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2006: Opportunity Knocking

The New York State Assembly has been in control by liberal Democrats (and Republicans) for at least twenty-five years.

The lower-house has not had a conservative majority since 1973 and has lost the ability to block veto-overrides in 2002.

Because voters are showing lack of interest in local campaigns and also with special interest helping incumbants win time and time again, bringing reform to Albany is becoming harder and harder.

This year, New York City voters have an opportunity to start making some changes so new life can enter Albany and a reform agenda can be a key issue in making State Government work again.

How? you might be asking?
Well, by first, voting for the challengers instead of incumbants. In other words, by voting Republican.

Here are ten races where Republicans are challenging the incumbant Democrats:

23rd AD - Stuart W. Mirsky (vs. Audrey I. Pheffer)
44th AD - Yvette Velázquez Bennett (vs. James F. Brennan) ---corrected----
64th AD - Michael A. Imperiali (vs. Sheldon Silver)
65th AD - Michael Fandal (vs. Alexander B. Pete Grannis)
67th AD - Theodore Howard (vs. Linda Rosenthal)
68th AD - Dean Loren Velasco (vs. Adam Clayton Powell, IV)
71st AD - Glenda Allen (vs. Herman D. Farrell, Jr.)
72nd AD - Martin Chicon (vs. Adriano Espaillat)
73rd AD - Robert Heim (vs. Jonathan L. Bing)
74th AD - Frank Scala (vs. Sylvia Friedman)

The one race that can bring change to Albany is the 64 AD race against Speaker Sheldon Silver. By winning the seat, the Democratic Party will be forced to choose a new Speaker and with a new Speaker, new life can breathe into the Assembly chamber.

Reform is a very important issue with voters and it would be wise for all Republican Assembly candidates to formulate a similar message on issues or unite together as a "ticket" against the same-as-usual crowd that candidates Tom Suozzi and John Faso talk so much about.

The four basic reform issues I'd like to see brought to Albany are:
1. Statewide candidates consisting of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller should be term limited to two four-year terms only.
2. The State Senate consisting of 62 members, equal to the number of Counties in the State of New York, should be representative to the counties and not by population.
3. The Senators should be elected to four-year terms instead of the current two-year terms.
4. Leadership positions and Committee chairpersons should be limited to a maximum of eight years.

Some people may want to see term limits for the Legislature as well, and part of me believes that many not be such a bad idea. Something like 5 terms for Assembly (two year terms) and 3 terms for Senate (four year terms). However, I am opposed to enacting such limitations where 80% to 90% of a legislative body could be ousted at one time. The only way to avoid such an event is to impose the limits on the next elected representative for such a district. That way, the imposed term limits will stagger the years throughout the legislative body when an official retires, win election for another office or loses to a challenger (or gets convicted of a crime, which seems to be happening more frequently).

Voters will listen to candidates running for office and consider voting for the challengers, if a case is presented against the incumbant and a reform agenda appeals to them.

by Daniel Peterson, Friday, Jul. 28 | Permalink



Republicans need to rally behind their candidates now!
We have some very promising campaigns running as you read this.


Our campaigns need support! Not only on a federal level, but locally - we have many local campaigns running full-steam that need help.


Two Local Republican Candidates have websites with pages seeking volunteers:


Robert Heim - of the 73rd AD - www.robertfornewyork.com

-> Robert's campaign survived a petition challege from Democratic Incumbent Jonathan Bing, and is pushing ahead with the campaign at full steam. This campaign needs our Party's support!

For More Info:
info@robertfornewyork.com or 212-744-5186


Flip Pidot - of the 26 SD - www.flip4ny.com

->Flip also needs volunteers. His campaign is currently petitioning and needs volunteers to help achieve this goal.

For More Info:
flip@flip4ny.com or (646) 257-4149


These campaigns need our help to succeed. Do whatever you can. Make a donation, spread literature, tell your friends, or volunteer.


If the Republican party makes a concerted effort at actually rallying behind their candidates, then we can and will win the elections in November.

by YonkersRepublican , Sunday, Jul. 30

Posted by YonkersRepublican
Sunday, Jul. 30 - 12:01 PM




Daniel,

I must correct you on the 44th AD. I, Yvette Velazquez Bennett, am running against Brennan. My campaign is rolling along and making some headway. Here in the Park Slope area I am the certain underdog. However, if I could get additional like minded volunteers to help me out, there will be a big impact in this area. For additional information or to provide support, visit my website at http://www.friendsofyvb.com/.

You mentioned Viviana V. Hernandez. She is running for the 18th Senate District against Vilmonette Montgomery. Another great race to watch.

Vivana and I will be guest speakers at your next meeting on August 10. See you there!

by Yvette , Saturday, Aug. 5

Posted by Yvette
Saturday, Aug. 5 - 8:34 PM




New York State should be an example for all conservatives throughout the nation. Even the Republicans in New York are liberals.

In the 2008 presidential election cycle, several liberal-left Republicans will attempt to fool the GOP base. There are but a few true conservatives in the running such as Newt Gingrich who's been trashed by the MSM and John Cox of Illinois, a businessman who's using his own cash as seed money for his campaign.

by Nathan Tabor , Sunday, Oct. 1

Posted by Nathan Tabor
Sunday, Oct. 1 - 11:56 PM




as more leftwingers at large and in the media go berserk the greater the pressing need for fresh and energetic republicans to get the chance oxygenate albany. i encourage all young people of voting age to consider their future if they sit on their hands and don't raise a finger to help out in some fashion. today i survived an interview with our town editor and his associate. hopefully they will celebrate my lkprsence on the ballot not fillet me. please don't underestimate the power of word of mouth. as a retired police officer, active per diem teacher, entertainer(clown) and actor i bring something special to my mission. i invite late jumpers to my bandwagon though i only have a bicycle. for any college students who join me in greeting subway commuters from the street i will write letters of recommendation for having participated in my campaign.

by michael fandal , Thursday, Oct. 19

Posted by michael fandal
Thursday, Oct. 19 - 10:40 PM