Primaries FTW
NY-26:
When Jon Powers announced last year, his primary focus was the Iraq War. As that issue faded from people’s consciousness due to an improved security scenario in that quagmire of ours, he had to change his strategy. All the numbers pointed to a Davis win if for nothing else, on his sheer name recognition. One way to counteract name recognition is to make that name seem unelectable. Powers started gently going negative on Jack with the Exxon Jack crack. Davis retaliated with a vengeance, and did everything within his power and checkbook to destroy Powers. War Kids, the ticket, PAC money, that’s all well and good, but the Powers Platoon hit site was a killer. It became a battle royal. Kryzan had been counted out for most of the campaign, but she came out from behind the fray with a clever but negative ad, which created its own buzz. She followed that up with a straight negative ad that was neither clever nor truthful, but it was enough.
Because Powers and Davis spent so much time bashing each other, 2/3 of Kryzan’s job was done for her without her having to spend a dime. She needed one thing to stand out, and the “boys, take it somewhere else” ad was just the ticket. She comes out of this relatively unscathed, so Republican Chris Lee doesn’t have a lot of negative ammunition to use against her. Hopefully Kryzan is able to capitalize on the desire for change in Washington and take the seat away from the Republicans.
I am disappointed in Powers’ loss, but take great, great pleasure in the fact that Jack Davis’ political career is now extinct. I’ll be he’s “relieved” he lost. Again. To top it off, a Davis “Brand New Man” just ran on WBEN. At 9:30. On Wednesday. Fail.
SD-61
I hand it to Michele Iannello for running on issues. Her 40 ideas in 40 days was a great idea, and gave voters something to think about. She was outspent and outcampaigned by Joe Mesi and his Responsible New York benefactors. Mesi faces Mike Ranzenhofer, and he’s got a great opportunity to defeat the Republican. Mesi’s got the money, and Ranzenhofer has a negligble record given his 20 years in office.
SD-59
Volker out-spent and out-hacked David DiPietro. Volker likes to play himself as being upstate’s champion, but he’s just as cozy with downstate interests as anyone else in Albany. He faces Kathy Konst, who is a ferocious campaigner, has money, and hasn’t been in elected office since this 40 year old was 3.
A-142 / 144
Why did Hoyt win with his intern problem and Cole lost with his more benign one?
1. Sam Hoyt has a dense urban district that is very politically active, and he has a veritable army of die-hard supporters who did the hard work to keep him around. They worked their asses off, and succeeded.
2. Mike Cole has a suburban/rural district and is a relative newcomer, except in Alden. He doesn’t have a supporter base like Sam’s.
3. Kavanaugh’s surrogates in the Pigeon/Casey/Brown camp took negative politicking to new lows this season. The depths of their gutter-dwelling may have helped Kavanaugh up to a point, but their zeal was so strong that they crossed a line - a line that I haven’t yet defined - that ultimately swung it right back in their butts.
4. Hoyt was up their with his wife, sister, and kids last night at Ellicott Square. You can tell that they all love and support each other very, very much. You can tell that he and his wife went through a very tough time in their marriage, but to their credit, they stayed together and worked through it. When you see Sam and his family, it hits you just how monstrously damaging it was to dredge up what was probably among their most difficult period as a family. Think what you want of Sam, but his wife didn’t deserve this. His kids didn’t deserve this. Yes, it was Sam’s fault. But bringing this stuff up in the way that they did merely victimized them all over again. Shame on them.
5. Hoyt’s hands are not clean on this. Everyone in the media has been receiving emails for weeks from some cryptic organization calling itself “WNY First”. The emails accuse a prominent local politician of being involved in what, if true, would be a blockbuster scandal. So far, no proof has been forthcoming and what WNY First has sent out purporting to be proof has been so transparently false as to be laughable. It’s been funny to watch local media - especially Channel 7 - trip over themselves to get the scoop. Hey, we’re just as curious as everyone else to see what kind of “proof” they have, but it’s most likely all a bunch of BS.
6. Cole is a Republican. He ran partly on his family values in 2006. When you tout that, don’t fall asleep on an intern’s apartment floor. Period.
7. Cole is a one-termer. Unlike Sam, he doesn’t have much of a legislative record to run on. No big thinking, no real initiative. When worse came to worse, he had no record to fall back on. Hoyt did.
Finally, the races hardly anyone really pays attention to were among the most important yesterday.
The Pigeon/Casey/Brown forces have been running candidates in committee races in the city in an effort to unseat county party chairman Len Lenihan. Their candidate to do so was Cheektowaga’s Frank Max. Every single one of Byron’s committee candidates lost last night, and so did Frank Max. One of the winning committeepeople didn’t even know he was running until that morning. With the exception of the Mesi race, City Hall’s effort to take over the county party was dealt a crushing defeat last night.
WNYPMH Says:September 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Jack Davis really turned out to epitomize the “be careful what you wish for” axiom for Len Lenihan. He sounded like a good idea in 2004. A disillusioned Republican with a large bank account, and no problems spending it. Probably sounded like a dream come true. Two election cycles later, not so much.
hank Says:September 10th, 2008 at 10:16 am
re: NY 26
What a difference a few days make, eh?
But First:
When Jon Powers announced last year, his primary focus was the Iraq War. As that issue faded from people’s consciousness due to an improved security scenario in that quagmire of ours
Euphemism FAIL Alan. —”issue faded from conciousness due to an Improved Security Scenario”
could be lengthened to –The SURGE WORKED–embattled provinces now pacified, returned to local control and US troops returning for rest and refit.
Or shortened to “VICTORY–TROOPS RETURNING WITH HONOR”.
Here’s a montage of local loonies from the last few days
The Wizard Says:
September 9th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Yay Powers!
I always clap for the loser myself.
lulu Says:
September 9th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Let’s go Jon Powers!
I guess he’ll go looking for a job—maybe he’ll take lulu with him.
heavyweight Says:
September 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Powers-42
Kryzan-30
Davis-28
With 88% counted in Buff News story
Kryzan 42
Powers 36
Davis 23
Heavyweight–I won’t be asking you for hot lottery numbers.
The Wizard Says:
September 7th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Here are the results Tuesday in order:
Powers
Kryzan
Davis
I guarantee it. I will then ridicule Hudson until the cows come home.
I guess the Wizard needs to apologize to Hudson. For his next prediction, The Wizard will have monkeys shoot out of his ass when Obama wins the White House
buffalomom Says:
September 7th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Wow. That is really really really stupid. And if he really thought he was going to win the primary, he wouldn’t have needed an extra lifeline. Go Powers!
Buffalomom–GO WITH HIM–WHEREVER IT IS HE’S GOING. He could probably use a new Court Jester.
The Wizard Says:
September 8th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Results:
Powers 38%
Kryzan 34%
Davis 28%
Bring it, you drunk bastard, Hudson
Another Wizard Apology for not even being WARM in calling the race. Perhaps he should pay Hudson’s bar tab for a week.
Pundit Post 9/6/08
It is with pride and honor that I endorse Jon Powers’ candidacy for the 26th Congressional district.
The Kiss of Death. After Barry O reads this blog, he might ask you to keep your endorsement to yourself.
Pundit Post 9/6/08
Kryzan is funny.
First, she put up a negative TV ad that used humor to mask the fact that it was, in fact, a negative TV ad.
Her latest ad recounts Powers’ charges against Davis and Davis’ charges against Powers - namely, War Kids.
During Hardwick’s debate, Kryzan was asked whether she was going to further attack Powers on War Kids. She said no “mailers” would go out. I guess Professor Hardwick forgot to ask her if any TV ads would come out, because it sure did. Her answer, although accurate, was disingenuous to the nth degree.
Note that Kryzan hasn’t put out so much as a single positive, introductory piece.
I guess she didn’t have to, now did she?
bean town Says:
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:24 am
I’m voting Working Families Party - Powers for Congress!!!
You probably did better in Boston.
Reading the comments of the local whackadoos on politics could replace swamp buggy races as my favorite entertainment.
1. hudson is poor Says:
September 8th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
hudson - are you preparing the “I was wrong Powers Won” headline for wednesday?
Chris Smith Says:September 10th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I guess we’ll continue to disagree on whether or not Hoyt’s abuse of power and sexual harassment of an intern and legislative aide are somehow not fodder to determine his fitness for office. If he banged some barmaid on Elmwood, I really wouldn’t care. When you use your position to sex up 20 year olds who are underlings in Albany, well, I have a problem with that.
Did Pigeon overplay it? Absolutely.
Kavanaugh should have spent her own money to play against the Hoyt family power and influence during 50 years of regional FAIL instead of simply shrugging her shoulders about Golisano’s campaign. There are enough people around here who think Sam is a bit of an empty suit and camera whore, play up the angle and fight him while the surrogates do the dirty work.
Unfortunately, she proved to be an incompetent campaigner and Sam is now in office for life. Yay Buffalo!
Byron Says:September 10th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Hudson also said several times that Davis (23%) would win, and his last prediction was “too close to call between Kryzan (42%) and Davis”, so I don’t see that he has much to brag about, though perhaps a bit more than Wizard.
Anyway, good for Kryzan.
Buffalopundit Says:September 10th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I don’t understand Hank’s crowing here about a race that doesn’t affect him, but whatever. The only other person who refers to people’s endorsements as a “kiss of death” is Illuzzi.
I had my reasons for supporting Powers, and my endorsement was, as I said myself, completely useless - neither a positive nor a negative.
lulu Says:September 10th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Hank, I am and have been a regular here at BP long before Jon Powers, my personal friend for many years, decided to run for Congress, and I am not going to disappear from this site now that the Primary is over (though I am hoping some others will!).
And for the record, your comment suggests I need to go with Jon to find a job (like you did when you left NYS, perhaps?). I created one right here in Buffalo running a small business that brings millions of dollars into the local economy for various organizations each year. My actions are stronger than your words.
Attacking those of us who have stayed and are trying to improve our situation is insulting and childish. I bet you miss having neighbors you know by name or people in your community who care about making it better.
lulu Says:September 10th, 2008 at 10:51 am
And yes, I will continue to support Jon Powers in whatever he endeavors.
Brian Says:September 10th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Steve Casey lost his race for Committeemember in his own neighborhood to the woman he had cited for overgrown weeds (which was actually an award winning garden) because she had a Mike LoCurto sign up.
mike Says:September 10th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Its nice that hank takes such a interest in our local issues, too bad he had to move once the last Krispy Kreme closed.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 11:29 am
The SURGE WORKED? You’re a moron, Hank.
I laughed so hard when I saw Steve Casey lost and am going to pee my pants now that I understand who beat him.
The Mayor got his ass kicked. It’s a great day.
heavyweight Says:September 10th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Hank, thanks for the plug!
Starbuck Says:September 10th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Kavanaugh wouldn’t have been a step up over Hoyt. In terms of substance they’re interchangeable. Her campaign rhetoric sounded just like Hoyt. They’d vote the same on every issue.
Queen Carlotta Says:September 10th, 2008 at 11:38 am
We are lucky to have you lulu - thank you for your hard work… however, don’t be too self-righteous when dealing with those who had no other choice to leave this region.
It was nice to have the telecast from Dem HQ’s. BP thank you - it was entertaining - made me laugh. You should do it again for the general election. (I would recomend finding some more attractive side kicks though).
The Humanist Says:September 10th, 2008 at 11:57 am
“The Surge Worked…”
A phrase destined to take its place with “Saddam has WMDs…we know where they are”, “Bin Laden - wanted dead or alive”, “Heckuva job, Brownie”, “Mission Accomplished” and “I’m a Uniter, Not A Divider”
Russell Says:September 10th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Jonny lost because his campaign was horribly run. Once Reynolds left the race and Iraq was a non-issue Jonny brought very little to the table. I said way back then that Jonny had been in the race for nearly a year and should have been able to build such an advantage for himself no serious contender would have even thought about the race. Jonny never did build much of anything, though. His campaigns lack of strategy and lousy management seems to reflect other charges of mismanagement leveled against him. The questions around his charity coupled with his attempts to pay his rent through the campaign and other missteps really hurt. He did himself in, though, don’t try putting it all on Jackie Jacko.
What happened to the incredible support I was told so many times he enjoyed in the GLOW counties? What was the real truth behind the phone calls that were said to be running about 9 out of 10 in favor of Jonny?
I was called an idiot and a ‘tard for thinking Jonny represented little more than FAIL. I was told no one cared about the major issues that did him in other than me and Hudson. The fact that they only ran in one source meant the campaign had no need to respond. Perhaps if they had taken those issues a little more seriously and realized what actual voters thought rather than the views of a bunch of zealous supporters you guys might have enjoyed a much different night. He and his campaign were as out of touch with reality as most people on this site usually are.
I do have to hand one thing to Jonny. Even though he was unable to raise $2 million for the orphaned children of Iraq in two years, he was able to raise about $1 million for himself in one year. Too bad he can’t use what’s left to pay the bills. He can, however, donate any leftover money to charity.
And just because Jonny and Jackie Jacko underestimated Alice and did not go negative against her does not mean that there’s no ammunition for Chris Lee. There’s plenty of things going against her and a number of people have already pointed them out on this site. I just don’t think Chris “How’s My Hair” Lee will need any of it. Kryzan is pretty liberal and that will not help her much in this district. Touting her Democrat record may have helped in a closed primary, but it’s not her strongest suit going into the general election in NY26.
Byron Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I prefer, “They want the federal government controlling Social Security like it’s some kind of federal program.”
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Russell - It’s her DEMOCRATIC record. Are you one of those annoying Republicans who insists on using poor grammar?
hank Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Being called a Moron by Buffalomom is a compliment–Thanks for it.
Alan–I’m not “Crowing”, I just see you and many of the commentors have a penchant for supporting candidates that FAIL. Wes Clark, John Kerry, and Obama waiting in the wings to be on the list. Jon Powers beat him.
They lost because their philosophy is wrong-headed. And so is that of those that support him,.
C’mon Buffalomom–come out from behind your phony screen name and give me a nice GO POWERS—Who’s the moron now?
lulu–I’m so proud you supported a friend. And I’m glad you have suceeded in small business in an area where it’s nearly impossible due to the local and state government pols that you so heartily support. It’s like getting up every morning and shooting yourself in the foot.
Mike–I now live 120 miles from the birthplace of Krispy Kreme. I worked for Dunkin Donuts on Delaware in Kenmore when I was in high school for awhile, they’re my favorite. Cops know these things. I bought donuts at Tim Horton’s once–Ate one of them–fucking garbage.
Yes lulu we have jobs in NC that can’t be filled because there’s not enough people here to do the work–good paying jobs where some union don’t pick your pockets for 35-50 dollars a week for the privilige of working somewhere. Until y’all pull you head out of your asses and stop voting for the retards you do, I’ll stay put.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
hank…..you crack me up bro. yes, it was a sweet night and i can only hope that a lot of our playmates here will disappear into the ether from whence they came.
wiztard, byron, buffalomom, humorist, you may take your seats over there in the michael dukakis section.
and pundit, powers’ loss here does not bode well for yer man obama. amazingly, the democratic party (under the direction of george soros, daily koz and the recently demoted kieth olbermann) have successfully managed to turn the word “progressive” into a pejorative over night.
on paper, powers seemed to be the perfect congressional candidate for ‘08, ant-war war vet, young, goodlooking etc., but his complete lack of substance, his inexperience and the sheer ugly idiocy of many of his supporters did him in.
obama shares these flaws with powers, and instead of crazy old jack davis he’s going up against professionals.
RaChaCha Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Jon Powers served his country in Iraq, and has now served us all well again, by “taking out” Jack Davis, and removing all chances that Davis might head to Washington as part of the New York delegation alongside Brian Higgins and Louise Slaughter - either next year, or *any* year. In other words, I don’t view Powers’ effort as a failure; more like smothering the Davis grenade to save all of us. I think this has earned him a lot of gratitude and goodwill - I know it has with me. Jon has lots of good decades ahead, and if he plays his cards right will do nothing but mature as a candidate and in public life. I suspect - and hope - we haven’t seen the last of him.
Byron Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Good post.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
thanks byron!
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Absolutely think Jon Powers was the only person in that primary who could beat Lee. And I still say GO POWERS. He’s a really great guy and we certainly haven’t seen the last of him. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same of Hudson.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I am very happy for the Hoyt family today.
http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/09/10/hoyt-there-is-no-dragon-we-can-not-slay/
Ben Franklin Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
WHERE CAN WE FIND THE RESULTS OF THE DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE RACES OF WHICH EVERYONE SPEAKS?
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
www.erieboe.com
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
thanks buffalomom!
Russell Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
RaChaCha, Jonny and Alice combined to deliver what you’re hoping is the final blow against Jackie Jacko. Jonny didn’t do it on his own. And if you think that adds to Jonny’s hero status, how do you regard Tom Reynolds who was twice the real block to everyone’s favorite curmudgeon from Newstead going to DC, even when folks like you were cheering Davis on?
The Wizard Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Congrats to Alice! I will not be voting for you but good luck!
Hudson, you were as wrong as I was this whole time. Will Davis still pay you for hit pieces now that he was embarassed last night?
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
wiztard, you predicted mei would lose his race and powers would win his. you were wrong on both. moron.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
BP - Here’s a good topic for a new thread. From the always hypocritcal right….
ANCHORAGE, Sept. 8 — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has billed taxpayers for 312 nights spent in her own home during her first 19 months in office, charging a “per diem” allowance intended to cover meals and incidental expenses while traveling on state business.
Full story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/08/AR2008090803088.html?hpid=topnews
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
keep it up buffalomom. if you keep attacking sarah palin like you did kryzan and mesi, she’s a shoo-in.
Byron Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Concern trolling is always helpful.
bm, there’s an acronym I’ve forgotten - stands for something like “It’s not wrong if Republicans do it”. I think that covers this case.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
That’s not an attack. That’s a fact. This broad is lying through her teeth.
So is the fact that McCain is affraid of letting her talk to reporters. Talk about sexism. They said she would not meet with reporters until they showed a willingness to treat her “with some level of respect and deference.” What a joke. She has to be handled more gently and delicately than other politicians? Why, bc she’s a woman.
Again, the hypocracy of the Republicans. It’s okay for them to be sexist when it comes to her but they accuse everyone else of sexism and it’s so bad.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Republican motto: Do as we say, NOT as we do.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
i just hope one of the powers platoon people sees fit to give the apparently unemployable former candidate a job so he has something to live on while preparing to run for clarence dogcatcher in two years.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
hudson - you’re simply jealous that people like jon so much. i mean, since no one likes you or your pretend newspaper.
Mike In WNY Says:September 10th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
That is a very partisan comment when you consider the qualifications that Chris Lee has.
Bachelors in Economics and Finance
Masters in Business Administration with an International Business Concentration
Successful businessman
Supports job growth through private enterprise
Supports lower taxes and less government spending
Development of a market based approach to health care to undo government damage
Encourage development of alternative fuels
Increase transparency and fairness in government spending.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
they liked him so much, HE LOST!!!!!!
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
chris lee seems like a fine young man and will likely win the seat.
DF Says:September 10th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Maybe Hudson and Davis can get together for the sequal to “Dumb and Dumber”.
Russell Says:September 10th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Good point Mike in WNY. Couple all that with the fact that the Dems have controlled the House for something like 48 of the last 54 years. So, how is sending another Democrat to the Democract controlled House change?
buffalomom, I use “Democrat” because too many people confuse “democratic” and “Democratic”.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
df, did you change your screen name in order to protect youself from criticism about your confident prediction of a powers victory?
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
“Conservative though she may be, I felt that Palin represented an explosion of a brand new style of muscular American feminism. At her startling debut on that day, she was combining male and female qualities in ways that I have never seen before. And she was somehow able to seem simultaneously reassuringly traditional and gung-ho futurist. In terms of redefining the persona for female authority and leadership, Palin has made the biggest step forward in feminism since Madonna channeled the dominatrix persona of high-glam Marlene Dietrich and rammed pro-sex, pro-beauty feminism down the throats of the prissy, victim-mongering, philistine feminist establishment.”
Camille Paglia
Chris Smith Says:September 10th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Not that he cares, but I like Hudson just fine.
jackson smiles Says:September 10th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Powers is the only candidate who could defeat Lee. Yes, at least Davis is gone, but Davis took an honored veteran of our country, a man who risked his life to better help the children of Iraq… and spent $ 1.3 million slandering one of WNY’s greatest products - Jon Powers.
Kryzan attacked those very same things - attacked Powers war record, his charity, his teaching degree - and played 1 funny commercial that said she was above all that. She is simply a lying c–t with a great consultant.
How will that catchy ad help her should she make it into Congress? Even if by miracle she beats Lee- WNY is fucked again. Nothing will change in WNY and this democratic primary wasn’t a loss for Davis or Powers, but a loss for all NY-26.
If anything - Powers was able to revolutionize campaigning and fundraising, bringing light to the Facebook, blog, actblue, Netroots world.
Those who slander him are ignorant and have fallen into the trap that Davis laid forth. Hank, Hudson, Russell, etc… you are pathetic in the fact that you can not be free thinkers but are fooled by a crazy old man and his tv commercials and mailers.
The Wizard Says:September 10th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Hudson - I never said Mesi would lose. You are a fucking drunk fetus. I will never leave. The Wizard lives on.
Fuck you.
Buffalopundit Says:September 10th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
No, you don’t.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
the smell of sour grapes in here is invigorating indeed.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
and thanks, chris.
mike Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Who is going to be the cover next week Hudson?
James Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
“He ran partly on his family values in 2006. When you tout that, don’t fall asleep on an intern’s apartment floor. Period.”
Agreed. But I don’t believe for a second he slept on the floor.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Okay. I have decided I am glad I can focus on Sarah Palin now that the primary is over. She is a serial liar. I need the extra time to keep track of all the lies!
steve Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Glad to see jackson smiles is taking this so well.
You are correct that Davis attached Powers from the very beginning and was effective. You fail to point out that, from the very same beginning, Powers sole focus was on hammering Davis. Frankly, they deserve each other.
I take it from the vitriol you’ve spewed at Kryzan that you’re voting for Lee? That must really hurt. Or will you pull the level for “a lying c–t”?
@jackson smiles — “If anything - Powers was able to revolutionize campaigning and fundraising, bringing light to the Facebook, blog, actblue, Netroots world.”
And. He. Lost. Absolutely revolutionary!
By the way, Powers — like all vets — is to be honored for their service to us and our country. How that makes him remotely qualified to serve in Congress escapes me and, apparently, it escaped a whole big pile of Democrats.
steve Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Sorry…attacked Powers, not attached.
Russell Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
BP, so now you know my thoughts? Please tell me why I use it then.
Jackson, I was on record against Jonny long before Davis sent out any mailers or aired any commercials against him. In fact, I think if you look back on this site, you’ll see me lined up against your hero before Jackie Jacko even entered the race.
Your post smacks of elitism. I was told I wasn’t qualified to even criticize Jonny, now it sounds like you’re saying the Democrats in the district were too dumb and brainwashed to really the savior was in their midst. Jonny didn’t revolutionize anything. He lost. His fundraising was directed by party insiders in DC–nothing revolutionary there. His campaign was unsuccessful. And what makes him an “honored” veteran of this country? Yes, he’s a vet and like all other vets that carries its own honor, but was he decorated for his service at all? If he was, he should have stated that and made it a bigger part of his campaign.
The FAIL is all Jonny’s. If he’s half as great as you think he is then he has to be a colossal failure to not get elected.
Russell Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
“realize” not “really”
Buffalopundit Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
You know exactly why.
B-Lo Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Wow! This is amazing how nasty everyone gets about their candidates even within the same party. The reason nothing will truly change in WNY is probably all of this. How counter-productive.
Since both parties have been around for a very long time and each has held positions of power, what difference does it make?? As voters we are truly the only ones to blame, because we always get swept up in this ridiculous hype.
I don’t know Jon Powers at all and I’m sure he is a good guy, but how in the heck does military service equate to such a prominent position in government? A record of advancement in the military would show me more value in determining his abilities to assume greater responsibilities, I suppose. When are we just going to choose political leaders that recognize that government should not be our state’s #1 industry. NYC and Buffalo are two highest unionized cities in the country. This is primarily goverment unions friends = High Taxes, period!
Lets face it our public servants get better pay and benefits, by far, than the average private sector employee who supports them with disproportionate taxes in this state. This is generally a democratic position, as we are generally a democratic state. It is why I generally vote Republican. But now we have a new Democratic Govenor who appears to be bucking that trend.
This Democratic Govenor reasonates with what I think is important, far better than our last one (I guess I have a prositute(s) to thank for that). I even feel he is doing more than the Republican Govenor I voted for before him I wish we could eliminate both the parties and start over.
I do appreciate that Kryzan won her party’s primary. Mainly because she focused far less on the character assasinations than her opponents. What I didn’t care for was her statement that she was a true Democrat. Who cares? Now that just sends a message to me that if I vote for her, I’ll be voting for her party politics.
This system is counter-productive to us as a whole, in my opinion.
steve Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
@buffalomom — “Okay. I have decided I am glad I can focus on Sarah Palin now that the primary is over. She is a serial liar. I need the extra time to keep track of all the lies!”
Translation — “Powers lost? Shit, I need to change the subject quick.”
Funny, funny stuff.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
it was the powers campaign that ran the ads saying davis was guilty of bribery. it was dan rivera, an ardent powers supporter and fundraiser, who targeted the niagara falls reporter with a subpoena from the state board of elections in a pathetic attempt to “uncover” evidence of a fiduciary relationship between the paper and davis (there was none). and it was also rivera/powers who decided to waste the taxpayers’ money by bringing in the niagara county da in order to smear davis even further.
the powers campaign — and the internet cadre that tirelessly called people’s names and questioned their motives throughout the primary — backfired seriously. i believe the current hate being directed sarah palin’s way will have the same effect on the obama campaign.
in any event, combined with the shady war orphan charity, the bust for motherfucking a cop in cleveland and using campaign money to pay his own rent, not to mention the fact that he can’t seem to find steady employment in the real world, got powers the result he deserved, if not the one that was predicted by most of the chatterers here (russ, hank & chris emempted).
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
exempted, i meant.
mike Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Powers lost so what, he will find another tit to suck on, Dan Rivera can get him a job on the water board or power authority. Just like Bill Ross did for Rob Daly, but chicken shit hudson will never write about it.
mike Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
In his weekly pennysaver, not being a blow-hard Rush wanta be blogger.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Steve…
Two of my candidates lost. That was Powers and Iannello. There it is in black and white. I’m a big girl and can handle it.
You suggesting I want to change the topic is just avoiding the fact that Sarah Palin is Dan Quayle in a dress. It’s a long way until November. They can’t possibly keep her away from real questions that long. Or maybe they can. The Republicans are VERY good at lying.
The primary is over. Two people I supported lost. Yes. Indeed. Thanks for telling me. Taunt all you want. It doesn’t matter.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Oh Jesus. Yep. Sarah Palin. Agent of change? Lie.
Palin team stocked with Bush veterans
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/13323
How can you call more of the same change? Hmmm.
jackson smiles Says:September 10th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
How does being a lawyer defending huge corporations that helped attribute to disease and death in the love canal make you a candidate for Congress? Is Congress that elite? It was started so that every person could run as a representative - farmers, doctors, lawyers, soldiers. This country unfortunately has gotten away from that. Now you must be a millionaire to run for Congress.
Russell - you’re correct … you were an asshole well before Davis “got on the scene.”
I will be voting for the Working Families Party - for Powers. Kryzan will never get my vote. Lee will not either, although my vote will probably add to his victory.
I encourage all - WFP in ‘08!
jackson smiles Says:September 10th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
And Hudson -
It’s funny you mock a man like Powers. He can have a job within days and probably will.
Yet, here you will be sitting in your basement jerking off living a miserable life. Perhaps Joan Capone can pray for your wasted semen that is dying on your keyboard.
hank Says:September 10th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
If the chicken shit person hiding behind “buffalomom” looks deeper than the latest DNC/KOS/Huffington talking points, you’ll find the “per diem”
meme is just the latest smear.
Sit in Buffalo, the liberal utopia, which is beginning to look like Orwells Oceania of 1984, and piss and moan all you like. Perhaps in 8-12 years President Palin will come and anoint Buffalo.
If you’re such a “big girl”, then you’ll be ready for the disappointments coming your way in November. Good on ya.
The Humanist Says:September 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
@Hank -
“you’ll be ready for the disappointments coming your way in November.”
Not half as much as the heartbreak you’re in for in January 2009 when you turn on your TV for the Inauguration and see a black man taking the oath of office.
Racist yokel oafs like you will probably be sucking on exhaust pipes all over this great land.
steve Says:September 10th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
@ buffalomom — “You suggesting I want to change the topic is just avoiding the fact that Sarah Palin is Dan Quayle in a dress.”
I wasn’t avoiding anything about Sarah Palin, I was simply having fun with the “fact” that in a post/comments dedicated to post-primary navel-gazing, the best you could come up with in your Jon Powers induced trauma was to change the subject.
I know you don’t care, but as long as you’ve brought it up…I really haven’t made up my mind yet about the presidential race. There is little to like and much to dislike about both tickets. I do know, though, that if you believe that only Republicans are “really good at lying,” you might want to lay off the kool-aid.
Yes, indeed, how CAN you call more of the same change? Joe Biden?
Good luck with that.
Jon Splett Says:September 10th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
This is the one and only time I think I’ll ever say this, but if you’re a democrat and you’re even considering straying off the party line in the congressional election, you’re an idiot.
They’re both going to be freshman congressmen. They’ll vote with party leaders every single time so no matter what issues they think they’re ‘running on’ the simple fact is, they both will have very little pull to do much of anything for the region. The House is probably going to stay democratic so Kryzan may be able to siphon some pork our way in a way Lee can’t but other than that, you’re picking which party you want in power, not which person will better ‘champion the region’.
A democratic vote for Lee will do nothing more than make it harder on democrats to get things done in Washington. I really doubt Jon Powers and Alice Kryzan would have differed in their voting records after their first term in office so by pouting and being bitter you’re guy didn’t win, you’re only shooting yourself in the foot.
hank Says:September 10th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Humanist–another power hiding like a punk behind a screen name–
I heard the same shit here for months about John Kerry in 2004.
Didn’t hear very much about it the day after the election.
Nice try though.
I’m not voting for Obama because he’s black. I’m not voting for him because he’s ignorant, has no experience, and is the product of the most corrupt political cartel save Tammany Hall, the Chicago Democrat Machine.
just because Buffaloons think that the whole country is just jam packed with liberals, DOES NOT make it so. And in November you’ll find that out AGAIN–Just like you did in 04.
Jon Splett Says:September 10th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Also- Seeing how Hank says the surge worked, I guess that means we can get rid of the Patriot Act because we’ve won and can have our civil liberties back, right buddy?
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
For the last time Hudson… I have a screen name because of whackos like you. All I need is you getting all ginned up and showing up at my front door scaring the kids.
You should be less concerned about outing people and more concerned with getting out of your basement. I think the fresh air and sunlight would do you good.
And Steve - there is no trauma about any of these races. You win some. You lose some. Disappointed? Yup. Trauma. Nope. It’s a fact, albeit a sad one, that better people with better ideas don’t always win. Look at the last 8 years in the White House for Christ’s sake. A complete moron got elected to the highest office in the land. Shit happens. I will go to my grave knowing full well that Powers was the best guy in the race. And on with life. Oh, see people without lives probably have a hard time grasping that.
WNYPMH Says:September 10th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
BP - maybe you need to put the part about not being a libelous, hatefilled tool in bold letters. All very sad. Takes the intelligent right out of the conversation.
Haterade aka John Burke Says:September 10th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
***mike hudson Says:
September 10th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
i just hope one of the powers platoon people sees fit to give the apparently unemployable former candidate a job so he has something to live on while preparing to run for clarence dogcatcher in two years.****
Maybe lulu could give her (?) good friend a job at her/his company ?
Oh, and hank … the Humorist isn’t really “hiding”. Just click his name and go to his blog .
Humorist : is that a picture of Harvey Fierstein & Superfly Jimmy Snuka on your home page ?
Haterade aka John Burke Says:September 10th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Never too keen to agree with my nemesis Hank … but the surge HAS worked. Hell, even Obama admitted it. Just what “civil liberties” did YOU lose, Splett ?
Chris Hawley Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
You forgot to mention that Sam Hoyt lost his committee race.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
As did Barbra Kavanaugh.
Chris Hawley Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Touché!
Jon Splett Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I lost the liberty of being assured my government isn’t spying on me without a warrant to start with. I was kind of a fan of the fourth amendment.
Haterade aka John Burke Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Take off the tinfoil hat Jon.
If the “government” wanted to spy on you, prior to the Patriot Act … do you think the lack of a warrant was going to stop them ?
Don’t answer that … I think there is a camera in your monitor ….
Chris Hawley Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
You also forgot to mention Len Lenihan illegally used party resources for mailings promoting committeepeople that are friendly to him and Hoyt. So much for “democracy” in the Democratic Party.
Jon Splett Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Pre-patriot act, they could spy all they wanted and a judge would have quickly thrown out anything they found would have been tossed out as evidence.
Now, anything they find is nice and legal to submit.
Please, explain to me how the Patriot Act protected me from terrorism by helping bring down Spitzer for banging whores….http://www.newsweek.com/id/123489
No one’s coming after me because I’m a nobody. But come on. You sift through anyones life for long enough, you’ll find something to bring them down on. The Patriot Act makes it so those in power can spy on political opponents and tear them down before they become a threat. If you don’t think that’s a problem in a democracy, I don’t know what to tell you.
Jon Splett Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Blah. That first paragraph should say ‘a judge would have quickly thrown out any evidence they found’.
We need a comment edit feature up in this bitch.
Byron Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Splett said: “If you’re a democrat and you’re even considering straying off the party line in the congressional election, you’re an idiot.”
And what if your a Dem who supports McCain?
Jon Splett Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
If you’re a democrat who supports McCain, you’re not a democrat so stop calling yourself one. You’re a right winger who feels too guilty to admit you’re a republican.
These aren’t sports teams you grow up rooting for. They’re parties with platforms and if you’re a democrat and vote for John McCain, I’m not exactly sure which part of your parties platform you’re all about.
jackson smiles Says:September 10th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Splett - why can’t people vote for the person?
If you’re a democrat and you’re even considering straying off the party line in the congressional election, you’re an idiot.”
If that was the case everyong would have voted for the endorsed candidate and Kryzan and Davis would’ve stepped down.
Splett you are what is wrong with politics today. And lying politicians like Kryzan and Davis are too. Kryzan’s final attack ad on War Kids proves she’s not “above the dirty.”
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
wow. the same people who said powers was gonna win now says obama’s gonna win!
jackass smiles, bigasabuffalomom, humorist, wiztard, they know lots about politics. they are particularly well informed!
Jon Splett Says:September 10th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Voting for the person is heartwarming and all, but if you want your government to enact policy YOU believe in, you need to elect leaders who will vote the way you would vote. If you’re voting for Chris Lee, most of the time when he casts a vote, it’s going to be against what you want to see done if you’re a democrat. You may think he’s a way cooler guy but if he’s going to vote against your interests in Washington, he’s not helping you.
Voting based on how much you like the politician as a person is what’s wrong with politics today.
And for the record, I’m a registered Green voting for Nader. Please don’t tell me I don’t vote for the person or party I believe in. I vote for people who will run the government the way I want it run because that’s the only way I can tell my government what to do as a voter. It’s why I prefaced my comment the way I did. In congressional elections, you’re essentially voting for what party you want to control the house and senate. Your NOT voting for a person because the reality of the way congress works is that your person is going to do what they’re told until they’ve established themselves in DC.
Voting for Lee will in no way advance the democratic agenda and if you’re a registered democrat, I’d assume that’s something you’d want to help advance.
buffalomom Says:September 10th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
You vote for the PERSON in the election for class president.
When you are talking about matters of public policy, fiscal policy, appointing Supreme Court Justices, etc, I mean, come on.
dave-in-rocha Says:September 10th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
“These aren’t sports teams you grow up rooting for. They’re parties with platforms and if you’re a democrat and vote for John McCain, I’m not exactly sure which part of your parties platform you’re all about.”
Splett, this (as well as your other recent comments) is spot on.
Queen Carlotta Says:September 10th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Here we go again.. Buffalomom is suffering from Cat Scratch fever over Sarah Palin.
Jay Says:September 10th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Steve Casey lost because over the last two and half years, some residents of this city have asked their neighbors to watch the pitiful performances by Mayor Urkel and his department heads on public access tv during the much touted Citistat meetings. Mayor Urkel thinks that scripted performances every two weeks in these meetings are a positive communication device: surprise the public can see through these phony meetings and what we have discovered is that Mayor Urkel has no clothes. My only wish was that some of the council members had permanent seats at these meetings so they could have exposed themselves also. The change will come next year.
Timothy Domst Says:September 10th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Splett, you have got to be joking. A catholic Democrat can’t be against abortion? A Republican can’t be against prayer in schools or pro-choice? In fact people who adopt any party line as their opinion on all issues are usually pretty stupid, like Rush Limbaugh dittoheads, or their Democrat equivalents that listen to Air America or whatever they get programmed by. I don’t care much about the character of candidates myself, but people who do might have a point, sometimes it gets in the way of enacting legislation. How much is Spitzer getting done in Albany right now?
Snarky Snarkmore McSnarkamaphone Says:September 10th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
As if he was taken down for his “character flaws.” Lots of pols do hookers and blow. He was taken down because his enemies found a hook, pissant.
Jon Splett Says:September 10th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
If you’re an anti-abortion democrat voting Chris Lee because you think abortion is such a paramount issue that you only care what your congressmen does in regards to abortion related votes then why are you registered a democrat? You’re a one issue voter who leans democrat once that issue is out of the way, you’re not a democrat. Join the right to life party.
I disagree with my party on things all the time. Despite the fact I’m a Green, I’ll never let an environmental issue sway my vote. My boy Nader is against nuclear energy and I’m for it. Am I going to bail on every other part of his platform I agree with over that? No, because on the whole, the vast majority of the time, he’s going to put forth plans I agree with and push a platform I want to see happen.
I also find it interesting you used the term ‘catholic’ and not ‘pro-life’. How is taking your marching orders from a religious organization any different than taking them from a political party? Religions have been brainwashing people since before Rush or Air America ever existed.
My overall point was if you want your government to work for you, you need to vote on issues before character. You find what issues matter to you, you find the party that will advance those issues, and you elect those people to office. If that’s anti-abortion for you, you should be backing the Republicans because they’ll help you get what you want. If anti-abortion isn’t the most important issue in the world to you and on the whole you’d rather see everything else the democrats are pushing come to fruition, vote for the democrat in congress. But to vote for a democrat to vote Chris Lee then bitch about what the republicans do in congress is stupid. You voted for a republican who voted for republican measures. That was your congressional choice and now you get to live with it.
And as for Spitzer, again, tell me what a law passed to keep me safe from terrorists had to do with who Elliot Spitzer was fucking. I didn’t like the guy but him getting his dick wet had nothing to do with his job performance. He’s getting nothing done in Albany because someone decided to take advantage of a law the supreme court should have struck down long ago, not because he was cheating on his wife.
mike hudson Says:September 10th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
despite all the hype it recieves each autumn, voting is a children’s game manipulated by professionals on both sides strictly for the benefit of an elite that is not classist — as it is say in england or russia — but opportunist.
nader and nader voters are more responsible than rush limbaugh for the bush presidency. had those voters cast their ballots for al gore, the republicans would have been unable to “steal” the election.
those who seek office generally do so because of monumental ego and ambition rather than deep personal convictions. when people started to see powers acting like a normal politician instead of some pacifist war hero comic book creation, his numbers began to plummet. the same thing is happening to obama right now.
there is a huge chance that those who reviled hillary clinton, called geraldine ferraro and bill clinton racists and portrayed her democratic supporters as some sort of toothless, angry hillbillies have once again handed the election to the opposition.
mccain is up by 7 in ohio, has florida, virginia and missouri locked and trails by 2 points in pennsylvania. yet obama spent the day torturously trying to explain what he meant by his “lipstick on a pig” remark.
tonight, the idiot olbermann charged john mccain, a war hero with two purple hearts, the silver star, the bronze star and the legion of merit, with giving aid and comfort to osama bin laden.
that isn’t the gutter, it’s the sewer. olbermann knows that there are a million or so crazies out there who will tune in to hear such garbage, and he cynically dishes it out, night after night, to maintain his ratings and make sure that he can continue to maintain the elite lifestyle he feels he deserves.
The Buffalo Bean » NY-26: Bloggers’ Primary Reax Says:September 10th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
[…] Pundit says Kryzan’s game winning shot came with an assist from Powers and Davis. Because Powers and Davis spent so much time bashing each other, 2/3 of Kryzan’s job was done for […]
Jon Splett Says:September 11th, 2008 at 1:00 am
More democrats jumped ship to vote for Bush than to vote for Nader in Florida back in 2000. Say what you want about Nader but Gore wasn’t entitled to any of those votes, he had the chance to earn them and failed by playing the centrist card.
I can’t speak for every Nader vote obviously but without him running, I’d be writing in Colbert as a joke for president simply because I wouldn’t vote for an Obama/Biden ticket under any circumstances. My issues are real social medicine, cracking down on corporate crime and electoral reform. Neither major party addresses those and until they do, I’m really not interested in what they’re selling.
Dave A. Says:September 11th, 2008 at 1:08 am
This is one of the reasons I’m a fan of open primaries. For better or worse, a candidate for higher office has to have political skills and/or experience. Not only do those skills win elections, but they’re part of the same skill set necessary to survive and succeed in Washington. I’m not in town, but from what I’ve read, Powers is a good, sincere guy. But if Davis was able to knock him down that easily, the local GOP would have eaten him alive.
It shows that our local parties need to vet more than checkbooks before making an endorsement.
I’m happy to see that voters aren’t just pulling levers, sheep-like, for who their party leaders tell them too. If we were more vocal and active in demanding better from our parties and elected officials, maybe our government wouldn’t be this screwed up to begin with.
Buffalopundit Says:September 11th, 2008 at 5:15 am
@Hudson - I wonder if Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity said something really out there on tee vee or radio yesterday? I wonder if they’ll do so again today? And tomorrow?
Of course they will, because the right has its commentators who throw the masses red meat, and now, for a change, the left has its own.
Byron Says:September 11th, 2008 at 5:58 am
By the way, Olbermann was commenting on McCain’s repeated claim that he knows how to capture bin Laden (but apparently can’t disclose this vital strategy until next January).
“Sen. McCain seems to be quite serious, that he and he alone, not the CIA, nor the U.S. Military, nor the current President can capture bin Laden. Thus we must take him at his word, that this is no mere ludicrous campaign boast. We must assume Sen. McCain truly believes he is capable of doing this, and has been capable of doing this, since last January. “We will capture Osama bin Laden… we will do it. I know how to do it.”
Well then, Senator, you’d better go and do it hadn’t you?
Because, Sir, if a man or woman in this nation, Democrat or Republican, had a clear and effective means of capturing or killing Osama bin Laden…
If that person had been advertising his claim, Senator for eight months.
But if that person not only refused to go to responsible authorities in government and advise them of this plan to catch bin Laden, but further announced he would not even begin to enact this secret plan to corral the world’s most hated man until the end of next January.
What would be your description of such an individual, Senator? Charlatan? Do-nothing? Opportunist? Sen. McCain, if you have, if you have had a means of capturing Osama bin Laden, and you do not immediately inform some responsible authority of the full scope of that plan, you are to some degree great or small aiding and abetting Osama bin Laden.”
Sounds like a fair (if rhetorical) point to me. And of course, if Obama claimed that he had a secret plan to capture bin Laden, he’d be mocked and scorned 24/7, and Fox News and its Buffalo mini-me, Hudson, would be making the same point about Obama that Olbermann made about McCain.
Russell Says:September 11th, 2008 at 7:47 am
So many people on here have spoken about what a great guy Jonny is. Despite all his political shortcomings, I never had any reason to doubt that, ’til today. I just read in the Buffalo News that Jonny never called to concede or congratulate Alice. That is one of the most telling sign of what kind of person anyone running for office is. Now I see Jonny has no class. He’s lower than most polticians. At least he’s just as low as his partner in sore losing since Jackie Jacko made no such call either.
BP, you must be so proud of your classless loser.
mike hudson Says:September 11th, 2008 at 8:28 am
@pundit — so progressives or liberals or whatever they’re called these days should aspire to the sewer where sean hannity dwells? that’s not something i want to be a part of.
@byron — olbermann’s remarks are more insipid and contemptable in print than they were when i heard them last night. american politics is not supposed to be about making the other side evil, it’s supposed to be about ideas, and which ideas are right for our country.
if you think that olbermann really cares about who wins the election, you’re as big a moron as the dittoheads who religously listen to rush. olbermann was fired from fox, but if they’d have elevated him to the position he now holds at msnbc he’d be attacking obama.
and in anticipation of your witty comeback, no, he wasn’t fired by fox for his principaled political viewpoints, he was fired because of on the air bitching about having to cover the o.j. simpson case. much like dennis miller, who was great when he did the news on “saturday night live,” olbermann has become a parody of his former witty and entertaining self.
when he did his first “special comment,” the one about donald rumsfeld, it was genuine, spot on, and superbly delivered. the piece you quote is just schtick for the bumpkins.
hank Says:September 11th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Haterade–Frankly I’ve been a bit frightened the last couple of weeks reading your comments–we’re way too much in agreement on what you’re saying. I guess you just moved up from the “just the card” Xmas list to the gift list.
Personality and character mean more in a Congressman than how they will carry the Party’s water. I would expect a congressman to vote NO on bills that adversely affect their district, whether the Party tells them to vote YES or not.
We need people in Congress that can see the totally out-of-control earmark spending by BOTH parties has to come to an end, and they should give the President, regardless of the party he or she belongs to the line item veto. Since they don’t have the guts to not rape our wallets to retain their employment, they should surrender their lack of fiscal discipline to a higher power–the Executive.
Nobody likes having their pockets picked–whether its by a criminal, a union, or the government. And a line item veto could end earmarks.
Frankly I doubt there will EVER be a clearing out of the incumbents that would allow this to happen.
What I do see happening is President McCain telling the congress not to bother sending any more spending bills packed with earmarks, as he’s not going to sign them.
mike Says:September 11th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Hank do you really believe the promises? Didn’t the Bush say the samething in 1999 or was your head too far up his ass to hear it? So now you are falling for the same song and dance. How’s your pig looking with her lipstick ?
Hudson, old politicians or judges never die they just move over to another nipple.
The Humanist Says:September 11th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
@Hank -
“What I do see happening is President McCain telling the congress not to bother sending any more spending bills packed with earmarks, as he’s not going to sign them.”
Oh really? Would that be before or after VP Hockey Mom Pitbull Kills Caribou With Her Bare Hands pulls him aside and threatens to cut off his nuts if he doesn’t shower Alaska with that sweet, sweet federal moolah like she’s done the last year and a half?
The last time “Maverick” McCain saw his balls was when he handed them over in a silver box to Beer Money Cindy to jumpstart his political career.
Timothy Domst Says:September 11th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Snarky, you stupid piece of shit, Spitzer increased penalties for patronizing prostitutes.
As a part of legislation signed by Mr. Spitzer in June creating stiff new criminal penalties for those who force others to engage in sex or other labor, Mr. Spitzer approved an increase in the penalty under New York’s law against patronizing a prostitute in New York to one year in prison from 90 days (Penal Law §230.04).
He’s a huge hypocrite, and hypocrisy is a character flaw, you retard. He also undermined all the work his supporters did, giving easy opportunity for his enemies to oust him.
Splett, you think Democrats can’t vote on abortion, but you are a member of the Green party, and environmentalism doesn’t sway you. If those Dems should be in the Right To Life party as you say, you should be in the Socialist Workers Party.
Like I just said above, in my opinion Spitzer’s flaw wasn’t going to a prostitute, but attacking prostitution publicly and legally while doing it privately. I don’t think it should be illegal either and I said so on this site in March.
Jon Splett Says:September 11th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I really shouldn’t be in any party but I register Green because of all the fringy left leaning parties, they seem to have the most support and if I register as a Green they have a better chance of getting federal matching funds. If it wasn’t for my desire to see someone on my side get some federal funds and I could register as anything, I probably would have registered as a socialist. Apparently you think I should be ashamed of that.
Timothy Domst Says:September 11th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Thank you for making my argument for me, a pro-life Catholic could say the exact same thing about registering Democratic, they wouldn’t want to be in an ineffective party like Right To Life.
Jon Splett Says:September 11th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
You’re missing the point here.
The democratic party isn’t exactly hard up for money. Federal matching funds aren’t a factor for the two major parties.
For third parties, they’re freaking HUGE.
And again, this is so far away from what I was talking about it’s silly. When I say I’m not an environmentalist, I mean I don’t take that in to consideration when voting because I don’t care. If someone wants to save the whales and I agree with everything else they say, I’ll vote for them. If someone wants to club baby seals for the sheer joy of watching them die but agrees with everything else I believe, I’ll vote for him. I just don’t care either way. A pro-life democrat who votes republican throws away everything else they believe in over one issue. That’s retarded and if it’s THAT important to them that NONE of the rest of the platform matters, why the hell are they registering as a democrat?
mike hudson Says:September 12th, 2008 at 1:32 am
i’m leaning toward bob barr.
Timothy Domst Says:September 12th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
The point is that some people vote overwhelmingly on one issue, or vote for character over issues, and they’re not necessarily crazy to do so.