Jefferson Democrat

Paterson's Senate Decision Was the Right One

January 30th, 2009
by John T. Sullivan

While David Paterson may not have 20/20 vision, he does have foresight, and judgment, and his choice for the Senate mirrors that. Fundamentally, as the leader of an often fractious and divided Democratic party in New York State, the Governor must make the political calls which are in the best interest of the party's continued hegemony, and in the best interest of his continued stewardship of the state. Ultimately, a decision to appoint a statewide office holder, who will have to run with him in two years, is a political decision. To make a wise decision, a wise leader balances all the factors and personalities, and interests groups, and then chooses.
It is difficult to satisfy the myriad constituencies that comprise the Democratic party in NYS. I know. As Co-Chair of the party from 1995-98, I tried to do that for three years. It is as important to be able to play in Aurora as in Astoria… Manhattan as well as Massena,.. Ronkonkoma as well as Rochester.
David Paterson is being sullied, and parodied by many in the media, and indeed, within the Democratic party. The lot of any statewide political leader has always been thus. It comes with the territory. The opportunity to truly "balance" a ticket only presents itself upon rare occasions, and when that happens, a successful politician would do well to seize the moment, and balance away.
Read on..

Jefferson Democrat

Inauguration 2009

You may have felt lost in the crowd.

If you were there or if you know someone who was

at the historic Inauguration you'll want to check this out!

Below you'll find a link that will allow you to zoom WAY IN on people at the Inauguration. Check out the people on the outer fringe as well as the "Do I really have to be here?" Look on "W"

Click here

Addie's open house in Canton Saturday

It was just great! Wall to wall people from 10 to 2. Lots of personalities, good food and especially fine political conversation. When it was over (about 30 minutes past the closing time) Assemblywoman Addie Russell's staff was really pumped. Addie's staffers want her to do this every weekend.

JEFFERSON DEMOCRAT

Save-the-Date

The Capital Corridor/Thousand Island Bridge Authority

The Capital Corridor announces a symposium on April 2, 2009
“New Governments, New Border? Effects of Border Policy on Economic Development, Tourism and Trade.”
U.S. Ambassador Visits Thousand Islands Bridge
David H. Wilkins, U.S. Ambassador to Canada, visited the Thousand Islands Bridge on Monday, Sept. 29. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the opening of the bridge - the Ambassasdor’s visit served to point out the importance of the bridge to the economies of both countries. Ambasador Wilkins commented on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiaitive and the ease of border crossings once the initiaitive is fully implemented. The Ambassador felt that any drop in cross-border traffic was more because of the weak econonomy than any border security issues.
Ambassador Wilkins commented on the new radio frequency identification chip cards available for NEXUS users and now available for enhanced drivers licenses in New York State. As more states and provinces role out these new programs, border crossing times will decrease.

Read on..

Jefferson Democrat

Obama Says Will Reverse

Bush Labor Policies

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama pledged on Friday to reverse labor policies from his Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, that unions have long contended favored employers over workers.
Obama, who won significant backing from trade unions in his Democratic presidential campaign, said there could not be a strong middle class, the focus of his economic recovery plan, without a strong labor movement.He signed three executive orders to bolster unions in the workplace and strengthen workers' rights.

Read on..

JEFFERSON DEMOCRAT

A message from the Vice President of the United States

Finally An Administration That Gets

it About the Middle Class

JEFFERSON DEMOCRATCOLLECTIVE BARGAINING

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act

Fire fighters and police officers risk their lives every day to protect the public; they deserve the same right to discuss workplace issues with their employer that the federal government grants to most other workers.
The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, legislation granting fire fighters and police officers minimum collective bargaining rights by establishing minimum standards for state collective bargaining laws, was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Dale Kildee (D-MI) and John Duncan (R-TN) as H.R. 413. The bill is expected to be reintroduced in the U.S. Senate in the near future.

Read on..

JEFFERSON DEMOCRAT

National Ad for Employee

Free Choice Act

American Rights at Work's latest ad campaign in support of the Employee Free Choice Act features workers making their case for the legislation. The Employee Free Choice Act will help level the playing field for workers by making it easier for them to bargain with their employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions; this is one of those ads. Two Teamster-GCC members from Delancy Printing are featured in this video.

Read on..

Jefferson Democrat

Sen. Gillibrand Releases Disclosure Forms

Washington, DC- Today, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that she has voluntarily posted the disclosure form she submitted to Governor Paterson during the Senate appointment process to her website at www.kirstengillibrand.com.
Senator Gillibrand has been a leader by example on transparency issues in government, and was the first Member of Congress in history to post her earmark requests and financial disclosure forms on-line. In addition, Gillibrand has sponsored and supported measures to increase Administration compliance with providing records to the public and media and to improve shield laws for journalists.
Senator Gillibrand's commitment to open government and transparency will continue in the Senate.
In addition to providing her disclosure form to the Governor on-line, Senator Gillibrand will make her last three years of tax returns available for review by the media on Monday, February 2nd, from 2pm – 5pm at the law offices of Perkins Coie, located at 607 Fourteenth Street N.W., Washington, DC 20005-2011.

Read on..

Jefferson Democrat

CEO's and Their Pay. Someone Explain Why!!

In 2007, the CEO of a Standard & Poor’s 500 company received, on average, $14.2 million in total compensation, according to preliminary numbers from The Corporate Library, a corporate governance research firm. The median compensation package received was $8.8 million.

[1]A reasonable and fair compensation system for executives and workers is fundamental to the creation of long-term corporate value. However, compensation for top executives has grown at an unprecedented rate in the past two decades resulting in a dramatic increase in the ratio between the compensation of executives and rank-and-file employees.

The chief executive officers of large U.S. companies averaged $10.8 million in total compensation in 2006, more than 364 times the pay of the average U.S. worker, according to the latest survey by the United for a Fair Economy.

[2] Boards of directors are responsible for setting CEO pay. Frequently, however, directors award compensation packages that go well beyond what is required to attract and retain executives and reward even poorly performing CEOs. These executive pay excesses come at the expense of shareholders, as well as the company and its employees.
According to a recent study by ERI Economic Research Institute and The Wall Street Journal, executive compensation grew substantially faster than corporate earnings in the past year. The study of 45 randomly selected public companies found that executive compensation increased 20.5 percent from a year ago, while revenues grew just 2.8 percent.

Read on...

Will US follow Maryland's

green lead?

By Katty Kay BBC News, Washington
When Court Stevenson looks out on the Chesapeake Bay, he sees far more water and far less land than he used to.

We've lost 30,000 acres right here," says Mr Stevenson, an environmental scientist who has been studying the bay since the early 1970s.
The impact of global warming is hard to ignore - rising sea levels are contributing to massive erosion, threatening Maryland's 3,000 miles of coastline.
Aboard a charter fishing boat in early January, we did not have other boat traffic to worry about.
Mr Stevenson took us out to James Island, which is now three islands, or patches of land.
The rising water has covered what was once a thriving community - 150 years ago there were two schools, a shop and a shipbuilding yard.
Mr Stevenson said it will all be gone in 30 years.
"Americans have to change their energy consumption habits," he concludes.

Read on.. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7857206.stm

Congressman John McHugh sleeps as

the economy crumbles

House Passes Stimulus Plan With No G.O.P. Votes

By JACKIE CALMES
Published: January 28, 2009

WASHINGTON — Without a single Republican vote, President Obama won House approval on Wednesday for an $819 billion economic recovery plan as Congressional Democrats sought to temper their own differences over the enormous package of tax cuts and spending.

As a piece of legislation, the two-year package is among the biggest in history, reflecting a broad view in Congress that urgent fiscal help is needed for an economy in crisis, at a time when the Federal Reserve has already cut interest rates almost to zero.
But the size and substance of the stimulus package remain in dispute, as House Republicans argued that it tilted heavily toward new spending instead of tax cuts.
All but 11 Democrats voted for the plan, and 177 Republicans voted against it. The 244-to-188 vote came a day after Mr. Obama traveled to Capitol Hill to seek Republican backing, if not for the package then on other issues to come.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html

The pres breaks it down!!!!

Obama signs pay equity law

Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:56pm EST
By David Alexander
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama signed his first bill into law on Thursday, handing his labor and women's rights backers a victory by reversing a 2007 Supreme Court decision that made it harder to sue for pay discrimination.
With the woman for whom the law was named at his side, Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act at a White House ceremony. The Democratic-led Congress passed the measure this week and many leaders attended the signing.
"Signing this bill today is to send a clear message: that making our economy work means making sure it works for everybody, that there are no second-class citizens in our workplaces," said the Democratic president.
Pay equity was a sensitive issue during the presidential election campaign last year, especially among labor unions and women voters. On average, U.S. women are paid 23 percent less than men, while minority women receive even less.
First lady Michelle Obama, at one of her highest-profile events since the inauguration last week, hosted a reception for Ledbetter and others who worked for passage of the law.

Read on.. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE50S4S320090129

Addie in Albany

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell talks with Michelle Appleby of the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living. NRCIL was in Albany lobbying for the rights of the disabled. All in a day's work for Addie.

Elections commissioners HAVA headache

By Nathan McDonald
The Palladium-Times
Wed Jan 28, 2009, 07:45 PM EST
Oswego, N.Y. -
Voters in Oswego County and across New York state may be using the old automatic voting machines (AVM) for another year, despite federal mandates requiring that states use newer ballot-marking devices to comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

While 2008 was slated to be the last year for the aging voting machines, the county has gone beyond that deadline due to problems with the testing lab that was selected to verify the quality and functionality of the voting machines.

http://www.palltimes.com/homepage/x959451358

Schumer touts help for New York in bill
By MARC HELLER
WATERTOWN TIMES

WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2009

WASHINGTON — Sen. Charles E. Schumer touted a proposed economic stimulus Wednesday for showering upstate New York with more than $1 billion in federal spending, including money that could help schools avoid teacher layoffs.
Mr. Schumer's office reported north country schools alone could see about $55 million over two years, and counties will receive more help in offsetting high Medicaid costs.
"The stimulus package is going to give a big boost to upstate New York," Mr. Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a press release.

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090129/NEWS03/301299931/-1/NEWS

House passes stimulus bill

(00:53) Report
Jan 28 - President Barack Obama's $825 billion economic stimulus package cleared its first hurdle as members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted 244-188 to pass the legislation.
But, not a single House Republican voted for the plan.
Sarah Irwin reports.

This just in from one of our readers!

This is the other side of registering your cell with the "Do not call" registry

Read the full version here:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp

EDITORIAL: Sen. Gillibrand

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 3:06 AM EST
THE selection of Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Greenport, to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was a train wreck for which Gov. David Paterson bears blame.It is apparent the governor never really thought outside of the box for his appointment. In a state of 19 million people, only Caroline Kennedy, by virtue of familial fame, was judged suitably qualified to vie with the conventional political suspects. In the end, it was hers to lose, which she quickly accomplished.A state this large should have a deep bench of non-politicians capable of representing the state and enriching the national political dialogue to boot.

Read on.. http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/01/28/opinion/doc497e2963bced7962202860.txt

AG Cuomo taking care of North Country Workers.

Cuomo cracks down on defense contractor

January 28, 2009 at 5:10 pm by Rick Karlin
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is suing a Texas firm that he says lured workers to what they represented as 6-month jobs with benefits adding armor to military vehicles, but the work only lasted about a month, leaving workers prematurely unemployed, as a release put it.
Here’s a link to the suit against M & E Technical Services.
And here’s Cuomo’s release:
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (January 28, 2009) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the filing of a lawsuit against a Texas-based military contractor and its chief executive officer for luring employees to a job at Fort Drum through false promises and deceit that ultimately left many prematurely unemployed.
Austin, Texas-based M&E Technical Services, Inc. (METs) fraudulently induced more than 100 workers, most from the Watertown region, to work on a military contract adding armor to vehicles used by U.S. troops in combat overseas. At job fairs and through advertisements, the company falsely promised prospective workers long-term employment with benefits while knowing any work would actually only last a few weeks and that no benefits would ever be provided.

Read on.. http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/11138/cuomo-cracks-down-on-defense-contractor

Part two: President Obama's first interview

(Al-Arabiya TV exclusive)

Obama's first interview as president

(Al-Arabiya TV exclusive)

A public service message from your friends at JD

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public next month.
REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.

Come on up Kirsten

Addie Russell wrote a letter and now Darrel Aubertine 'youtubes' an invitation to Kirsten

WATERTOWN, N.Y., Jan. 26, 2009 — State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine today applauded Gov. David A. Paterson's proposal to increase support for county veterans' service agencies and deploy mobile outreach vans to bring counseling and other services to veterans living in rural areas.

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and it's important to recognize that," Sen. Aubertine said. "Even in tough times we must do what we can to make sure they have access to state and federal programs. Our governor has shown a commitment to our veterans and I applaud him for his efforts."

Sen. Aubertine has served in the Assembly and Senate on committees relating to Veterans, including his service as ranking member of the Senate's Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs committee. He has worked closely with the Division of Veteran's Affairs and was pleased to see the 2009-10 Executive Budget proposal increases funding for the Veteran Counseling Services Program by close to $1.3 million.

"With so many of our armed services men and women serving on two, three and four deployments, more and more veterans need to know what services are available to them," Sen. Aubertine said. "By opening up additional funding, we can improve access to and build off the existing state and federal benefits they deserve."

The Executive Budget proposal includes the use of two handicap accessible mobile veterans counseling vans to be deployed in rural parts of the state, including the Adirondack region, increases in aid to county and city veterans' service agencies, and a formal Veterans' Family Outreach Program to streamline the delivery of benefits to veterans and their families. The proposed spending plan also restores a reduction made to the Blind Veterans' Annuity.

"I want to applaud the governor for these measures to take care of our veterans," Sen. Aubertine said. "With Fort Drum playing a major role in our country's military, many of our veterans from across our country find themselves staying here and throughout upstate after they complete their service. We owe it to them to thank them for their service."

Achtung St. Lawrence County!

Addie J. Russell will be meeting and greeting at her open house in Canton this Saturday. The time from 10AM to 2PM. And we've heard there will be food. Assemblywoman Addie is renowned for the high quality of the political food served at these gatherings. Don't miss it. Good conversation and good munching. All political appetites served.


ADDIE ALSO INVITED KIRSTEN GILLEBRAND TO OUR NORTHCOUNTRY

Those of us who know Addie see a number of similarities between Senator Kirsten and Assemblywoman Addie. Aside from the fact they are both dynamic blondes they share a viewpoint on the support of hunter's rights. Obviously they are both upstaters with very progressive viewpoints. Addie has written the new Senator inviting her here and offered to host her visit. I'll bet she'll be here before too long.

Today's Siena Poll--it all ebbs and flows

AG Andrew Cuomo may have lost the battle for Hillary Clinton's US Senate seat, but, as it turns out, he has gained considerably from losing.

Today's Siena poll shows Gov. David Paterson's lead over Cuomo in a hypothetical head-to-head match-up has fallen from 23 points in December to just two points today (35-33 from 49-26 last month).

Another Democrat sometimes mentioned as a potential 2010 contender, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, doesn't even register among New York voters, while 33 percent are unsure.

If the election were held today, Paterson would edge Republican Rudy Giuliani by just two points (44-42, with 14 percent undecided), while Cuomo would handily defeat the former mayor (48-39, 13).

And, for the first time since May, Cuomo has a better favorable/unfavorable rating than Paterson. Cuomo is at 64-17, while Paterson is at 60-23.

Asked if they would vote to elect Paterson or "someone else" in 2010 if the election, 36 percent chose an anonymous challenger over the current governor, who got just 32 percent. Another 32 percent were unsure.
(lifted from Liz)

Jockeying for Position

Just like these day old kittens there are various political types pushing and shoving to be in the best position to replace Kirsten Gillebrand in Congress.
The Ithaca Journal has the story.

"DISCOVER THE MEANING"
UPDATE

I wanted to give Sandra Cole (The person in the middle of the picture to the left) a special Thank You! You'll all remember a week or so ago that a family in Rutland lost everything they had in a fire. That was just around the same time as the Governor was visiting Watertown. Sandra saw the gathering at the North Side Improvement league as an opportunity to do some very needed good for a family in desperate need of help. Sandra walked the crowd, hat in hand, and solicited funds from everyone that would listen to her. She didn't need to do this. Sandra could have been like many of us (myself included) that saw that event purely as an opportunity to support our Governor while our State is facing difficult times. Sandra took that one further, and showed with a little creative thought and a whole lot of selflessness you can achieve great things. Sandra single handedly raised $250 that night and right after the event dropped off the cash to the stricken family. When Sandra told the needy family of the group that had given to this great cause she said she could see that they were deeply moved by the generosity. My hat is off to you Sandra!

Thank you for all of your efforts and all your help!

Sincerely,

Sean M Hennessey

Chairman,

Jefferson County

Democratic Party

DISCOVERING THE MEANING

The Jefferson County Democratic Committee right after the last election in November took a new additional direction. Of course our major mission is political but it was decided that we would also embark on a program titled 'Discover the Meaning.'
The concept was to reach out in a non-political way and use the human resources of our group to help worthwhile community endeavors.
Sandy Cole stepped up to head the effort. So far we have rung Salvation Army Christmas bells, collected non perishable food for area pantries and last night we helped our public TV station raise some funds in this troublesome economic climate. The event was the Antique and Collectable Auction. We manned phones, worked as floor managers, wrote board bids and even served as auctioneers. There were even some bids coming from our group. Station Manager Tom Hanley seemed pleased with our efforts.

Assemblywoman Addie Russell was charming as always in front of the cameras. Chairman Sean Hennessey was everywhere doing everything, as usual. Manning the phones were Doris Mclallen, Nancy Brown, Pat Youngs, Ted Ford, Matt Barbalich, Mary Kiechel, Sandy Cole, Mark Pacilio and Steve Hunt.
Ron Cole was a floor manager and Mike Stone and Scott Mclallen were wearing the headsets as bid posters. All of us were pleased to help out a little.
Sandy will have us out again in another venture soon I'm sure. Thanks everybody for all you do.

THE FOLLOWING HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS BUT ITS REALLY GOOD TO KNOW:
STROKE:
Remember the 1st Three Letters....S.T.R.


My nurse friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word.
I agree.

If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
Seriously..

Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 PM Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead .

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(I.e. It is sunny out today)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke --------
Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this:
Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue..
If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

Want a picture?

It'll cost you $25. Here is how to get it.

2009 is not starting well for Gentleman Joe

Britt Godshalk wrote this:
ALBANY, N.Y. -- “There is nothing more searing than to stand before a judge and hear yourself formally charged with breaching your personal and professional code of conduct,” said Joe Bruno.

Former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno faces up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for each of eight counts of an indictment handed down Friday. Prosecutors say he entered into financial relationships with those pursuing interests before the state legislature and state agencies.

After a three year investigation, the feds became convinced he did so for his own enrichment.

The President's weekly address--volume 1, number 1

Thank you, Mr. President, for your first three days of undoing Bush.

THE JUSTIN COLE REPORT
A strong friend of the Jefferson County Democratic Committee Justin Cole, a current Syracuse University undergrad, reflected on his own blog about attending the inaguration.
Justin is an occasional Friday pizzatista.
Check it out.

Addie Russell's News Conference Today

Addie broke the news of the shutdown of the Massena GM plant and had some comments on new Senator Kirsten Gilibrand.
Click here for the whole thing presented by Steve Weed.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Jefferson County Democratic Committee applauds Governor Paterson on his decision to pick US Congressional Representative Kirsten Gillibrand for the recently vacated US Senate seat.

Governor Paterson had a very important and difficult decision to make with a large field of exceptional candidates to choose from. We believe that he has judiciously put the needs of the constituents above any other considerations.

Rep. Gillibrand will bring a much needed upstate perspective to the US Senate. She has a strong background in Agriculture, Armed Services, and Energy. She began a High Tech caucus in Congress, and we believe she is uniquely suited to work with our new team of local State Representatives to find innovative and compassionate solutions to our most pressing problems in the North Country.

Sincerely,
Sean M Hennessey
Chairman

ITS ALMOST OFFICIAL--ITS KIRSTEN

This is the picture on the NYT's online front page today. Even the pantsuit matches.

WPIX reports its 'Senator' Kirsten

PIX11 News has learned Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand is the choice of Governor David Paterson to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton. Two Congressional sources tell PIX News that the Governor will make his announcement in Albany at noon tomorrow. He has invited members of the state's Democratic Congressional delegation to join him.


The sources told reporter Marvin Scott that the Governor has called members of the delegation for their views after Caroline Kennedy withdrew herself from consideration. One of the contenders, longterm Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney canceled a scheduled appearance on "PIX News Closeup" Friday because of a "conflict," which she did not disclose. She too will be in Albany. According to the sources, Gillibrand, now in her second congressional term, was favored by both Senator Churck Schumer and Secretary of State Clinton. Paterson has been under pressure to select a woman.

IT WAS FACINATING TO WATCH MSNBC'S HARDBALL HOST CHRIS MATTHEWS STUFF A QUICK CORK IN THE MOUTH OF LIZ BENJAMIN WHEN LADY LIZ STARTED REPORTING THE BLOG CHATTER ABOUT CAROLINE'S 'AFFAIR' AS HER POSSIBLE REASON FOR WITHDRAWING. THE BLOG GAWKER HAS 'PINCH' SULZBERG OF THE NEW YORK TIMES AS HER EXTRA MARITAL AFFAIREE. CAN'T WE TALK ABOUT THAT STUFF? THANKS FOR TRYING LIZ.

GIANT CHEERS AT FOGGYBOTTOM TODAY

Hillary Clinton greeted with cheers today as she arrived for her first day at the Department of State. I think these staffers appreciate the change. Don't you?
Click for the video.

DON'T WORK TOO HARD--NOBODY NOTICES ANYWAY

This is a very personal reflection on the events of this afternoon. Could there have been a better Benedictino than the one given by civil rights lion Dr. Joseph Lowrey?

TF

WHAT A GREAT DAY TO BE AN AMERICAN!!

Obama Is Sworn In as the 44th President

Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, before a massive crowd reveling in a moment of profound racial significance, and called on Americans to confront together an economic crisis that he said was caused by “our collective failure to make hard choices.”

Mr. Obama spoke just after noon to a sea of cheering people, appearing to number well over a million, who packed the National Mall from the Capitol to the Washington Monument and beyond. Four hours later, at the end of the parade route, he left his car and strolled with his wife along Pennsylvania Avenue on the final steps of a long march to the White House, holding hands and waving to cheering crowds. Read on..

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/us/politics/20web-inaug2.html?_r=1&hp

"Justin Goes to Washington"

One of our dedicated young Dems got up bright and early, boarded a Bus and is off to Washington. Justin and a team of friends are traveling to be part of the historic swearing in of our 44th President of the United States. We at the Jefferson County Democratic Party want to wish Justin and his mates all our best on their journey to Washington.

It's so impressive to see youth getting involved in the future of this country. Justin's thirst for Volunteerism and Community organizing is a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr as well as our future President. My hope for this country is not solely based on the the leaders of today but mostly on the leaders of tomorrow. My hope is that Justin and people like him will use this trip as the catalyst for true change. The future of this great Country rests on the revitalization of the American Dream and I see this day as a rebirth of that dream.

Today we come together not as Republicans and Democrats, Independents and Conservatives but as Americans. We have such a bright future in front of us and I feel truly blessed to be a part, as we all are, in the revitalization of this great Country. God Bless you and your family and God Bless America.

All my best
Sean M Hennesey
Chairman
Jefferson County
Democratic Party

P.S. - If you would like to track Justin's trip to Washington you can by clicking: http://www.justinmcole.blogspot.com/

The NY Post's Fred Dicker pontificated today as only he can that 'sweet Caroline' has been Paterson's choice all along. Some of the other contenders are reportedly uptight about his supposed mind games.
Read away.

MY KINDA COMPUTER

SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON:

CHAMPION FOR NEW YORK

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke today on the Senate floor and thanked her colleagues, her staff, and the people of New York.“I may not have always been a New Yorker, but I know I always will be one. New York, its spirit and its people will always be part of me and of the work I do,” Senator Clinton said.Highlights of Senator Clinton’s service for New York, including region-by-region, are available here:http://www.clinton.senate.gov/documents/Champion_for_New_York.pdf.

Read on.. http://www.clinton.senate.gov/news/statements/details.cfm?id=306786&&

Darrel and Addie help get-r-done

First came the bad news. Governor Paterson proposed closing the Reynolds Game Farm. That is the only place in NYS where four state employees raise birds that are stocked across the state in various locales to provide traditional recreation for game bird hunters. Of course, Perch River and Wilson Hill locally are two of those spots. Senator Darrel Aubertine voiced his opposition to the closure in December closely followed by Assemblywoman Addie Russell after she took office in January. Both legislators felt that not only did this badly affect outdoor recreation opportunities for the men and women that enjoy the shooting sports but that it was sort of cutting off your nose to spite your face. The simple fact is that the number of licenses sold by the state easily exceeds the expense of the operation and the sales tax revenue generated by specific purchases would also deny the state substantial additional revenue. The Governor clearly saw the logic of that position and retracted his proposal.
For a lot a sportsmen and sportswomen Darrel and Addie actively participated in preserving and restoring what is a traditional Northcountry activity for many. Congratulations.

Tiger Woods to speak at opening celebration for Barack Obama

BY MATT MARRONE DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Friday, January 16th 2009, 7:08 PM
Kinnaird/Getty

One more star will align for Barack Obama this weekend in Washington.
Tiger Woods, the world's top golfer, will speak Sunday at "We Are One," an opening celebration for Obama's presidential inauguration that will also feature performances and readings by Beyonce, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Denzel Washington and Martin Luther King III, among others.
"I am honored that I was invited to this historic event, and look forward to participating in Sunday's festivities," Woods said in a statement posted Friday on his official Web site, tigerwoods.com. Read on...

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/16/2009-01-16_tiger_woods_to_speak_at_opening_celebrat.html

HBO's Obama concert is for the free world

Bruce Springsteen, Garth Brooks and Bono, the big guns performing Sunday's pre-inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial, will be doing so for free.
Indeed, none of the acts appearing during the "We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration" are getting paid, according to Michael Stevens, a producer and writer of the special, set to air live Sunday on HBO at 2:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Read on

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/01/16/2009-01-16_hbos_obama_concert_is_for_the_free_world-1.html

OPTIMISM--ITS A WONDERFUL THING

It is incredibly nice to write a headline like that. A NY Times/CBS poll reported today that
hope in this country right now is incredibly high. This is the question that was asked.
What is your best guess about the U.S. five years from now if things go pretty much as you expect?
The results:
61% said "better"
17% said "about the same"
19% said "worse"
3% apparently didn't understand the question

One of the really interesting things about the question is that it gave people a five year timeframe. Therefore, my assumption is that the respondents are not only really positive but they don't expect immediate results either. The crusty old naysaying reactionary curmudgeons, such as local blogger Political IV, may have to adjust their thinking about the incoming Obama administration. Good for the country. I haven't seen poll results like that in a long, long time.

BTW I put the same question up on our blog so you could vote.

Its over on the right.

Peeved Republicans may deny Mike Bloomberg GOP line for third run
Saturday, January 17th 2009, 7:46 PM

Mayor Bloomberg appears to have his own Gang of Three problem.
Much like new state Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith's leadership post was held hostage for two months by three renegade lawmakers who refused to back him, Bloomberg's bid to land the Republican line for his re-election bid could be blocked by a trio of obstinate GOP county chairs.
Since the Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-Independent mayor ditched the GOP in June 2007 to prepare for a never-realized run for President, he now needs permission from three of the city's five GOP party chairs to run on the ballot line he had for his 2001 and 2005 campaigns.

read on.. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/01/17/2009-01-17_peeved_republicans_may_deny_mike_bloombe.html

Would-Be Senators Describe Job Interview With the Governor

By DAVID M. HALBFINGER and JEREMY W. PETERS
Published: January 17, 2009

For days beforehand, they fretted — as they had not, some said, since graduating from law school. (What will he ask? How hard should I pitch myself? What if I talk too much?)
On the big day, there were jitters. One applicant brought crib notes into the room. Another looked at her watch. A third caught himself slipping and calling the interviewer by his first name.
In the chair opposite each, Gov. David A. Paterson sat, listening closely, smiling, nodding and occasionally cracking a joke. He asked gentle, broad questions like “What would you do for the State of New York?” while keeping his impressions — and his intentions — utterly obscure. Read on..

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/nyregion/18paterson.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion

A sad day for the North Country!!
 

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON ON FINAL

RADIO BROADCAST OF JEFFERSON COUNTY'S HOME GROWN SHOW


"For the past seven years, residents in the North Country have been both educated and entertained by Jefferson County's weekly agricultural radio show – The Home Grown Show on AM 1240 WATN. Unfortunately for those faithful listeners, the show has ended broadcasting today following the station's announcement of plans to change formats.

"The Home Grown Show provided a valuable service to the agricultural industry in Upstate New York by bringing the industry together on issues of interest, while educating consumers on the importance of agriculture to the New York State economy. The light-hearted humor and insightful wisdom of radio morning host Mike White and Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator Jay Matteson is sure to be missed.

"On behalf of all residents of the North Country, I bid farewell to The Home Grown Show and offer thanks to the entire staff for years of dedication to the agricultural industry of the North Country."

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BIG TIME SCARY PUSHBACK

The Governor's proposed budget cuts prompted the NYS Hospital Association to produce this commercial. Its a big statewide media buy and these puppies start Monday across the whole state.

Each week since he has been the President-elect Barack Obama has delivered a
short weekly address to the nation. Here is this week's version. Of course, it is his last as President-elect.

Senator Clinton bids Farewell
to Senate
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/01/hillary-clinton.html

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Obama plans economic summit,
heads to Ohio
Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:43pm EST
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Barack Obama will hold a "fiscal responsibility summit" next month with members of Congress and other groups to discuss entitlement programs and the economy, The Washington Post reported on Thursday.
Obama, who takes over from George W. Bush on Tuesday, told the paper in an interview that Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad of North Dakota, a Democrat, and Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, would be among those invited. Read on..
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE50F1A220090116

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