NY Democrats Try to Take the Senate?
Do you think that the Democrats are making a significant effort to capture a majority in the New York State Senate? Well, I don't know either. In hopes of an answer, I and other public school parents (persuaded that Senator Bruno's Republican Majority is blocking equitable funding for our kids' schools), went to a party last night to find out.
There, Senator Eric Schneiderman, strategist, was mobilizing the base to take Senate seats from the Reublicans. 100 Upper West Side progressives consumed wine and soda, crudités, fruit, pasta, more wine and dessert. As soon as he came in, we cornered Senator Eric: "So where's the money for public schools? Did you bring it?" He reached for his wallet which seemed not to have 5.6 billion in it. "Once we have control of the Senate, I'll deliver the money" he joked.
US. Rep. Jerry Nadler, looking thinner than ever, but still not thin, was in fine fettle, joked about how this time the election was really important (even though he'd said the same thing about so many elections past). Council Member Robert Jackson was there too: elegant, witty, focused on school funding. State Senator almost-elect Bill Perkins with his signature broad-brimmed brown hat, mixed with the crowd, passed out a palm card or two.
After the speeches and cheers, I asked Sen. Schniederman in which races he was committed to assisting Democrats. Where did he see the chances for change? As I understand it, for example, no one is running against Senator Joe Bruno and if there are credible challenges mounted against those NYC Republican Senators seeking re-election, I haven't heard about them. "Brian Keeler" he said -- referring to Hudson Valley progressive blogger who is challenging Sen. Steve Saland. But Keeler probably won’t win, he conceded, given the GOP registration edge and incumbency advantage. So where will the Democratic majority come from? Well, he thinks Stewart-Cousins can win over Sen. Nick Spano and he'll put volunteers and money into that race as well as some in Suffolk. The words "1199," "Teachers" and "CSEA" all of which unions have endorsed Sen. Spano just didn’t come up. Will the Democrats unite around Matthew Titone, in Staten Island who is running for the Senate seat left open when Sen. John Marchi retired? "We'll have to wait until after the primary to see how to spend our resources." Sen. Schneiderman replied.
I left well fed but feeling that the Spitzer/anti-Bush tsunami notwithstanding, the GOP may keep control of the State Senate in 2006, although I hope not because I want the Campaign for Fiscal Equity money for the schools.
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2006 Elections | New York | Democratic Party | Eric Schneiderman | Jerry Nadler
Brian Keeler
Submitted by Daniel Millstone on 24 August 2006 - 7:17am.
Brian Keeler, of the candidates you've listed, has the best shot, as I see it. Republican registration in the district out numbers Demcratic by only a few thousand, he's been actively endorsed by Elliot Spitizer and may benefit from Mr. Spitizer huge war chest and lead in the polls, his senatorial district in in the Hudson Valley so -- as it looks now -- Keeler will also benefit from the likely primary victory of John Hall. Keeler has linked his web-site to Hall's. If a united Democratic Party strongly challenges Sue Kelly, that could help. Finally, Keeler should benefit from having Saland as an opponent. Senator Saland's record as chair of the Education Committee has been deplorable. I seem to recall Sen. Saland when asked about a timetable for equitable school funding replying: "Never. We're never going to fund CFE"
One of the biggest problems
Submitted by peter (not verified) on 24 August 2006 - 10:48am.
One of the biggest problems the senate dems have had in the past, was dealing with the problems at the Dem Senate Campaign Committee, which was a mess under former leader Marty Connor.
It was recently announced that the the DSCC has paid back millions in debt that had accrued under Connor, and now has over half a million in the bank under Paterson and Krueger.
I am not sure if that will pay dividends in this years election, but it certainly will in 2008.
I think Keeler, Stewart-Cousins and Tittone are all very good shots this year - possibly some others like Brooke Ellison and Zimmet.
Sen. E. agreed with you about Brooke Ellison
Submitted by Daniel Millstone on 24 August 2006 - 2:25pm.
However, it looks as though her web-site has not been up-dated in a long time. Perhaps I'll try to reach her campaign over the weekend to see what's up there.
Grassroots
Well, sometimes it's the grassroots that have to lead the way and the party structure to follow:
Act Now (along with DFNYC and others) are pushing hard both to win in Pennsylvania (Senate and at least one House race) and NY State Senate. Go here for a list of events, mostly phone banking, aimed at winning in November.
And I have six State Senate candidates listed on my NY Act Blue site (below the Congressional candidates), though one doesn't seem to have any links up yet.
Hope that helps both you with info and the Democrats with winning.