $1.3 million home in Jupiter last year, also on the east coast parallel to Fort Myers . Several other Albany lobbyists unconnected to the case have Florida homes, like Patricia Lynch, a onetime aide to Shelly Silver. She bought a $760,000 home in the fittingly named Shadow Wood Preserve in Fort Myers , just a shade away from Skelos' $184,000 condo at the Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club. Skelos is said to spend a great deal of time there, and entertains other senators at his condo. eFrancisco, a top-tier potential replacement for Skelos, has his own $722,000 castle on Sanibel Island, just off Fort Myers . He is often at the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, where his his wife Linda has become a golf champion. He distinguished himself earlier this year by taking his pension atop his salary after publicly promising he never would — a double dipper, just like Libous. Farley, the longest serving member of the Senate, is also on the southwest side in Port Richey, a good bit north of Fort Myers . Nozzolio, who represents the Finger Lakes, apparently prefers the 36-hole course at Tuscany at Hammock Dunes, where in 2012 he got a condo that previously sold for $1.3 million for a mere $610,000. That's over 200 miles northeast of Fort Myers , near Jacksonville . Also buying that year, Ranzenhofer, got a place far away from the Skelos circle, acquiring a $293,000 home in The Villages, the fastest growing small city in America with 84,000 sudden yet senior residents. It is a Republican dreamland nicknamed The Bubble — a developer-planned city, backed by tax-exempt bonds that have been challenged by the IRS.
AbTech lobbyist "owns a Swan Lake Club condo in Naples just a few doors down from Matthew Libous"
Charmian Neary
Next time you read legislators complaining about their low pay, ask where they get the money for their luxury condos…
Flanagan Former Law Firm Did Business With the State
Not Clear What Work Flanagan Did For His Law Firm
Flanagan’s law firm Tried to Stop A Subpoena From the Moreland Commission
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Flanagan, Cuomo and Assembly Outlined Their Priorities
Flanagan and Cuomo outlined their priorities for the remainder of the legislative session, which included everything from student testing to the property tax cap to the SAFE act, the Times Union reports: * Assembly Democrats introduced a bill that would extend rent regulation laws for four years and make them more tenant-friendly, including a repeal of a provision allowing the decontrol of vacant units, theDaily News reports: * With 15 days left in the legislative session, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Gov. Andrew Cuomo outlined two sets of priorities that likely will lead to simple compromise and unresolvable clashes as June 19 nears. * Among Flanagan’s priorities: “common sense reforms” to the SAFE Act, an issue that is unlikely to gain traction with the governor and Democrat-controlled Assembly. * Kickstarting what promises to be a bitter battle, state Assembly Democrats this weekend introduced a bill to extend the state’s expiring rent regulation laws by four years and make them more tenant friendly.* Cuomo: "This is not a session to get fancy. I'm focusedon getting the basics done." (Capital) *.@CTLizB hashes outwhat's most likely to get done in Albanyover the next several weeks (YNN) With 15 session days remaining, Senate Republican leader John Flanagan laid out his conference's legislative priorities. “That’s not a lot of time, but it’s enough to make a difference in the lives of hard-working New Yorkers and their families,” Flanagan, a Republican from Long Island , said in a statement released Sunday. The chamber plans to pass legislation this week that would make the 2 percent property tax cap permanent, he said. Flanagan, the former Senate education committee chairman who was elevated to the chamber's highest position last week, also plans to pass legislation that would offer incentives for donations to private, parochial and public schools before session concludes in mid-June * Heastie plans reforms to per diem system of which he was aprime beneficiary *GOPer want SAFE Act changes tied to rent control extension (NYDN) * End of Session Slog (YNN)* The state Democratic Committee once again declined to vote on a resolution calling on the five-member Independent Democratic Conference to rejoin the mainline conference in the state Senate, State of Politics reports: * Cuomo in an open letter to the state Legislature published by the Huffington Post called for lawmakers to act on a package of reform bills from his office aimed at addressing public trust in the criminal justicesystem: * With the session winding down and the instability caused by corruption trials in the state Legislature, things are shaping up to be hectic in the final weeks, with many issues still unresolved, Capital New Yorkwrites: * Hochul: Cuomo Remains Committed To DREAM Act (YNN) * Heastie: SAFE Act Changes Unlikely (YNN) * In an open letter to state lawmakers on the Huffington Post, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called again for passage of criminal justice reforms before the session ends next month. * A bill that protects farmworkers’ rights and has passed the Assembly several times, but failed to gain support in the Senate may have a chance this year, as Flanagan has supported it in the past, the Times Union writes: * Senate Republicans are pressing for changes to the state’s controversial gun-control laws, but any modifications appear to face an uphill battle with the Democratic-led Assembly, Gannett Albany reports:
Wednesday Update EITC Remains A Question For Assembly * A recent legal interpretation by the state Senate GOP majority could undercut a rule allowing bills to move more democratically through the chamber, regardless of a leader’s take on the proposals, the TimesUnion reports * Senate GOP’s reading of “motion to consider” rule makesminority-empowerment device worthless: Senate Rules May Keep LLC Corruption From @ChrisBragg1: #nysenate ruleinterpretation may keep LLC loophole bill in a drawer. (TU) * Letter to governor, legislative leaders calls for ethicsreforms in the final days of session: * As Assembly Democrats finalized their changes to the state’s new teacher evaluation system, state Senate Democrats called for passage of an education package that also includes evaluation fixes. The calls come with just 13 session days left on the legislative calendar. * The Democrat-controlled state Assembly approved legislation to extend and strengthen city rent regulations, setting up a battle with the state Senate.
‘Opt Out’ Becomes Anti-Test Rallying Cry in New York State(NYT) A small, if vocal, movement urging parents to have their children sit out standardized exams took off this year, maturing from scattered displays of disobedience into a widespread rebuke.* The Assembly majority has decided to prioritize strengthening rent regulations, opting to take the path of least resistance on mayoral control, passing a law extending the power for three years – not the seven years originally proposed, let alone the permanent extension NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has sought. * Cuomo’s end-of-session priority list apparently does not include the DREAM Act, through it does include the education tax credit he initially linked – unsuccessfully – to DREAM during the budget battle. * Public housing residents are wary of de Blasio’s plan to turn around the financially-troubled NYCHA. * In a Legislature derided for a top-down “three men in a room” system of governance, a rule allowing bills to move more democratically through the state Senate has been a rare bright spot. But a recent legal interpretation by an attorney for the Republican majority could render it effectively meaningless.
Tuesday Update Heastie plans reforms to per diem system of which he was aprime beneficiary * The Daily News calls on state Senate Majority Leader JohnFlanagan to live up to his 2003 statement that he’d be a “hypocrite” if he did not support a bill offering protections to farm workers: * Gianaris Compares Cuomo To Scott Walker (YNN) * New York Democrats Meet Amid Challenging Year For Cuomo (YNN) * LG Kathy Hochul and former Gov. David Paterson, Cuomo’s hand-picked state Democratic party chairman, rallied around the governor’s agenda, saying a recent slump in his approval rating is nothing to worry about. * ASSEMBLY TEPID ONCUOMO’S TAX CREDIT—CapitalNo one in the state Assembly seems particularly thrilled over Cuomo’s revamped version of a tax credit offering incentives for donations made to private and public schools. “I think the governor's proposal is a little watered down from our initial proposal,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, a Democrat from Queens and proponent of the tax credit. “However, I’m excited that we're talking steps in the right direction to providing fair education to every student across New York State
Flanagan Supports Rent Laws and Mayoral Control of Schools But Details
Flanagan backs extended rent stabilization and mayoral control of schools (NYP) New state Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan said Tuesday that he would support laws extending rent stabilization, housing tax breaks and mayoral control of city public schools before the Legislature...* Lawmakers predict extension of 421a tax break (Real Deal) Flanagan: De Blasio Deserves ‘Fundamental Respect’(YNN) * * New Assembly and state Senate leaders may make things difficult for Cuomo as he tries to publicly keep his distance from the Legislature while continuing to dominate it, New York Magazine’s Chris Smithreports:
‘Opt Out’ Becomes Anti-Test Rallying Cry in New York State(NYT) A small, if vocal, movement urging parents to have their children sit out standardized exams took off this year, maturing from scattered displays of disobedience into a widespread rebuke.* The Assembly majority has decided to prioritize strengthening rent regulations, opting to take the path of least resistance on mayoral control, passing a law extending the power for three years – not the seven years originally proposed, let alone the permanent extension NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has sought. * Cuomo’s end-of-session priority list apparently does not include the DREAM Act, through it does include the education tax credit he initially linked – unsuccessfully – to DREAM during the budget battle. * Public housing residents are wary of de Blasio’s plan to turn around the financially-troubled NYCHA. * In a Legislature derided for a top-down “three men in a room” system of governance, a rule allowing bills to move more democratically through the state Senate has been a rare bright spot. But a recent legal interpretation by an attorney for the Republican majority could render it effectively meaningless.
Flanagan Supports Rent Laws and Mayoral Control of Schools But Details
Feds Want Libous Son to Go to Jail
Prosecutors want jail time for state senator’s son (Lohud) Federal prosecutors said the son of Senate Deputy Majority Leader Thomas Libous, R-Binghamton, should go to prison for underreporting his income, accusing him of failing to fully repay the IRS and “tampering” with a urine sample used in a drug test. In a court document filed late Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s office said Matthew Libous, 37, still owes back taxes and hasn’t properly accepted responsibility following his conviction in January of failing to report $69,950 of income on his tax returns from 2007 through 2009. The document also accuses the younger Libous of intentionally consuming large amounts of liquid prior to a February drug test, which can dilute a urine sample and cause a “false negative,” according to prosecutors. Libous’ attorney categorically denied the charge, calling it “absurd.” Bharara’s office asked U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti to impose a prison term of 33 months to 41 months when the younger Libous is sentenced in White Plains
Skelos Death Watch Last Day Monday
State Sen. @JohnDeFrancisco said that he has the votes to become the chamber's next majority leader #DeanSkelos * DeFrancisco, Flanagan Vie For Majority Leader (YNN) * Funke Says He’s Backing DeFrancisco (YNN) * Dean Skelos Resigning as State Senate MajorityLeader: Report (NYO) * Cuomo on Senate Leadership: ‘I Will Work WithWhoever They Send Me’(NYO) * n‘A Very Sad Moment in Albany': Bill de Blasio Rues Dean SkelosScandal (NYO)* The mayor called the Skelos scandal a “sad moment” for Albany , but vowed to continue campaigning for financial assistance for the city from the Republican-run state Senate, even though he’s not terribly well liked by the GOP conference.* Skelos Denies He Tried To Tip Scales For Flanagan: DeanSkelos insisted on Monday that he did not personally l... * Flanagan to @chrissmithnymag: “I’m going tobe crystal clear...I don’t think we should have a full-time legislature” * ADIOS TO SKELOS: N.Y. Senate majority leader resigns amid corruption scandal, saying he doesn’t want to be a ‘distraction,’ gets replaced by Republican John Flanagan(NYDN)
Skelos Friday Update and Spins
Everyone who led the Assembly and Senate from late 1995 until this January Have Been Indicted Except Skelos
DA Covers Ass and Feds Target Skelos' Law Firm Lobbyist
Amid Dean Skelos Inquiry, Contracting by Nassau County Faces Review (NYT) The county’s acting district attorney announced her own review, in response to revelations of a federal investigation into the leader of the New York Senate. Here Comes the Lobbyists Prosecutors investigating state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son, Adam, have also been asking questions about the lobbying arm of the elder Skelos' law firm, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, the DailyNews writes * Campaign finance and payroll documents and public information from employers show Adam Skelos appears to have benefited from his father’s position with a series of jobs at GOP-wired entities, the Daily News reports: * The fact that state Senate Republicans have not rushed to publicly defend Skelos and immediate calls for his resignation are already coming from Democrats could spell out bad news for Skelos’ fate, The Buffalo News writes: * As long as Albany wields vast power, interests large and small will look to rent it and corruption won’t end until the voters insist on changing the kind of people they elect, the Post writes: * Nassau County legislators who approved the contract in question with an Arizona company that employed Adam Skelos, AbTech Industries, said that they did not know the senator’s son worked there.* Skelos May Be Latest Target of U.S. AttorneyBharara (NY1) With news that U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara's office is circling around Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos with roughly two months of session left, it begs the question: What, if anything, will get done?
After Skelos? “If Skelos were to step aside, either temporarily to fight any changes or permanently if the charges turn out to be severe, the top contenders to replace him could be Syracuse’s John DeFrancisco and Suffolk County’s John Flanagan.”(NY Mag)
As Feds Target Lobbyists Shadow Government DAs Who Used Them In Their Campaigns Caught In A Dilemma of Their Own Making
Adam Skelos, the 32-year-old son of Sen. Skelos, appears to have benefited from his dad’s position with a series of jobs at GOP-wired entities, according to campaign finance and payroll documents and public information provided by firms that employed him. Should Skelos be indicted and forced to step down, as happened to Silver, no seamless replacement strategy is in place. That is because his second-in-command, Sen. Tom Libous, of Binghamton , faces a federal trial this summer on charges of lying to FBI agents who were investigating the financial activities of him and his son. Barbara Bartoletti, of the NY League of Women Voters, sees no reason for Skelos to give up his leadership post right now. “There is a presumption of innocence, and we should at least wait until federal authorities have finished with their investigation,” she said. “We should all just be aware that the culture of corruption in Albany has very long tentacles.”* A source who recently met with investigators for U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara indicatedthat about half the questions focused on the lobbying arm of the law firm where Skelos is of counsel, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, and if there was any direct or indirect interaction with the senator. * Skelos confirmed the existence of the federal inquiry and said he is cooperating – a switch from months ago, when he attacked a report about the existence of the probe as “a thinly sourced” story that did “not meet the standards of journalism.”* In Albany, little consensus on the Skelos effect (Capital) Players unsure of impact on housing and education issues* New York Sen. Dean Skelos to Cooperate With Federal Inquiry (WSJ)* “This is what Cuomo loosed on theworld,” a state Senate operative grumbles. (NY Mag)
After Skelos? “If Skelos were to step aside, either temporarily to fight any changes or permanently if the charges turn out to be severe, the top contenders to replace him could be Syracuse’s John DeFrancisco and Suffolk County’s John Flanagan.”(NY Mag)
As Feds Target Lobbyists Shadow Government DAs Who Used Them In Their Campaigns Caught In A Dilemma of Their Own Making
Libous Son Six Months In Prison Cries
Tom Libous’ son cries at sentencing for tax fraud (NYP) * Matthew Libous, son of powerful state Sen. Thomas Libous, was sentenced to six months in prison on federal tax-fraud charges after being found guilty in January, Gannett Albanyreports: * Politics reports: *
State Pays Out $1.8 Million for Bruno Legal Expenses (YNN)*
Democrats fail to remove Skelos as majority leader (NYP) Embattled state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos survived a Democratic push for his ouster Wednesday *
2 Men in the Same Cell
Et tu, Newsday? "After One Day Delay Skelos's Paper Joins the Dean Skelos should quit as NY Senate leader
Et tu, Newsday? "Dean Skelos should quit as NY Senateleader" (Newsday) * Astorino blasts "Albany politicians,'' i.e. Senate Republicans, for trying "to protect and rescue indicted colleagues'' rather than help NY. * Dean Skelos home newspaper, Newsday, joins the growing number of editorials calling for him to step down as Majority Leader, writing that his “reign is over” but “he can’t seem to grasp this” even when those around already have: * NY Conservative Chairman Mike Long on calling on @senatorskelos to resign as leader. * The Daily News writes there’s “not a chance” Skelos will prove himself fully innocent and that he must resign as majority leader even though few members of his conference have called for him to step down: * The Post writes it is “beyond us” why state Senate Republicans saw any need to debate whether Skelos should remain their leader and concludes that shrugging at corruption is a bipartisan practice in Albany : * State Sen. Rob Ortt became the second Republican in his chamber to call on Skelos to step aside as majority leader, saying he does not believe Skelos can lead effectively at this juncture, State of Politics writes: * Support for Skelosmight not hold out amidst charges (NYDN) * Also in Newsday, Republican consultant Bill O’Reilly writes the state Republican Party is losing its important self-identity as the “good guys” and perceived moral authority due to state Senate Republicans’ continuing loyalty to Skelos: * Only now that he may be going to the clinker do bigwigs saythey don't care for NY State Senate GOP Leader Skelos.
Senator Ken LaValle Connected to Glenwood Can't Move Against Skelos
NYC developer at theheart of Albanyscandals is big donor to L.I. pols, including Sen. Ken LaValle (River Head) State Senator Ken LaValle is among the top recipients of campaign cash spread around the New York by the real estate developer at the heart of the corruption scandal that has rocked Albany, resulting in the arrests of both the assembly speaker and senate majority leader this year. Since 2012, the veteran First District senator took in $62,500 in campaign contributions from entities affiliated with Glenwood Management Corp. Glenwood and its founder, Leonard Litwin, figure prominently in the criminal accusations leveled against Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) and former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.
Skelos' Down to the Nuclear Option
A Final Hail Mary? (YNN) A GOP source tells NY1’s Zack Fink that Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos is refusing to step down from his post. If forced too, Skelos would resign entirely from the narrowly divided chamber, leaving just 31 Republicans, plus Democrat Simcha Felder who sits with the GOP. Meanwhile, the health of Sen. Tom Libous remains very much in question. * 'HE IS AT THE ANGRY STAGE': Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos threatens to deprive GOP of votes should efforts for ousting him continue, sources say(NYDN) * Freshman state Sen. Robert Ortt made a rookie mistake by so aggressively calling for the ouster of his leader Dean Skelos, leading to a leaked story that Ortt allegedly made anti-Semitic comments the week before, Geoff Kelly writes for City & State: * Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos is threatening to resign his seat if fellow Republicans try to force him out, which would erase the GOP’s numerical majority and could force them to deal with Democrats, NY1’s * John DeFrancisco gains support before historic showdown overSenate leadership
Skelos' Final Hours As Senate Leader
Manhattan Republican Party Wants Dean Skelos toGet Lost (NYO) * Oh, Albany:Libous offers the "Hey, he stuck by me when *I* was indicted" defensefor Skelos. * * State Sen. Cathy Young said she expects leadership strategies to emerge in the next few days as talks continue over replacing state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who faces federal corruption charges,Gannett Albany reports: * A GOP insider said state Sen. Robert Ortt referred to Assemblyman Sheldon Silver as part of “the Jewish mafia” while making the case for Skelos to step down during a private meeting this week, JP Updates reports: * Republicans are urging Sen. Andrew Lanza to run for the DA post Dan Donovan will vacate now that he has won this week’s NY-11 special election. * Critics: What's wrong with Albany ? The "three men in a room" (LoHud) * GOP rivals maneuver to replace Dean Skelos as majority leader (NYP)
One constant in the stutter-step life of Adam Skelos: hispowerful father (NYT) Since his arrest, the portrait of Mr. Skelos, 32, that has emerged is one of a young man whose life seemed to lose traction during late adolescence and who struggled professionally.
Litwin Glenwood Got Both of Skelos' Replacements and Recent Cuomo
"lobbying records..show that Litwin’s Glenwood..was lobbying(Cuomo's) office..as recently as February.(NYP)" The most recent lobbying records filed with the Joint Commission on Public Ethics show that Litwin’s Glenwood, a major beneficiary of real-estate tax incentives, which has directly or indirectly contributed more than $1 million to Cuomo’s campaigns, was lobbying the governor’s office at least as recently as February. The records reveal that Glenwood hired Mark L. Lieberman for $15,000 in January and February to lobby the “NYS Assembly, NYS Governor’s office and its agencies & authorities, NYS Senate.’’ Cuomo backtracked on another aspect of his relationship with Glenwood late last week, conceding that he had “forgotten’’ about three meetings he had with Litwin and the company’s top officials in 2011. * Leading NY Senate majority leader candidates take Glenwoodmoney (NYDN) As they jockey to become Senate majority leader, Sens. John Flanagan and John DeFranciso have at least one thing in common: they both accepted hefty donations from a real estate development company with ties to the criminal cases against Skelos and now former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Companies tied to developer Leonard Litwin’s Glenwood Management in recent years contributed $41,500 to Flanagan and $35,500 to DeFrancisco. “Flanagan and DeFrancisco are in the back pocket of the same billionaire developer as Skelos and Silver,” said one labor source. Glenwood Management and its affiliates since 2005 contributed more than $12.8 million to Albany politicians. The Senate Republican campaign committees received $1.45 million, not including donations to individual lawmakers.
Senate to Vote Monday On Motion to Oust Skelos
The Campaign to Replace Skelos
Skelos and Son Book Em Preet
Breaking: Dean Skelos, N.Y. Senate leader, and his son areexpected to be arrested next week (NYT) The expected arrests, coming roughly three months after federal bribery and kickback charges led Assemblyman Sheldon Silver to step down as speaker, would signal an extension of the investigation into allegations of political corruption in Albany, and would almost certainly further upend the legislative session. It is not known if Mr. Skelos, a Republican from Long Island who was first elected to the Senate in 1984, will resign his leadership post as did Mr. Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, but he is sure to face questions about his ability to lead the chamber in light of the investigation. * Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to fight to keep post amid possible corruption charges: sources (NYDN) * The law that would strip public officials convicted of corruption of their pension, part of the ethics reforms agreed to in the state budget, has stalled with some unions opposing the measure, the Times writes:
Buzzards Flying Over Skelos
It’s war as DeFrancisco lobbies for Skelos’ spot (NYP) The Post’s Fred Dicker writes that Senator John DeFransisco’s desire to replace Skelos sets up for a “full-blown battle” to replace the Senate majority leader * The impending arrest of Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos on corruption charges has set the Senate leadership into potential flux with several candidates to replace him being considered, The Wall Street Journal reports: * A full-blown battle to succeed soon-to-be-arrested Republican Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos got under way this weekend, Fred Dicker reports, as Finance Committee Chairman John DeFrancisco, who had planned to retire next year, signaled he wanted the job. * As of yesterday, it was unclear if Skelos would attempt to retain his leadership post if charged, but some of his colleagues said they would support him if he wanted to remain at the chamber’s helm.
Skelos' Replacement? Skelos replacement names surface as he faces possible charge (NYDN) “A lot will depend on the charge,” said Sen. Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn). “If they are substantial charges, the conference will look at it and have a discussion. If it’s not charges of consequence, I think the conference would not want to have him step down.” There is no clear heir apparent should Skelos step aside. Normally, it would be Deputy Leader Thomas Libous of upstateBinghamton . But he is under indictment on charges he lied to an FBI agent and is also battling what he says is terminal cancer. The three names most mentioned to replace Skelos are Senate Education Committee Chairman John Flanagan of Suffolk County ; Sen. Catharine Young, the Cattaraugus County lawmaker who heads up the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman John DeFrancisco of Syracuse . * Did NY Assemblyman Sheldon Silver (D) give up NY SenatorDean Skelos (R)? ...Mayyyyybe (Red State) * "WHAT'S NEXT, HELICOPTERS?" Assembly Republicans get $24K Chevys to replace older vehicles, taxpayers foot bill (NYDN)
Buzzards Flying Over Skelos
Skelos' Replacement? Skelos replacement names surface as he faces possible charge (NYDN) “A lot will depend on the charge,” said Sen. Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn). “If they are substantial charges, the conference will look at it and have a discussion. If it’s not charges of consequence, I think the conference would not want to have him step down.” There is no clear heir apparent should Skelos step aside. Normally, it would be Deputy Leader Thomas Libous of upstate
Skelos and Son Arrested . . . Then Keeps His Leadership Position
After Skelos’s Arrest, Republicans in New York Are Left Scrambling (NYT) Republicans were torn on whether Dean G. Skelos, the Senate majority leader, should remain in his leadership role after his arrest on Monday. * Dean Skelos, Albany Senate Leader, Aided Son at All Costs, U.S. Says (NYT) Efforts by Senator Dean G. Skelos to use what prosecutors said was his political influence to help his son could send both men to prison — and cost the Long Island Republican his leadership position and seat. New York Senate Leader and Son Are Arrested on Corruption Charges (NYT) Mr. Skelos, 67, and his son, Adam B. Skelos, 32, are scheduled to appear in United States District Court in Manhattan to face complaints of conspiracy, extortion and bribe solicitation. * Brian Moore, New York Police Officer Shot in the Head, Dies (NYT) Officer Moore, 25, was critically wounded over the weekend in Queens after driving up in an unmarked car to question a man on the street.* Feds follow money from Adam Skelos’ pocket to big-bucks firms (NYP) * The Skelos scandal — state Senate for sale (NYP) * Adam Skelos was ‘dependent’ on his dad for financial support: feds(NYP) * Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos’ desire to help his son, Adam, find financial stability ultimately led to arrest of the two on federal corruption charges, the Timeswrites: * Dean Skelos, as thick as a brick: He knew Preet Bhararawas on the hunt and still engaged in brazen behavior (NYDN)
Senate GOP Keeps Skelos in Control
Skelos Battles On With He Merry Men Thiefs
Dean Skelos, New York Senate Leader, Stands Firm Despite Calls to Resign (NYT) Mr. Skelos, telling reporters “I’m innocent,” appeared at just one event in Albany a day after he was arrested on federal corruption charges along with his son, Adam B. Skelos. * Skelos planning ‘aggressive’ fight against corruption charges (NYP) * 'I'M INNOCENT': Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos remains defiant against corruption charges amid calls to step down (NYDN) * The corruption caucus is the state Senate GOP standingwith Dean Skelos (NYDN Ed) You are a sanitation worker who accepts a Christmas tip. You are fired. You are an executive who asks a supplier to give your wife a job while you negotiate a deal. You are fired. You are a broker who pushes a stock on a client while you are on the seller’s payroll. You are fired. You are majority leader of the New York State Senate. You extort money out of business interests who depend on your favor. Your colleagues very nearly carry you around on their shoulders in endorsement of your character and conduct. * As corruption cloudshang over Albany,what next? - City & Region - The Buffalo News
The Leader of the NYS Senate GOP
Skelos, like Silver,should step down from leader post * Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos' members gave him a vote of confidence on hours after he and his son were hit with federal corruption charges, but few expect that support to hold much longer despite his defiance, the Daily News reports: * While Albany has seen a consistent stream of corruption cases over the years the arrest of leadership is unprecedented and has shaken the theory in the capital that party leadership is untouchable, The Buffalo News writes: * The Daily News’ Bill Hammond writes that the federalcomplaint against Skelos makes him look “flat out dumb,” as the Senate majority leader continued to make deals despite acknowledging he was likely under extra scrutiny: * The Buffalo News writes that Senate Republicans need to follow the lead of Assembly Democrats and unite to dethrone their embattled leader to create order as important decisions are being made: * Senate Dems To Push Leadership Vote (YNN) * The Senate GOP’s Upstate-Downstate Split? (YNN) * Tom Precious: “Times here have gotten to the point where reporters could, if they wanted, recycle stories about corruption just by changing the names, dollar amounts and perhaps a few juicy details.”* Upstate G.O.P. leaders ask Skelos to step down (Capital) * DCCC hits Zeldin for Skelos' support (Capital) * "Only 4 senators, @JohnBonacic, @GeorgeAmedore, @SenatorFunke, and @SenatorOrtt, broke with theCorruption Caucus" (NYDN) * An effort to oust Skelos is rebuffed, but that's not thelast we'll hear of this * County GOP
* State Senate Democrats walked out of the chamber after Republicans refused to hear their attempt to oust Majority Leader Dean Skelos and a debate broke out on the Senate floor, Gannett Albany reports: * Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein said that had the Democrats succeeded, the IDC would no longer be recognized as a conference and asked why his members would support such a measure, the Times Union reports: * Gianaris was trying to put out a resolution to have Skelos step down and said he was indicted. Martens said no one's been indicted. Gianaris said he was sorry Skelos has only been arrested but Libous and Sampson have been indicted. * "Skelos would have lost .. because 5 members of the GOPdelegation have gone on record saying he should step down." (Newsday) * 16 Senators Profess Loyalty to Skelos (YNN) * Panepinto Not Happy About GOP ‘Name Drop’ In Defense Of Skelos (NYP) *Langworthy Calls On Skelos To Step Down; Calls Relationship ‘Strained’ (NYP)
The Campaign to Dump Skelos
Democrats ready to oust Dean Skelos if he’s indicted (NYP)
Skelos Facing Jail Makes Sure Dirty Loop-Hole Campaign Money Lives in Albany
Skelos Facing Jail Makes Sure Dirty Loop-Hole Campaign Money Lives in Albany
Bending over backward for cash: With a dishonestmaneuver, Dean Skelos and the Senate GOP protect New York's most notorious campaign finance loophole (NYDN) Albany corruption scandals. * “The capitol,” a Republican senator tells Chris Smith, “is the dome of gloom.” Always Support the Family Dean, Silver: I am Stepping Down As Speaker to Preserve Our Institution
Skelos Is An Unwilling Contestant In the Preet Bharara Gong Show
Skelos Says He Won’t Resign As GOP Leader (YNN) * In Albany, little consensus on the Skelos effect (Capital)* A former Nassau County Nassau County Nassau County Albany since it became public that he and his son are under federal investigation. He met with his conference behind closed doors, reiterating his statement from last week that he is cooperating with any investigations before focusing on issues facing the Senate. In a show of political discipline, Senate Republicans united behind Skelos, with one lawmaker saying they spent only a “nanosecond” in a closed-door conference discussing the majority leader’s legal situation. Addressing a group of reporters stationed outside Skelos’ office on lawmakers’ first day back after a three-week spring break, Long Island Sen. Ken LaValle said, in response to a question about the investigation: “Don’t you think we’re being a little presumptuous?”
Skellos' Red Herring Cook Book to Block Ethics Reform?
Sandra Lee has built an empire on lifestyle and cooking advice, but it’s her status as Cuomo’s live-in girlfriend that has placed her in the middle of a political fight over stronger state ethics laws. “It’s not about his friend – she’s a wonderful person – this is about equality in terms of disclosure between the executive branch and the legislative branch,” said Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. “This is not anything that is personal.”*The DN accuses Skelos of “sliming” Lee, while the NY Post says she should not be the face of this very viable debate over the outside income of spouses and significant others – an issue not covered by the two-way ethics reform deal cut by Cuomo and the Assembly Democrats. *Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and three Democratic assemblywomen – Addie Russell (North Country), Michelle Schimel (Long Island ) and Latrice Walker (NYC) – are featured in a Working Families Party video speaking out against Cuomo’s education proposals.
Sandra Lee is a classy lady, and delighted she makes our Gov happy. But is that the standard to be above the law and exempt?
NYT Schneiderman’s proposal for cleaning up Albany is a reminder to Cuomo that some are pushing for real change and tinkering around the edges will not be enough
The Schneiderman Remedy for Sleaze (NYT Ed) The attorney general’s ethics proposals represent a challenge to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s repeated promises, and offer a chance for a real cleanup of Albany . * The proposed state budget includes $2.6 billion in lump sums, which a report from the good government group Citizens Union says makes it nearly impossible to know where that money is going, the Times Union report: * State Sen. Kemp Hannon secured $65,000 in grant money for a Long Island hospital that has been represented by his private law firm since 1993 and had cases when the grants were secured, the Daily News reports:
Tenant Group: IDC's Klein is the Bag Man for 421-a Tax Deal
Activists Blast Jeffrey Klein for His Ties tothe Real Estate Industry(NYO) Alliance for Tenant Power, a liberal pro-tenants organization, is planning a series of tweets and Facebook memes blasting State Senator Jeffrey Klein, a Bronx Democrat and leader of the Independence Democratic Conference. The group is targeting Mr. Klein, a co-leader in the Senate and an ally of the Republican majority, for not supporting their priorities, including a repeal of the controversial tax break, 421-a, an end to vacancy decontrol, and an overall strengthening of rent laws. “Senator Jeff Klein has nearly 45,000 rent-stabilized apartments in his district, but too often he operates as a paid spokesman for REBNY and the real-estate industry,” said Delsenia Glover, a spokeswoman for Alliance Alliance
Albany Ethics Form Update
Skelos said the ethics reforms put forth by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie are soft on the executive branch, and good government groups called them insufficient
Cuomo butts heads with Democrats over education plans (NYP) Quinnipiac University
Cuomo unveils new ethics laws — watchdogs say it’s not enough (NYP) Watchdogs immediately warned the changes didn’t go far enough and were merely “partial solutions” to combat pervasive corruption. One provision in the ethics regulations would treat lawmakers like factory workers — they’d have to prove they were in Albany to get their per diem expenses by swiping in with an electronic card. Queens Assemblyman William Scarborough was indicted last year for allegedly collecting $40,000 in bogus travel reimbursements. Senate GOP Majority Leader Dean Skelos blasted the ethics agreement as going soft on the Cuomo administration.
As new Q poll finds voters want full disclosure,"Sandra Lee partnership exempt from Cuomo disclosure rules" (Capital) * Q Poll: NYers Back Disclosure From Elected Officials & Their Significant Others (YNN) * In striking a two-way ethics reform deal with Assembly Democrats, Gov. Andrew Cuomobroke his mold of forging bipartisan deals. Asked why he had strayed from the pattern and left out the Senate Republicans, Cuomo replied: “Variety.” * After meeting with his conference on Wednesday evening, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos dismissed the ethics deal, saying any talks of ethics reforms should also include financial disclosures of the executive branch, and should also include domestic partners. * The Senate Republicans have introduced a bill that would make the finances of the executive branch more transparent. Skelos’ hometown paper, Newsday, blamed the Senate GOP for blocking reform in Albany . * Earlier this week, alcoholic beverage manufacturer Diageo announced an expanded partnership with Cuomo’s longtime live-in girlfriend, Food Network star Sandra Lee. This agreement with a company that has substantial business before the state came a day before Cuomo and the Assembly struck their two-way reform deal, which doesn’t require outside income disclosure for spouses of significant others. * Public officials in New York would be prohibited from spending political campaign funds on personal expenses like clothing and country club dues under the two-way ethics reform deal, but paying for criminal defense attorneys and meals with political cash would still be allowed. * The agreement would also require lawmakers to disclose details of their outside income, including the names of legal clients who they’ve referred to law firms for a fee. “It is unprecedented disclosure,” Cuomo said. * Government watchdogs immediately warned the changes didn’t go far enough and were merely “partial solutions” to combat pervasive corruption. Advocates are pushing hard for a full ban on outside income for state legislators.* NY Senate leader: Ethics reform must include Cuomo - TimesUnion (TU) * Schneiderman calls for the end of outside income for Albany lawmakers to fightcorruption.(NYO) * Reisman: Cuomo's tough-guy brand only goes so far * The IDC Seeks ‘Healthy Debate’ On Ethics Legislation (YNN)* Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos lashed out at Cuomo, saying after a joint budget committee hearing that disclosure rules should apply to the governor’s staff and girlfriend, State of Politics writes: * The New York State Bar Association is backing Cuomo and the Assembly Democrats’ joint plan to require lawmakers moonlighting as attorneys to reveal clients who paid them more than $5,000, Gannett Albanywrites: * A majority of New York voters back making the state Legislature a full-time job with a higher salary, according to a Quinnipiac poll, Gannett Albany reports: * Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is doing a little light reading. * Residents of the northeast Bronx are hoping their neighborhood benefits from Heastie’s rise.* A Citizen Union report found Cuomo’s budget contains $2.6 billion in opaque “lump sum funds” which allow spending decisions to be made in the shadows by elected officials after passage. * City Leaders Lobby for Various State Budget Causes in Albany(NY1)
Klein Still On His Law Firms Tit
Jeff Klein will still get payments even after breaking ties with firm (NYP)
Cuomo Loves the Mayor and WFP Like Michael Loves Fredo . . . Fuck You Lesson
Bacio de Morte Canter, de Blasio
Yes Cuomo Wanted To Keep the Senate Away From the Democrats, But His Anger Exploded When He Found Out WFP and de Blasio Conspired to Teachout Him A Lession
De Blasio Denies Dem Defeats in New York About Him(NYO)
The Aftermath of the Teachout Run: All Out "War" Between Cuomo and de Blasio
Did Republican Astorino Big Win Up-State or Big Money From Deep Pocket Contributors of the Mayor and Governor Make the Senate GOP?
Dems lost seats where Cuomo underperformed (Capital) * With Republicans claiming outright control of the state Senate, a major defeat was handed down to Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Daily Newsreports: * .@NYSenate Dems handed bruising loss, kept out of power (Capital)* Sen. Simcha Felder might not be the only breakaway Democratto continue working w/ the state senate GOP. * Students First NY, a group supportive of charter schools and education reform that spent $4.2 million on Republicans in key state Senate races, is touting itself as a new counterbalance to the powerful statewide teachers’ union, State of Politics reports: * Democrats were routed in the state Senate in areas where Cuomo won markedly less support than in his 2010 campaign, according to voting returns, Capital New York writes: Cuomo stepped on de Blasio’s Albany press conference by holding a competing press conference of his own. For Cuomo and de Blasio, Still Some Good Old Days Historically the nature of the governor’s relationship with New York City’s mayor has always been something of an arranged marriage, but like many couples, the governor and the mayor do seem to enjoy each other’s company, at least when they are not fighting.
War: de Blasio vs Cuomo, How the GOP Won the Senate, Education AttackWhy Does the Media Print Pols Spin Lies About What They Did in the Election? . . . Nothing About the Public's Anger At Pols
Remove the five boroughs of NY City & Rob Astorino WON this #nygov election by 100,000 votes or by 4 pts
Cuomo I Helped the Senate Campaign
Facing criticism that Gov. Andrew Cuomo did not do enough to help Democratic state Senate candidates, his campaign defended his efforts and said he “endorsed nearly every candidate,” The New York Times reports: * Having Republicans in full control of the state Senate could give Cuomo political cover, while his best opportunities might be to approve popular fiscal plans, the Buffalo News writes: *Bruno To Skelos: No Need For IDC(YNN) * Cuomo Distances Himself From Democratic Losses(YNN) * Cuomo’s Fusion Success(YNN)* Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who didn’t campaign heavily for state Senate candidates and incumbents or vulnerable House candidates, blamed a national “Republican wave” for Democratic electoral losses in New York , State of Politics reports: * Quinn Fetes WEP Success(YNN) * Andrew Cuomo and the Sad State of the Working Families Party (In These Times) * Gov. Andrew Cuomo conquered what was once viewed as a Republican stronghold, winning the Orthodox Jewish vote in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn by 70 percent.* Andrew Cuomo rejects criticism lobbed against him for GOP takeover of state Senate(NYDN)
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio deflected blame for losses that gave Republicans control of the state Senate and disputed the idea that his support for Democrats had backfired, the Times writes: * 'BILL De BlASIO KILLED HIS OWN AGENDA': Mayor's campaign forDemocrat-ruled state Senate may have doomed his strategy(NYDN)* Nicole Gelinas writes in City Journal that withRepublicans in charge of the state Senate, de Blasio will need help from Cuomo to further his top goals and won’t be able to go as far as he would like to with his policies: * De Blasio reckons with a Republican Senate (Capital)* Jeff Klein told @ZackFinkNews that his #IDC may live on even though the Republicans control the state Senate: * Cuomo predicts less progressive change in 2015(CrainsNY) * Avella said if IDCwent back on its word to caucus with Dems he would leave
Dear NYT: State Senate Elections Have Consequences
Round Two for Gov. Cuomo(NYT) His decreased leverage makes delivering on his promises seem more challenging than ever.
NYT Why Is A GOP Senate Ab Obstacle When That is What the Governor Wanted?
One of the biggest obstacles is of his own making. He did far too little to help Democrats running for State Senate seats across the state, depriving them of financial support as well as the energy he could have brought to their campaigns.
Dear NYT: A GOP Senate Which Depended On Millions From LLCs Is Not Going to Pass Public Financing to Give Dems A Better Chance to Beat Them
First, he should figure out a way to honor his vow to reform the state’s corrupt political culture through stricter campaign finance laws and changes in the pay-to-play traditions in Albany . This task is made no easier by the fact that Mr. Cuomo himself took in $45 million in campaign contributionsfrom real estate and communications companies and other businesses.
Dear NYT With A GOP Senate Will Pass the Women's Rights Bill Without the Right to Choose Competent, Which Could Have Been Months Ago
Second, Mr. Cuomo has put women’s rights high on his agenda, and it should stay there. His package of proposals — and he should continue to demand the whole package, not pieces of it — includes stronger human trafficking laws, new protections for victims of domestic violence, protection of students from sexual violence on campuses and pay equity for women.
The Charges Against the GOP Leader
Here is the 43-page criminal complaint against Dean Skelosand son Adam Skelos * Skelos not accused of using own law firm for $$$ gain.So if he was full-time legislator,as ''reformers'' want,what difference would it make? *Arrest sheds new context on Skelos' call for the 421-a taxbreak program to expire every two years: (City and State) * maybe gov. cuomo should have just left the financial settlement $$ to @AGSchneiderman. Charges say Skelos sought to direct some to son's co. * Dean Skelos and his son continued their bribery scheme evenafter the indictment of Sheldon Silver, officials say: (DNAINFO) Dean Skelos, New York Senate Leader,and Son Are Arrested on Corruption Charges (NYT) Manhattan and will probably include conspiracy, extortion and bribe solicitation, a person with knowledge of the matter has said. Indictment accuses Sen Maj Leader Skelos, son of threatening to block a contract award in Nassau County
Elections Over Klein Dumps Back to the GOP
Albany battles in 2015 (Capital) * "No one in state politics has benefited more in termsof campaign contributions from the wealthy..than Andrew Cuomo." (TU)* 'Baby Jane' Holzer, socialite and Andy Warhol Factoryactress, donates $5,000 to Tom Dinapoli: * .@NYGovCuomo raises $408K over the weekend & $45miltotal. Nearly all donations a min.of $10K. #PayToPlay #Corruption
IDC Leader Jeff Klein started publicly backing away from hispledge to dump the Senate Republicans in favor of his fellow Democrats during a Oct. 25 interview with former Assemblyman Richard Brodsky..* Klein Edges Away From Deal With Senate Dems (YNN)
Education Groups Big Spenders Education groups are doing the bulk of the spending: $4million from @Nysut and $4 million from a pro-charter PAC (Capital) * Harry Reid's "single largest contribution total camefrom the plaintiffs (& Shelly Silver's)firm Weitz & Luxenberg." (WSJ) Expiring rent regulations, mayoral control fuelsmulti-million dollar push for state Senate (Capital) * Spending on Senate races sets up 
Sal Albanese @SalAlbaneseNYC
@DomenicRecchia is Done! @repmichaelgrimm up by 19 pts. 2 million dollars down the tubes
Who On Whose Side in the Battle for the Senate
The Battle for the State Senate is As Confusing As the Middle East
The fight for Democratic State Senate majority reveals political duplicity from City Hall to Queens to Albany(Progress Queens) Long Island districts the Democrats had initially hoped to poach. Democratic efforts will now focus on a Hudson Valley seat being vacated by Republican Greg Ball, a four-way race in Buffalo and contests involving incumbent Democrats Terry Gipson of Dutchess County and Cecilia Tkaczyk of Ulster County Rochester and Adrienne Esposito, who is running for an open seat in Suffolk County
FRONT-RUNNER—Klein sides with power—Jimmy, filing from San Juan: The struggle between Democrats and Republicans for Jeff Klein's allegiance was supposed to be the dominant undercurrent of this weekend's Somos El Futuro conference, with impromptu poolside meetings, threats exchanged, and deals cut. After Republicans won an outright, 32-seat majority in the State Senate, Klein and his five-member, breakaway Independent Democratic Conference were no longer a must-have item. Practically, though, the I.D.C. remained very much in play, despite promise to ally with Democrats. In an interview with NY1 late Thursday, Klein picked the Republicans. "I've had a great working relationship with Senator [Dean] Skelos. I hope that continues," Klein told NY1's Zack Fink, referring to the Republican conference leader. "And I hope he agrees with me—that a coalition government was not only good over the last couple of years, but is something that works really really well in the months and years ahead."* Oliver Koppell, who challenged state Sen. Jeff Klein in a Democratic primary, criticized him for wanting to rejoin Senate Republicans and accused him of chasing “personal power,” Gannett Albany reports: * Queens Sen. TonyAvella sticking with Independent Democratic Conference(NYDN)* Klein, diminished but still desired, sides with power(Capital)* IDC May Live On Despite Republican State Senate Majority(NY1)* Skelos: Voters got our message about the economy, jobs
Klein I Gave You (GOP) the Best Years of My Life
Klein and his breakaway Senate Democrats are already facing threats of primaries in two years if they again join the Republicans but don't deliver on at least one progressive issue, the Daily News reports:
FRONT-RUNNER—Klein sides with power—Jimmy, filing from San Juan: The struggle between Democrats and Republicans for Jeff Klein's allegiance was supposed to be the dominant undercurrent of this weekend's Somos El Futuro conference, with impromptu poolside meetings, threats exchanged, and deals cut. After Republicans won an outright, 32-seat majority in the State Senate, Klein and his five-member, breakaway Independent Democratic Conference were no longer a must-have item. Practically, though, the I.D.C. remained very much in play, despite promise to ally with Democrats. In an interview with NY1 late Thursday, Klein picked the Republicans. "I've had a great working relationship with Senator [Dean] Skelos. I hope that continues," Klein told NY1's Zack Fink, referring to the Republican conference leader. "And I hope he agrees with me—that a coalition government was not only good over the last couple of years, but is something that works really really well in the months and years ahead."* Oliver Koppell, who challenged state Sen. Jeff Klein in a Democratic primary, criticized him for wanting to rejoin Senate Republicans and accused him of chasing “personal power,” Gannett Albany reports: * Queens Sen. TonyAvella sticking with Independent Democratic Conference(NYDN)* Klein, diminished but still desired, sides with power(Capital)* IDC May Live On Despite Republican State Senate Majority(NY1)* Skelos: Voters got our message about the economy, jobs
Newsday Says Long Island Dead Without A GOP Senate
Long Island voters should be “very afraid” of a Democratic takeover of the state Senate, Newsday’s Editorial Board writes, suggesting thatthe suburbs would be left with virtually no voice
IDC's $150,000 To Western GOP Senator
Breakaway Dems donate mystery $150K(CrainsNY) Now a mysterious $150,000 donation by the IDC's so-called super PAC—recently made to another outside group, run by the League of Conservation Voters—raises questions about whether the IDC is quietly trying to help a Republican senator in Western New York defeat a Democrat. As Crain's reported earlier this week, the League of Conservation Voters has adopted a policy this year of working unusually closely with deep-pocketed interests, which don't necessarily have environmental causes at the top of their agendas.* The pro-public financing group Friends of Democracy this month spent virtually all of its $650,000 budget on TV ads in at least two state Senate races, State of Politicsreports: * State Sen. George Latimer, a mainline Democrat, received a series of $10,000 donations from Independent Democratic Conference members Jeff Klein, David Valesky and Diane Savino, as well as from the IDC’s political action committee, the Daily News reports:
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Did Klein Ever Ask Lowe What He Was Doing With the Money He Was Paying Him?
Independent Senate Democrats Re-Ignite Push To Outlaw Political Consultants From Lobbying (UPDATED)View All Blogs IDC spokesman Eric Soufer blasted the traditional Democratic conference for opposing the bill in June. His statement specifically hit Sen. Liz Krueger, the Manhattan Democrat quoted earlier in the week in the New York Times claiming special interests “bought” tobacco bill that was pushed by IDC Leader Jeffrey . “By voting no on a common sense ethics reform bill, Senator Krueger and her allies are giving shady consultants like Mel Lowe an opportunity to double-dip in Albany's largesse,” Soufer said. “If Sen. Krueger and her colleagues in the Senate Democratic Conference are serious about cracking down on conflicts of interest, then the least they can do is vote yes for a common sense reform."UPDATE: A Krueger spokesman just sent over a blistering response to Soufer."Is this serious? While Sen. Krueger would love to put more distance between lobbyists and campaigns, as drafted this bill was almost certainly unconstitutional, and she's not in the habit of voting for silly, plainly unconstitutional bills that are certain to go down in court. And frankly, if I were Mr. Soufer I wouldn't want to raise the subject of Melvin Lowe, who was hired on and received these absurd payments during DSCC Chair Jeff Klein's watch. When Liz Krueger was chair of the DSCC, she personally signed off on every payment of $1,000 or more -- if Sen. Klein followed the same procedure, then he signed off on those checks. And if he didn't, then he's a rube."* State Sen. Jeff Klein is still operating a law office in a residential neighborhood more than two years after The Post revealed he was violating the zoning code, the New York Post reports:
Dying senator begs judge to spare his son jail time (NYP) Indicted state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous says he’s dying of cancer and is begging a federal judge to show his criminal son leniency so they can spend his “last days” together. In a letter to Judge Vincent Briccetti made public Wednesday, Libous (D-Binghamton) — who was indicted on public-corruption charges — revealed that he has “cancer which cannot be cured” and that he relies on his son, Matthew, to provide him “the strength and inspiration to get through each day.”* Libous Does Not Agree to Clean Up Albany By Telling What He Knows, While Begging to Keep His Child Out of Jail For Corruption
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The War to Clean Up Albany is Hell Mr. Libous
“Judge, my biggest fear is that he would be placed in prison as my health continues to deteriorate and unable to spend time with me in my last days,” the elder Libous, 62, wrote. “I ask that you please show my son mercy and allow him to be with me and his family.” In January, Matthew Libous, 37, was found guilty in White Plains of under-reporting $69,950 of his income on federal tax returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009. He will be sentenced next week. The No. 2 Republican in the Senate was diagnosed with cancer six years ago and says his son’s trial took a toll on his health.Florida .
Indicted Libous Pleas for His Guilty Son Because He Is Dying
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The War to Clean Up Albany is Hell Mr. Libous
News From Other Local Races
Thursday
During an hour-long debate on NY1, former NYC Comptroller John Liu slammed his primary opponent, Sen. Tony Avella, for leaving the “regular” Democrats to join the IDC.
The Liu-Avella battle is one of the most closely-watched primaries taking place next month, as Albany insiders wait to see if the truce between the IDC and regular Democrats holds.
Rep. Michael Grimm, who faces federal charges and a tough re-election campaign, ripped into the city’s post-Sandy “Build it Back” program.
Wednesday
Klein and his primary opponent, former NYC Councilman Oliver Koppell, sparred during a NY1 debate.
Klein Who Has No Position Protects His Online Gambling
You Want to Bet?
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EXCLUSIVE: State Senate Democrats group urging delegation against bill outlawing online gaming (NYDN) A breakaway group of state Senate Democrats is asking the New York congressional delegation to bet against a federal bill that would outlaw online gaming. In a letter to the New York delegation, the state Senate Independent Democratic Conference argued that the bill would trample on the rights of states while potentially prohibiting the New York Lottery from offering games online. The five Dems argued that federal legislation would also keep New York from ever joining other states in allowing Internet poker, which they said would generate new tax revenue and create job opportunities. New Jersey , Nevada and Delaware currently allow online poker. The IDC, led by Sen. Jeffrey Klein (D-Bronx), hasn’t taken a position on whether online gaming should be legalized in New York — just that it should be a state, not federal, decision. * The Senate’s Independent Democratic Conference is asking the New York congressional delegation to bet against a federal bill that would outlaw online gaming, the Daily News reports: * State Senate Democrats group urging delegation against bill outlawing online gaming (NYDN)
Albany is awash in corruption — but 72 candidates for state office failed the simplest ethics test by not filing personal financial statements as required by law, The Post has...
* Norwood News takes an in depth look at the debate between state Sen. Jeff Klein and primary challenger Oliver Koppell, who took on issues of party authenticity and loyalty: http://goo.gl/rSzbyp
* Norwood News takes an in depth look at the debate between state Sen. Jeff Klein and primary challenger Oliver Koppell, who took on issues of party authenticity and loyalty: http://goo.gl/rSzbyp
Campaign Updates
City should make Liu pay old $525K campaign fine: Sen. Avella(NYP) Ex-city Comptroller John Liu has let his legal challenge of $525,000 in fines against his prior campaign languish for at least 18 months — as he sits on a new campaign war chest of $444,000, his opponent charged Tuesday. Liu was hit with the fines for illegally hanging more than 7,000 posters during his successful 2009 race for comptroller.
I Hate People Koppell
State Sen. Candidate Oliver Koppell, who is challenging Senate Co-Majority Leader Jeff Klein, was caught on video insulting voters in his district, saying they are “not the most broad-minded people,” the Daily News reports:
CM Miller Staffer Raises $$$ for Comrie During Work
Leroy Comrie Hungry for Money
City Council staffer sent fund-raising e-mails while working(NYP) A staffer for Queens Councilman Daneek Miller sent political fund-raising e-mails while working on the taxpayer dime, according to a Miller staffer and a source who shared the e-mail with The Post. Margaret Denson sent the plea for donations to ex-Councilman Leroy Comrie’s state Senate bid Wednesday. Denson claimed she was in the office but on a lunch break. “[The city] should investigate it,” said Katherine James, former Board of Elections deputy chief clerk who received the e-mail. “They’re not following the rules.”
More on the Campaign to Control the State Senate
And $$$ Reports
The abrupt retirement of Sen. George Maziarz gives the Senate GOP another seat to defend, which means less resources for other challengers and incumbents facing tough re-election campaigns. When the Republicans were redesigning district seats to help protect vulnerable members a couple of years ago, they figured Maziarz was so politically strong that he could take on a bunch of Democratic voters from Buffalo Sen. Mark Grisanti and absorb them into his district without fear of losing. That move may come back to bite them. “The landscape keeps changing and the map keeps getting more difficult for Republicans,” said Queens Sen. Michael Gianaris, head of the Democrats’ campaign committee.* * State Senate Republicans will have nearly $5 million in the bank as of the latest campaign finance filing, the caucus reports, including $3.7 million raised in the last six months, the Daily News reports: * But no member of the conference has contributed so far to Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino’s campaign, Gannett Albany writes: http://goo.gl/hqfvlc * John Liu has raised more than half a million dollars and has $440,000 in cash on hand in his bid against Sen. Tony Avella, who has raised only $132,000 this period, with $88,000 on hand, State of Politics reports: http://goo.gl/iu7xlZ* GOP Attorney General candidate John Cahill has raised $1.67 million, while his Democratic opponent, incumbent Eric Schneiderman, reported having $6 million on hand back in January, the Daily News writes: http://goo.gl/9PCuGf * Rep. Michael Grimm raised just $23,430 last month, according to campaign finance reports, with nearly all of it coming from 18 mostly local donors, the Observer reports: http://goo.gl/BGQqGY* Cuomo’s Campaign Holds a Wide Lead in Fund-Raising(NYT)*S.J. Jung and Toby Stavisky Neck and Neck in Cash War(NYO) * Skelos And Klein Lead In Senate Fundraising(YNN)* Klein Campaign Knocks Koppell For Delayed Disclosure(YNN)*Klein Mob $$$ IDC Leader Jeff Klein took a $10,000 campaign donation from a mafia-linked realty company – the same firm he rents his district office space from.* Senate Republicans warn of ‘leftist’ de Blasio takeover(Capital) Republicans claim Dems are in pocket of de Blasio and W.F.P.
Stewart-Cousins Ignores Low Blow Flyer Intended to Help Make Her Speaker
The chair of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee would not repudiate a mailer from the statewide teachers union depicting a battered woman and accusing Republicans of blocking anti-domestic violence legislation, State of Politics reports: Senate Democratic leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins distanced herself from controversial NYSUT mailing Senate Democratic leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins distanced herself from – but did not criticize - a controversial mailing sent by the state’s teachers union in support of her conference’s candidates. “We are not doing that and it is not the candidates that are doing that,” Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat from Westchester , said on public radio’s Capitol Pressroom show Thursday. The mailing features a woman with a black eye and takes Republican candidates to task for opposing Gov. Cuomo’s women’s equality agenda. It was paid for by VOTE-COPE, the campaign arm of the New York State United Teachers, and sent to voters in the districts of Republican Sen. Mark Grisanti of Buffalo and Hudson Valley GOP candidates Sue Serino and Terrence Murphy.* Senate Democratic leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins distanced herself from—but did not criticize—the controversial mailing, the Daily Newsreports: * A Hispanic registered Democratic voter in New York City received a letter Wednesday, paid for by the New York State Democratic Committee, which said that the party will be monitoring "whether or not you vote," Capital New Yorkreports
de Blasio Declares WFP War Against IDC-GOP Power Sharing
Tuesday
In an online live chat, state Sen. David Valesky, a state Senate Independent Democratic Conference member, said he is proud of the IDC’s work and that he believes it will continue, the Post-Standard reports:
WFP Primary Against Savino?
MTA board member Allen Cappelli has started circulating petitions to launch a Democratic primary against Sen. Diane Savino, but says he’s not yet definitely in or out.* Mayor de Blasio mobilizes left-leaning supporters in Working Families Party to elect Democratic state Senate in November(NYDN)*
Cuomo Dances About IDC Furture * Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a Capitol Pressroom radio interview that the results of this legislative session have led him to conclude that the state Senate's current governing coalition is a “failure,” but he stopped short of saying he will campaign for Democrats across the board, Capital New York reports: * In a Q&A with The Wall Street Journal, Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, leader of the minority conference mainline Senate Democrats, discusses power-sharing in Albany:
25 MPH Mayor de Blasio's bid to lower city speed limit to 25 mph approved by state lawmakers(NYDN)PEED LIMIT REDUCTION, AFTER SOME DRAMA: It hit a political snag on Wednesday, but a bill backed by Mayor Bill de Blasio that would allow the Department of Transportation to reduce the city’s speed limit to 25 miles per hour passed the Legislature late Thursday. It had to maneuver around Staten Island Sen. Andrew Lanza, who pushed to use it as leverage for a bill that would have put stop signs around schools. In the end Senate I.D.C. Leader Jeff Klein was able to push the bill to the floor over Lanza’s objections. * Cuomo also told listeners that he was thrilled with the last-minute legislative accomplishments of the Assembly and the Senate, moments before declaring the flouted effort to pass campaign finance reform “a failure,” the Observer reports:
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IDC Dem Senate Power Sharing Talks . . . GOP Out Says the NYP
Breakaway Senate Dems to end power-sharing with GOP(NYP)
* State Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein denied there are ongoing discussions about re-unifying his group of five dissident Democrats with the Senate’s mainline conference, the Daily News reports: * Senate co-Leader Jeffrey Klein denied there are ongoing discussions about re-unifying his conference of five dissident Democrats with the Senate’s mainline Dems.* ALBANY SESSION SLIDES INTO FRIDAY: Negotiations over a series of issues—most notably medicinal marijuana—continued during what’s expected to be the final week of the state legislative session, but several key sticking points remain unresolved Governor Andrew Cuomo went on the radio to announce he wouldn’t sign a medicinal marijuana bill in its current form, then met with its legislative sponsors. They said they were optimistic leaving the meeting.* IDC member David Carlucci, who may be facing a primary challenge, is seeking campaign workers.
Who is Keeping the IDC Alive and Why?
MTA board member Allen Cappelli is considering a Democratic primary challenge to state Sen. Diane Savino, saying he’s concerned that the IDC, through the majority coalition, is preventing other women and people of color from serving in leadership roles, the Staten Island Advance writes:
Monday Update
LOVETT: Democrat Jeffrey Klein may lose some union support(NYDN)
NYS Sen. David Carlucci urging fellow breakaway Dems to abandon GOP for Democrats: sources(NYDN)* Bronx Senate Race at Center of Cuomo's Pledge for Democratic Majority(NY1)The unions representing the city’s teachers and the hotel and motel workers may cut support if Klein and his breakaway Democrats don't re-align with mainstream Dems. Meanwhile, a group of prominent progressive Democrats that includes former city Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum are set to hold a fundraiser for Koppell on June 19 at the Manhattan home of Manhattan attorney Craig Kaplan and his philanthropist wife, Anne Hess.
Labor, WFP and Progressives Using the Pressure of A Primary to Change Klein
An Offer He Can't or Can Refuse?
Labor groups, including Local 1199 SEIU, are in talks with state Sen. Jeff Klein and the Independent Democratic Conference about the IDC breaking its alliance with Senate Republicans, with whom they’ve formed a majority coalition, the New York Post reports:
* WFP backs Koppell over Klein, but unions split - The Insider ...
* Republicans in the
Sen. Diane Savino says IDC will live on but won't commit to still being aligned with GOP
IDC Does the John Wayne, Who is Holding Them Up and Why?
NY Senate IDC to those threatening primaries: 'Bring it on!'(NYDN)The five dissident Senate Dems who control the chamber with the Republicans have a message for Gov. Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio and labor unions who have threatened primaries unless they re-align with the chamber’s mainline Democrats—“bring it on.” “The Independent Democratic Conference is not intimidated by the hostile rhetoric and threats of those who engage in the politics of extortion,” said IDC communications director Jennifer Rainville. “Every single one of our members is ready for a primary and ready to have a serious conversation and debate about who can best serve New York’s working families. Bring it on!”* * A dozen local Democrats, including the Rockland County Legislature chairman, are calling on state Sen. David Carlucci to break away from the Independent Democratic Conference and are threatening to back a Clarkstown councilwoman instead, Gannett Albany writes * State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins is poised to become the first female leader of a legislative majority in New York history if her conference takes back control of the Senate, Bloomberg News writes:
* Former New York City comptroller John Liu, who is running against state Sen. Tony Avella, isn’t just campaigning in Avella’s eastern Queens district—he’s hitting the trail all over the city, the Observer reports: http://goo.gl/ky2wyg
* Sources say that state Sen. David Carlucci is urging his fellow members of the Independent Democratic Conference to rejoin the mainline Democrats, the Daily News writes: http://goo.gl/L1ZI1T
* For the first time in more than a decade, the State Senate Republicans won’t be getting any money from 1199 SEIU—the state’s powerful healthcare workers union—at election time, Capital New York reports: http://goo.gl/VpXYGU
For the first time in more than decade, 1199 SEIU, one of New York’s most powerful unions, will not donate to the Senate Republican Campaign Committee before the November elections. The decision was made as part of a concerted effort to help Democrats retake control of the state Senate by a coalition of labor groups, Working Families Party members and Governor Andrew Cuomo. It represents a sea change in the union’s political strategy and a break in its long-standing alliance with the Senate GOP. http://goo.gl/hXrBKR
Working Families Party in civil war over Cuomo(NYP) Warring factions of the Working Families Party Friday night moved toward backing Gov. Cuomo’s re-election bid after threatening to dump him for another candidate, sources said.As part of the tentative deal, Cuomo will push for a Democratic takeover of the Senate and pledge to pass progressive measures backed by the WFP, including campaign-finance reform, sources said. “Will the governor support a Democratic Senate? Yes. He’s a Democrat,” said an insider involved in the discussions. The deal would pressure Senate the Independent Democratic Conference chairman and the other renegades to rejoin the regular Democratic caucus.Stuart Appelbaum, head of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store union and a WFP board member, said, “We are going to support Cuomo. Most unions support him.”
But the grassroots Occupy Wall Street types in the party complained that Cuomo was too moderate and pushed the candidacy of little-known liberal activist Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham University law professor, to be the standard-bearer.
“We were about to destroy the party,” a labor source said of the contentious infighting. Sources cautioned that the fragile alliance could still blow up and lead to a free-for-all at the convention tonight.* Election lawyer attempting to block Cuomo challenger(NYP) An election lawyer supporting Gov. Cuomo’s re-election will file a legal challenge to block little-known law professor Zephyr Teachout from challenging the Democratic incumbent on the Working Families Party ballot. Attorney Marty Connor says Teachout may not meet the five-year residency requirement to run for governor. Board of Election records shows she first registered to vote in New York in May 2010. Ballot sale at the Working Families Party (NYP Ed)Will the Working Families Party prove itself to be just like the rest of New York’s minor parties — a patronage mill masquerading as a principled alternative? * Working Families Party to endorse Gov. Cuomo under tentative deal: sources(NYDN) * EXCLUSIVE: Talks heating up between Cuomo, Working Families Party — deal ...(Salo* How Today Could Determine the Future of New York's Working Families Party The Nation
GOP Dark Money Pools
NY election group tied to Koch 'network'(CrainsNY) New York 's 2010 elections, and questions were raised in 2012 about whether it was coordinating its activities with state Senate Republicans. The Moreland Commission probed Common Sense during the panel's short-lived existence, dubbing the operation a "daisy chain of out-of-state corporations and 'ghost companies' " meant to obscure its backers. A Koch Industries spokesman, Rob Tappan, said none of the money came from the billionaire brothers. "Neither Charles Koch nor David Koch, nor Koch Industries, made any contribution to this organization," Mr. Tappan said. There are indirect ties between Common Sense and what some media accounts describe as the Koch brothers' "network," though that doesn't mean the duo had anything to do with the charity. For example, Common Sense made a $900,000 gift to American Future Fund, which The Washington Post has described as a "pass-through" for political money on the right that in 2012 was a "major player in a network of politically active nonprofits supported by" the Kochs and other conservative donors.* Risa Sugarman, the new independent enforcement counsel at the Board of Elections, is receiving special investigator status for one month.* "Poll: More voters see Sharpton influencing mayor”(Capital)
Why Is WFP Not Fighting For Their Core Beliefs? 
Way off course (NYDN Ed)\What's in a name? Not enough, says a longtime player in the Working Families Party. As a gauge of how far Working Families has strayed from the purpose embodied in its name, here’s what Mike McGuire of the Mason Tenders union — a longtime player in the party — wrote on Facebook:“I’m ashamed I ever helped found the WFP. To call yourself the ‘working families’ party and then draw the line in the sand over campaign finance reform is an absolute disgrace. How about a line in the sand over raising the minimum wage? Or establishing a true living wage? Or fully funding the public transportation system? Or bringing jobs and opportunity and economic development to the pockets of NYC and vast swaths of upstate New York that so desperately need them?
If the Queens Organization Siding with the WFP's Liu to Save Parkside Mom?
The failed mayoral candidate will be picked as the Queens Democratic Party's candidate on Monday. A Liu candidacy means two members of the five-member breakaway Democratic faction in the Senate are facing primaries from traditional Democrats this year.The Queens Democratic Party, which had been courting Liu, is set Monday to designate him as their candidate so his name can appear on party nominating petitions circulated in the district. He has already met with key union leaders and hired consultant Neal Kwatra, a former chief of staff to state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman with deep union ties.
Daily News Says Two IDC Members Have Challenges, It is Close to 2 and A Half
Queens businessman and activist S.J. Jung is mounting a primary challenge against veteran Democratic Sen. Toby Stavisky. Stavisky's Son Evan from the Parkside Group Was Sen. Tony Avella and Raised Most of the Funds for Him. Evan Stavisky is the top player or clog in Crowley's Democratic Machine.* Queens Dem Party boss
Team Cuomo Panics
Cuomo is responding to a Working Families Party rebellion by urging State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, both Democrats, to refuse the WFP line, BuzzFeed reports ources: WFP’s Future At Stake In Endorsement Fight(NYO) According to another labor source involved in these talks, a number of the largest and most significant unions – including 1199 SEIU, HTC, the laborers, RWDSU, and the UFT – were prepared to call it quits with the WFP, knowing that their withdrawal could very well lead to the party’s “collapse.” Union leaders were burning up the phone lines this morning, discussing whether the time had finally come to pull their support of the party they helped create and have financially sustained since 1998, WFP.The situation at the moment is very fluid, and could very well remain so right up until the voting at the convention on the endorsement for governor question begins tomorrow night.And, according to BuzzFeed, Cuomo is reportedly fanning the flames by asking AG Eric Schneiderman – a darling of the left – to refuse the WFP’s endorsement, which would be a significant blow. The governor may have made the same ask of state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who arguably owes his close 2010 win over Republican Harry Wilson to the unions and the GOTV effort they ran on his behalf.* * The WFP’s rift with Cuomo ahead of this weekend’s convention may have done lasting damage to its relationships with key unions, which some sources say could lead to the party’s collapse, State of Politics writes: * Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham Law professor, officially announced her candidacy for governor on the WFP line, saying “the system is rigged for the rich and powerful” and that Cuomo “isn’t going to fix it,” State of Politics reports: * There are probably enough dissenters to lift Teachout above the 50,000 votes needed to maintain the WFP line, but polls showing a WFP candidate winning 20 percent may be exaggerated, Capital New York writes:
Breaking
Wow: Cuomo is urging AG Schneiderman and Comptroller DiNapoli not to take WFP line, via
Cuomo:
Kill the IDC-GOP Maaaybe
PASS IT OR ELSE: Gov. Cuomo threatens state Senate to approve public financing of elections(NYDN) Asked if he would campaign to oust Senate Republicans, Cuomo smiled slyly and said, “Maybe. Maaaybe.” Republicans share control of the Senate with the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference.
Will the WFP Put In A Place Holder Governor Candidate So They Can See What They Get From Cuomo in the next 3 months?
Working Families Party Warns Cuomo of a Possible Opponent(NYT)Late Thursday, a co-chairwoman of the party said it expected to put its support behind a little-known academic with scarcely any chance to defeat Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in the November race.* As Liberal Leaders Test Cuomo, de Blasio Stands by Him(NYT)* Education activist Diane Ravitch, who was floated as a possible WFP candidate for governor, said she would not run for public office due to her recent knee surgery, the Daily News reports:
Liu Receives A Trio Of Congressional Endorsements
Liu’s campaign fines remain unpaid(NYP) Former city Comptroller John Liu still owes the city more than $525,000 in campaign fines — even as he plows ahead with his latest run for
Klein: Yes I Respect You After His Hot Babe Del Percio Tweet
Bronx state Sen.Jeffrey Klein blames staffer over tweet describing 'hot' female GOP strategist(NYDN) Bronx state Sen. Jeffrey Klein is blaming a “junior communications staffer” for a bizarre Internet posting that described a female Republican strategist as “hot.” The Tuesday evening tweet from Klein’s account included a string of random characters followed by a link to a Google search image for “susan del percio hot.” The tweet was deleted a short time later. “A female, junior communications staffer — who also happens to be a recent hire in our office — accidentally tweeted a link from her personal phone,” Klein spokeswoman Candice Giove said. “Mistakes like this happen and are taken seriously. We extend our apologies to Susan.” Del Percio is a well-known Republican strategist who worked on Joe Lhota’s 2013 mayoral campaign and served, for a short time in 2014, on Gov. Cuomo’s staff.
Ross Barkan @RossBarkan One point from the @BilldeBlasio IDC endorsement today: at
least in #SD11, backing wont do a ton for @TonyAvella: Bdb not very popular
there
'Cash doesn't rule everything around him' On Tony Avella and his money woes: http://nyob.co/1mBE0GN
* Former New York City Comptroller John Liu rolled out an endorsement from the New York City Coalition of Operating Engineers ahead of the kickoff of his bid to unseat state Sen. Tony Avella, the Daily News reports: http://goo.gl/ecDUsM
* The Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club was once led by former New York City Councilman and Assemblyman Oliver Koppell, but the club endorsed his opponent, Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, the Observer reports: http://goo.gl/EMIhzK
Liu rolled out a campaign endorsement from the New York City Coalition of Operating Engineers.
Former NYC Comptroller and newly minted state Senate candidate John Liu thinks Cuomo “should play a big role” in helping the Democrats re-take the majority.
The Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club in the Bronx voted to endorse IDC Leader Jeff Klein over his primary challenger, former NYC Councilman Oliver Koppell.
Rivera, Officially, For Koppell(YNN)
War for the State Senate Many Hidden Players. . .
Tuesday: Senate Dems Get A Their Reform Package On Record
The state Senate Democrats unveiled an ethics package that includes legislation that would bar lawmakers from using campaign funds to pay for legal fees, create a public campaign finance system and strengthen restrictions on what campaign money can be spent on, the Daily News writes:
blair horner
Koppell Runs Against Klein, Winds of A Bigger Battle For Control of the State Senate
Thursday
KLEIN SCORES UFA ENDORSEMENT: The Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York lined up behind state Sen. Jeff Klein, the leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, shortly after a challenger entered the race, City & State writes: * KLEIN VS. KOPPELL: It may be too early to tell who will win the battle between state Sen. Jeff Klein and Oliver Koppell, but campaign cash, union support and minority issues like the DREAM Act will all play a role, City & State reports: * Jeff Klein Snags Teamsters Endorsement
More About the IDC GOP Senate Coalition
Rivera Dodges On Koppell Endorsement(YNN) * Jeff Klein Isn’t Sure Senate Democrats Are Trying to Oust Him(NYO) * Though Senate Democrats were
reportedly encouraging of Oliver Koppell’s primary challenge against
Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, none have publicly endorsed him since the
former Bronx councilman became a candidate, State of Politics reports:
TuesdayKLEIN SCORES UFA ENDORSEMENT: The Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York lined up behind state Sen. Jeff Klein, the leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, shortly after a challenger entered the race, City & State writes: * KLEIN VS. KOPPELL: It may be too early to tell who will win the battle between state Sen. Jeff Klein and Oliver Koppell, but campaign cash, union support and minority issues like the DREAM Act will all play a role, City & State reports: * Jeff Klein Snags Teamsters Endorsement
Koppell Slammed for Supporting Term Limits Extension by Avella* Avella Slams Koppell On Term Limits (Updated)(YNN) State Senate Dems want to bar lawmakers from using their campaign accounts to pay for defense lawyers, Lovett reports. Part of a nine-bill package to be unveiled Tuesday, the legislation would outlaw campaign funds from covering legal fees associated with any criminal or civil prosecution of alleged violations of state or federal law.The renewed push comes amid an investigation by the Manhattan U.S. attorney of potential ethical wrongdoing by lawmakers.
* District Council 9, the labor organization that represents painters and other tradesmen, has endorsed Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein in his re-election bid, State of Politics reports: http://goo.gl/63P6vW
Daily Kos IDC's Kline Intervention Hint of A WFP Cuomo Deal?
Daily Kos Has Never Gotten Along With WFP Pusing A Fight with Klein's IDC
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver thinks the Working Families Party should endorse Gov. Andrew Cuomo unless they want to help Republican challenger Rob Astorino. (CapNY) * The NYC Working Families Party Scam UPDATED - Daily Kos * Daily Kos Elections Morning Digest: Working Families Party candidate would take a bite out of Cuomo * Progressive Democrats plan to push for reconciliation with the breakaway IDC at the party’s statewide convention on Long Island later this month. (SoP)
Possible Shakeup of Control of the State Senate Dance
State Senator Klein Launches Re-Election Bid (NY1) Mayor de Blasio lavishes praise on Jeff Klein, but won't endorse him (NYDN)
* Senate GOP Leader Dean Skelos touted the results of a Siena Poll which found a majority of New York voters in support of a coalition of Democrats and Republicans in control of the upper chamber, State of Politics reports:
Update No Change Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein reiterated that he has no plans to rejoin the Senate Democrats, saying his coalition with Co-Leader Dean Skelos is working “very, very well,” Gannett Albany writes:
Senate Reconciliation?(YNN)
Oliver Koppell Sets New Easter Deadline for Bid Against Jeff Klein(NYO)
NY1 Exclusive: Rumblings Indicate Possible Shakeup in State Senate Leadership(NY!)
Oliver Koppell, a former Bronx councilman, assemblyman and state attorney general, says he’ll decide whether or not to challenge Jeff Klein after the Easter holiday, The Observer writes:
Klein come back? At least one Senate Democrats says that's just fine(NYO)
Oliver Koppell, a former Bronx councilman, assemblyman and state attorney general, says he’ll decide whether or not to challenge Jeff Klein after the Easter holiday, The Observer writes:
Klein come back? At least one Senate Democrats says that's just fine(NYO)
Jeff Klein Allies Ready to Pummel Oliver Koppell As Challenge Decision Nears(NYO)"Mr. Koppell, then a councilman seeking a third term, endorsed Mr.
Bloomberg’s controversial 2009 re-election bid. Klein supporters say Mr.
Koppell passed on a credible Democratic challenger in Bill Thompson and
therefore has little right to say that Mr. Klein turned his back on
Democrats."
New IDC Spokesperson* The Senate IDC hired a new communications director to replace Eric Soufer: Jennifer Rainville, a former TV news reporter who has a history of working for Klein’s political committee, The Daily News reports:
New IDC Spokesperson* The Senate IDC hired a new communications director to replace Eric Soufer: Jennifer Rainville, a former TV news reporter who has a history of working for Klein’s political committee, The Daily News reports:
Samuels Tries to Start An IDC War By Himself With His $$$
Monday Update
The left is really gunning for IDC Leader Jeff Klein.
Bill Samuels says the governor has lost many liberal supporters “permanently,” adding: “I don’t have one friend who is a Cuomo supporter.”
Bill Samuels says that if state Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeffrey Klein does not rejoin the mainline Senate Democrats and Oliver Koppell runs against him, Samuels would look to raise money for Koppell, Crain’s reports: “It’s not my first choice, but Klein has a choice to make,” Sanuels said. * Mayor Bill de Blasio is set to name Michael Schlein, “a close friend with deep ties to Wall Street,” as the unpaid chairman of the city’s Economic Development Corporation, the Times first reported last night. The paper describes Mr. Schlein, who goes back years with the mayor, as “the banker he knows best.” * CUOMO’S LEFT FLANK—Working Families Party executive director Dan Cantor, speaking to Chuck Todd on MSNBC: “We think there's a big audience, a big market for common-sense progressive ideas, they're very mainstream ideas that we're talking about. We shouldn't be giving enormous tax breaks to the banks and Wall Street, we should be investing in education and infrastructure and culture and transit—all the things we want together. We proudly endorse Democrats like [Syracuse Mayor Stephanie] Miner, and we've stood against others when we've felt they weren't being in favor of the middle class and the working class and poor.” Will you endorse Cuomo? “We'll see how things play out—there's a lot of debate internally on that.”* Dem fundraiser ready to support Klein challenger - The Insider Blog | Crain's New York Business * Facing criticism from the Working Families Party, Howard Glaser, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s director of state operations, defended the state budget, saying it would be hard to find a more progressive budget, the Observer writes: * Progressive Budge? Glaser says
More on IDC GOP Senate Coalition Using the Budget to Surrvive
A Tale of Two Cities Divide Growing
Manhattan real-estate prices rise above 2008 pre-recession record(NYP)
2 Weeks Ago True New Wrote
Jeff Klein is Trying to Stop the WFP and de Blasio Machine From Helping Senate Democrats and Blowing Up his IDC-GOP Ruling Coalition
Will de Blasio's WFP's and Progressive's New Machine Go After the IDC's Triangulation? Today Capital NY Confirmed We Were Right * In an email to supporters, a Working Families Party official said the big picture of the state budget was that the wealthy and banks got tax breaks while New Yorkers got shortchanged, State of Politics writes
WFP's Dan Cantor on endorsing Cuomo: "There's a lot of debate internally on that. You have to trust the process."
ICYM the Tony Avella explainer on why he joined the IDC -->
Koppell Gives Himself An Out in Challenging Klein
Oliver Koppell Says He’ll Need a Half Million Dollars to Beat Jeff Klein(NYP)
Senate IDC Leader Jeff Klein’s budget maneuvering this year was all about staving off a primary challenge from Oliver Koppell. Jeff Klein’s primary-protection plan(Capital)
Flashback Savino to Koppell: Takes One To Know One(YNN) * State Sen. Diane Savino defended IDC Leader Jeff Klein, saying that Klein’s potential primary opponent, Oliver Koppell, was hypocritical in saying Klein has declared war on Democrats, State of Politics writes:
Tenants PAC is prepared to back Oliver Koppell against IDC Leader Jeff Klein in a primary if the former councilman opts to run.
Past month filled with rumbles of left challenge to Klein. Smart politics, as deeply transactional Jeff has rediscovered his Left
The 50,000 votes WFP needs from Cuomo to keep their ballot line helped a bit with the romance
* Cuomo Says Charter School Protections Will Likely Be Most Contentious Issue in Budget Negotiations(NY1)* Cuomo's new battle with de Blasio: Charter schools (AP)
Avella Gets Some of the Banned Member Items
New state senator fattens up on pork for home district(NYP) ALBANY — There’s no stopping the pork in this town. Despite rules supposedly banishing “member items,” discretionary funds are still flowing into home districts of rank-and-file members who play their political cards right. The most recent allocation went to the newest member of the Independent Democratic Conference, state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Queens). He collected $600,000 for a senior center and MTA bus study and made no bones about the fact the money came in after he joined the IDC, which shares power with the GOP to run the state Senate. “The reality is if you are friendly with people who rule the chambers, you are going to see a lot more money going toward causes you want.”
Avella joins Albany Rebel IDC Democrats
Realignment Buzz: Avella's
IDC Move Triggered by Queens Machine Losing Speakers Race. Look for
Parkside who was paid $2 million by the senate dems and the rest of the
Queens Mob to Move Behind IDC. If there is a weak GOP governor candidate
the dems would have a shot gaining control of the senate. IDC members
are expected to be target by the dem
Update Handful of Protesters Crash Tony Avella Event(NYO)
Avella Quits Democratic Conference For IDC; Dems Say It Hurts Progressive Causes. The move could have “major implications for the battle to control New York’s Senate.
Albany politics gets even crazier - fifth Democrat joins breakaway faction of state senators * Avella’s New Title(YNN) * Queens Sen. Tony Avella Calls Protesters Ridiculous; Defends Jump To IDC(NYDN)
Polling Klein v. Koppell(YNN) Someone is polling to gauge former
New York City councilman Oliver Koppell’s support if he were to
challenge IDC Leader Jeff Klein in a primary
Sen. Ruben Diaz spending time with IDC member Diane Savino. Plot thickens?
Avella moves to I.D.C., and Democrats grimace(Capital) Democrats, who are trying to reclaim control of the Senate in this year’s elections, were quick to criticize the move: “It’s unfortunate that progressive policies continue to be stymied because of divisions created by Senators who choose to empower Republicans,” said Senate Democratic Communications Director Mike Murphy in a statement early this morning.*
More on the IDC GOP Senate Coalition
Flack Works Her Way On Top
New IDC Communication Director Has the Right Kind of Experience and Talent for Albany
Will de Blasio's WFP's and Progressive's New Machine Go After the IDC's Triangulation?
Savino to Koppell: Takes One To Know One(YNN) * State Sen. Diane Savino defended IDC
Leader Jeff Klein, saying that Klein’s potential primary opponent,
Oliver Koppell, was hypocritical in saying Klein has declared war on
Democrats, State of Politics writes:
Winds of War
Brooklyn state Sen. Martin Dilan wants the five senators who make up the Independent Democratic Conference to be removed from the Democratic Party, and plans to call the party chairmen from their respective counties, the Daily News’ Ken Lovett reports: * Senate GOP leader vows to fight for city’s charter schools(NYP)
Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos said he was outraged at Mayor de Blasio’s decision to cancel classroom space for three Success Academy charter schools this fall, and vowed to address the plight of charter schools in budget talk* Westchester County legislator Virginia Perez said she has had conversations with Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, and is considering a primary run against Senate Democratic Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, The Journal News reports:
Al Sharpton Backs Mayor's Charter School Plan, Blasts Eva Moskowitz For Albany Rally(NYDN) * Richmond County Democratic Committee Executive Director Kevin Elkins said the party remains “fully behind” Sen. Diane Savino, one of the five IDC members.* Stewart-Cousins may face Westchester Legislator Perez in primary(LoHud)
Pre-K War of Threats
Klein’s time to deliver, or not(Capital) Last week was not a good one for New York City mayor Bill de Blasio’s push for a tax-funded pre-K expansion, or, by extension, for the proposal’s biggest champion in Albany, Jeff Klein.
State Senate Math
What Is a Majority Vote in the State Senate? The Answer Goes Beyond Simple Math(NYT)
Pre-K War of Threats
Rejecting NYC’s pre-K tax proposal could lead to statewide feud over taxes(NYDN) If the Legislature strikes down Mayor Bill de Blasio’s signature plan, it could cause city lawmakers to retaliate by voting against other home rule actions sought by suburban and upstate communities, insiders say.* * The state Democratic Senate Campaign Committee paid off the last of $3.1 million in debt, setting up a debt-free fight from the Democrats for power in the Senate, the Daily News’ Ken Lovett reports: * De Blasio’s urgency to expand pre-kindergarten is appropriate means getting serious about building quality programs, even if that means less snappy rhetoric, the New America Foundation’s Early Education Initiative’s Conor Williams writes in the Daily News: * IDC Leader Jeff Klein is hinting that dozens of requests from municipalities could be in jeopardy if the Legislature rejects de Blasio’s push to raise the city income tax on the wealthy to pay for a pre-K expansion.* Bill De Blasio Set To Unveil Ambitious Liberal Agenda(Huff Post)* NARAL Links Klein’s Support For Pre-K To WEA(YNN) NARAL Pro-Choice New York applauded state Sen. Jeff Klein for supporting a tax increase to fund pre-K in New York City but questioned why he has not shown similar support for the 10-point Women’s Equality Act* Home Rule Silver: ‘Not Ready To Blow Up The State — Yet’Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver wouldn’t say if he’ll back a wholesale change to how home rule legislation is acted up on in Albany. But he wouldn’t rule out holding up additional home rule measures pending before the Legislature this year if Mayor Bill de Blasio’s effort to increase taxes on the wealthy in New York City is blocked in the Legislature. * IDC Medical Marijuana State Sen. Diane Savino, a member of the Independent Democratic Conference, said her bill legalizing small amounts of medical marijuana “isn’t ready” until she has lined up the 32 votes needed, the Times Union reports:
* Cuomo: "Property tax is one of the greatest problems that the state faces." Bigger than income tax * * State officials have quadrupled payments—to $55 million—to a Minnesota company hired through a no-bid, emergency contract to help manage the state’s Community Development Block Grant program over the summer, Newsday reports: * City economic leader 'perplexed' by Cuomo grants N.Y.C. panel chair says members seemed ambivalent about continuing for another year
From DN's * Hammered by Gov. Cuomo and the liberal wing of the Democratic party in recent weeks for being too closely aligned with the Republicans, state Senate Co-Leader Jeffrey Klein of the Bronx and his fellow breakaway Democrats are set to engage in a media blitz Monday touting their “Affordable NY” plan, which includes $750 million for middle class housing and six weeks paid maternity and family leave to workers. But many Democrats warn Klein and his crew could find themselves right back in the fire heading into next year’s elections if they can’t deliver.* No Spending Cuts, Cuomo Says(YNN) * QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There is no direct correlation between how much you spend and how much you accomplish. There’s a difference between performing and funding.” – Gov. Andrew Cuomo on the 2014-2015 budget process, via State of Politics. * Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that he does not plan to cut spending in next year’s budget, even though he is calling for cuts to property, corporate and estate taxes, State of Politics writes: *Cuomo’s hopeful tax-cut math(Capital) Surplus isn’t as simple as a two-percent spending cap
,
_____________________________________
A Moreland WFP 1600 Re-election
Will It Be Butchery Not Strategy That Wins This War For New York?
How de Blasio Dances With Cuomo
Will the Working Family Party Go After Cuomo's Governing IDC GOP Senate Coalition?
Gov. Andrew Cuomo should have let the Working Families Party die in 2010 by rejecting their ballot line, but he didn’t, and now the party is as powerful as ever and could haunt Cuomo especially if he runs for President, Bill O’Reilly writes for Newsday: * CUOMO HIT FROM THE LEFT — Times Union's Rick Karlin: Writer and longtime activist Jonathan Kozol said he considers Gov. Andrew Cuomo a friend, but he was “utterly shocked” by the governor’s comments back in August that schools which are exhibiting poor academic
performance should face a “death penalty.” … “Governor Andrew Cuomo has
been kind and friendly to me for many many years as was his father,”
Kozol told a rapt audience which had gathered for an anti-poverty
conference sponsored by the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, a
prominent Albany organization. But he added, “I was utterly shocked,”
by the death penalty comments.Poll Asked Voters What They Think Gov. Cuomo's Moreland Commission Should Recommend
NEW WATCHDOG? —Moreland Commission co-chair previews recommendations in interview —Capital’s Jessica Alaimo: In an interview with WRVO Syracuse, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick hinted the special panel to investigate public corruption might recommend a new entity to investigate election law complaints. http://goo.gl/TdXduT
Schneiderman: Moreland Commission Should Spur Public Financing(YNN)
Squadron Latest Dem Lawmaker To Call For JCOPE Probe Of Cox
Klien and Skelos Give Tax Break to Developer Friends
A bill opposed by the Bloomberg administration last year that made it into this year’s state budget will provide millions of dollars worth of tax benefits to a Bronx condo complex built by a politically connected developer
Late bill in state budget benefits Bronx condo complex(NYP) Tax benefits to a Bronx condo complex Harbor Pointe at Shorehaven Condominiums, built by a politically connected developer. Budget deal, was engineered in the state Senate by co-leader Jeff Klein, a Democrat whose district includes the complex.The same bill was introduced last year but didn’t make it through the Assembly after the Bloomberg administration warned it would cost taxpayers $17 million and set a dangerous precedent. But Bronx Assemblyman Marcos Crespo said the de Blasio administration signed off on the deal. The complex was constructed by the Beechwood Organization, which calls itself the largest residential developer on Long Island. Its president, Michael Dubb, was named to the board of the New York Racing Association by Long Island Republican Dean Skelos, the other co-leader of the state Senate. * * The developer of the Brooklyn Domino Sugar factory and the mayor together have a responsibility to ensure that all construction jobs for that project provide good wages, benefits and training, Terrence Moore of Metallic Lathers and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 46 writes in the Daily News: *De Blasio blindsided by Bronx condo’s tax break(NYP)
Bronx Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who sponsored the condo tax-break bill, told The Post he notified officials in the administration about it before it was passed.
Klien and Skelos Give Tax Break to Developer Friends
A bill opposed by the Bloomberg administration last year that made it into this year’s state budget will provide millions of dollars worth of tax benefits to a Bronx condo complex built by a politically connected developer
Late bill in state budget benefits Bronx condo complex(NYP) Tax benefits to a Bronx condo complex Harbor Pointe at Shorehaven Condominiums, built by a politically connected developer. Budget deal, was engineered in the state Senate by co-leader Jeff Klein, a Democrat whose district includes the complex.The same bill was introduced last year but didn’t make it through the Assembly after the Bloomberg administration warned it would cost taxpayers $17 million and set a dangerous precedent. But Bronx Assemblyman Marcos Crespo said the de Blasio administration signed off on the deal. The complex was constructed by the Beechwood Organization, which calls itself the largest residential developer on Long Island. Its president, Michael Dubb, was named to the board of the New York Racing Association by Long Island Republican Dean Skelos, the other co-leader of the state Senate. * * The developer of the Brooklyn Domino Sugar factory and the mayor together have a responsibility to ensure that all construction jobs for that project provide good wages, benefits and training, Terrence Moore of Metallic Lathers and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 46 writes in the Daily News: *De Blasio blindsided by Bronx condo’s tax break(NYP)
Bronx Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who sponsored the condo tax-break bill, told The Post he notified officials in the administration about it before it was passed.
___________________________________________________
de Blasio A 4th Man in the An Albany Room
Winds of War On A State Tax Fight
_____________________________________
IDC Tries to Survive
IDC Tries to Survive
.
Progressives and NYPIRG Sending Cuomo A Message
Progressives and NYPIRG Sending Cuomo A Message
IDC Jeff Klein Does
180 Supports Pre-K Tax
Retail Workers Union Asks Moreland Commission To Probe Senate GOP(NYDN)
Retail Workers Union Asks Moreland Commission To Probe Senate GOP(NYDN)
Breakaway Democrats Trying to Unseat Toby Stavisky(NYO) A source with direct knowledge of the Independent Democratic
Conference’s plans freely admitted the efforts to Politicker this
afternoon. Ms. Stavisky represents Flushing, the sole Asian-majority district in
the State Senate, which factored into the IDC’s thinking. “The district
was created to give Asian-Americans a greater voice in government,” said
the source, arguing that changing demographics had made her vulnerable.* Senator Gianaris Happy to See Mayor Bloomberg’s Money Leave Albany(NYO) * The state Conservative Party is
pressuring Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos to back a term limit
pledge that would allow only four two-year terms in the state
Legislature, Gannett Albany writes:
Walmart Funding Senate GOP
Walmart poured $425,000 into state Senate Republicans’ campaign coffers since the start of 2010, including a $100,000 donation in March, as Republicans were pushing for a controversial tax credit that would have benefited WalmartWalmart, State Senate Republicans under fire for campaign donations(NYDN)
Senator
Klein whose IDC keeps the democrats (in the majority) in the senate out
of power, faces a primary challenge in 2014. The reason he supports
these reforms to the housekeeping accounts is to stop the democrats from
using the millions they raise in a campaign against him and his coalition. The
NYSDC soft money account raised $5.9 million in the first half of 2013, already
the largest sum ever raised by a soft money account in a single year. Klein said, “If we're going to do campaign finance reform, and really level the playing
field, we can to take big money out of politics. In 2010 alone,
the DSCC reported paying campaign consultant/lobbyist Even Stavisky's
Parkside $2.2
million. Other consultants who have gotten big money from the DSCC
include Hank Sheinkopf and Red Horse. The Subpoenas makes it clear that
the Moreland Commission understand that big money and the campaign
consultants/Lobbyists Monopoly has caused the pay to play cancer in
Albany. This year it became clear that the millions pumped in Independent
Expenditure PACS has Metastasized Corruption in City Hall and Albany. New
Yorkers deserve to know from the Moreland Commission what $98 million in housekeeper accounts buys for Bloomberg, Verizon, SEIU
1199, Wal-Mart and others.
Walmart Funding Senate GOP
Walmart poured $425,000 into state Senate Republicans’ campaign coffers since the start of 2010, including a $100,000 donation in March, as Republicans were pushing for a controversial tax credit that would have benefited WalmartWalmart, State Senate Republicans under fire for campaign donations(NYDN)
IDC's Klein Needs Housekeeping Reforms to Get Reelected
Ex-AG Koppell may challenge Jeff Klein(cRAINSny)
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