Campaign Trail

How did you answer the question, "Are you the incumbent"?

Did you respond with:

A: No, I am running against Republican incumbent Steve Hawley.

or

B: No, but I have been endorsed by the incumbent Democratic majority.

I could be wrong, but I think that the "throw the bums out" rallying cry refers to the incumbent Democratic majority.

I'm beginning to understand how voter ignorance played a key role in Alvin Greene's win in South Carolina.

I wouldn't presume to portray any of the voters you spoke with as ignorant either. I fail to see the correlation between IQ and intelligence and being an informed voter. One doesn't need a high IQ to be an informed voter.

I can't speak for Charlie Mallow, but I don't measure people by their IQ.

"My approach to the campaign is my approach to the business of state: ideas, study, dialogue, study, alliances, concensus."

All nice and well, but as is the norm in Albany, "action" is not part of the plan.

C.M. it’s good to see that you have taken our advice and are no longer sequestered. I like the update you gave as well. It’s written in plain English and doesn’t speak down to the reader.

So, how do you intend on ”negotiating” when your leadership does all its talking behind a closed door with only three people in the room?

CM, never do it in writing but take a page from the Karl Rove handbook and say: "Yes maam, can I kiss your grandbaby?" whenever anyone asks if you are the incumbent. If it happens to be a grandma with a grandbaby, you might get an extra vote.

In Texas all you have to say is: "I'm for guns, God, minimum wage jobs, Nascar, the Red Communist Chinese, killing Coyotes (yuck yuck, it's an inside Texass joke) and hating Obama the Kenyan.
I hope y'all (I'm a neo-Texan, I have to say that) but for you'se guys I'll say you'se guys, don't go that route unless you have to, but if you have to, I say do it.
Appealing to the lowest common denominator is a no fail proposition when it comes to democracy and the voters almost anywhere in the United States. Yee haw!

He will not be doing any "negotiating", at least not with Republicans. Mr. Silver does the negotiating, and CM knows it.

CM's campaign manager even told us what happens to Democrats that step out of line, with a Buffalo area Assemblyman as an example. And with CM, not even being a registered Democrat he will not be treated any different. CM will toe the line, or be ignored.

CM sounds good, but I wish he'd admit how little influence he would really have until a state constitutional convention is held and the Assembly is reformed.

I got a little off topic there, sorry.

John, I imagine he would have about as much influence as any Republican in the Assembly.

Howard,
That's my point.

The way you phrase it, John, it sounds more like an attack, "I wish he'd admit..." are loaded words.

Shouldn't every Republican admit that? Why single out CM to state the obvious?

It just seems like a neutral issue.

John, maybe your desire for a different state government will come to fruition come January.

In Andrew Cuomo's New NY Agenda the first thing listed on the Five Step Program for a New NY --

"1. CLEAN UP ALBANY -- We must restore honor and integrity to government with tough new ethics standards, expanded disclosure requirements, independent investigations to root out and punish corruption, and an overhaul of campaign finance laws. We must remove legislative redistricting from partisan elected politicians and place it in the hands of an independent commission that works only for the people. And we must hold a constitutional convention - A People's Convention - to rewrite the Constitution and make these changes immediately because we cannot wait any longer for the state legislature to act."

You can download the entire book and read it cover to cover here http://www.andrewcuomo.com/issues_and_agenda

Howard,
No Republican has any influence with Mr. Silver, and Hawley has said that before. They are shut out. My point is, so are most Democrats. CM has not admitted that and I think he should. I just don't buy his "elect me and I'll fix everything".

Lorie,
I have no doubt at all that Andrew Cuomo will win. The question is will he keep his word? We have to wait and see.

Posted by John Roach on June 21, 2010 - 4:44pm
Howard,
No Republican has any influence with Mr. Silver, and Hawley has said that before. They are shut out. My point is, so are most Democrats. CM has not admitted that and I think he should. I just don't buy his "elect me and I'll fix everything".

John,
Please reference the quote, "elect me and I'll fix everything".

I'm with Bea, John, where has C.M. even so much as implied that?

Howard,
That use of the " was my way of trying to sum up my impression that CM is saying that by electing him, his study, dialog, negotiating, alliance, etc, will fix everything. That just sounds like what we always hear and read.

Not being a journalism major, I probably misused the ".

I am not going to let a good turn go unrewarded. Even though CM's repost was a bit vindictive and he was looking to put negative words in my mouth, I'm feeling better about him as a candidate. He at least responded and that is a good thing.

Mr. Barons:

"The most discerning question that was often repeated, "Are you the incumbent?""

Anyone who asked you if you are the incumbent, is ignorant!

How often was the question asked?

John, I think you're putting a lot of red on the herring.

Candidate A can say that he's put a lot of work into his platform, study, thought, discussion and research, etc., and still not even come close to saying, "I'm going to fix everything." It doesn't follow logically that somebody says, "I have some good ideas," to mean, "I'm going to fix everything."

I'm not defending C.M., only reacting to the idea that in my view you're trying to portray him in a way that doesn't fit the evidence.

It's the same sort of argument I've had with Barons about some of his characterizations of Hawley.

It's very easy to argue against the person you imagine somebody to be. Much harder to argue against the real person.

I would just like to know what qualifications CM has..Has he had any leadership roles..Has he managed any business..What is his schooling and back ground..I would just like to hear more about him..Why should he be elected..He seems to have come out of nowhere ..What other political offices has he held...How long does he plan to serve..The big question is why does he think he can make a difference..He does seem to have the passion...Just wondering if he has the skin thick enough for this..Glad to see he is not letting the other Chris do all the talking for him..

Howard,
You may be right and to be up front and to make it clear, if I hadn’t already, I do not support CM.

CM made fun of Hawley’s weight. I don’t like people who make fun of other physical appearance. If Hawley wears an ugly tie or shirt, fine, let him take the hit and I might help. But making fun of somebody being heavy is over the line for a person wanting to represent us in Albany. Mr. Barons prides himself in his use of language, so it was no error that he did it. True, he apologized after being called on it, but it tells me a bit about his character that he did it at all.

The use of Hypocrite Hawley name calling. Again, that tells me a bit about Barons. There are enough name callers in Albany already. We don't need any more.

Policy wise, I cannot support anyone who supports taxing soft drinks, which he does. To me, that’s just the food police trying to control what I eat or drink. Again, personal opinion.

And, while military service is no criteria for elected office and military service is not an indicator that a person will make a good legislator, it is a positive for me. And Steve Hawley was an Army Lieutenant. Just a personal thing with me.

I didn't take John's quoted text as a verbatim quote. I assumed he was using a "scare quote", a common literary device used to indicate irony or sarcasm.

Had he said it in person, he probably would have used Steve Martin's famous "air quotes" to indicate his skepticism.

If he's guilty of anything, it's using double inverted commas instead of single to frame the scare quote; but that's just a minor technicality.

He can always go back and edit.

Oops! Double post.

John, that's all detailed criticism, which is far more useful broadsides, from either side.

And you know I never liked the "Hypocrite Hawley," which I've always found simplistic and not reality based.

Mark, I asked about qualifications as well and my questions went unanswered. Those questions are not going to go away. How do you run for state wide office without business or even political experience? State office holders are sharks, you need some proven skills to survive.

John, the early negativity turned me off to CM "I am News" Barons as well

PS. The quotes are used correctly.

Chris, you're up early! You should be getting some sleep.

I just noticed this thread and can't pass up the opportunity to respond to some of the posts.

With regard to C.M.'s "qualifications" to run for office...I appreciate that he posted his resume and a summary of his experience, but without having done that, he already possesses the single qualification required to run for office. He's a CITIZEN. AND, he's putting his 'money' where his mouth is and I for one very much appreciate that he's willing to do that.

For those who have criticized him for his use of language, why is it a bad thing for someone to have an obvious command of same?

For those who have observed that he will have no influence with Sheldon Silver and the "leadership", why do you assume that once the election is over that Mr. Silver and the "leadership" will have been re-elected? I am pleased to observe that, more and more, the citizens of this state have had enough of the status quo and increasingly are espousing the idea that the incumbents have to go. Call me naive, but I would not necessarily agree that Mr. Silver or any number of other incumbents will still be members of the legislature following the November election. And that would indeed be a good thing.

It is most certainly time for a change in New York state and I happen to believe that the voters can't wait to get into the voting booth to make that change happen.

C.M., good luck in your quest.

David, the qualifications are to support someones vote. Your right, just about anyone can run for office and they do. This is were we sperate the warm bodies from the achievers.

I like to see private sector job experience and for a state post, executive level experience. Being elected to a prior smaller post would also be something I would like to see.

In my opinion, there are lots of words above but, none is a qualification for a vote for state office. Steve Hawley is far more qualified and he will get my vote again.

Charlie,
I'm actually shocked by what I hear you saying.
With all due respect, what qualifications did you have when you ran for City Council? My recollection is that you were elected with a groundswell of citizen support...a member of a 'minority' party (at least in these parts). And yet, you were elected president of the City Council and did a fantastic job while a member there, displaying tremendous leadership, and when the job was done, you walked away.

Why do you assume that if Chris Barons is elected the result would be any different from your experience.

I gather from reading your posts in this forum, that you learned a lot from your experience while a council member and I appreciate that you've "been there" in the halls of the legislature. I would think that you of all people would be supportive of a citizen who is willing to put his ass on the line to try to change the status quo.

Your raising the issue of whether Steve Hawley is more qualified than Chris Barons to be a state office holder has me baffled. Why is Hawley more qualified? Because his dad was a member of the assembly? Because he's the current office holder? Because he owns a business? I just don't see it.

You should know as well as anyone does that our government was designed to be run by CITIZENS who aspire to elected office for the public good, not by politicians who view it as their source of employment. In my view, that's what Chris Barons is doing and I'm thankful to have that choice.

I guess we're going to cancel each other out, because Chris has my vote for the reasons stated above.

David, CM is more than qualified for a town board position and I see nothing wrong with him building on that experience for the future. Why would anyone believe he is ready now? He is going to have to deal with people who will eat his lunch in Albany. Your vote would send someone who is unprepared.

Dave,
You left out that Hawley was also involved in Town of Batavia government and was a Genesee County Legislator.

One thing good abut both Hawley and Barons is that they have real jobs. Hawley's advantage (to me) is that he runs a business, employs people, and understands the red tape involved in doing business in New York State.

Good job, David Meyer. Personally, I have not decided if I'll vote for C.M. or not. But, we need new ideas and fresh faces. His lack of political background, to me is a good thing. I am keeping an open mind.

Charlie and John,

You know one thing that amuses me greatly? I voted for BOTH of you when you ran for office. Why? Because you weren't incumbents. Because the ideas you each expressed during your campaign resonated with me.

Charlie, I'm glad you were elected (as I've stated many times before here). The City of Batavia is better of for your having held office. I frankly thought that YOU might be in Chris Barons' shoes right now, but I guess you were burnt after your experience.

John, I wish you had been elected because I think the ideas you ran on are still issues in the city.

All of that having been said, I see Chris Barons as a breath of fresh air whose "lack of experience" is a good thing.

One assumption that everyone seems to be making is that there won't be HUGE change in the state legislature.

I've said it before and it bears repeating. The voters are pissed off this year with good reason and I frankly don't believe that the current members of the legislature have ANY IDEA what's in store for them in November.

Hopefully, there will be MANY changes in the incumbency, including the aforementioned Mr. Silver. If you assume that will happen then you can assume that there will be many new members who will have heard the voice of the voters and realize that if they don't work together to fix this state and the way things are done that their tenure will be short.

Not to take sides in the election, but to defend democracy.

In due respect, Charlie, the idea that a candidate needs to have done this or that to qualify for office is obnoxious.

The only qualification for office is a willingness to serve. Period.

If a ditch digger comes along and can convince me he'd be a good rep, I'd vote for him.

David, I appreciate your support when I was in office. As for me running agian, my days in elected office are over. I did learn a lot during my time and the most important is that politics has very little need for people with good intentions. There are too many people looking to get something personal from public office and too little regard for the truth.

I understand your position and I do not want to talk you out of your support for CM. The root of my problem with CM was the past personal negativity that he as shown toward Steve combined with his prior refusal to be open in his communication. When I was in office, I always went out of my way to explain where I stood on city issues and I have little respect for those who are not willing to take the heat of public questioning.

It seems that CM has turned the corner in the last couple days and is responding to questions. I respect that, it shows character.

Howard, I can have any qualification I chose for my vote. That is my American right. Anyone can run, my vote has qualifications and so does yours.

Charlie, there's a difference between, "this is my personal criteria on who to vote for," vs. saying somebody isn't qualified to run because of "XYZ." One is personal choice, the other is trying to de-legitimatize a candidacy. Your personal choice I respect, but I'll argue against trying to de-legitimatize any candidate based purely on personal preference.

Howard, a vote is a personal thing and this is a site filled with personal opinions. All of my opinions are personal.

Charlie, you wrote, "David, CM is more than qualified for a town board position and I see nothing wrong with him building on that experience for the future. Why would anyone believe he is ready now? He is going to have to deal with people who will eat his lunch in Albany. Your vote would send someone who is unprepared. "

That isn't stating some personal criteria. That's telling other people how to vote on a qualification that you're more then welcome to apply to your own voting choice, but is BAD for democracy to hold out as some sort of standard we should all abide by, which is how you phrased it. You didn't say, "this is how I'm making MY choice." You phrased it to explicitly state that that's how we should all vote.

I just totally object to the idea that a candidate should have some grand resume. You're welcome to make that your choice, but I will continue to argue against the idea that such criteria is some sort of standard that we should all judge a candidate on.

Howard, politics is personal. A politician is asking for a job and everyone has the personal right to have qualifications for their vote. People’s personal opinions are what drive elections and campaigns. If my personal opinion matters to another person they will take it into consideration when they form their own opinion. That’s why we have political debate.

There are no laws based around the qualifications to receive someone’s vote in an election. Choice is based on the personal qualifications of the voter, whatever they may be. People’s opinions are sometimes based on what they have learned or gathered from other people’s opinions. What are you trying to debate??? The idea that other people’s personal opinions shouldn’t determine who wins elections? You better ban Fox News, MSNBC and all the Sunday talk shows then.

One reason C.M. intrigued me in announcing his candidacy is he's a normal guy. He's a citizen who is walking instead of talking, and I respect that.
I don't believe our forefathers ever envisioned "career politicians". I think the idea was doctors, farmers, bankers, really anyone, could choose to serve their community by holding public office for a couple of years, then return to private life. So the lack of political experience doesn't mean anything negative to me at all.
I also look forward to Andrew Cuomo following through on some of his initiatives, with a Constitution Convention and government consolidation the primary focus. While I am not a dem, I am open to seeing what positive effect Cuomo will have on our state.
Mr. Barons, thanks for the return to commenting. I absolutely believe this will help you, not hinder you.
And I am amazed (though I shouldn't be) that folks don't know who represents them in Albany. We need to stop being lethargic sheeple and really try to send the best we can to the senate and assembly.

Howard,
The idea of a resume for office, especially higher office, has become the norm. Andrew Cuomo has used his resume as the main reason to vote for him. Without his resume, his only qualification other than being willing to run, is that his father was governor.

A resume is not necessary, but it doesn't hurt either.

John, I'm not saying it doesn't hurt. Certainly, if you have a resume you're going to run on it. I'm just saying it's not a qualification for office, and I object to trying to make it a qualification.

I remember two years ago, one of the candidates for State Senate (a Democrat from Erie, I believe) made a big deal of it on his Web site: He was the only candidate in the primary with a college degree. I've no problem with a candidate saying, "I've got a degree from such-and-such" ... but to knock the other guy for a lack of degree is both arrogant and irrelevant.

Howard, you are saying very clearly you do not believe someone has the right to discuss a person’s qualifications for a high paying government job? There is much made about a person’s military service as well. Are you saying that a person doesn’t have the right to put their military service on display during a campaign or use that as an argument against his opponent? Howard you seem to be talking about political correctness gone wild.

What are our other choices? Flip coins or should we just vote party line...

Charlie, you can discuss anything you want. I'm rejecting the notion that there is a litmus test imposed by you or anybody else. Why is that so hard to understand?

Howard, I have litmus tests for people that want my vote. Why would that be wrong? John expects military service, why doesn’t he have that right? Many who post here have the litmus test of wanting a new comer, no matter whom. Why do they not have that right and why can’t they talk about that requirement?

Charlie, I've said this several times and several different ways, and I'm even putting it in English: Decided how YOU want to vote. Don't try to make that the standard for everybody else. Isn't that clear?

Or, OK, try to make that the standard for everybody else, but expect me to argue against it.

Why not try to convince someone that my litmus test is the most important factor? Our political system has been based on this for hundreds of years. It’s the basis for all political campaigns and always has been. One side works to tell you why their candidate is better than the other guy. The other side does the same thing. It could be military service, political or even job experience. Political camps develop litmus tests and try to convince those who haven’t decided to pick their guy. That’s called an open and free election. You’re splitting hairs.

CM’s qualifications are important and I will debate them and hold them up to Steve’s anyway I can. CM has a strong weakness and it is his list of qualifications for State office.

CM’s supporters have their own set of litmus tests; one that I can see is a lack of public service. That’s fine with me, that is their argument for their guy.

Charlie,
I do not expect military service from any candidate.

If they have military experience, that is normally a plus for me, but certainly not a requirement.

I did resent Barons' criticism of Hawley whenever Hawley did soemthing for veterans, as I resented his name calling and attacks on physical appearance.

With the current mess our state and nation are in, it is my opinion that we not vote for any one with any political experience, the only thing the incubents have to show for is the current state of chaos in Albany. I will personally be looking for more candidates like CM.

Qualifications matter alot...Thats how i will deciede how to vote,,,I need to see some kind of record a person has who is running for such a big office...Dog catcher is one thing. State Assembly is a whole different thing..Running a one man Audio business doesn't show me he his ready for the Albany challenge...Would like to see CM run for county legislator first..See what kind of change he can bring there..It should be alot easier to do that..Howard I think thats what John and Charlie mean.CM does seem to burn through alot of jobs,not staying at any one to long..

You right CM read that wrong...my bad....At least we all know you are reading this site alot...

Charlie "Why not try to convince someone that my litmus test is the most important factor? "

Charlie, you can't have it both ways. You can't make a statement and then when it's challenged back down to, "it's just a personal choice," and then come back and say, "yeah I want to push that idea." If it's a personal choice, I've nothing to say about it. If you're pushing an agenda, then damn straight I'm going to call you on it.

If it's a personal choice, fine. I'm done with it. But if it's pushing an agenda, then my position is it's an agenda that doesn't serve democracy well.

Which is it?

Mark, the path you're proposing for C.M. is the path of a career politician. If you want to break out of career politician gridlock, then such expectations are counterproductive.

However, I don't find much of an advantage in Barons running as a "citizen legislator," since Hawley himself can very credibly make that claim, being a person who comes home when he's not in session and runs his own local business -- the only member of the Assembly, I believe, who can make that claim.

C.M., can you point to a specific statement where Steve Hawley made a commitment to lower taxes? When, where and how did he go back on it? Specifics, please. And keep in mind, if you're going to go after Hawley on such an issue, you open a can of worms on yourself to explain how you will keep your commitments as a member of neither party, should you be elected.

Further, in going after Hawley on this issue, it sounds like you believe in lowering taxes. Are making a commitment to lower taxes?

P.S.: Nice to see you in comments again, and not just because I run this site. I believe it's a good move.

CM,
Transitioning veterans coming home has been and still is a Federal responsibility, which they have often failed at. The state provides other services and maybe you should learn that (the learning curve). And, as a surprise to you, the vets he has tried to help go as back as WW II.

You also still fail to state without a doubt that it is Democrats now raising taxes in Albany. You not only want to join them, but you support the idea of at least one tax that should be raised.

And you say Hawley went back on his commitment to lower taxes. Which tax did he vote against lowering? And, which tax did Hawley vote to increase? As for the property tax cap, which I support, the majority party Democrats in the Assembly have killed that.

Do you promise not to spend any earmark money given to you? You will not support any state money going from your office to any local group or local governemnt, for any reason, as you critize Hawley for doing?

Howard,
Just a note; Assemblyman Dan Burling also comes home to run his business in Corfu. He owns the pharmacy there.

Howard, your rational makes no sense to me. There is nothing wrong with taking stand based on my personal political opinion and sharing that with other people in the hopes they agree with me. You seem to be reading a lot more into this.

CM, again what’s with the name calling? How do we get passed the low brow comments and discuss the other issues you placed below it?

CM,
By the way, what is your problem with Steve Hawley raising private money so that WW II vets could go to DC by bus and see the World War II memorial before they die? No public money was used, so what's the problem?

Charlie, if there's nothing wrong with it, why did you retreat into "it's a personal choice" instead of defending your position?

If it's a position you're advocating, then you should have no problem defending it rather than acting like I shouldn't be in a position of arguing against it.

Howard, that wasn’t a retreat, I was just stating the obvious.

This is how I see your arguement, Charlie:

I want to eat/drink/smoke/vote for (insert something you like) everyday. I like it so much that I think everyone else should do the same. Why, you ask? Because it's good for you! What? Some people think it's not good? Well then, it's my personal choice.

MY personal choice is I don't like where we are and am even more afraid of where we are headed. The only way to fix things is to change things. Has anyone ever seen something that was broken get fixed just by keeping everything the same?

Angela,

I agree. Stated another way...If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.

I stated months ago that my policy for New York state elections this fall was going to be to vote against *ANY* incumbent. I also stated at that time that while some might characterize this as a stupid position, that it is MY stupid position.

This state is going to hell in a handbasket and to think that massive systemic change is not necessary is to put one's head in the sand.

If Chris Barons is the beneficiary of this need for change then so be it. If he is fortunate enough to be elected and in the ensuing two years nothing changes then guess what? He's going to be at risk.

SOMETHING has to change. If every single seat in the legislature turned over, does anyone believe that things could be any worse than they are now?

John -- Number 2 on Andrew Cuomo's 5 Step Plan for a New NY "We must get our State’s fiscal house in order by immediately imposing a cap on state spending and freezing salaries of state public employees as part of a one-year emergency financial plan, committing to no increase in personal or corporate income taxes or sales taxes and imposing a local property tax cap. We must also eliminate mandates that make it impossible for school districts and localities to contain costs."

From what I'm reading, hearing, and seeing, there will be a lot of changes in Albany in the next couple of years. Gosh John, from everything you're posting here about state issues it sounds to me like you're already an Andrew Cuomo supporter. I would be glad to sign you up on the support list.
http://www.andrewcuomo.com/issues_and_agenda

Lorie,
I do think that if Andrew Cuomo is not like his father, he'll be good. But, he's the poster child for a career politician, right, so based on some posts today, he should not get elected.

And Cuomo having a plan does not mean the Assembly or Senate will let him get it into law. But it will be a great fight.

However, Cuomo is not the subject here, is he?

I agree many changes are needed in Albany. I just get disgusted that year after year, people gripe but they don't bother to vote. Compared with many other countries, the U.S. is anemic when it comes to ballot casting. Maybe we've become too lazy, complacent and feel we're entitled to enjoy the American Way because we've been Top Banana for so long. I think people need to look at the huge global economic shifts people on this site have spoken of and realize that apathy does not bode well for democracy or keeping our Superpower status.

John, I recall over on the first page of this discussion, you did indeed mention Cuomo. Re read your comments. You also mentioned in another comment the property tax cap.

Just trying to get you to admit you actually ARE an Andrew Cuomo supporter.

I am sad to say it but, if you don't want more of the "same" you better not give the same old Democratic leadership in this state another head count. You have got to be drinking a lot of cool-aid if your thinking Cuomo = Change. He is more of the same and a HUGE insider.

That's the problem I have with this throw the bums out mentality I see. You better be sure your voting for change.

Lorie,
I said before, I believe Cuomo will get elected. but right now I am not excited over any of the candidates for Governor.

By the way, did you notice in his plan that he did not come out against fee increases or targeted taxes like the one CM supports?

Will you admit he is a career politician?

I was satisfied when it was just Howard and Charlie gittin' down and kickin' each others arses. But, this is even better...new names and Billie too. I can't vote there, so I won't. Just like most other people who could, won't. I will tell you this CM, my mom was never more impressed than when Barber Conable walked up on her porch and asked for her vote. Door to door sucks but it's hard to say no unless they already have their mind made up. These days they call it a grassroots effort, back then they called it shoe leather campaigning. It pays big dividends in small districts. You'll have to take my word on that, or not.

Here is another example CM. My dad worked for Gerber Baby Food and was in Lockport when JFK came though on the train. My dad said he shook his hand and I'm almost sure he did, but so what if he didn't. He told the story a hundred times and being a ten year old kid I told it a thousand times with lots of embellishment. Don't you embellish but encourage everyone else to make you sound like the second coming. More unsolicited advice from a guy with some experience in these regards.

John, will you admit that you ask people to admit to things way too much and that your rude demands for people to admit to any and all of your whims is old and stale? Go ahead admit it. And I will answer your question with this -- you are not the boss of me.

John Roach? Were you in Miss Horgan's third grade class with me and a bunch of other future reprobates, or am I thinking of someone else? I know you'll be back here, if you are him. They always return to the scene of the crime. The Batavian comments section amuses the hell out of me, even when I post stupid stuff that I delete the next day. Possibly this.

Lorie,
You posted me, not the other way around. While I know it was in jest, you asked me to admit I support Cuomo. And it was your idea I read the link you posted (I had seen it before). So, I ask you a very pointed question, as the Democrat County Chairperson, I knew it put you on the spot.

Asking questions of people pushing an agenda is not rude, just uncomfortable for you.

George,
No, I went to school in Erie County.

It was in jest John. I was being facetious. Although I do think that your tone of questioning is demanding and annoying. You might try nice once in a while.

John, not on the spot at all. I don't control, nor do I want to control any candidate's platform. CM obviously appealed to the committee as he received a unanimous endorsement vote. While I'm quite sure that not everyone agreed on every specific, he appealed on a majority of discussed topics and answered a myriad of questions for well over an hour. My job, therefore is to support the committees choice.

Every public servant and candidate for public office has his or her own ideas for governing. If there wasn't differences in governing philosophies we could just put an end to all this voting and the checks and balances that give us these discussions to argue over and go to a dictatorship.

Lorie,
One thread today with supporters for CM, was wanting no more career politicians, which is very understandable. And, Andrew Cuomo, like it or not, is a career politician. I don’t think anything is wrong with that and I think there should be a balance in government between them and people with other backgrounds. But if I ask you if you think Cuomo’s a career politician, you say that is rude.

Putting the party chairwoman on the spot is not rude, just uncomfortable. Did you really think you could push your guy (Cuomo) and not get a little bit of a challenge?

I'm not uncomfortable at all, John. I just took a nice drive for ice cream and am feeling wonderful. I wasn't in the discussion on career politicians and don't have an opinion on it so your question is irrelevant to me. I like fresh faces -- I also like the experience and leadership that will come with the election of Andrew Cuomo. So how's that for an answer? Is it good enough for you or do you want me to admit anything more?

John, the only non-career politician running for governor who I can think that might be on the ballot is racism- bestiality-promoting Paladino. Is that you are supporting?

Howard,
While Paladino adds a bit of interest to the election for governor, he's not going anywhere and I think most of us know it.

Lazio just does not seem to be getting any traction after running for the job for years. I also have not seen any new ideas from him.

I might vote for Cuomo, because he has the best chance of forcing Sheldon Silver to actually allow reform.

The following is a question I emailed CM based on his criticism of Steve Hawley's bus trips for vets.

"What is the problem with Steve Hawley raising private money so that WW II vets could go to DC by bus and see the World War II memorial before they die? No public money was used, so what's the problem?"

This is CM's answer.
" have no problem with Steve Hawley's vet trips. I'm sure it's a treat for those who participate. I only contrast the bus trips with a veterans' issue that I feel needs to be addressed. Knowing parents of servicemen and women currently overseas, has increased my awareness of issues relative to the well-being of those on or returning from active duty."

CM, you have attacked Hawley for his bus trips for vets more than once, now you have no problem with them, good.

I never found the State's doors shut to vets now, but I have found that the federal government has let them down over and over.

Can you give us an example of a State policy or service that lets them down? What would you do for them that the State is not doing now?