This blog is of, by and for the progressive members of our Jefferson County community. Our mission is to provide information about fellow progressives for all to view, to provide a forum for forward looking candidates and to offer other varied items of interest. Your opinion is important to this blog and if you wish to write us an item or send us a picture please email it to watertownwizards@yahoo.com THIS BLOG IS NOT AN OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Kim Martusewicz


Kim Martusewicz is the Jefferson County Court Judge and he is up for reelection.

(Just in case you are new to the county--thats pronounced Mar-too-savage.) Those of us who have been around for awhile know that Kim has successfully handled over 5,000 cases in county court. However, even longtimers here might not know that our judge manages the heaviest felony caseload in upstate New York. The man has 30 years of legal experience with 10 of those years on the Jefferson County bench.

You may not know Kim from court (frankly if you have had to appear before him probably you probably aren't going to vote for him) but you will probably know him as an deeply involved citizen. He is on the JCC Board, Neighbors of Watertown Board, PBS Board and his church board too.

He really knows the northcounty turf because he is the son and grandson of farmers and grew up tilling that turf. His degrees come from Jefferson Community College, St. Lawrence University and the Western New England School of Law.

This fair, firm and independent judge has never wavered from the principle that judges should be elected and not annointed or appointed.

The JD blog urges your support for Judge Kim Martusewicz.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Addie declines


“Upon the urging of many friends and colleagues, I submitted my name for consideration as the Democratic nominee in the upcoming 23^rd Congressional race. There were many variables that I have considered, including continuing my rewarding work on behalf of the people of the 118th River District as well as the upcoming birth of my second child.I have decided that I will not seek the nomination and am withdrawing my name from further consideration. I look forward to continuing to work in the Assembly on the many projects in which I am currently involved, and with Senator Aubertine on the critical issues facing our region.”

Sunday, July 26, 2009

A Spring 2009 comment on the Scozzafava business enterprise

One of our favorite local bloggers with a passion, and talent, for finance wrote this post in April.
The blog is Grindstone Financial and Brian Lantier is the author. BTW, Seaway Valley Capital is the company that current Assemblywoman and now Congressional Candidate Dede Scozzafava still owns investment shares. This post didn't have any intended political implications at the time it was written but it has some major implications now.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Hackett's parent company has over 1 TRILLION shares outstanding
I haven't spent a lot of time on the Hacketts story but since the parent company of Hacketts - Seaway Valley Capital Corporation - is a public company I thought I'd just take a look at their latest filing with the government. Clearly, this is a complex situation and I only looked that latest filing on 4/13 (link here), but the one thing that jumps off the page is the convoluted capital structure of such a tiny company. The Seaway Valley corp has over 1 TRILLION, yes with a T!! - common share equivalents outstanding.That's so ridiculous that it's laughable. I can't ever remember seeing a company with more than a few billion shares outstanding. The company is now proposing to do a 1 for 1,000 reverse split (if you had 1,000 shares of the old Seaway Valley, you'll get 1 share of the new company) so that it's outstanding shares will fall to "just" 1.2 billion, and they'll have 8 billion shares available for future acquisitions.This gets a little detailed but the bulk of the shares outstanding seem to be due to a preferred stock issuance to a Mr. Scozzafava --- "100,000 shares of Series E Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, all of which were outstanding on the Record Date. The outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock were entitled to a total of 1,002,425,142,364 votes on the Record Date – i.e. 10,024,251 votes per share."I haven't followed this story closely enough to have any real insight (other than enjoying Hackett's selection of North Face products) but since I've recently talked about what an insane number a TRILLION of anything is, I thought I'd pass along that nugget.

POSTSCRIPT
North Country Public Radio presented the Dede side of the story. However, this blog invites you to pay special attention to the comments following the post.
http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/blogs/ballotbox/2009/07/scozzafavas-brother-problem.html
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The President discusses a key factor that has been considered in the development of the health insurance reform proposals that are being considered: the impact of reform on small business. Go to WhiteHouse.gov to read a new Council of Economic Advisers report and give your feedback. July 25, 2009. (Public Domain)
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Friday, July 24, 2009

John McHugh at the Council of Foreign Relations

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Over the years of blogging we local Democrats taken some deserved swipes at Congressman John McHugh. When he was a blatant professional partisan he was (and sometimes still is) a clear target of our political philosophical difference. But here is an expanded look at John at his very best. He espouses an intelligent, sophisticated, cogent political worldview. It is a John McHugh that we have rarely seen. It will take you about an hour to watch. But it is worth it. JD thanks R. Wiley for pointing it our way.

John M. McHugh, Member, U.S. House of Representatives (R-NY); Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee, talks about "A View from the Hill: U.S. National Security"

(May 21, 2009 at the Council on Foreign Relations)

Presider: Thom Shanker, Pentagon Correspondent, The New York Times
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Gertrude Karris--tremendous candidate for Jefferson County Clerk


JD lifted this post from the Gertforclerk website. We think this resident of Sackets Harbor and the current village clerk there would make a tremendous replacement for the retiring JoAnn Wilder. Here is an idea she put forth. See what you think?

DMV SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

The Jefferson County Department of Motor Vehicles has improved over the years but we are still unable to adequately serve our growing population. Our population size and density are comparable to nearby counties that have significantly more DMV offices and services. Have you or a friend gone to Lowville or Pulaski just to avoid frustration with our own DMV?
Do you know about the DMV office on Fort Drum? Many people I have spoken with do not know it exists or do not know how to gain access to the base. One idea I plan to look into is the possibility of moving the office just outside the base; keeping it close to the military population but more accessible to the general population.
In this day and age, there should be better communication and access: Printable forms, maps, directions, and detailed checklists, showing how to complete some of the more common DMV tasks, should be readily available on the internet.

Mobile DMV?
If you knew that the DMV would have an office open one day a week in a nearby village or Town, would you go there? Would you be less likely to drive out of the county to take care of your DMV needs?
I am talking to other Counties about how they serve their population, and one suggestion, was a mobile DMV office. This office would have set days it would open in Villages or Towns around the County. For example, Monday in Adams Center, Tuesday in Cape Vincent, Wednesday in Theresa....
Would that be something that would help you?
Let me know what you think.
Little Changes Make Big Differences
In this day and age, there should be better communication and access to the Clerk's Office: printable forms, maps, directions, and detailed checklists, showing how to complete some of the more common tasks should be readily available on the internet.When you come to the DMV you should be confident you have brought all the documents you require. You should also be confident that someone in the office will be there to help you get what you need...I think there should be someone to check in with when you arrive so you don't wait in line and then find out you have the wrong document.And my last thought - how about a place to sit when there are lines? Is there any reason you must stand while you wait your turn? It seems a small but important thing, especially on those unavoidable, busy days.I would like to hear your thoughts and ideas for improving the County Clerk's office. Click Here.

Class Act




Just in case you missed it, or only saw part of it, here is Darrel Aubertine's statement in full about not running for Congress.

There has been a lot of speculation as to whether I would run in a special election for the 23rd Congressional District."
“My priority must continue to be the work I have started in the state Senate, representing Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. My commitment is to the people of the 48th Senate District and has been all along. Before I could even consider the possibility of serving another eight counties, I had a duty to finish out this year’s session."
"This seat in Congress belongs to the people who live in these 11 counties, not any elected official or political party."
“Unfortunately, the National Republican Party has viewed the seat differently. National Republicans have demonstrated their belief that party registration matters more than the issues by spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to attack and vilify me."
"They never mentioned the important issues we care about here in the 23rd, whether it’s our military and Fort Drum, border security and international trade, agriculture, energy and the economy of the future, or rural healthcare.
“It’s no small wonder why the Washington Republicans are going extinct, and contributors should question why the money they’ve given was squandered here for no good reason at all.
“I support the process that the Democratic Party has put in place to come up with a candidate to run for the expected vacancy in the 23rd Congressional District. I’m certain the 11 county chairs involved in the process will continue to move toward finding a qualified candidate who understands the issues here and will embark on an honest campaign that puts people before politics.”

Kirsten on healthcare


Senator Kirsten Gilibrand blogged yesterday on one of JD's favorite sites--The Albany Project.
And she offers you a petition to sign to join her. Kirsten is seen here with Jeff Co. Chair Sean Hennessey.

Help Me Fight For A Public Option

by: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Thu Jul 23, 2009 at 10:38:52 AM EDT

As you know, there is a historic effort underway in Washington right now to finally address the health care crisis in this country, and I need your help.

As I've written over at DailyKos and as I told Howard Dean last week, I believe that a robust not-for-profit public option must be a part of the health care reform package Congress passes this year. I feel that opening up a Medicare For All type system to everyone would lower costs and increase efficiency by injecting some much needed competition into the market.

I was very pleased to see the Senate HELP committee pass a bill out of committee last week that included a public option, and I assure you, I am going to do everything in my power to ensure that a public option remains in the final bill. I feel that not only must the public option be national and accountable to Congress, but it must be made available to all Americans right away. We've kicked health care reform down the road for far too long already. As others have said -- I think rightly -- a public option has already been triggered.

We are at a critical time in the health care reform debate, which means we must keep the pressure on. That's where you come in. The online community has done so much already -- and trust me, those of us fighting for real reform feel encouraged by your advocacy and those who are opposed to it are feeling the pressure. Will you help me keep the pressure on? Please join me in advocating for a public option by signing my petition today. I truly believe that health care is a right, not a privilege, and that the time for real reform -- including a public option -- is now. As the President said last night, the status quo is NOT an option and with you by my side, I intend to continue to fight for the real reform that Americans deserve.

Thanks for all your hard work.


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Addie in O'burg


The Fort La Présentation Association and the Great Lakes Seaway Trail have unveiled two new military history theme interpretive panels at the site of Fort de La Présentation in Ogdensburg, NY. One of the themed outdoor Great Lakes Seaway Trail storyteller panels tells some of the history of Fort Lévis that was build on Chimney Island in the St. Lawrence River; the other tells the story of Fort de la Présentation.New York State Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell joined several New York State 250th French and Indian War Anniversary Commemoration Commission members at the unveiling of one of two Great Lakes Seaway Trail outdoor storyteller interpretive panels during the 2009 Founder’s Day Weekend Celebration in Ogdensburg.The community-sponsored panels, designed by artist Robert McNamara, draw attention to the host sites and communities along the 518-mile travel and tourism route that is one of America’s Byways and a National Recreation Trail.The two Ogdensburg panels are among a series of 100 signage units that showcase the interesting facts, legends and lore associated with the historic, natural, and recreational resources; and the people and places significant to the Great Lakes Seaway Trail region that parallels the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes shoreline of New York and Pennsylvania.Seaway Trail, Inc. President & CEO Teresa Mitchell said, “The Great Lakes Seaway Trail outdoor storytellers panels identify*/ /*key places by theme, making it easy for byway travelers to discover the destination points they are most interested all along the driving route with a resulting positive economic impact on host communities Trailwide.”Russell says, “Enhancing our local tourism sites with interpretive panels explaining our rich history will increase curiosity and lead to more excitement about our region. Getting people excited about exploring the region is one of the best ways to attract them to our destinations and to keep them coming back, generating economic activity in our communities. I applaud the Great Lakes Seaway Trail and the Fort de la Présentation Association for their efforts in generating excitement for the Trail and specifically the rich history of the St. Lawrence Seaway region.”
SCOZZAFAVA

ON

SCOZZAFAVA


It’s only been hours since Republicans nominated New York Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava to be their candidate in the upcoming special election to replace Congressman John McHugh and already there is a flurry of questions surrounding her sketchy past.

The facts are clear: Dede Scozzafava spent years touting her leadership role at Seaway Capital Partners, claiming that she was both the Vice President of the company and the Chief Operating Officer. But now, after the company has come under fire for having close to $200,000 in unpaid state and federal tax liens, Dede is singing an entirely different tune. Her attempt to distance herself from the company after spending years bragging about her leadership role is blatantly disingenuous at best, and voters deserve answers.

“The facts are quite clear – either Dede Scozzafava spent years overstating her role in the company’s operations or she’s not being honest right now,” said June O’Neill, Chairwoman of the New York State Democratic Party. “Either way, she needs to come clean with voters.”

BACKGROUND ON DEDE’S EVER SHIFTING STORY:

SEC Filing: “Consultant” to WiseBuys Stores [SEC Filing, 10/23/07]

July 2009 Resume: “Vice President of SC Partners Inc., LLC” [Scozzafava Resume, 7/09]

Current Assembly Website: “Dede is the Chief Operating Officer for Seaway Capital Partners.” [Scozzafava Assembly Website as of 7/22/09]

Current Campaign Website: “Dede is the Chief Operationg Officer for Seaway Capital Partners and Corporate Secretary for Wise Buys Stores.” [Scozzafava Campaign Website as of 7/22/09]

Politico Interview: “Scozzafava is listed as the COO of the company's investment arm, though she claims she hasn’t had any direct ties to the company since 2007.” [Politico, 7/22/09]

Politico: “The public company – I’m not an officer, not a director, not an employee. I have nothing to do with the company.” [Politico, 7/22/09]

Watertown Daily Times: “She said Tuesday that she was corporate secretary for WiseBuys, the retail chain owned by Seaway Valley, at one time.” [Watetown Daily Times, 7/22/09]

North Country Public Radio: “In the Politico article, Scozzafava says she has nothing to do with the company, even though she was listed as COO of the company's investment arm.” [NCPR, 7/22/09]

Brother: Scozzafava is “passive investor.” [Watertown Daily Times, 7/23/09]

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

For you careful, slower thinkers

Here is the text of our President's opening remarks at his press conference Wednesday evening.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/us/politics/22obama.text.html?_r=1

It was a bad news/good news day for Dede Scozzafava


First the Bad news:
The influential national blog politico outed the Assemblywoman on a few issues--particularly unpaid taxes. http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0709/Scozzafava_under_fire.html?showall

The first lady of NY blog Liz Benjamin reported the troubles along with the fact that Dede had been seen courting the democrat line as well (per June O'Neill)http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/07/democrats-fan-the-flames-of-sc.html

Of course, the big hit of the week was from the conservative blog Red Statehttp://www.redstate.com/index.php?tag=dede-scozzafava/

Now the Good News:

For some unknown reason the 11 republican chairs picked her as the GOP candidate in the 23rd special election. Wait a minute. That might very well be good news for us.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

A couple of questions for the presumed Republican representative in the 23rd NY Congressional special election





YouTube


The Republicans gleefully look upon Obama's universal healthcare plan as his WATERLOO.


Is this Dede's position too?



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w


THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, JOHN MCCAIN, SAID THE FOLLOWING


"Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned." He further stated as president he would nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench. Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat.


WOULD DEDE SAY THAT?


THE LAST REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL PLATFORM STATED


Preserving Traditional Marriage
Because our children’s future is best preserved within the traditional understanding of marriage, we call for a constitutional amendment that fully protects marriage as a union of a man and a woman, so that judges cannot make other arrangements equivalent to it. In the absence of a national amendment, we support the right of the people of the various states to affirm traditional marriage through state initiatives.


WOULD DEDE ENDORSE THAT?


CONCLUSION! THIS BLOG DOESN'T THINK DEDE REPRESENTS REPUBLICAN MAINSTREAM THOUGHT. GOOD FOR HER.

OH WAIT. JUST ONE FINAL QUESTION. WOULD DEDE ENDORSE AND SUPPORT ALL THOSE NASTY REPUBLICAN ROBO CALLS GOING AROUND NOW?

YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART HER ANSWER IS A VERY EMPHATIC, " NO."

Monday, July 20, 2009

Just in case you thought we had gone all wishy-washy here is a tee shirt you can buy

We found it on democraticundergound.com
By the way, just for your information here is the statistic from sitemeter on how many pageviews our JD blog had this past week.

2,396

Jefferson's Leaning Left blog had an interesting 'chuckle along' profile of elephant candidate for Congress Bart Bonner. http://jeffersonleaningleft.blogspot.com/2009/07/republicans-in-23rd-need-nut-to-win.html
Bart Bonner.

Check it out

Jefferson Democrat points you at this website for only one reason. Its fun.
http://www.seethroughny.net/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

Friday, July 17, 2009

Darrel is plugged in and clearly has juice



Senator Aubertine powers up a biggy for the northern part of his district.




ALBANY (July 17, 2009)—The New York State Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine to create the North Country Power Authority to combine the efforts of 24 municipalities looking to reduce energy costs in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties. This legislation would establish the authority to finance and operate a municipal electric system serving those municipalities.



“These towns and villages have spent more than a decade working to establish a municipal power system to provide low-cost power,” Sen. Aubertine said. “We want to give these communities the opportunity to use this authority to reduce consumer and business expenses, create jobs and help families make ends meet. This authority is necessary step to finance this venture and ensure there are appropriate accountability standards to serve the public. This will save our families and businesses in these towns money on their electric bills.”



Since the late 1990s, the Alliance for Municipal Power, based in Canton, has united the interests of 24 towns and villages, and more than 95 supporting organizations—chambers of commerce, colleges, schools, business development corporations, unions, and more—to work toward a goal of providing low-cost municipal power for economic development and a reduced cost of living for residents. The Senator first introduced similar legislation as an Assemblyman and brought it over to the Senate, where he has garnered bipartisan support for the bill. It passed 48-9 on Thursday.



This legislation to create the North Country Power Authority would provide AMP towns and villages in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties with the ability to explore implementing owning and operating the transmission and distribution of electric power over the next 10 years. This initiative could provide thousands of New Yorkers with significantly reduced rates, more reliable service, and local control. Preliminary studies indicate the annual savings for rate-payers in the millions of dollars, as well as an average system-wide rate reduction of 4 percent.
While towns and villages are allowed by law to form a municipal electric company, the small and rural communities have opted to work together to further reduce costs. AMP’s mission is to establish this regional public power utility through the acquisition and operation of the existing distribution system for communities within the AMP area.



“Today’s passage of the North Country Power Authority Act represents a significant step towards lower rates, energy independence, and better services for AMP communities,” said AMP Chairman Robert Best said. “We want to thank Senator Aubertine and all the sponsors of the bill for their vision and commitment to helping AMP advance New York’s important energy goals.”



AMP Vice Chairman Wade Davis said, “Thanks to the leadership of our local elected representatives in Albany, we are moving closer towards a day we have been working for over many years to significantly reduce rates and provide more reliable service with local control. Towns, Villages, Libraries, Fire Districts, Chambers of Commerce, and many other groups from across the region have signed on in support of our goal. They have spoken and our Senators are listening.”



AMP is comprised of the towns of Bombay, Fort Covington, Moira and Westville in Franklin County, and towns of Brasher, Canton, Colton, DeKalb, Edwards, Fowler, Gouverneur, Hermon, Lisbon, Louisville, Madrid, Norfolk, Pierrepont, Potsdam, Russell, Stockholm, and Waddington and the Villages of Canton, Norwood, and Potsdam in St. Lawrence County.



“I commend Senator Aubertine for spearheading the North Country Power Authority legislation in the Senate,” said Assemblywoman Addie Russell. “Passing the Senate is a critical step toward making the Authority a reality. I will continue to work with the Assembly leadership toward its passage in our house. In addition, I am communicating with the Governor’s office on the merits of this important initiative for the North Country, so that once it has passed the Assembly we are assured that he will sign the bill into law.”


Assemblywoman Russell’s companion bill in the Assembly has not yet been brought to the floor for a vote.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

LET ME CLARIFY

Hello Mayor Graham. Are you tuned in? I know you are. You have made an error--error--error.
You claimed that an OFFICIAL press release eminated from Senator Aubertine's office
concerning the article in Roll Call about Darrel. Nope. It wasn't official in any way, shape or form.
It was an email from the Drewster to our mutual friend at NJ. No press release header...no
public computers used...just an email response. We all have opinions. And most of us express them.
tf

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

There. Take that.


Drew Mangione of Senator Aubertine's office had a comment today about the short article published in Roll Call and republished on Newzjunky. The Roll Call piece indicated that the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee would try to tie Darrel to the recent Senate dysfunction if he chose to make a Congressional run. Good for you Drew! You got it right on. Apparently the Republicans
are gearing up for another nasty, negative, naysaying campaign that the public really doesn't want to hear about but makes the super partisan Rs feel better. They keep making the same mistake over and over. Lets quote the Drewster.

“Senator Aubertine has never wavered in his support of reforms within the Senate and welcomes changes that would free all senators from partisan gridlock. He had the guts to stand up to both sides of the aisle and try to fix the mess that Senate Republican power brokers created. The Senator is nearing, but has not yet made, a decision to run. If he were to run, the real shock would be if the NRCC didn’t try to mislead the public about his record. “The Republican power structure has an amazing ability to look in the mirror and blame others for their own mistakes, even when they’re clearly out of touch with their own registered voters, many of whom strongly support Senator Aubertine.“The state Senate Republican hierarchy got all cozy with Tom Golisano and his money, and then started the stalemate, claiming they object to the very rules which they in fact established over four decades in control. The NRCC lost in 2008 and eroded much of their support because failed Bush Administration policies severely damaged our economy, so they blame the 7-month-old Obama Administration. “There’s a pattern here. The real surprise would be if the Republican cabal ran an honest campaign. They might actually win back some of the voters they have alienated, if they finally recognized how intelligent the electorate actually is.”

By the way the thingy was written as an email. No news release header. Just the same guy who has been Darrel's spokesman for more than a year now in all ways, sending a response to an attack. And it didn't cost the public anything.

Six of a mind--across party lines


Today, a bipartisan group of legislators representing the North Country signed a joint letter supporting the creation of a stand-alone, limited access, four lane highway across the northern tier of New York State. The letter is being sent to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in support of funding over the next five years in the extension of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). In addition, the letter indicates their support of an aggressive time frame for the “Roof Top Highway” to be built instead of a protracted phased approach, which had originally been suggested. The group of legislators includes: Assembly members Addie Russell, Dede Scozzafava, and Janet Duprey, along with Senators Darrel Aubertine, Betty Little, and Joseph Griffo.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

June is out--Jay is in


One of the best friends northcountry Democrats ever had is stepping aside. Elizabeth Benjamin reports:

Ending months of speculation over the leadership of the state Democratic Party going into 2010, Gov. David Paterson announced today the woman currently occupying that post, June O'Neill, will soon be replaced by Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs.

Ostensibly, this is being done at O'Neill's request because she has been temporarily sidelined by hip surgery (she returned home to St. Lawrence County last Thursday after having a hip replacement at St. Peter's in Albany).
O'Neill will move over to chair the party's Executive Committee (under party rules, the top two posts must be held by a man-woman combo), while Jacobs, who is a prodigious fundraiser and organizer with ties to Hillary Clinton, takes over day-to-day operations.
The change will be officially voted on by party's committee members at their fall meeting.
"June O’Neill has served our party and my administration with great passion, dedication and energy," Paterson said in a statement released this evening.
"She enjoys the admiration and support of people from one end of this great state to the other, people who have seen her fight for Democratic principles during her more than 30 years of service."
"Her efforts have allowed us to make great strides as a party, including helping our party raise $12.9 million. Although we will miss one of our ‘winningest’ state party chairs in New York history, I understand and support her wish to put her health first.”
Paterson said he is "delighted" that O'Neill has agreed to stay on as head of the Executive Committee (a position that had been held by Westchester County Democratic chairman Reggie Lafayette, although no mention of him was made in the press release). He also said Jacobs and O'Neill will make a "tremendous team for our party.”
I reached O'Neill at home. She told me she has been talking to the governor "for months" about doing a little less in light of the fact that her surgery will keep her out of the mix for about six weeks and also because, well, it has been a rather bumpy ride.
"I didn't want to give it up completely, because that's not in my nature," she explained. "If anybody looks at these last I don't know how many months, they've been unprecedented. It has not been a normal couple of years."
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/#ixzz0L5VT0IPd&D

Slithery, slimy and snickery

R. Wiley is a Cape Vincent blogger who appeared to capture the moment in his post today.
http://jeffersonleaningleft.blogspot.com/2009/07/two-slime-balls-and-30-slime-ball.html

Saturday, July 4, 2009

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The President recounts Americas great history of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges, and pledges to lead America in continuing that tradition. Focusing on creating a clean energy economy, comprehensive health reform, and revitalizing an education system in need of change, the President pledges not to leave these decades-old problems to yet another generation to solve. July 3, 2009. (Public Domain)
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MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Sources: "Sarah Palin Out Of Politics For Good" - 07/03/09
If Andrea has it correct a big Jeff Dem HOO-RAY to the Moose-Mom
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Friday, July 3, 2009

At a D gathering in St. Lawrence County I met this blooger.
http://scifiknitter.blogspot.com/

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.What kind of men were they?Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants,
Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated,but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his familywas kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
(from an email send by Thomas Anderer)