Some quotable quotes summing up the political scene on this Sunday in May: • “He’s toast.”—2010 GOP gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino on the candidacy of Republican State Sen. Mark Grisanti of Buffalo. Paladino is following through on his promise to weed out Republican senators in Albany he considers devotees of Majority Leader Dean Skelos. As a result, he is supporting Republican primary candidates to run for the seats now held by Grisanti, Roy McDonald of Saratoga, Stephen Saland of Poughkeepsie and Jim Alesi of Rochester— all of whom supported gay marriage last year.
A few political developments to discuss with Mom today: • Mayor Byron Brown is wearing a big smile these days as the 2013 election year draws closer.
Tom Reynolds was reflecting on the death of Conservative Party icon Billy Delmont last week when he underscored a key element of New York’s unique political system. The former Republican congressman from Clarence recalled that his colleagues from around the nation were eternally mystified by New York’s “fusion” voting system that allows Republicans or Democrats to run on a minor-party line without being an official member.
A few points and counterpoints underscoring the state of politics in Western New York: • Point: In the big 27th District race between Democratic Rep. Kathy Hochul and one of two Republican challengers — Chris Collins or David Bellavia—the Washington Post reports the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (the panel charged with electing more Democrats to the House) has reserved $32 million worth of ad time in about three dozen competitive districts.
Just as the Politics Column highlighted last week, Buffalo and all New York will be watching this year’s presidential campaign from the sidelines as battleground states grab the headlines.
There is no joy in political junkieville this weekend — mighty Santorum has dropped out. Oh, not that former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum ranked as a real favorite of New York Republicans. Neither, for that matter, did fellow GOP contenders Newt Gingrich or Ron Paul.
Don’t look now, but there’s a real live GOP primary under way for the new 27th Congressional District. Republicans, of course, aren’t supposed to claw and scratch each other in primaries. That’s for the other guys.
When state Independence Chairman Frank MacKay surfaced at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park a few weeks ago to endorse Republican Sen. Mark Grisanti for re-election, the gaggle of reporters summoned to the waterfront was probably suppressing a snicker or two.
Notes and observations from a very busy campaign trail: • Mickey Kearns’ victory in Tuesday’s special election for the 145th Assembly District has thrust him into the statewide spotlight for lots of reasons.
Lines for New York’s congressional and legislative districts for the next decade are semi-finalized. Life in politics around here can now proceed.
