News Copy, New York

Bruno Applying Pressure Against Legislative Hopefuls

Sources have confirmed that Republican Assembly candidate Peter Santiago is staying in the race for the 108th State Assembly District seat now held by departing Assemblyman Pat Casale, despite some heavy-handed intimidation by some political bosses and at least one confirmed attempt of Albany insiders trying to "buy Peter out of the race" with a six figure State job.

Offers You Don't Refuse

It's always about jobs in Albany, eh?  Jobs being giveth and jobs being taketh away, pensions being giveth and pensions being taken away, reputations being giveth and reputations being taken away -- all in the name of political expediency, incumbency protection and sustaining the "same ol', same ol'" political bosses.

Santiago and Tom Dadey are just two examples of legislative hopefuls standing up to the threats, often at risk or detriment to their economic welfare.

Dollars won't sway either man and Santiago's race in the 108th Assembly race appears to be impressing a lot of credible insiders.  Many are now admitting that Santiago's call to take the fight right to "Bruno's backyard" might be the best thing that has happened to the GOP in the Hudson Valley in a long time.

Santiago's not the only candidate taking heat in this four-county district.

The 75 year old Casale is now reported to be "trash talking" both Santiago and the other Republican in the race, Rensselaer County Legislator Martin Reid, prompting many to conclude that all the fuss in the 108th is about whom might succeed State Senator Joe Bruno.  Sources close to George Pataki described efforts to find former Troy City Councilman Carmella Mantello the kind of State job that would have allowed her to run for Casale's seat, in preparation for a future run in Bruno's State Senate district.

Santiago is headed on a collision course with Joe Bruno, sources revealed to News Copy this morning, over what has been described as "bullying" to steer endorsements to Reid.  He's not running to pursue a State Senate seat (he was apparently handed a chance to run against State Senator Neil Breslin), he explained, and he even would support Mantello if she chose to eventually run for Bruno's seat when it is vacant.

Santiago is sizing up to be more of a team player than the Renssalaer bullies planned on and the "Delmar boys" (a Democrat, Republican, Conservative and Independence Party member) are clearly viewed as the favorites in this race, despite every effort on Joe Bruno's part to steer the focus away from Albany County.

Bruno is reportedly getting ruthless but this is nothing new.

Just ask well-intended State Senate challenger John Fleming in 2004, who still has not told the entire tale to journalists about what some observers still believe was an inside shakedown of the former New York City Police Detective and close Rudy Giuliani aide.  Despite some ideological miscues, Fleming's race drew the heavy hammer of Bruno's office -- and much arm-twisting to get everyone to endorse Democrat Steve Kaufman (a reasonable candidate who was actually ill-served by some of the State Senate Majority Leader's younger political strategists).

Bruno doesn't learn, still relying on intimidation and offers that challengers are not supposed to refuse to short-change democracy.

Dadey Lawsuit Looms

The same reports have come out of Central New York State over the 49th State Senate District where Republican Tom Dadey, who is busying collecting petitions to get on the ballot.

Both Santiago (who expects to at least be in a Republican Primary against Reid) and Dadey (who could also challenge Republican nominee Jeff Brown in the Conservative and Independence Party primaries) will depend heavily on that legal permission slip to run in a Conservative Primary called a "Wilson-Pakula" that is bestoyed on non-Conservatives by State Conservative chair Mike Long and his State Executive committee.

The Auburn Citizen had stories on the Cayuga County Conservatives endorsing Dadey over Jeff Brown and an initial non-endorsement by the Independence Party.

In choosing Dadey, the committee picked the candidate that demonstrated conservative values the most.

“On issues that matter to Conservatives, (Brown) was not that much different than (state Sen. David) Valesky,” Cayuga County Conservative chairman Greg Rigby said, referring to the Democratic incumbent.

Dadey ran unsuccessfully on the Conservative and Independent lines two years in the race won by Valesky. Backers of former Republican state Sen. Nancy Larraine Hoffmann, the other candidate in that race, blamed Dadey for taking away votes.

But the county Conservative party appreciated Dadey's willingness to stay in the race after losing the Republican primary two years ago, Rigby said.

“That is important to a small party like us,” he said.

The Independence Party of that county was split between Republican nominee, Assemblyman Jeff Brown, and Dadey, endorsing neither.

At the Independence Party's state convention, Brown would prevail and secure that party's nomination.

The Syracuse Post-Standard reported that Dadey could still purse an opportunity-to-ballot and initiate a write-in challenge.

Dadey, seeking the Republican and Conservative lines again this year, said he might mount a write-in primary against Brown for the Independence line. Dadey has won the support of Conservative committees in Oneida and Cayuga counties. Though Brown won the Onondaga County Conservative Committee's endorsement, the ultimate say goes to the party's state executive committee.

That committee is controlled by State Conservative Chairman Michael Long, who has said he thinks Dadey deserves another shot at the Senate. Brown noted that the Independence Party was the only one whose support all three candidates for the 49th Senate District sought. But Dadey said the Independence Party didn't back Brown in either of his two races for the Assembly and he found their support for him now "curious."

Curious is an understatement.

Dadey's progress in this race won't be easily ignored by voters but the inside political game is expected to get complicated.

The Albany Times Union blog, Capitol Confidential, reported that Dadey is "the thorn in Bruno's side" -- but News Copy is also hearing that all is not united within this Upstate insurgency against the State Senate Majority Leader's office.

It seems Dadey would want to curry favor with Long, which is why eyebrows were raised at the state GOP convention when Dadey cast his vote (via proxy) for moderate Bill Weld rather than the Conservative Party’s gubernatorial candidate, John Faso.

Dadey, who didn’t attend the convention, gave his proxy to state GOP Chairman Stephen Minarik, knowing full well Minarik would back Weld, as well as former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer for U.S. Senate. A proxy can’t be split, explained Dadey, who said the real reason he threw his lot in with Minarik is because he’s angry with Onondaga County GOP Chairman Bob Smith and didn’t want to give the local chairman his vote.

Dadey's reasoning raised a lot of eyebrows at the convention, except he has a steady legion of support in Central New York that is poised to get him on the ballot -- and Mike Long isn't about to turn his back on this well-liked reformer (who also has a persuasive civil lawsuit against Bruno's offices that could turn into a criminal case if certain people aren't careful).

Liz Benjamin of Capitol Confidential had an extensive story on Dadey's predicament.

"Over the last several months, Bob Smith has done Tom Dadey no favors," said Dadey, who seemed to be channeling Bob Dole. "When Bob Smith needed my vote, he’s always gotten my vote. This had nothing to do with anything other than me not giving my vote to Bob Smith."

Privately, sources also to Onondaga County GOP chair Bob Smith have repeatedly told News Copy that he is also enduring severe pressure from above -- namely operatives in Bruno's political circle and not necessarily Bruno himself.  Though News Copy can't officially confirm the following, enough sources have told us that the outgoing Central New York chair (who is frequently mentioned as a possible State GOP chair) likes Dadey's candidacy.

We also still hear chants of "The Wicked Witch is Dead" whenever former State Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffman's defeat in 2004 is mentioned -- and Tom Dadey is more popular to many than Dorothy for ensuring the liberal Republican's loss.

News Copy predicts a rather hard-to-call needle that may or may not be threaded on Dadey's lawsuit.  The jury, literally and figuratively, could still be out for many weeks before the political damage is fully assessed.

The bottom line is that Dadey is running, as is Santiago, and the two insurgents could collectively represent the two best challenges Mike Long can play in what promises to be a high stakes poker game by the second week of July.

Count on Long to greenlight the Wilson-Pakula to Dadey and the big political surprise might be the ever-savvy Conservative leader allowing a "fair fight" between Santiago and Reid, though News Copy's sources have confirmed that Long might not be able to help Santiago as easily.

---

Santiago endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee today, notable since the Bethlehem Republican had managed Pat Manning's gubernatorial effort until earlier this year -- when the six-term Dutchess Assemblyman dropped out of the governor's race in deference to New York State Conservative chairman Mike Long's endorsement of Faso.

(Manning's campaign had been highly criticial of Faso's conservative credentials -- or lack thereof -- and had thrown in a few shots on the former Assembly Minority Leader's lobbying in Albany)

Santiago praised Faso's "intelligence and experience" on fiscal issues, calling on all Republicans to pull behind the party's nominee.

"Faso’s fiscal conservative message damages Democrats" said Santiago. "Republicans must pull behind Faso’s candidacy for governor.  Every local race counts when it comes to pulling out the vote in November."

Meanwhile, Santiago was reported to be getting endorsements from at least one critical second amendment rights group -- who some are claiming suddenly withdrew an endorsement when Bruno called.

We're even hearing that Joe Bruno is calling Mike Long a LOT these days.

Who else has Bruno called?

Indie Party Worth Weighed In Congressional Races

It's a party that stands for nothing, many long-times sources have told me for nearly fifteen years.

As much as I like Tom Golisano's zeal for reform statewide and criticisms of Pataki, I never appreciated Ross Perot's eagerness to divide the national vote and hand two elections to Bill Clinton.

I'm also annoyed how the Independence Party has become a chip in a political poker game -- and Democrats hold most of the cards this year.  Those Republicans who do have control or influence over the Independence Party in many counties are more akin to political prostitutes, as are Democrats.

But it has been those Republicans desperately doing anything to have this line that has galled me more than anything else.

So it didn't surprise me to read that Congressman Tom Reynolds in Western New York might not pursue the Independence Party line, reported today by The Associated Press.

It's no sure thing for Reynolds or anyone else.

It's not a sure thing for Eliot Spitzer either, as much as insiders claim that deal was done last December.

If you understand what it takes in many counties to gain this line, even with some chairs kinder and more accomodating than others, you would understand why Reynolds must be fed up with the hypocrisy.

The ballot line provided Reynolds with 9,369 votes in 2004.

Reynolds' spokesman Lawrence Platt said the four-term incumbent had not yet decided whether to accept the party's invitation to run against Davis in a primary. He has until July 13 to decide.

It's also a fair observation that Reynolds would only be running with U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton on that line -- anathema to everything Reynolds has stood for politically.

She's also anathema to Congressman John Sweeney but he's presently pursuing the Indie line as zealously as every other Republican.

How do you win an Independence Party primary, in an era where that kind of third party line has neither a consistent liberal nor conservative bent?  And don't preach to me about reform, since this party is whoring itself out all over the place.  It's not a party of reform, not anymore, and it's antagonisms are as much within its ranks as against other third parties.

The Independence Party is neither welcome by the Republican-centric Conservative Party nor the liberal-union-loving Democratic-centric Working Families Party nor the leftist-bent environmentally and Democratic-centric Green Party.

These third parties don't get along.  They are competitive for power and patronage from the two major parties.

Why would Reynolds want to further mire himself in these internal and intra-party rumbles?

The AP reported that Reynolds may seek the Conservative Party line, which yielded him 10,672 votes during the last election.  His Democratic opponent, Jack Davis, is expected to receive the Working Families Party endorsement, which might weaken him in an Independence Party primary.

The state Board of Elections said the Independence Party has 13,832 registered members statewide.   

In 2004, the AP noted that Reynolds got almost 56 percent of the vote against Davis, a political newcomer. In 2002, Reynolds got about 71 percent of the vote.

Something's slipping...

As for Sweeney, who perhaps can't take or leave the Independence Party without suffering varying forms of political divisiveness, those in control of this endorsement are leveraging perhaps too much power throughout the Hudson Valley.

The idea of running with an additional line, one drawing voters who choose Hillary Clinton, must be too tempting for politicians like Sweeney.

It's a double-edged sword and something we hope not too many candidates fall on this summer.

Conservative Roundup: Fighting The Good Fight

New York State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long couldn't have looked happier as state nominations were approved by his party's state executive committee.

But divisions are ahead.

John Faso faces a primary against William Weld, at least.

John Specer faces a possible primary against KT McFarland, one that could be facilitated by a growing rebellion within the State GOP.

Joe Bruno is worried that Faso's "social conservatism" could cost the State Senate Majority some seats, reported Ben Smith of The New York Daily News blog, The Daily Politics.

"He's not worried enough, however, to have endorsed Weld, or thrown his resources behind him. The ways of Albany are mysterious. But it may have something to do with the Democrats' failure to get up strong challenges downstate, and their feeling that 2008 is the big year for taking the Senate."

There could be challengers to State GOP chairman Stephen Minarik, as Liz Benjamin of Capitol Confidential reported earlier today -- and there is now confirmation that Bruno has a horse in the race.

This would be Faso's call, if he secured the Republican nomination next week.

The State Senate Majority's Ed Lurie is a clear favorite and well liked by the old guard, particularly pre-Pataki leaders like former State GOP chairman (and long-time Westchester County GOP chairman) Anthony J. Colavita.

Outgoing Onondaga County Republican chairman Bob Smith indicated to News Copy that he isn't aggresively interested in Minarik's job, though Smith does have a tremendous following and would be viewed as a post-Pataki reformer.

Smith would like to see either Randy Daniels or Ed Cox follow Minarik.  Both these men are warmly embraced by "rank and file" Republicans, though Randy might suffer a slight Pataki problem on this ascension -- but so might Ed Cox before this wrestling match is finished.

Meanwhile, Team Spencer is warning of a 1990 repeat if Republicans split off into warring camps this summer.

"...When these lines are split, the results for Republicans can be catastrophic.  This is the choice New York Republicans face at the convention next week on May 31st.  In 1990, Republicans and Conservatives nominated different candidates for New York Governor against Mario Cuomo, the Republican candidate received only 21% of the vote."

That precarious year, the Conservative Party candidate came within 48,000 votes of knocking the Republicans into third party status.

Spencer's camp also pointed out that just two years ago, while President Bush won 42 of New York’s 62 counties, the Republican candidate for US Senate, without the endorsement of the Conservative Party received only 24% of the vote, running 16 points behind the President.

"If the Republicans decide to allow a primary, John Spencer will win, but will lose time and money that could have been spent running against Senator Clinton.  However, at this time, John Spencer has roughly 60% of the weighted Republican county endorsements against 18% for his opponent.  The goal for Republicans should be to ensure that John Spencer gets 75% to avoid a debilitating primary and begin a united campaign against Senator Clinton."

News Copy predicts a a Conservative ticket working at cross-purposes against themselves next week in Hempstead, leaving a summer of Republican primaries.

You would have to ask Ed Rollins or Bill Reilly of Team KT where this is really going -- and whether or not Susan Del Percio of Team Faso will be helping or hurting John Spencer.

For that matter, will John Faso be helping or hurting his fellow Conservative ballot mate John Spencer?

Ugleee!!!!!

Mike Long is smiling now but we don't think he will be smiling next week.

Capitol Confidential noted Long's call for a unified ticket.

“We don’t do this today to thumb our nose at anybody,” Long said. “We are today putting forth the best possible candidates…that we believe have the best interests at heart for the people of the state…Together, if we can put a unified front, both Republicans and Conservatives, I’m telling you we can rip down the facade of the liberal Democrats that are running around the state.”

“We want unity,” he added. “Peace through strength and unity. That’s how we do it.”

Not exactly -- but this is one good fight that could be averted.

Glenn Blain of The Journal News and Elizabeth Benjamin of the Albany Times Union closed this place with the first and last wrap-ups on the New York State Conservative Convention.

Everyone else ran off to Turtle Bay to forget all their real troubles...

Conservative Party: No Surprises

Jeanine Pirro has been nominated by the New York State Conservative Party for Attorney General.

Christopher Callaghan (have bow tie, will travel) was nominated for State Comptroller.

John Spencer's first nominating speech was delivered by Erie County Conservative chairman Ralph Lorrigo, followed by Greg Rigby of Cayuga County, one of those true Conservatives from Upstate who had much to do with generating early and critical momentum for the former Yonkers mayor.

Bronx County Conservative chairman Bill Newmark also delivered a nominating speech, calling for Hillary's "permanent retirement" and reminding the assembly of Conservatives that there are two New York U.S. Senators who need to be retired.

Chairman Long continued the theme by starting Spencer's nomination with the following, "All those in favor of retiring Hillary Clinton..."

"You cannot be for economic development in Upstate New York State and then simultaneously bash the Bush tax cuts," said Spencer. "She's a cold liberal."

Spencer also reminded the audience that he won in Yonkers against a 2-1 Democratic registration edge.  He was well received, as would be expected with a Conservative crowd, but the question remains how well he will tiptoe past the Republican rocks next week at that party's state convention.

News Copy spoke briefly with Spencer's staff and one point was stressed repeatedly.

They have been sending out press releases.  They have been reaching out to the media and they are being ignored.  Two days in a row The New York Post has run long columns about Hillary Clinton -- without a word being printed about New York within those same commentaries.

Having said that, you could sense the apprehension but one adviser pointed out that the formal Conservative nod greatly shifts the odds to Spencer.  With over 80 percent of the GOP's State delegates pledged to this candidate, what would Team Spencer have to worry about?

That barn door hasn't been slammed shut yet.

New York State Conservative Party Convention

It's Been A Good Ride

Governor George E. Pataki addressed the Conservatives, rousing what will probably be the last time this party thanks him for twelve years of holding their line in the Executive Chamber, and I couldn't help but wonder how many people in the room were holding their noses.

"It's been a good ride," said State Chairman Mike Long as Pataki left the convention.

The press scurried out to follow Pataki but there is no new story here, so I didn't feel the least bit inclined to be fed another politically convenient sound byte from this man formerly known as a conservative Republican governor.

The only question I would have for Pataki was if he had any say or influence on John Faso picking Mr. Vanderhoef.  My sources are now telling me that Team Faso (and Team Weld) had a quandry risking a different Lt. Governor pick at GOP and Row D conventions.

... And Vanderhoef did appear by all reports to be a favorite of the State GOP -- so more than a few Conservatives have been wondering if "the fix is in" with Faso's pick.

Just my two cents.

Suffolk County Conservative Chairman Pasquale "Pat" Curcio Dies

Pasquale Curcio, the Suffolk County Conservative Party chairman, died yesterday after nearly two decades at the party's helm. He was 73.

Newsday noted that his "political clout far exceeded his party's numbers, particularly in local judicial contests."

"It's the end of an era," said Brookhaven Conservative Chairman Anthony Gazzola. "Pat was a stabilizing force who could orchestrate those people and focus them as one team."

Curcio specialized in securing judgeships for conservatives over other elected offices.

"He really built his power base in judicial races because everyone wants conservative law-and-order judges," Michael Dawidziak, a political consultant, said. "And Pat understood that."

Curcio built and ran the largest county conservative organization in the state, often making him the first person many Republican statewide candidates went to for support.

"He was the lifeline of the party," Islip Conservative Chairman Edward Walsh said yesterday. "And the party was his lifeline. He lived politics."

Newsday reported that Curcio was also an accomplished engineer.  He also served during the Korean War.

"It's the end of an era," said Brookhaven Conservative Chairman Anthony Gazzola. "Pat was a stabilizing force who could orchestrate those people and focus them as one team."

James Odato of The Albany Times Union blog, Capitol Confidential, reported Sunday that Curcio was a "close political ally" of State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.

“Senator Bruno considered Pat Curcio a friend,'’ said Bruno spokesman John McArdle. “He will be sorely missed.”

Party officials said that the Suffolk Conservative Party Executive Committee would call a meeting within the next 30 days to select Curcio's successor.

Powerful Yonkers Senator Faces Multiple Fights

Once described as State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's "number two man" in Albany, Nick Spano is a well-protected State Senator seemingly under political siege at the moment.

The Journal News reported yesterday that Nader Sayegh is planning an Independence Party primary against Spano.

"Sayegh, principal of School 13 in Yonkers, said he felt the party had moved away from its core principles, like supporting term limits and allowing local party leaders to decide which candidates they want to support. He heads the Westchester Integrity Committee, a group of dissatisfied Independence Party members that will support candidates interested in reform."

Is this a power grab by another political rogue -- as Anthony Iovine described below -- or a coordinated attack against Nick Spano that could expand?

Multiple sources keep indicating a Conservative will also challenge the Yonkers-based official (former Westchester Conservative Chairman Vincent Natrella has been mentioned) -- but no one has stepped forward with a little over a month before petitions.

It's been our observation that Nick Spano has not been getting his way with the Conservative or Independence parties for a year now -- so this could all get worse for the embattled State Senator.

In 2004, Conservatives and pro-life activists campaigned for his opponent Andrea-Stewart Cousins.

In 2005, Governor George Pataki stepped into the Westchester County Clerk race and pulled Republicans behind Linda Doherty -- the wife of former Pataki Appointments Director Tom Doherty.  Spano's brother, former State Assemblyman Michael Spano, and Yonkers City Councilman Dee Barbato both wanted to run in 2005.

When Republican County Executive candidate Rob Astorino didn't get the endorsement of the Independence Party last year, fingers were immediately pointed at Nick Spano, and questions still linger about what many Astorino operatives felt was a veiled betrayal.

It's hard to accuse anyone of betrayal these days in Westchester when every traitor in this suburban county only seems good for the treason, including a few ripe knuckleheads in Yonkers City Hall and within at least two of the statewide campaigns.  No one is a political saint here, except the stones are being thrown rapidly at Spano and Cavallo.

These are political parties, folks, not tea parties.

In 2006, Westchester Conservatives endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate John Faso over Spano's choice, William Weld, so the State Senator's influence has appeared to be waning.

Everyone also has missed that founder and former chairman of the Westchester Independence Party, Dr. Giulio Cavallo, can't ensure Spano the Independence Party line this year, so there is no clear quid pro quo here.

Our sources in the Hudson Valley have confirmed again that Attorney General candidate Jeanine Pirro will be the only statewide Republican endorsed by the Independence Party, so it is not like Cavallo's party is so cozy with Republicans.

As for Cavallo, he explained to The Journal News why he was working in State Senator Serphin Maltese's office.

Cavallo said yesterday he has held the job for about three months. He said he has known Maltese for about 25 years and agreed to take the job — acting as a liaison on medical and Italian issues — after being convinced it would not cut into personal family obligations.

Has it occured to anyone that Cavallo took the job with an old friend to get as far away from Westchester County's confusion?

"Look at the facts," he said. "I go pro-Democrat. I gave it to (Democratic Westchester County Executive) Andy Spano. (Republican) Janet DiFiore got DA."

With a lot of pressure from the Executive Chamber in Albany to endorse Eastchester Town Clerk Linda Doherty over New Rochelle Mayor Tim Idoni in the 2005 County Clerk's race, Cavallo went with the Democrat.

It would have been just as easy for the good doctor to make a deal with Tom Doherty and a host of Westchester-based Pataki operatives.  Cavallo's choices are not always what they seem, especially given the volatile nature of the Independence Party throughout New York State.

Idoni would defeat Doherty with the Independence Party line in 2005.  Cavallo's decisions in 2005 didn't endear him with Pataki's powerbrokers, so it shouldn't be assumed that all his political moves necessarily helped Nick Spano.

Maltese and Spano denied any quid pro quo between Maltese's decision to hire Cavallo and Republican candidates' need for his party's support.

"It was not the intention at the time," Maltese said.

Both senators also noted they have long had Cavallo's friendship and political support. Spano nonetheless said he put a good word in to Maltese, also a friend and colleague.

"When he was considered for this position, Sen. Maltese, of course, discussed this with me, and as a Westchester resident, I, of course, recommended him very highly," Spano said.

Mark Hanson, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Rensselaer County, said the majority leader had no problems with Cavallo's hiring.

If an Independence Party primary against Nick Spano becomes the vehicle for political reorganization in that party, News Copy won't be surprised if the ever-surviving State Senator wears the mask of reformer all summer.

It will be a mask but a good one, until someone more formidable steps forward to challenge this Yonkers native.

What we do know is that someone was polling this past week in Yonkers, with good sources describing questions about both Nick Spano and his brother Michael.  Stories are re-circulating that Spano won't run if he is simultaneously confronted with Conservative and Independence Party primaries.

Though the configuration is still yet unknown -- and Assemblyman Lou Mosiello has confirmed that he isn't any part of a speculated change (with some lamenting that Mosiello will abruptly get "pulled" out of his Assembly seat and replaced by Mike Spano) -- News Copy is picking up a lot of whispers about a major political sea change for Nick Spano in the coming weeks.

We could imagine Mosiello running successfully in Nick Spano's State Senate seat, for example, and Mike Spano returning to his formerly "safe" seat in the State Assembly.

Far-fetched?

Why are they polling?

The real question is why anyone would poll for Mike Spano in a year when he is not expected to run -- unless preparations for a Mike Spano/Phil Amicone re-match are already underway.

Conservatives State Convention Week Prior To GOP

Republican gubernatorial hopeful John Faso should walk into the State GOP Convention the last week of May with the Conservative Party line already in tow, thereby assuring him some additional advantage with undeclared or un-proxied delegates.

In our opinion, that could be the bigger deal of Conservatives holding their State Convention on May 23rd, reported today by Associated Press in the Syracuse Post-Standard.

Does gathering one full week before Republicans -- rather than one week after -- mean such a big difference?

"I don't think it has an impact dramatically one way or the other, but I do think it makes it clear I'm going to be the Conservative Party candidate," said Faso. "And, the vast majority of Republican elected officials and political leaders understand that no Republican candidate has won or come close in New York in over 30 years without also having the support of the Conservative Party. I plan on being the Republican-Conservative candidate."

Faso walks into the State GOP's Long Island convention with the leverage to broker many undecided, undeclared and disenfranchised State Republican committee members, who could suddenly break for William Weld or John Faso.

Though Weld already has more than the 25 percent needed to secure a Republican endorsement -- and could likely be the State GOP's formally endorsed candidate -- Faso only needs 10-15 percent more at the convention to be allowed a spot in a Republican primary.

The AP/Syracuse Post-Standard story noted that the last time the GOP and the Conservative parties split for a governor's race in New York was in 1990 when then-Democratic Gov. Mario Cuomo coasted to a third, four-year term over Republican Pierre Rinfret who got just 22 percent of the vote and Conservative Party contender Herbert London who had 21 percent.

"I don't feel any extra pressure whatsoever and I don't think that's the intent of that either," Minarik added.

"It's not our desire to go to war with anybody. It's not our desire to add pressure on anybody," Long said. "It's our desire to put forth the best possible slate of candidates that will be competitive."

"Hopefully, we will be united for the most part with our friends in the Republican Party, and if that isn't the case, then so be it," Long added.

War or not, we remember 1990.  We worked in State GOP chairman Patrick Barrett's suite all that week and recall the helplessness, more than the divisions.  What we recall more than anything else were the phone calls and the waiting.  The State GOP had no candidate until the last day, embarassingly so.

William Weld is no Pierre Rinfret but don't count on John Faso missing the convention either.

Capitol Confidential headlined: Conservatives To Cramp GOP's Style

Liz Benjamin noted that the pressure is now on Minarik.

"This will put extra pressure on the Republicans, and state GOP Chairman Stephen Minarik, specifically, since he’s backing Bill Weld for governor. No Republican statewide candidate has won a general election without the Conservative Party’s support since 1974."

Jim Kelly of Urban Elephants posted that May 23rd is D-Day for Conservatives.

He also mentioned that D-Day for Republicans is May 31 and June 1.

A bigger deal might be whom is running such a convention, though that's a scoop for another day.

Yonkers, Faso, Westchester, Weld --- The Politics of Indecision

Ah, according to NewsCopy guru Bob Fois, State Senator Nick Spano thinks that the Yonkers GOP's endorsement of John Faso for Governor was a little too early. He wanted them to wait for the Westchester County's Republican Executive Committee to make some decision on whether Faso or former Mass. Governor Bill Weld would be their nominee. And no one in the County structure wants to put their necks on the line until the state party structure makes some moves.

The Yonkers move is unique: their executive committee actually made a decision to back a candidate. This is quite unusual for a committee who never likes to fill up their dance card until they know who is actually going to dance statewide (meaning, Yonkers moves when they know the candidate they will be endorsing will be the statewide candidate). So, what is behind this little coup?

Local leaders are a little nervous because when they endorsed Faso for governor, they believed that their big chief (Spano) was actually backing Faso, not Weld. They believed that the state's Conservative Party was ready to back Faso for governor along with Yonkers' "favorite son" John Spencer for U.S. Senate. They believed that the state GOP was ready to jump on the Faso bandwagon for one reason: Weld couldn't garner enough votes for the nomination. Throw into the mix the weakness of Governor George Pataki, the Yonkers GOP thought they would be showing some leadership on the Faso endorsement.

Oh, to reiterate the first line of the previous paragraph: the Yonkers crew also believed Senator Nick was supportive of Faso over Weld. That's why they announced their endorsement of Faso a couple weeks ago. Tells you something when 2 Yonkers City Councilpeople who are NOT aligned with current Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone but are in appearances close to State Senator Spano in Dee Barbato and John Murtagh are invited to the press conference to back Faso.

But...

As with the Pataki GOP, everything is crumbling. Bill Weld isn't going away (he has money and quiet support from people like former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani). He is gaining support from within the GOP everyday because he has money to run a statewide campaign. The fear is that if Faso runs, he will not be able to acquire enough campaign funds to put up a serious challenge to Eliot Spitzer (or Tom Suozzi, a nice name who appears to have little support right now from within the prime voter list of the New York Democrat Party).

Weld will have the cash...enough of it where if there is a GOP gubenatorial primary, he could actually blow out Faso with spending. And if the Conservative Party backs Faso and Weld wins the GOP nod, things would be looking bleak in New York Republican politics...not that they aren't already looking like the bugler is already warming up to play "Taps" for the party of indecision.

Or so says a Yonkers GOP "leader" who emailed me a response to Mr. Fois this morning.

Throw this into the hat to add to the intrigue: Bill Weld is trying to garner a second-tier nomination: the NY Daily News reports this morning that Weld is actively seeking the Libertarian Party line...Weld a GOP and Libertarian Party nominee...Faso a Conservative Party nominee...

This is all a bad political soap opera plot where the Republicans are trying to pick out what outfit to wear to their political suicide party while Democrat Spitzer is measuring for curtains in the Executive offices in Albany.

The Yonkers Citizen

Republican/Conservative: Union of Convenience

One of the best letters we have ever read about political principle was posted today by Matty N., a college student we had the pleasure of meeting in Syracuse almost a month ago.

It's addressed to New York State Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long and says more about New York State's future than anything we could ever say.

The Conservative Party of New York has been a formative powerhouse in this State attempting to push conservative values in a State surrounded by a liberal menace. It is failing in that endeavor. For too long the bedfellows of Conservatives and Republicans has been a sham. From Joe Bruno's crucial turn-coat attitude on fiscal and social issues; to Pataki's wishy-washy and downright liberal attitudes; to the Republican endorsement of a Rockefeller Republican for Senate in 2004, leading to a Conservative attempt at rebellion. This rebellion failed. Why? Because the Conservative Party did not rally behind it and feels that it's bastardized union with the Republicans is more important than taking a stand.

I say we end this union of convenience.

The Conservatives must ONLY endorse those candidates who adhere to their values; who will stand up for capitalism; who will stand up against illegal immigration; who will stand tall for the rights of the unborn. We must stand against liberalism and we must do so now.

In 2002, B. Thomas Golisano ran for Governor of New York. He ran as a fiercely independent candidate who was staunchly opposed to excess spending. He was the only truly fiscally conservative candidate on the ballot. He was also the only pro-life candidate. He was rejected by the Conservative Party for the purportedly more 'electable' Pataki. Golisano still received 14% of the popular vote without the Conservative's help. Why did we forsake a pro-lifer for a fiercely pro-choice candidate? Why did we forsake a fiscally conservative candidate instead of a man who's spending has been compared to Cuomo's? Because our values have been ignored.

It's been going on for too long. We must declare war on the establishment in New York and fight the good fight for conservatism.

Please, I beg of you, to reconsider your endorsements for John Faso. He is barely bordering on the conservative and untrustworthy. We need a candidate whom we can all trust, and I see that more in Randy Daniels or Pat Manning; either candidate could tap into the reform-minded independent voters of this State while sticking true to the classical values of James Buckley and Ronald Reagan. Support a real conservative members of the Conservative Party, for your own sake and for the future of the Party.

God bless.