News Copy, New York

John Hall Gets Into The Act And Goes After Those Ugly Republicans: Democrat Wants Hayworth To Disavow Barton

As if this political crucifixion scene over the BP Gulf oil spill -- and President Obama's incompetence -- hadn't gotten anymore embittered, Democrat John Hall chose to lay a guilt trip across Republican Nan Hall's bow.

I never thought I would see the day I was roused to come to Ms. Hayworth's defense but after Congressman Eliot Engel's performance yesterday, I'm about ready to take the gloves off against these reactionary liberal Democrats.

The Journal News reported Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, calling on his challenger Nan Hayworth to distance herself from Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) and Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) for comments they made concerning BP and the Gulf oil spill.

Memo to John Hall:

Before you admonish a Republican for not admonishing a fellow Republican, take a closer look at your own passivity over President Obama's inaction on the Gulf oil spil.

Same memo to Eliot Engel, who over-dramatized the guilt trip on BP CEO Tony Hayward yesterday to scapegoat Obama's problems anywhere else but the Democratic Party.

Bottom Line:  If the crazy liberal wacko environmentalist like Engel and Hall hadn't pushed oil rigs so far out into the Gulf (and the law was passed during the Clinton administration and renewed with this Democratic Congress), 120 million gallons of oil wouldn't be ruining the Gulf of Mexico right now.

This scapegoating by Democrats of everyone else but themselves has to stop.

Nan Hayworth Secures Republican Nomination For 19th: Despite Abortion Baggage, Repeat Of 2006 Unlikely

Last week, Republicans in the Mid-Hudson Valley rallied behind Nan Hayworth in their convention for the 19th Congressional District.

Though some leaders in Putnam County supported Tom DeChiaro and a portion of Orange County backed David McFadden, the numbers were overwhelmingly in favor of the Mount Kisco Republican.

John Hall has a challenger.

This is now Nan Hayworth's race to lose.

It appears that Neil Di Carlo of Brewster will remain in the race to primary Hayworth, at least giving pro-life and social conservative voters a candidate in September.

First, Di Carlo has to get on the ballot -- as in gathering an army of volunteers to collect at least the required 1,250 signatures on petitions.  Second, he has to raise some money ... any money.  Finally, the political establishment has to take him seriously.

Mid-Hudson News covered a convention that seemed anti-climatic.

The sense in the room was that Hayworth's candidacy would not draw tea party support.

It's still hard to imagine Hayworth losing in November.

Tea Party?

With the likelihood of an independent Tea Party line being generated for gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, it's not far-fetched that supporters could collect signatures on petitions for such an independent line in the 19th and other House races around New York.

Such a Tea Party line would allow Di Carlo or another candidate to challenge Hayworth.  However, such a candidate would be viewed as a political spoiler and would cost Republicans a relatively easy win in the 19th.

Neither social conservatives nor tea party activists need the label of "spoilers" being put on their political resume.

Barack Obama only won the 19th by 3 percent.  Given the current political upheaval against Obama and Democrats, Hayworth should not lose to John Hall in November.  Of course, House veteran Sue Kelly lost to Hall in 2006 under near-identical ballot circumstances.  The difference this year is that Hayworth should secure the Independence Party line.   Also, there is a strong anti-incumbency brewing for November.

The problem for Hayworth and many other Republicans could be the race for governor.

Republican votes could be split three to four ways in November; Rick Lazio, Steve Levy, Carl Palladino and now Ralph Lorigo could be sparring over the Republican, Conservative and Tea Party lines.

Andrew Cuomo has secured the Independence Party line -- dragging more votes away.

Abortion Baggage?

The other problem for Hayworth is that Republicans aren't on the same page strategically to help women candidates -- nor have they been united on the continued battle over abortion.

In New York's Mid-Hudson Valley, the issue is clearly tipped to the right while Hayworth drifts to the left.

National Journal outlined the pattern nationally against women in House and Senate races, though it was curious that not once is the word "abortion" used in their analysis.  The more competitive candidates for U.S. Senate are pro-life, despite one setback.

Already, one highly touted GOP recruit has faltered: Former U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan was crushed in the primary in Pennsylvania's 4th Congressional District, losing to Keith Rothfus 67 percent to 33 percent. One NRCC official remarked, "She certainly underperformed our expectations."

Still, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions of Texas insisted recently, "We've really got good women candidates, and strong ones, who I not only talk with but encourage." He added, "I'm real proud of them."

Buchanan ran as a pro-life candidate, pro second amendment and opposing amnesty for illegal aliens.

She lost 2-1.

Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Jane Norton of Colorado, along with Sue Lowden and Sharron Angle of Nevada are all competitive Republican U.S. Senate candididates taking firm stands against abortion

The National Journal entitled its analysis, Politics As Boys' Club - but is gender the problem, or an amiguity on the party's platform?

Jeffrey Lord had an open letter to The American Spectator addressed how some Republican handle (or don't handle) the issue.

"A central reason so many conservatives have such strong feelings on this issue is that, plainly put, Roe v. Wade epitomizes precisely the kind of judicial activism that Abraham Lincoln and the founders of the Republican Party so strenuously opposed."

When Nan Hayworth tells voters that Roe v. Wade is "settled law" -- as she has told Republican leaders -- will that help or hurt her in November?

Lord was responding to a letter in The Philadelphia Inquirer where Michael Smerconish declared that the Republican Party for him is over.

"The national GOP is a party of exclusion and litmus tests, dominated on social issues by the religious right, with zero discernible outreach by the national party to anyone who doesn't fit neatly within its parameters. Instead, the GOP has extended itself to its fringe while throwing under the bus long-standing members like New York Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, a McCain-Palin supporter in 2008 who told me she voted with her Republican leadership 90 percent of the time before running for Congress last fall."

The 23rd Congressional race is still with us.

The response to Lord's letter by his liberal critics was as telling:

"No fuss, no muss. No government in the bedroom. No judges in the womb. True to the Constitution. Choice for all Americans, not just judges. Women free at last, as embedded specifically in the Constitution itself, to "consult with their doctors, their families and their own consciences -- not a political party looking to round up votes in the next election." And most attractive, surely, it would be the end of those irritating pro-lifers for good."

How about those irritating pro-choicers?

Not that winning or losing should define a reason for a stand on an issue BUT does abortion win in the 19th Congressional District?

I think not.

Jeffrey Lord points out that pro-abortion Republicans seem less concerned with "choice" and more concerned with agenda.

"... The ultimate irony in your views is the use of the term "pro-choice." To be "pro-choice" is in fact to be "anti-choice." In the spirit of Roger Taney and those slavery sympathizers of old, you are both apparently strong supporters of a judicial philosophy that is expressly designed to circumvent the real choices the American people wish to make -- whatever those choices on abortion (or same-sex marriage) may turn out to be."

In the 19th, a sleepy pro-life and social conservative voting block would make it harder for Hayworth to win -- particularly if they stay home on Election Day.

The margin for Hayworth is probably wider and more difficult, since she is a pro-abortion advocate.

More disturbing is an issue of pride among social liberals in New York, who still want to make abortion THE issue, at the cost of supporting Republicans who speak to a broader consensus of people.

In the 19th, as it was (and, apparently, still is) in the 23rd, a small but powerful cross-section of Republican leaders stubbornly don't want to support a platform Republican who is a social conservative.  They're afraid of losing, perhaps?   Are the population control junkies and medical determinists too stubborn to change with a growing majority of the country?

Whether the slippage nationally for some female House and Senate candidates is due to slippery social liberal stands or male chauvenism within the party, the good news is that Republicans have at least one seat in New York that can't be lost ... 

Well ... Can Hayworth lose?

Doubtful.

19th: Red House District

As for the poll numbers, Gallup measured that a majority of Americans consider themselves pro-life.

However, the latest Senate poll in California gives the edge to a social liberal, Tom Campbell, over Carly Fiorina, to beat incumbent Barbara Boxer.

Fiorina's marked reversal of fortune is being blamed on her over-reaching for social conservatives.

"... Fiorina, in trying to bolster her conservative credentials with GOP primary voters, has made herself unelectable in a general election, when Republican candidates need support from independents and moderates to win in a blue state."

Meanwhile, the 19th Congressional is as red as any House district in New York -- so California is hardly a reliable comparison.

Fiorina's problem may have been that she never was a social conservative to begin with.  And Hayworth may have the same problem as Fiorina in convincing mainstream Republicans that she is a social conservative?

This might be the only way Hayworth can lose; lack of believability on the social issues.

Nan Hayworth's problem is what DioGuardi found for the rest of the Republican Party in 1996.  DioGuardi's success in nearly beating Sue Kelly in a primary and his numbers as a third party candidate proved the 19th was a solid pro-life conservative Republican voting block.

So ominous were the numbers, Sue Kelly finally changed her stance in support of partial birth abortion to avoid being challenged again by DioGuardi.

Not that any candidate could defeat Hayworth in a three-way race (it would be political folly) but the 19th is acknowledged to be more pro-life and social conservative than it was in 1996.  Then again, this is a year when most people are more worried about the economy. Maybe the social issues won't be important by November?

The question remains how many less people will come out to vote at all for Nan Hayworth in November because she disregards the social conservative end of her party?

The Los Angeles Times commissioned the poll in California and obviously had its own agenda: Nuance Matters In Abortion Debate.

Yes, nuance does matter.  Poll Americans on whether they are "pro-abortion" or "pro-life" -- rather than the safe rhetoric of saying one is "pro-choice" -- and the numbers cave-in against abortion advocates.

Mona Charen noted something else about the Gallup Poll that liberals and Republicans-In-Name-Only are ignoring:

Only 38 percent of respondents said abortion was "morally acceptable." The poll also found that young people, ages 18 to 29, were much more likely to say that they oppose abortion in all circumstances today than a decade ago (one in four, versus one in seven). National Abortion Rights Action League president Nancy Keenan has noticed this collapse of support among the young, even referring to herself and her contemporaries as the "postmenopausal militia."

More important, the same nationwide polls over the past year (as late as last October) have shown the pro-life support to be 51-42 percent.  It could be argued that this nine-point breath of support is an anomaly but the demographics of the 19th Congressional District are no illusion.

Nan Hayworth might be challenging Congressman John Hall in the most pro-life and social conservative House district in New York State.

If Nan Hayworth does lose the 19th, Pete Sessions will have a lot of explaining to do ...

Cavere Withdraws From 19th Congressional Race: Cites Family And Personal Reasons

Republican candidate for Congress Kristia Cavere will be issuing the following statement to the press today,

"I am withdrawing as a candidate in the 19th Congressional District for personal reasons and to focus on my family."

Cavere's decision came after careful deliberation on her options as a candidate and serious consideration for her supporters.  As her campaign manager, I can personally vouch that Kristia's decision did not come easily and that every level of due diligence had been taken to ensure a sensible outcome -- whether she had stayed in the race or departed from the campaign.

Ms. Cavere was swept into this process to become a candidate only the best of intentions.

I have only been her campaign manager for about a week.  I won't speak for what transpired the prior six weeks but attention should be paid to an enthusiastic candidate.

---

Following the death of her brother in Iraq in February of 2007, Cavere kept a promise to her late brother and continued studies in Masters in Defense and Strategic Studies from Missouri State University in Virginia -- where they had originally planned to enroll together.

Cavere left a successful career as a financial analyst in the healthcare industry to take an unsalaried position in the Pentagon under the Secretary of Defense as a management analyst.

Cavere would return back home to Orange County last year and almost immediately found herself involved locally in civic matters.  

After an impressive write-in campaign in Tuxedo for mayor last fall, the Orange County resident had been sought out by Tuxedo Republican Chairman Dan Castricone and Orange County Republican Chairman Bill DeProspo to run for Congress.

Cavere had also drawn the interest of State Conservative leaders by February and had the expressed personal support from all five county leaders in the 19th Congressional District by March.

Cavere had delivered a stirring presentation to Republican committee members from all five counties at a candidates forum in early April.

At that moment, Cavere appeared poised to successfully challenge John Hall.

Again, I am not going to speak to what followed.  What I can say that there are still many calls for her to remain in the race and also many respectful acknowledgments of her candidacy.

Kristia Cavere is an honest and well-spoken individual whose dynamic entrance into this Congressional race inspired a lot of people.  It is my hope that people hold into that inspiration and allow this page in her life to be turned gracefully.

Citing family and personal reasons, Cavere has withdrawn as a candidate in 19th Congressional District.

Tea Party Groups Fighting "Teabagger" Insult: Cavere Defends Tea Party Movement

When Republican Kristia Cavere told a journalist that she was not a "teabagger" over three weeks ago, she was not disavowing the tea party movement.

Cavere was defending tea party groups.

Yet reporters continue to use the sexual term, as witnessed by this low-brow coverage by a Putnam blogger.

Randy & Sheryl Thomas, Organizers of the Orange/Sullivan 912 Tea Party, also spoke up.

"You are misinformed.  We are NOT “teabaggers”.  That is a sexual term and does not accurately reflect our mission of providing awareness and education about the election process and politics. Your inflammatory use of that word shows your lack of personal character."

Kristia Cavere received a warm welcome last night at a tea party candidates forum for Rockland and Orange, organized by Rally For America.

Also on hand was David McFadden, whose comments on Facebook the same day defended tea party organizations.

"The more they try to marginalize the Tea Party Groups the more active and motivated we become. We will work so hard to get out the vote for conservative candidates this November they won't know what hit them."

Millions of Americans are out there trying to make a difference, patriotically.

It's as if "the establishment" doesn't want people to be civically engaged.

Though they might be competitors in an election for the 19th Congressional District, David McFadden and Kristia Cavere are clearly not afraid to speak up for the rights of tea party groups.

Cavere Continues Campaign

In Cavere's case, she has endured national scrutiny by far-left blogs and broadcast media potato heads like Keith Olbermann for daring to defend the tea party movement.

If she was a liberal Democrat or a Republican-In-Name-Only supporting abortion and playing to the global warming crowd, Cavere wouldn't have been harassed by the media.

The media brutality Cavere endured the past month would have broken most candidates.

It happened to her because she is a pro-life conservative Republican who advocates more tea party activism.

Her message of Republican pride continues to resonate with people.

By way, her campaign expects to post a very early second quarter filing of over $400,000.

Contrary to what an individual misrepresenting himself as her "campaign adviser" told reporters, Cavere retained attorneys who painstakingly confirmed the amount raised and verified that her filing will be FEC compliant.

Misquoted and maligned, few will doubt Kristia's staying power after this week.

To her credit, the Republican from Orange County is still showing up for the fight -- and was described as "impressive" at last night's tea party forum

Much like the tea party groups she happily supports, the rumors of candidate Cavere's demise are greatly exaggerated.

Nan Hayworth Handlers To Broker Convention In 19th: Convention Format Questioned

Nan Hayworth is clearly planning to lobby local district leaders for votes at a five-county Republican convention to nominate a GOP candidate against Democrat John Hall in New York's 19th Congressional District.

In a sharply worded letter from her campaign manager John Hicks to the county chairman in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Westchester and Rockland counties, Hayworth wants some ground rules on everything from proxies to weighted votes county-by-county.

Attached is Page One and Page Two of Nan Hayworth's March 23rd letter to county leaders.

"For intra-party contests, each party adopts its own rules for how they determine the proportionality and procedure for voting.  The State law does not determine how that proportionality must be put into place, only saying that voting must be proportional."

What's at issue here is whether each county will hold their separate convention or have one five-county convention.  It also opens a Pandora's Box of legal challenges against the county chairs if the proportional vote is thrown up to question.

Hayworth's team is procedurally correct but this is all being done to make a public argument for a primary.

Nan Hayworth is ready to rumble.  She doesn't care one bit about the decisions by the chairs, especially since they apparently don't want her to be the candidate.  Of course, this works both ways -- and could yet bite back at the chairs.

The procedural preaching by John Hicks (who remains an embattled former Orange County GOP chair) is in sharp contrast to David McFadden's "Party First Pledge" calling for unity behind a candidate.

"While I do believe that the voters of this district very much deserve to have their voices heard, the reality is that should our candidate field take this to a contested primary through September, we will be handing the Democratic incumbent a significant political advantage in time, resources, and momentum."

Hicks puts forth demands on the convention that sort of bypass the control and discretion of county chairs, though it is a valuable primer on how a convention can be fairly brokered by either chairs or a candidate.

Hicks and Hayworth consultant Jay Townsend are rightfully planning to split the convention for Hayworth.  It's a legal strategy, more than do-able, though it also raises the spector of candidates dividing each other's political base.

Tom DiChiaro and Neil Di Carlo, for example, could pull conservative Republican convention votes from Kristia Cavere and/or David McFadden.  McFadden could pull Orange County votes from Cavere.  All of the pro-life Republicans could cancel each other and hand the nomination to Nan Hayworth.  Simple.

Hayworth may already have the math to divide and conquer this convention. 

It also basically lays out the argument that the convention vote won't offer a clear candidate.

This happens all the time in conventions.  It's a fairly potent way of working democracy from the grass-roots level, except it undoubtedly leads to a divided convention.

So basically Hayworth is ready for scorched earth.  One wonders if the rest of the candidates understand the ramifications of such an anal retentive approach.

Hayworth could take the nomination right out from under the pick of the county chairs at the convention.  It's a legitimate strategy, so each horse in this race better spend the money and the time reaching out to EACH district leader meticulously.  Otherwise, Dr. Townsend will win this race for Dr. Hayworth.

As for Dr. McFadden's kind olive branch of unity, the former Tuxedo Mayor and the other candidates could find themselves steamrolled at the convention.

As for the pick of the county chairs, he or she could be ungracefully scuttled at the convention with ease.

Meanwhile, Conservatives are bit more civilized in multi-county races (hah) and leave these decisions to State Committee members in the district, the county chairs and New York State Conservative Chairman Mike Long.

Engel And Lowey Draw More Challengers: New York's Suburban Liberals Get No Free Ride

Republicans have three challengers lining up against Eliot Engel, six challengers against Nita Lowey and five candidates against John Hall.

Crowded.  Apparently, crowded everywhere. Whether this is due to "low hanging fruit" or a new patriotism sweeping the country, the Republican brand has drawn more candidates than usual eager to challenge the Democrats.

18th Congressional District (Nita Lowey)

Paul Wasserman, Mark Rosen, Patrick Whalen, Patrick Gillespie, Alexander Block and Jim Russell addressed Westchester's town/city and district leaders last night in Greenburgh.  A number of high-ranking Conservatives from that county's embattled Conservative Party were also on hand.

Block is a Russian immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, a Scarsdale resident whose plain-speaking opposition to liberal Democrats reminded everyone what has changed in 2010.

"The concept of politics has always appalled me, so I have stayed away from it," said Block. "... The significant over-reach of liberal Democrats has awakened many people from a slumber."

Block's problem is that he is a registered independent.  But he is a welcome new face on Westchester's political scene and is expected to further bolster what has already been a Republican resurgence in the usually politically-correct Scarsdale.

Jim Russell's conservative views resonated with many Republicans but his campaign is stubbornly unwilling to raise money.  Having already run five times for Congress, sometimes ending up as a spoiler against Republican candidates, it seems impractical for the Mount Pleasant native to again chase this windmill.

But 2010 is the year of windmills, and conservative stands on issues, the unfunded Russell probably will force a divisive Republican primary.

Paul Wasserman is showing up with money, apparently over $200,000, but News Copy learned last night that the Ossining native only changed his registration from to Republican from Democrat in 2009.

News Copy made the mistake yesterday of posting that Wasserman was still a Democrat.  Wasserman did not change his registration before October 7, New York State's arcane deadline for changing party.  The Ossining Republican will need permission from party leaders (a Wilson-Pakula) to run in a Republican primary.

Wasserman clearly has a campaign organization, very strong on the ground and personalizing well with leaders.  However, it is highly unlikely that he will be allowed to run in a Republican primary (Maybe he should challenge Nita Lowey in a Democratic primary?)

Patrick Gillespie of New Rochelle drew spontaneous applause from Republicans when he aggressively stated that he was pro-life.  Gillespie is a latecomer to this race, with no campaign operation in place and no money.

Highly regarded Patrick Whalen of New Castle had the crowd on the edge of their seats but then suddenly announced he would not be running.

Mark Rosen of Mamaroneck continued to draw support and has formed a strong grass-roots operation.  Rosen's problem is the same of every candidate in this race (except Wasserman): Money.  Rosen has retained fundraising staff and formed a sophistical press/media operation.  The challenge in the coming weeks will be implementation of the ground game and raising money.

Handicapping this race, Wasserman would have been the capable sleeper -- if not for his registration as a Democrat -- and Whalen could have split the Republican base against Rosen.  The mystery candidate now is Gillespie, who demonstrated last night just how much of a political punch a pro-life stand can deliver with Republicans.  Russell will remain in the race, claiming that 30-35% of the general election vote without money is the best bang for the buck.

The problem for Russell and all the other candidates is that the remaining 15-25% against Nita Lowey can cost as much as $2 million dollars in television media and direct mail.

17th Congressional District (Eliot Engel)

With less than $200,000 on hand, Engel is in no position to be challenged by a Bronx Latino.  But that's precisely who he will have running against him if Tony Mele survives the minefields being set for him by Republican insiders in Rockland.

Mele was not invited to a candidates forum in Clarkstown last week.  He has been pressured to withdraw from the race and run for the Assembly.  Mele continues to draw the attention of tea party members throughout the Hudson Valley and he resonates extremely well with Conservatives in Westchester and the Bronx.

York Kleinhandler of West Nyack, a Green Beret and local business who is also Chief Warrant Officer is being aggressively touted as the frontrunner by Republicans to secure the GOP nomination in the 17th Congressional district.

The third name mentioned as a challenger to Engel is Brigadier General John Cornelius. Cornelius has lived in Suffern since 1983 but has not announced a formal candidacy.  The Rockland Times noted that all three men are not just veterans, but career military men.

The Rockland Times noted the split-personality of Engel's fiefdom,

"It’s a district that’s been under Eliot Engel’s control for 9 terms, and some would argue a district gerrymandered beyond recognition, composing portions of the Bronx, Westchester and Rockland.  As Engel celebrates his party’s victory on the health reform, the GOP is strategizing how to run a strong race against a man who commonly defeats his opponents by more than three to one. Even Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, barely mustered 33% against Engel when he ran against him in 2004."

Republicans fail against Engel due to some of the machinations presently working against Tony Mele.

What's wrong with a Bronx-born Latino running for Congress in both Rockland and the Bronx?

Cornelius, Kleinhandler and Mele have to raise money.

19th Congressional District (John Hall)

Putnam resident and Yorktown businessman Tom DeChiaro is showing up for the candidates forum for the 19th this evening in Putnam County at Villa Barone on Route 6 in Mahopac. DeChiaro's problems with the Yorktown political machine in recent years has turned him into a voice for reform.  His message is sure to resonate with those fighting political manipulations from Bedford to Brewster. 

Orange County native David McFadden has to show a strong FEC filing and make a compelling argument as an independent against John Hall.  McFadden has personalized his stands on the issues effectively.  He's brought the issues home, as they say.  McFadden is not likely to disappoint.

Fellow Orange County native Kristia Cavere will find herself head-to-head against Westchester resident Nan Hayworth.  Hayworth could spend the entire evening fending off questions on abortion.  Cavere could find herself tagged as inexperienced and unprepared, except it is ironic that Hayworth has a harder time fielding questions at times than the former Pentagon analyst.  Cavere needs a breakout moment this evening.

Neil Di Carlo claims God told him to run -- and is expected to over-talk as a political rainmaker to the point of surreality.  Di Carlo's enthusiasm for democracy is welcomed but his over-the-top religious zeal is starting to make some uncomfortable.  Though he brings an everyman's "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" perspective to the interviews, his presence in the race will be marginalized by his overtly-religious approach.

Tonight could be make or break for Nan Hayworth, who must do two things:  (1) She must address the abortion clinic controversy, and (2) the Mount Kisco moderate needs her own breakout moment.

With DeChiaro as an intriguing wildcard, anything is possible this evening -- and either Hayworth or Cavere could finally take the gloves off in front of Republican leaders.

McFadden Denounces Hayworth For Negative Attacks: Cross-River Congressional Wrestling Match

It sounds to us like Westchester's Nan Nayworth is worried about Orange County.

Hayworth has taken aim directly at David McFadden, who up until a week ago was the only formally declared Republican joining her at this dance.

Wonder what Hayworth, Inc. will do to the rest of the entrants in the 19th's now-crowded race.

As for his past liens, McFadden said that he had "no outstanding tax obligations"

McFadden explained last night in Warwick that he has always voted for Republicans as a non-affiliated voter until recently when he changed his registration to Republicans.

But McFadden admitted no patience for the mud already being slung by Hayworth hired gun Jay Townsend.

"As has already become a disturbing trend for the Hayworth campaign, she decided to inaccurately and unfairly represent my tax history.

McFadden wanted to focus more on this issues and not on any attacks, supplying a background to his financial issues.

“... When my clients were struggling due to the ups and downs of our turbulent economy, I made arrangements with the taxing authorities so that I would be able to both fulfill my tax obligations and keep my staff fully employed."

The Orange County Republican then applied his own shot directly at Hayworth's bow.

"... What’s not in dispute is the fact that I am true to my conservative principles, whereas Hayworth's credentials are indicative of a so-called Republican who has abandoned her conservative virtues."

Whether or not evidence will be supplied to back up the claims against Nan Hayworth's profit with her husband from an "abortion clinic" remains to be seen -- but it is lurking as the issue about to pounce on the well-funded and highly-touted Republican frontrunner in New York's 19th Congressional District.

Republicans in Washington, D.C. don't seem to care.

Four 19th Congressional Challengers Go Head-To-Head: Warwick GOP Holds Public Forum

Four of the five Republican candidates for the 19th Congressional District addressed the Warwick Town Republican Committee in Orange County last night.

The public forum allowed Nan Hayworth, David McFadden, Kristia Cavere and Neil De Carlo an opportunity to almost start debating.

There were some surprises:

Dave McFadden came loaded for bear.  Despite open criticisms of his legal and financial history by Republican Nan Hayworth, McFadden addressed the negative attacks fearlessly -- and didn't shy away from discussing his embattled term as mayor of Tuxedo.

Much of the Tuxedo Republican Committee were also there, almost giving McFadden a chance to head to the confessional.

McFadden was disgusted at how Hayworth's campaign had called him a "tax cheat" and said the legal/financial claims against him were an "absolute fabrication" (News Copy did note a few prior liens and judgments, though nothing yet to match the hyperbole by Hayworth).

"Let's keep it civil.  Let's debate the issues.  Let's talk about policy," said McFadden.

Pro-life, local, openly conservative and far more improvised than the rest of the candidates, McFadden's full-court press was a cross between an auctioneer and enthusiast.  He also laced into Nan Hayworth about http://appalledathall.com and other negative attacks.

Ironically, Hayworth campaign manager John Hicks had preceded the meeting by distributing copies of Appalled's biased breakdown of all five candidates to district leaders.

The identity of appalledathall.com remains a mystery.  Hayworth is certainly not distancing herself from it.  She's embracing that blog's negative politics entirely.

Kristia Cavere was warmly received, staying above the fray.  Cavere clarified her own resume; Pentagon experience, healthcare financial analyst, philanthropist.  Cavere's surprise announcement was forecasting at least $250,000 on hand before the end of the month -- $100,000 on hand.  The Orange County native also openly stated a pro-life stance.

Nan Hayworth held her ground too and has improved her presentation dramatically in recent weeks. She did not answer McFadden's charges but seemed keenly aware by the end of the night that she was surrounded by competition for the first time since September of last year.  Longer in the race, already lining up personal endorsements by local chairs and local committee endorsements, Hayworth must still be viewed as the frontrunner in the 19th with over $500,000 raised.

Nan Hayworth also crossed a line in the sand that she might yet regret:

"I am a tea party candidate, a tea party nominated candidate," said Hayworth when describing how a Port Jervis-based tea party organization, the Tristate Sons of Liberty, had endorsed her.

Neil Di Carlo came across as a rainmaking populist and an enthusiastic religious conservative.  Di Carlo's question to all the candidates about whether they had met with other committees -- in response to Hayworth's listing a dozen endorsements -- brought about the most dramatic moment of the night.

Di Carlo emphasized that it was too early for endorsements, that the committees and chairs deserved an opportunity to make an informed choice between all five candidates.  He seemed the least concerned about findraising and the most strident social conservative, evoking a politically incorrect approach about D.C. politics that should at least add some entertainment to the race for the 19th.

Though apparently pressured by leaders aligned with former Orange County chairman John Hicks to endorse a candidate last night, the Warwick Republicans were reported by district leaders to be waiting until a larger multi-town and multi-county meeting planned for next month to make a final decision.

Nan Hayworth could not deliver a knockout punch last night and experienced a pushback by her opponents that has finally reminded Republicans that there will be more than one candidate on the campaign trail this summer.

One candidate missing from last night's forum, Tom DeChiaro, has been reported to be planning a comprehensive campaign that aims to raise $1.5 million in the 19th.  Running for Congress is not cheap, as much as Neil Di Carlo rightfully reminding Republicans that this year will be about the people.

Now the only question is whether or not too many candidates have shown up ...

GOP Primary Certain In New York's 19th: Nan Hayworth Continues Attacking McFadden

A five candidate Republican primary is forming in New York's 19th Congressional District.

It's not too different from the four candidate candidate in Long Island's 1st and and the two man wrestling match in Brooklyn-Staten Island's 13th.

Congressional candidate Nan Hayworth has a lot of company in this race.

The Mount Kisco native also has a lot to say about one of her opponents, Republican David McFadden from Orange County.

"Mr. McFadden has never voted in a Republican primary, and according to the
New York State Board of Elections, is not a registered Republican.  New York
State law requires that candidates be a member of the party in order to vote
for themselves in a primary.

Mr. McFadden anouncement today leaves me wondering if he is aware of New
York State Election law, and I am also curious if Mr. McFadden has paid the
most recent of several tax liens filed against him by the State of New
York."

-Jay Townsend, spokesperson for Dr. Nan Hayworth

So it looks as if Nan Hayworth isn't angling for the independent vote in this election.

Jay Townsend is her man behind the curtain.  He's an able and successful political consultant.  I have worked with him, for him and he has shown up to help my friends put out a few fires over the years.  Townsend's also good at starting them, both when he worked for Democrats and Republicans, so the body politic here is fascinating.

McFadden's campaign has been patient and so are the other candidates who have felt stung by Hayworth supporters in recent days.  It also seems more than apparent that Hayworth, Inc. is taking aim at taking down News Copy -- killing the messenger -- but we're sorry to report that Bob Fois is not running for Congress.

And I am not working for any candidate in this race, at least not yet (and will disclose if that happens).

It wouldn't make a difference anyway.  This is a free country and I'm free to help or support or ponder or criticize or comment on any candidate I want ... within reason.  No fires being set here though.  Gosh ... I just finished criticizing my friend Rob Astorino in the prior column.  News Copy will never be a mutual admiration society.

News Copy finally caught up with Tom DeChiaro yesterday and enjoyed his candor.  DeChiaro an articulate and civic-minded type who could surprise the Hudson Valley this summer.  Also, Kristia Cavere has begun to aggressively campaign (and raise money) -- and Neil Di Carlo struck most of our counterparts as a gentleman.  All appear ready with access to money.  All appear articulate and willing to put forth a campaign.

I guess the point I am making is that the 19th is steeped in quality candidates.  May the best man or woman win.  There's no need to rush the timetable and voters should be given an adequate chance to meet and hear all of them.  Perhaps it is Hayworth's anxiety to slam the political barn door shut so early that has so many observers nervous.

It would be a shame if negative energy turned what otherwise would be a rousing triumph for Republicans into a gutter battle in the 19th.  But the same scenario is being repeated all over New York, and undoubtedly all over the United States.

Five well-funded Republicans, four pro-life, two from Orange County, two from Putnam County and one from Westchester all want to challenge two-term incumbent Democrat John Hall.

Frankly, it all has started to resemble the pile-on in New York's 20th last year -- that weakened Jim Tedisco's candidacy against Scott Murphy.  It won't be too different from the three-way shooting match in 23rd last year that found a liberal Republican endorsing a Democrat over a Conservative.

Putnam County Tony Scannapieco acknowledged that all political committee chairs have never seen so many eager Republicans stepping to the plate as candidates.  Scannapieco is a wise and weathered chair who knows all about competition in his home county, one of the fastest growing places in New York.

The Putnam chair reminded a crowded in Putnam Valley at that GOP committee's St. Patrick's celebration what happened last year in the 20th and the 23rd.  Scannapieco wasn't shooting down the idea of a primary but he cautioned how critically important it would be for all Republicans to pull behind the nominated and/or eventual candidate in any election -- whether it be for State Senate, Assembly or Congress.

I am paraphrasing but Scannapieco basically said it would be a good idea if GOP candidates played well with others and worked as team players when all was said and done.

Primaries are good and primaries are bad, if handled the wrong way.

The warnings of the 20th and 23rd are still with us -- and must be heeded.

David McFadden Declares For 19th Congressional: Orange County Will Have Two Candidates

Former Tuxedo Mayor David McFadden is in.

McFadden joins Nan Hayworth as formally declared in the race for the 19th Congressional.  Stressing a fiscal conservative message of tax relief and job creation, McFadden made his announcement in Tuxedo on Saturday.

Also in the race is Neil Di Carlo of Southeast in Putnam County.  Yorktown resident Tom DeChiaro has indicated to local Republicans that he will enter the race, as will Orange County native Kristia Cavere.

Enter Cavere

Just when one thought political dirty laundry had found its bottom in New York, the 19th features a candidate being ruthlessly kicked around before she even steps onto the campaign trail.

Kristia Cavere's entrance into the race has long been anticipated but was given an abrupt push this weekend when a Nan Hayworth supporter included Cavere's name in a derisive "hit piece" about four of the five candidates in the 19th.

You might say Cavere was handed a political baptism by fire in the harshest way one could imagine.  This Orange County Republican was treated to some cruel (and inaccurate) blogging by an anonymous blogger who appears from all descriptions to at least be a self-appointed Hayworth surrogate.

Welcome to politics, Ms. Cavere.

Cavere's credentials include a stint in the Pentagon and a background as a financial analyst in the healthcare industry.  Already being warmly received by Republican and Conservative leaders, she is expected to formally declare an exploratory committee in the coming week.  Articulate and already well-written as a conservative columnist, Cavere could provide an intellectual edge to the battle for the 19th.  More important, this pro-life tea party conservative Republican could attract sorely needed national money to New York's Hudson Valley.

Battle lines are now drawn on both sides of the Hudson.

No Comment

Amazingly, Hayworth has not distanced herself from the negative piece -- which also takes knocks at McFadden, Di Carlo and DeChiaro.  Also, it has been described as payback against the Conservative and pro-life community for what Hayworth supporters have repeatedly derided as mischaracterizations of Hayworth profiting from an abortion clinic run by her husband.

McFadden's registration has been called to question by Hayworth's campaign.  Hayworth's self-appointed surrogate takes aim at Di Carlo's recent Republican registration and his voting record.  DeChiaro, a Catholic University professor and a winery owner, is knocked down for being a "bar owner" and voting for Democrats.

Mr. Anonymous seems to have no tolerance for independents, Democrats or Conservatives.

Kristia Cavere's background in defense and strategic studies is ignored by the phantom blogger.  Instead, Hayworth, Inc. tries to make her look like a casual blogger and a recent college graduate (Cavere has a Masters in Defense and Strategic Studies).

Of course, no one can prove that Hayworth's fingerprints are on the attack blog but it mirrors the m.o. of her campaign -- and past campaigns by her handlers.  There is no public comment yet by Hayworth.

Abortion Clinic?

Meanwhile, News Copy is slowly gathering a startling amount of evidence that now suggests a far greater volume of abortions at the Mount Kisco Medical Group than previously acknowledged.  Also, past statements by both Hayworth and her husband could cast a credibility gap -- since glaring contradictions are now evident.

With four pro-life candidates in the race, a more serious question could be raised by Conservatives in five counties who want a legitimate conservative Republican in the race.

Finally, the underbelly of resistance to Nan Hayworth's candidacy defies explanation but she does remain the only candidate so far effectively barnstorming the entire district.  That might change in a few days but $519,000 goes a long way to securing a nomination -- even with an abortion clinic in tow.

It's a race now, a full-fledged primary, and we are hearing that the gloves could be off in a few days.

Hit Piece Attacking Hudson Valley Republicans Done For Nan Hayworth: New York's 19th Congressional Gets Dirty

No one will take responsibility for the following missive attacking most of the Republican field in New York's 19th Congressional District.

It conveniently discredits every Republican but Nan Hayworth.

The hit piece was released on AppalledAtHall.com, an anonymous website that goes after incumbent Democrat John Hall.

Now this messenger is going after every other Republican vying to challenge Hall, except Nan Hayworth.

Mr. Appalled claims to have no horse in the race.  The anonymous one claims no association with a candidate.  News Copy has already caught the ire of this creep, so we saw this coming ... to some extent.

As a political analyst and consultant who has been writing columns on campaigns for nearly 25 years, including working on Republican campaigns for over 40 years, I make it a habit to openly disclose my line of work.  I use my real name on blogs.  If I like a candidate, I say so.  I have no horse in this race (not yet) but I'm entitled to my informed opinion -- as is Mr. Anonymous.

Now the argument will be put forth that this hit piece for Nan Hayworth was not authorized by Nan Hayworth.  That's bunk.  Ms. Hayworth can distance herself from the attack by http://www.appalledathall.com.  She can condemn its bias.  We're waiting.  Her handlers and everyone close to her know what has transpired here.

Turning a blog designed to go after a liberal Democrat into a tool to undermine Republicans in a primary is counter-productive for the GOP.

Is it any wonder why people shy away from running for public office --
when the attacks start before a person enters a race?

Hiding any connection to a campaign or political party operation doesn't help Hayworth.  It doesn't help the Republican Party either.

 

Is it any wonder why people shy away from running for public office -- when the attacks start before a person enters a race?

 

What bothers me more about this cruel blogging is that it reminds of the primaries for this congressional seat in 1994 and 1996.  Back then, it was Sue Kelly's political damage masters digging up dirt on each of her opponents.  Almost every candidate in those two election cycles walked away with wounds.  The extent of the treachery stretched down within the Beltway, with Speaker Newt Gingrich literally hiring private investigators to damage House members.

 

I have dug my own dirt on opponents.  I know this sword well.  However, four candidates so obsessively torn apart with such dishonest "spin" was not the work of an amateur.  This was done by a professional campaign consultant.   This was crafted by a hired political gun.  This sort of expensive backstabbing is getting tiresome.

 

Also, and more important, there is well-researched and documented opposition research and rhetorical barbs that border on Clintonesque double-speak.  This website went for the jugulars of four new candidates without any consideration for balance or detail.  It was -- plain and simple -- a hit piece.

 

The Republican Party in the Hudson Valley, New York and nationally deserves better.

New York 19th Drawing More Candidates: Andrew Saul Out As Di Carlo Drops In

Neil Di Carlo is officially in, having filed with the FEC.

Andrew Saul's long-speculated run in the 19th Congressional District will not happen.  News Copy had confirmation last night of Saul's choice not to run and the MTA official has circulated the word to county chairs.  Saul's ability to self-finance and his respect among Westchester Republicans would have given him immediate credibility.  The story circulating now is that Saul could be the Republican's Lieutenant Governor candidate.

Enter Neil Di Carlo, pro-life and plain-speaking on tea party issues.

"The reason you haven’t heard of Neil Di Carlo until now is quite simple. He isn’t a politician."

Di Carlo has a website, a message, a catchy design and religious conservative stands on social issues that should satisfy social and fiscal conservatives throughout this five-county district.  The 19th does have a strong Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical base of voters.

However, an overt religious conservative message could be dissonant with the libertarian bent of many tea party activists in the 19th.  There are some doubts that a religious-right approach is the way to go.

It's still refreshing to see a candidate take a firm stand on social and fiscal issues -- and not be shy about who he is ...

News Copy sat down with Di Carlo last month at The New York State Conservative Party's Political Action Conference.  Di Carlo's common sense business sense was impressive.  He's truly not a politician.

By the way, Yorktown's Tom DeChiaro might still be in the race.  But the Yorktown winery owner has no campaign in place.  DeChiaro is reported to have good D.C. ties.  He is also the only candidate to articulate a pro-life stance in the newspapers.  This is no surprise since DeChiaro is a professor at Catholic University.

Primary Picture Emerges

Di Carlo will dent Nan Hayworth's Republican base and motivate Conservatives.  Meanwhile, Hayworth was just endorsed by Southeast's Republican chair -- Di Carlo's backyard in Putnam County.  Di Carlo also has to get a move on raising money but his resume indicates an ability to raise enough to at least get him through a primary.

With David McFadden announcing on Saturday (last week's snowstorm delayed McFadden's formal announcement) and a second candidate out of Orange reported to be days away from announcing an aggressive exploratory committee, Hayworth could find herself in a competitive primary before March 15th.

Nan remains silent about the Mount Kisco Medical Group, where her husband, Dr. Scott Hayworth is CEO.  Evidence is now mounting about abortions being performed there, though pro-life leaders have not yet gone on the record characterizing it as an abortion clinic.  Hayworth continues to accumulate local endorsements but county chairs are reportedly still waiting for a better candidate to enter the race..

No other candidate in the 19th has Hayworth's endorsements or money.  No other candidate in the 19th has Hayworth's debts or drawbacks to securing the Conservative line either.

McFadden Campaign Takes Shape In 19th: Hayworth Silent On Abortion Questions

The candidate from Orange County previously described as most likely to exit the race against Democrat John Hall in New York's 19th Congressional District is running.

He also appears poised to establish a political beachhead in Westchester County.

Former Tuxedo Mayor David McFadden will formally announce his candidacy in Orange County Saturday morning at 11:00 in Tuxedo at the Duck Cedar Plaza.

The event will be held at a newly opened, yet largely unoccupied, retail space where McFadden will be joined by the project’s developer and other local business leaders to tour the site. 

“This may not be the setting ordinarily used to announce the launch of a campaign, but these aren’t ordinary times.  As the owner of a small business myself, I think it’s appropriate to use this occasion to highlight local business owners taking risks and struggling to see their dreams come to fruition even as they face the damaging Washington policies which continue to harm the biggest engine of our economy: small business, ” said McFadden.

He added, “If given the opportunity to represent this District, my number one priority will be local job creation.  And by protecting free enterprise and lessening the tax burden on our local families and small business owners, we will do just that.”

The ambiguity in McFadden's professional biography on his campaign website is noted.  Critics on both sides of the river claim the former mayor is besieged with legal and financial problems.  Neither Nan Hayworth's campaign nor anyone else has provide evidence of his notoriety -- though McFadden hasn't provided the names of the businesses he's run either.

Both Sides of The River

McFadden has been social networking a BIT the past month, Facebook "friending" anyone who isn't nailed down.  More impressive has been the outreach by this Orange County campaign across the river.  The Orange County businessman has secured support from operatives and media professionals in Westchester.

It's clear McFadden won't be a stranger in Republican Nan Hayworth's home county.

It's as clear that McFadden won't be alone in his own county: with a pro-life conservative Republican from Orange -- with national tea party credentials -- expected to aggressively circulate within the next two weeks.

The 19th could get crowded.  Though Tom DeChiaro of Yorktown in Westchester and Neil DeCarlo of Southeast in Putnam County have been quiet in recent weeks, Nan Hayworth might be facing the resources of four well-funded pro-life campaigns by March 15th.  Of course, this could split the "true conservative" base and actually help Hayworth.

Abortion Questions

Hayworth keeps silent about questions surrounding the Mount Kisco Medical Group, where her husband as CEO has denied that the facility is an abortion clinic.

Sources have told News Copy that evidence exists proving that Dr. Hayworth does run an OB/GYN clinic that performs abortions.  The issue is not expected to go away anytime soon but no accountable claim by a candidate or organization has surfaced.  Perhaps McFadden himself could change that.

Saturday will be McFadden's day to make a noise like a Republican elephant and remind the rest of the Hudson Valley that Orange County is still in the game.

Orange County Gears Up To Challenge John Hall: Incumbent Democrat Not Raising Money

Incumbent Congressman John Hall (D-Dover Plains) isn't raising money and challengers are lining up.  The 19th Congressional District only went 52-48% for Barack Obama in 2008, with John McCain winning Putnam County and portions of northern Westchester (particularly the town of Somers).

The two-term Democrat must be viewed as extremely vulnerable with only $451,584 on hand, according to F.E.C. reports.  Republican Nan Hayworth has $519,007 on hand but already had $292,297 in campaign debts by the first of the year.

---

Hall couldn't remember the lyrics to the national anthem before a Marist College women's basketball game Sunday night. For a professional singer, Hall gave a lazy rendition -- or maybe he didn't want to sing certain lyrics ("O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming")?

See for yourself.  It was so uninspiring that his flat repetition of the same lyrics almost goes unnoticed.

Hall better sharpen up.  Republicans in Orange County intend to put forth a significant pro-life conservative Republican challenger in the coming weeks.

Orange County GOP Chairman Bill DeProspo has focused on recruiting a "true conservative" to unify the Conservative and Republican parties -- the same way he aggressively backed and fundraised Greg Ball's aborted run.

And it is clear, directly from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long and his entire operation that Conservatives do not want to support Mount Kisco native Nan Hayworth.

Local chairs on the Westchester County Conservative Committee have expressed doubts about Hayworth's conservative credentials -- and there are fears of a credibility gap on abortion.

Questions are being raised by Conservatives and Republicans alike about Hayworth accepting money from a the American Medical Group Association, a PAC significantly funded by the Mount Kisco Medical Group where Hayworth's husband is CEO.  There are unsubstantiated claims that abortions are performed there -- and denials by Dr. Scott Hayworth that the Mount Kisco Medical Group is an abortion clinic.  The are also questions about the PAC itself, with 81% percent of its recipients being Democrats.

Hayworth is the only candidate in the race with a committee filed properly with the F.E.C., though former Tuxedo Mayor David McFadden is announcing his candidacy on Saturday.  Multiple sources in Orange County have repeatedly cautioned that McFadden is too ridden with legal and financial problems to be taken seriously.

In addition to McFadden, Yorktown's Tom DeChiaro and Southeast's Neil Di Carlo -- both openly pro-life candidates -- had told reporters their interest in 19th.  Neither appear yet to have filed with the F.E.C. or put together an organized campaign.

News Copy can confirm that an Orange County native will enter the race for the 19th, described privately by Conservatives and Republicans as "organized and intelligent" -- a "pro-life tea party conservative Republican" who can defeat John Hall.

NRCC Elevates Hayworth To Contender: Endorsed By Tea Party Group As Hall Stumbles

A tea party group from the city of Port Jervis in Orange County called the Tristate Sons of Liberty has endorsed Republican Congressional candidate Nan Hayworth.

Hayworth is vying to face off against Democrat John Hall in the 19th Congressional District.

The same day as the tea party endorsement, Hayworth was elevated to contender status by the NRCC on the basis of her fundraising.

"Hayworth’s campaign has already achieved some success, reporting $519,000 cash on hand as of December 31, which is $67,416 more than Democrat incumbent Hall had on hand."

A Republican surpassing an incumbent Democrat in fundraising this early in an election cycle is significant.

It's an indication that Hall might be more than vulnerable.  Sources in the Hudson Valley have suggested the two-term House Rep is "giving up" but the NRCC cautioned that the 19th was won by Barack Obama (52-48).

Hayworth's financial advantage makes her formidable, so anyone looking to challenge her better hurry up.

Back in December, the City Hall blog reported that Assemblyman Greg Ball was being asked to re-enter the race.

Ball appears solely focused on running for State Senate, despite that leaving him on a collision course with popular incumbent State Senator Vincent Leibell.  The NRCC still openly praises Ball but he is a political peck's bad boy or whipping boy depending on who you speak to ...

As for Hayworth, money changes a lot of minds but the following sentiments from two months ago still appear to hold true.

The county chairs say their main misgiving about Hayworth is her lack of political experience. But a personal dispute is playing into it as well: Hayworth hired John Hicks, the former party chair of Orange County, as her campaign advisor. Hicks is embroiled in a long-term dispute with DeProspo, who helped oust him. DeProspo says that by choosing Hicks, Hayworth has displayed her political naiveté and an unwillingness to fit in with the local G.O.P. team.

“I think that the NRCC has looked at [Hayworth] on paper,” he said.' “They have their own goals and benchmarks and guidelines…what they really, really like about her is that she has a lot of money.”

As chairman of Orange County in 1996, Hicks found himself at odds with Conservatives over his support of Sue Kelly -- whose radical late-term partial-birth abortion stands then had her at odds with half the national Republican Party.  DeProspo's backing the liberal William Weld for governor in 2006 didn't endear himself to Conservaties either -- but the Orange County Chairman has openly articulated a willingness to support a pro-life conservative in the 19th.

So far, that candidate has not arrived.

Meanwhile, News Copy was handed solid confirmation on another detail in the 19th that may surprise people.

The same political operatives within the NRCC praising Nan Hayworth had far more good things to say about Greg Ball's aborted candidacy.  The respect for Ball's run in the 19th was so effusive -- by NRCC staff simultaneously promoting Hayworth -- that it seemed hard to believe that this was the same organization Nan Hayworth's campaign had claimed wanted Ball out of the race over a faulty poll.

Currently, Greg Ball has not articulated ANY plans to re-enter this race nor does that appear likely.  However, Hayworth is vulnerable to a challenge in a primary -- regardless of what the rocket scientists in D.C. say. 

Hayworth Tied To Healthcare PAC Lobbying Liberal Democrats: Husband Denies Running Abortion Clinic

Regarding the 19th Congressional District, Nan Hayworth's "potential baggage" has arrived.

Her husband, Dr. Scott Hayworth, has been involved in a healthcare PAC called the American Medical Group Association that has donated money to Charlie Rangel, Nita Lowey, Chuck Schumer, Henry Waxman, Barbara Mikulski, Patty Murray, Max Baucus and Harry Reid.  It has given money to Republicans, most notably Orrin Hatch, but in 2008, this PAC was supporting the likes of Rahm Emanuel and John Dingle.

Though unnamed D.C. sources have been predicting a Conservative backlash for over two weeks, at least one NRCC official cautioned yesterday that the lobbying of liberal Democrats by a healthcare PAC is "pretty normal" by D.C. standards.

Urban Elephants columnist Raquel Okyay had first identified the Americican Medical Group Association (AMGA) as giving $5,000 to Nan Hayworth but a deeper review of this PAC's records revealed that at least two-thirds of the Washington State PAC's donors were from New York.

There is not much unusual about this PAC, except that is giving 81% of its monies to Democrats.

Then it also became clear where many of the donors were employed, the Mount Kisco Medical Group, and the rest followed.

Okyay came to her own conclusions.

"... It’s easy to make the assumption that husband Hayworth is more than just supportive of abortion rights but actively works to defend it by raising money to fund pro-abortion candidates – not very different from a Planned Parenthood PAC – and by association links candidate Hayworth with the powerful abortion lobby."

Nearly 60 of AMGA's donor work for the Mount Kisco Medical Group or have some assocation with Scott Hayworth as a doctor or Nan Hayworth as a candidate.  At least another 60 are employed by the Westchester Medical Group.

It is a "pretty normal" PAC and perfectly legal by D.C. standards.  The obvious pattern has been doctors.  Frankly, the overwhelming pattern with most of Nan Hayworth's donors has been doctors.  She's a doctor.  Her husband is a doctor.  There's nothing unusual here.  Why wouldn't they give to one of their contemporaries?

Hayworth's husband defended himself last night (using Nan Hayworth's campaign website in his link though):

"I am indeed the CEO of the Mount Kisco Medical Group (MKMG). I don’t perform abortions. I have in my years as an OB-GYN delivered more than 2,000 babies. MKMG is not an abortion clinic."

Pro-life leaders throughout the Hudson Valley since the days of Congresswoman Sue Kelly have sworn the Mount Kisco Medical Group is an abortion clinic.  Hayworth defended his operation as a fertility clinic.

Hayworth also claimed no control over the PAC.

"While I am honored to be involved with the American Medical Group Association, (AMGA) I do not sit on the PAC Board, which is a separate entity. I have no control over whom the PAC chooses to support. I am not in the business of raising money to support ‘pro-abortion’ candidates."

But as the NRCC diplomatically explained, the whole idea of such a PAC is to influence the Democrats -- particularly powerful liberal Democrats (the party in control) -- and Hayworth's many employees and associates signed on without much difficulty.

This is influencing peddling on a very simple and perhaps harmless level, except Nan Hayworth is now tied to a healthcare lobby with an agenda and maybe even a friendly agenda to Republicans ... or perhaps not.

One can read too deeply into Nan Hayworth accepting money from The American Congress of OB/GYNS PAC, for example, since it reads like a who's who of the roster of some of the most liberal and conservative politicians in America.

A more serious concern would be how Hayworth articulates the actual policies embraced by her own husband oin healthcare reform; ie. advocacy for patients versus doctors.

Hayworth has raised $595,725, with $250,000 loaned to her committee and $334,659 in individual donations, only $11,000 in PAC money.

Wanted In New York: Real Republicans And True Conservatives To Run For Congress

Congressional Quarterly mistates the situation in New York with its "surplus" of candidates running for Congress.

In the 19th, for example, the problem is simple.  Nan Hayworth has the money ($519,000) but also the "potential baggage" drawn from extreme pro-abortion ties.

Urban Elephants was a bit more blunt:

NRCC Gives UP ON NY-19 -- Candidate "Unimpressive"

Dan Peterson, the outgoing Manhattan Young Republican Chairman, had heard similiar whispers out of Washington, D.C. that News Copy's sources have been sharing for three weeks now.

Actually, we had heard MUCH worse, not from the NRCC but more direct commentary on the following:

"The NRCC sees Hayworth as a tremendously unimpressive and uninspiring candidate who has not warmed to local party support and is considered too liberal to get the grassroots base excited. The NRCC is now realizing that she was really only taken into consideration because of her wealth and not her ability to network throughout the district..."

The point being that New York better wake up about what constitutes a true Republican candidate, let alone a true conservative candidate.  Peterson was attacked by pro-abortion Republicans in New York City, a common theme these days between Republicans in New York, and precisely what plagued the 23rd last year.

Politico indicated that another rift looms in the 23rd, where Doug Hoffman is not getting Republican support after nearly winning last year as a Conservative!

New York Republican operatives want Will Barclay, who has the credentials and the location and probably looks more like a candidate than Hoffman.  But there's a problem, a systemic one.

"The drawback is that he lost a Republican-held seat in a closely watched 2008 state Senate special election. And the two most recent congressional GOP nominees with backgrounds in the New York Legislature — Scozzafava and state Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, who lost to Democratic Rep. Scott Murphy in another special election last year — have fared poorly."

There is a breed of Republican strategist in New York who suffers from fear and loathing about parts of the Republican platform.  And they keep losing elections (and make a lot of money in the process).

If they were horses, it would be time to shoot some of these RHINO-like consultants.

One can only hope/pray/beg that the usual suspects running campaigns into a politically correct Bermuda Triangle are not given permission again by Dean Skelos to ruin Republican chances in the State Senate.

Congressional Quarterly described the line in the sand as the jockeying for New York's third party endorsements.

Orange County Chairman Bill DeProspo said that for a Republican, running without the Conservative Party endorsement is akin to political suicide. “In the state of New York, if you think you can run for a congressional seat without the Conservative line and without the Independent line, you’re just not paying attention,” he said.

DeProspo himself is indicating a run against Hayworth -- but there are whispers of at least three strong (and well-financed) pro-life Republicans possibly challenging Nan Hayworth to a primary.

For pro-life Republicans, this is not complicated.  For conservative Republicans, this is a relief.  For Republicans who know a real Republican and a true conservative will win in their locales, this is common sense.

In a column entitled, Dede Deja Vu?, Raquel Okyay of Ulster County remembered that it was a liberal State Senator in the 23rd who ambushed Republicans over gay marriage and abortion by endorsing the Democrat over Hoffman in the closing week of the campaign.

"No one could have predicted that the Republican-endorsed candidate Dede Scozzafava would drop out of the race just three days before the election, endorse the Democrat and burn the Republicans, but what happened is more than just a bad turn of events, it is a result of choosing the wrong candidate to begin with. And it appears they are about to make the same mistake in New York’s 19th Congressional District race this year."

It's not just the 19th and the 23rd headed for a primary.

Congressional Quarterly noted how Republicans Michael Grimm, a former FBI agent, and Michael Allegretti, a former aide to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I) are both running for Rep. Michael McMahon’s (D) Staten Island-based 13th district.

Bloomberg aide versus a a Guy Molinari backed F.B.I. agent?  Allegretti is well-liked but in residential Staten Island, Bloomberg versus the former Borough President is a no brainer.  In New York, it's instead going to be a costly primary.

The NRCC has only elevated one New York candidate to contender, Randy Altschuler in the 1st against tea party plagued Democrat Tim Bishop.  But even Altschuler apparently faces a primary against as many as three candidates.

Raquel Okyay's advice to State GOP Chairman Ed Cox in the 19th is simple enough:

a) Look for a candidate that is not a wealthy liberal;
b) Is likable enough to get the support of the tea party and conservative movement; and
c) Is serious about real change in New York and in Washington.

"Mr. Cox – it’s a pop-up, put your glove out and catch the ball!"

Of course, there is the train of thought that competitive Republican primaries will rouse the G.O.P.'s base in this year of tea parties.

Yeah ... tell that to all the donors who will be asked for money ...

 

New York Getting More Attention In Six Congressional Races: Seven Candidates Upgraded By NRCC

The Hotline had listed 28 candidates upgraded by the NRCC to "Young Gun" status a few days ago -- but the expanded list actually has 63 candidates.

The National Republican Congressional Committee's list includes seven challengers from New York in five congressional races expected to be competitive.

News Copy spoke too soon, as did a few of our sources.  Nan Hayworth remains "on the radar" but not elevated to contender.  Hayworth appears on hold for other reasons that sources describe as "potential baggage" and continued negative feedback from party leaders.

Real Clear Politics explained the criteria for the NRCC's "Young Guns" program, who are expected to develop well-organized campaigns to defeat Democratic incumbents.

"These candidates are putting the pieces of a winning campaign in place by meeting the rigorous goals laid out by the Young Guns program and aggressively paving their way toward victory on Election Day," said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions. "The progress of these candidates is not only a testament to the Young Guns program, it is a sign of the hostile political environment that Democrats have created for themselves."

New York State by the NRCC's evaluation process has no "Young Guns" yet, and only one "contender" (Randy Altschuler in the 1st).

Not to sound sarcastic but the "Young Guns" pecking order seems like a sign of the hostile political environment that Republicans have created for themselves.

Still not upgraded to contender is Staten Island's Mike Grimm, whose robust fundraising and aggressively campaign among Conservatives has turned many a head.  Grimm is "on the radar" in the 13th with Michael Allegretti, joined by Hayworth in the 19th, George Demos in the 1st (still no sign of Christopher Cox), Richard Hanna in Central New York's 24th and Tom Reed in Western New York's winnable 29th.

As for Hayworth's fate, News Copy has identified what sources in D.C. and New York have described as cause for a measurable "conservative backlash" --  but the NRCC is yet to call back with any verification on how real the "potential baggage" might be for the Mount Kisco Republican.

Sadly, sources are hinting that the NRCC may give up on the 19th -- but News Copy suspects New York was never going to get that much help from D.C. in the first place (and many tea party activists helping these candidates have privately expressed that they don't want the NRCC's help).

Still missing from the NRCC's list is the 23rd's Doug Hoffman, who narrowly lost in a three-way race as the Conservative candidate where the Republican candidate became a destructive spoiler in the closing days of that race.

G.O.P. Coming Up Short In New York With Congressional Challengers: NRCC Sees Only One "Contender"

Republicans have at least seven congressional districts in New York that they should target aggressively in 2010, including two seats where John McCain beat Barack Obama in 2008.

Swing State broke out all the Obama-McCain numbers throughout each congressional district nationally, including numbers from the Bush-Kerry and Bush-Gore races.

With only 3-4 point margins of victory by Democrats in 2008, districts 24, 23, 20, 19 and 1 can be taken by Republican candidates.

The only problem is that the NRCC has upgraded only one of them to contender status, Randy Altschuler, a Republican challengers to Democrat Tim Bishop in District 1. 

Hotline reported the NRCC upgrading 28 candidates nationwide to either "Contender" or "On The Radar" but passed on upgrading Nan Hayworth in the Hudson Valley's highly competitive 19th against Democrat John Hall (she stays "on the radar").  Also missing the cut were Doug Hoffman in the 23rd, who narrowly lost to Bill Owens in a three way race in a district where Barack Obama only received 52 percent of the vote.

Strangely ignored though not going away is Christopher Cox (the son of State GOP Chairman Ed Cox) who has launched a formidable campaign against Tim Bishop in District 1, so out of the gate the NRCC already finds itself mired in a GOP primary.  The NRCC put George Demos "on the radar" and something tells me this race on the eastern end of Long Island is getting a lot of volunteers this summer.

In two other districts, the 29th in Western New York and the 13th on Staten Island and a portion of Brooklyn, John McCain won.  With Republican Mike Grimm in the 13th reported to be closing in on $300,000 or more in fundraising, it seems particularly baffling why the NRCC is missing this race where Republicans had ruled for nearly 30 years.  Grimm should be a contender, though maybe the NRCC is afraid of another primary.

As for the 19th, a sure winner for the right Republican, Nan Hayworth is boasting of over $500,000 raised (over $350,000 in personal loans to her committee) but Republican insiders have suggested that no amount of money can buy a populist edge in this distinctly conservative tea party district. 

Apparently, the NRCC agrees that Hayworth is missing something but so is most of New York's Republican establishment if they can't win back these seats.

Update on this post:  We spoke too soon.  NRCC now has "on the radar" candidate in the 29th, 24th and two in the 13th -- but News Copy believes most of them are contenders.

New York Getting More Attention In Six Congressional Races: Seven Candidates Upgraded By NRCC

New York Republicans Aim At Tuesday's Special Elections: Proving November Was No Fluke

Democrats are pulling out the liberal guns in New York's sleepy suburbs to stave off any further tea party upsets.

House Reps. Nita Lowey and John Hall know what is at stake in New York City's suburbs.

Three of four special elections for State Assembly seats are expected to be won by Republicans, due to a growing tea party presence in Westchester and Long Island.

David Singer of Scarsdale offers an insightful analysis in The Huffington Post, aptly entitled "Reading The Tea (bagger) Leaves ..."

Republican Michael Montesano is expected to win Nassau County's 15th Assembly District, as is Democrat David Weprin in Queens County's 24th in a perennial liberal bastion.  However, Suffolk's District 3 with Republican Dean Murray against Democrat Lauren Thorden and Westchester's 89th with Republican Bob Castelli against Democrat Peter Harckham could score additional victories for the G.O.P. that would have been political funerals in previous years.

In Westchester, a win would be further vindication for that county Republican organization:

"The Democrats have a 10,000 registered voter edge over the Republicans, but in a special election all bets are off. Harckham and Castelli are known in the northern Westchester part of the district -- but have limited name recognition in the higher-populated southern end. This too is a jump ball and will depend on the GOTV effort waged by each candidate."

Sources have told News Copy that Congressman John Hall has dedicated his staff and himself to helping the Democrat win in the lower reaches of his own 19th Congressional District.  It's also no surprise to learn that former Congresswoman Sue Kelly and her husband were manning the phones for Castelli.

"A victory by Castelli would prove last year's landslide by Rob Astorino in Westchester was no fluke.  It would change the assessment by donors and national Republicans alike on dozens of state legislative and congressional races throughout New York and the northeast."

At stake is a vulnerable spike in the heart of a liberal "gentry" region that Democrats in New York or federally cannot afford to lose any ground.  The bottom line is that a victory by Castelli would prove that last year's landslide by Rob Astorino (57-43%) to become county executive was no fluke.  It would also change the assessment by donors and national Republicans alike on dozens of state legislative and congressional races throughout New York and the northeast.

"... If the Republicans take back AD#3 with Murray and AD#89 with Castelli, this will be a sign of trouble for the Democratic party up and down the line, likely accelerating the exit of David Paterson from the gubernatorial race, and indicating better odds to the Republicans retaking control of the State Senate in November."

These special elections are the game changer in a state supposedly claimed by liberal Democrats....

The Yonkers Tribune covered Harckham being endorsed by eleven-term incumbent Nita Lowey, whose 18th Congressional District covers the lower portion of the 89th, and Hall, whose 19th Congressional District covers most of northern Westchester.

New York Congressman John Hall On Freedom of Speech: SHUT UP!!!

A liberal Democrat in New York's Hudson Valley wants a law to undermine a Supreme Court ruling allowing corporate involvement in elections.

New York Congressman John Hall wants to sidestep the recent high court ruling on free speech by discriminating against investors in American corporations.

"Foreign nationals who have partial ownership or management of American corporations do not have the right to use that control to swing American elections."

John Hall has no problem with Democrats socializing parts of the U.S. economy -- and letting its special interests donate in excess to the same Democrats -- but evil capitalists can't Constitutionally advocate a free market system?

The Freedom From Foreign-Based Manipulation in American Elections Act would block campaign advertising by any corporation with foreign nationals making up 5% or more of their shareholders, foreign nationals on its board of directors, or a foreign national employed as a senior executive. regulations.

Five percent?  Hall should check his own stock portfolio and donor list for foreign entanglements before he throws stones.  The truth is that Hall wants to penalize foreignors who believe in capitalism and America's form of government.  The two-term Democrat is just reaching for this xenophobic excuse to knock down American corporations.

He doesn't care one bit where the money comes from.

Next, Rep. Hall will start singing The Internationale ...

New York's 19th Congressional Getting More Crowded: Pro-life Movement Flexing Muscles

Since Barack Obama only won New York's 19th Congressional District 52-48%, two-term incumbent 
Democrat John Hall has to be feeling the heat.  News Copy has learned that the names of at least eight Republicans and one Conservative are being floated for this House seat, including four each from Orange and Westchester counties.

The consistent word from all sources, from most partly leaders and particularly from people "on the ground" is that Nan Hayworth is still not resonating, despite confirmed stories that she is pressuring committee by committee for early endorsements.  Also, Conservatives and Republicans alike understand that the 19th is one of those rare districts in New York tailor made for a true conservative Republican.

And pro-life candidates are stepping forward, partly in protest but also somewhat curious that they can be the next Scott Brown.  It won't be that simple or easy in New York.

Last week, a story broke about a Yorktown (and D.C.) native named Tom DeChiaro "mulling" a run against Democrat Nan Hall in New York's 19th Congressional District.  The North County News quoted DeChiaro taking an openly pro-life stance.

DeChiaro, who is Catholic, said his beliefs will guide him when it comes to making decisions about policy.

“If you are a candidate who believes in the sanctity of life, you have to vote based on your belief, or you have no integrity. When it comes to core values, you can’t have a give and take.”

DeChiaro join Di Carlo in taking an open stance against abortion.  It is speculated that other pro-life candidates are lining up, possibly Conservative Avery Leidner out of Orange County and former Congressman Joe DioGuardi, who lives less than a mile outside the district in Ossining (though News Copy can confirm DioGuardi's interest could be either statewide or again challenging eleven term incumbent Democrat Nita Lowey in the 18th Congressional in lower Westchester).

Orange County Republicans are expected to make their presence known in this race, especially since it is the largest and more dominant Republican portion of the 19th.  Former Tuxedo Mayor David McFadden has declared with $100,000 on hand but the Times Herald-Record reported that he is already catching criticism from Nan Hayworth's campaign -- for his party registration (or lack thereof).

Jay Townsend, a consultant for Republican rival Nan Hayworth's campaign, responded to the announcement by revealing that McFadden isn't registered as a Republican – he has no party affiliation – and that he recently had a $21,441 tax lien filed against him, in addition to past tax problems.

McFadden “hasn't cared enough to register in the Conservative or Republican parties,” Townsend said. “Nor has he cared enough about our community to even pay his taxes and honor his obligations.”

This already has the feel of a competitive primary shaping up.

The North County News blog argued that a primary in the 19th would not help Republicans.

"... The lesson has not been lost on the state Republican party regarding the Democrats winning the Republican stronghold of upstate New York District 23 last November, another humiliating defeat for the old-guard GOP."

It was a liberal Republican endorsing the Democrat that cost Conservative Douglas Hoffman the primary, not the actual primary.

The other possible candidates in the race remain under the political radar or have not formally declared, though numerous sources comfirm that another wealthy candidate is weighing the option of a run and at least another "true conservative" is being courted by Republicans.

Scott Brown Victory Has New York Millionaire Mulling New York House Race

While Tea Party activists throughout the Hudson Valley wait for a true conservative Republican to challenge two term incumbent Democrat John Hall in the 19th Congressional District, another wealthy "moderate" from Westchester is considering a run.

Blogs are buzzing about the entry of winery owner Tom DeChiaro into what is sizing up to be a crowded primary for the Republican line in this five county House seat.  The 19th includes parts of Westchester, Dutchess and Rockland, most of Orange County and all of Putnam.

DeChiaro's background is compelling, as reported by The Journal News.  He took on town hall when he was unhappy with the bureaucracy in Yorktown over building permits,

Characterizing himself a "center right" candidate, DeChiaro still avoided any mention of social conservative issues and failed entirely to mention the second amendment or illegal immigration.

These issues mean something to voters in the Mid-Hudson Valley. 

But DeChiaro is not alone in playing it safe as a moderate, if that is what he is ...

Pro-life activists are already openly displeased with another Republican vying to challenge John Hall, Mount Kisco native Nan Hayworth.  Republicans and Conservatives alike remain unsure about Hayworth -- and would be open to an alternative.  Extremely well funded with her own money (she has loaned her campaign $400,000), Hayworth started raising money last March but has only raised $166,000 from individual donors.

Daily Kos, the liberal blog, listed DeChiaro's entry among the sea changes after Scott Brown's win.

Other names have been floated, including three lesser known candidates from Orange County and an openly pro-life candidate from Dutchess County, Neil Di Carlo.  Di Carlo's entry has also been a cautious one, with him declining to discuss specific policy differences between him and Hayworth. 

It's still not certain how many -- if any -- of these candidacies will materialize and be sustained through a September 14th Republican primary.  Former Tuxedo Park Mayor David McFadden, a well-funded Republican from Orange County, had been believed to still be a candidate but he has not been actively campaigning.

The wealthy DeChiaro's entry counters Hayworth's dollars but money can't buy either of them the Conservative line.  Money sure helps a candidate survive the grueling primary process.  Finally, a challenge to Hall is projected to cost over $2 million, so neither of these deep pockets will be taken for granted.