Political Updates Archives
Election Update 2007
Notwithstanding the fact that Election Day 2007 saw no statewide offices in play, political pundits had a keen eye on local races throughout the state to assess whether or not the Governor’s plan to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants had an impact on these races. While it was difficult to point to any significant political impact that the matter had on the local races, Republicans as a whole, attempted to take advantage of the license controversy by labeling Democrats as “weak on terrorism” if they failed to reject Spitzer’s plan. Not surprisingly, in the aftermath of Tuesday’s elections, both Democrats and Republicans were quick to claim victory with losses occurring for both parties in key races.
The GOP took the County Executive offices in Erie, Onondaga, Oneida and held the Dutchess seat. Republicans also grabbed victories in Saratoga Springs and ousted a Sullivan County clerk who had been appointed by Governor Eliot Spitzer. There is still a cliff hanger in the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s race, which some are reading as a blow to state Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, as this is his home turf.
Democrats held on in both Suffolk and Nassau Counties, notwithstanding the fact that a GOP challenger has not conceded defeat belonging to a Democratic incumbent in Nassau. For the first time since 1977, Democrats won the majority in the Dutchess County legislature, while the Dems picked up two seats in the Monroe County legislature. Democrats also won Mayoral races in Utica and Niagara and also took the DA’s office in Rockland County.
State GOP Chairman Joe Mondello declared that New York’s Republican party is now revitalized, pointing to gains in his own backyard, Nassau County, while Democrats downplayed losses upstate contending that they were never really in a position to win those races. The Dems also announced that they had been successful in defeating the anti-driver’s license lie that Republicans had been using, particularly in Nassau and Monroe Counties, where that issue played a significant role.
While there were no statewide races up for grabs, there was a statewide ballot question that voters answered last Tuesday. The measure asked New Yorkers if the Adirondack hamlet of Racquette Lake could continue to use a well drilled in a state forest preserve. While the measure might not seem vital to most of New York residents, it is for the 125 residents who rely on the well. Lucky for them, the measure was approved.
Through First 100 Hours Agenda Adapted from Material Prepared by Jon E. Groteboer
January 12, 2007- Under newly elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) the also got to work on a series of bills which Democrats had pledged to take up in the first one hundred hours of the new Congress. These include measures on the 9/11 Commission recommendations, minimum wage, stem cell research, prescription drug prices, student loan interest rates, and energy policy.
Now in the majority in both the House and Senate for the first time since 1994, Democrats opened the 110th Congress by pushing through new rules packages. Each chambers’ rules package hope to make significant changes to practices in ethics, civility, and fiscal discipline, while the House of Representatives measure also renames a number of committees.
Neither the rules package nor the one hundred hours legislation will be shepherded through the House using the usual committee process, and Republican opportunities to amend the legislation on the House floor will be limited. In the Senate where however, where Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) only has a slim one vote majority compared to the thirty one seat margin enjoyed by Speaker Pelosi, ethics and rule change proposals will be fully debated and subject to amendment and legislation will be vetted through the regular committee process.
The House is considering the first six bills over a two-week. After the House completes its work, the Senate will consider them, but in a much more deliberate fashion. The schedule for House floor action is as follows:
January 9: H.R.1 / S.4 -- Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007. Passed 299-198.
January 10: H.R. 2 / S. 2 -- Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which will raise the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour. Passed 316-116.
January 11: H.R. 3 / S. 5 -- Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. Rumors suggest this legislation will mirror H.R. 810, which passed each chamber in the 109th Congress, but vetoed by the president. Passed 253-174.
January 12: H.R. 4 / S. 3 -- Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007, which will aim to improve Medicare's prescription drug benefit program by allowing the federal government to negotiate prescription drug prices.
January 17: H.R. 5 -- The College Student Relief Act of 2007 / S.7 -- the College Opportunity Act of 2007. H.R. 5 would cut student loan interest rates in half -- from 6.8% to 3.4. An offset, necessary under pay-go rules, has yet to be identified.
January 18: H.R. 6 / S. 6 the National Energy and Environmental Security Act, which will aim to reduce tax breaks to oil companies, encourage sustainable energy sources, and require reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases.
On the rules front, as of March 1, 2007, Members will no longer be able to accept gifts from lobbyists and privately-sponsored travel will be severely restricted, although there is an exception for pre-approved trips sponsored by institutions of higher education. Earmark reform is also likely. Going forward both the requesting member and the potential recipient will have to be publicly identified. "Pay-as-you-go" provisions are also being restored. This will require that all changes to spending or revenue be offset with new spending or tax changes so as not to add to the federal deficit.
New Yorkers Poised to Hold Key Positions in the 110th Congress
When the 110th Congress convenes in January with the Democrats in control of both the House of Representatives and Senate, several members of the New York Congressional delegation will assume important leadership positions. During the 109th Congress Peter King did manage to become Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and Tom Reynolds lead House Republican Congressional Committee, but with two Democratic Senators and a House delegation where Democrats outnumbered Republicans two to one, the New York delegation was not very well positioned while the Republicans controlled Congress. That should now change as several New Yorkers will have major influence in developing policy, establishing procedure, and setting spending priorities.
Chief among this group is Congressman Charles Rangel whose district includes both the Medical Center and Columbia’s Morningside Campus. Congressman Rangel will chair the Committee on Ways and Means. With jurisdiction over tax, trade, Social Security, and Medicare, among other things, Ways and Means is arguably the most powerful committee in the House. As Chairman, Congressman Rangel will be able to use his new found influence to shape legislation in a number of different areas that are important to New York, most notably payment rates for physicians under Medicare and support for New York’s teaching hospitals.
Although he has been in Congress for more than thirty-five years, this will be Congressman Rangel’s first opportunity to chair a full committee and he is the first New Yorker to chair Ways and Means since the early part of the Eisenhower Administration. Former New York Democratic Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan did chair the Senate Finance Committee, Ways and Means’ counterpart in the other body, for two years in the 1990’s. Congressman Mike McNulty is also on the Committee and may be in line to chair a subcommittee. There is also a possibility that a third New York Democrat may be added to the Committee.
Congressman Rangel is not the only New Yorker who will be handed the gavel for a full Committee. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter will become Chair of the Rules Committee. Although not particularly glamorous and with very little substantive jurisdiction, the Rules Committee is quite powerful because it sets the terms of the debate on the House floor. Unless the House votes to suspend the rules, which requires a two thirds vote, a bill needs a rule in order to be considered on the House floor. That rule dictates how long the debate will be, who will get to speak, and most importantly, which amendments will be in order. Members of Congress can not even offer an amendment unless the Rules Committee agrees, and it is Congresswoman Slaughter who will be largely in control of that process.
Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez will chair the Small Business Committee. She will be one of only two Latinos and one of only two women to chair a full House committee during the upcoming Congress.
Several other New Yorkers will assume the chair of important subcommittees. As mentioned, Congressman McNulty may get to wield a gavel at Ways and Means and on the Appropriations Committee Nita Lowey will become a Cardinal, the nickname given to Chairs of Appropriations subcommittees. The Appropriations committee makes decisions on how to spend discretionary funds. Congresswoman Lowey is in line to chair the Foreign Operations Subcommittee but may get the opportunity to chair the Labor/HHS subcommittee. Second only to Defense in the amount of funding under it jurisdiction, Labor/HHS controls discretionary spending for health, labor, and education programs. Chair of this subcommittee is a very powerful position. Democrats Maurice Hinchey and Jose Serrano are also on the committee but may not have enough seniority to become a Cardinal this Congress. On the Republican side, James Walsh will be Ranking Member of a subcommittee.
At Energy and Commerce, Ed Towns will get a subcommittee chair, most likely the Health Subcommittee. Other New Yorkers likely to get a subcommittee gavel are Gary Ackerman, Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, and Eliot Engel. One freshman, Kristen Gillibrand won a seat on the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Among other things, this group makes committee assignments. It is very rare for a freshman to get such a spot on this Committee.
In the Senate, neither Charles Schumer nor Hillary Rodham Clinton will get to chair a full committee but that does not mean their influence will not increase. Senator Schumer will continue on as Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Regarded as one of the major architects of the Democratic takeover of the Senate, Senator Schumer will become Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, a new position created just for him which will put him third in line on the party leadership. He will also maintain his seat on the Finance Committee and assume subcommittee chairs on both the Banking and Judiciary Committees. Senator Clinton will become a subcommittee Chair on the Environment and Public Works Committee and will most likely continue to serve on the Health and Armed Services Committees.
Election Recap
Shortly after 6pm on November 7th, Election Day, when polls closed in Kentucky and Indiana, Republicans got a hint as to what kind of night it would be for them. Democratic challengers in both states jumped out to early leads and by 7pm CNN called its first contested race. Democrat Brad Ellsworth defeated Republican incumbent John Hostetler by a fairly substantial margin in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District.
As the evening progressed and polls across the country closed, it became more and more obvious that it was going to be a banner night for Democrats. Shortly after the polls closed in New Jersey, CNN declared that Democratic Senator Robert Mendendez had defeated Republican challenger Tom Keane, Jr. This was the Republicans best chance for a pick up in the Senate and the race ended up not being that close. About the same time results came in showing Democrats picking up Senate seats in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. It wasn’t even nine o’clock and the Democrats had already picked up three of the six seats they needed to take control of the Senate.
At nine, the polls in New York closed and as expected Democrats did very well in the Empire State. Before the clock struck one minute after, New York One news declared Eliot Spitzer the victor in the race for Governor. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Attorney General Candidate Andrew Cuomo were declared winners soon thereafter. Even Comptroller Alan Hevesi, who was beset by allegations of misuse of his office, won his race. In upstate New York three Democratic Congressional candidates captured seats previously held by Republicans as John Hall defeated incumbent Sue Kelley in the 19th Congressional District, Kirsten Gillibrand outpolled incumbent John Sweeney in the 20th, and Michael Arcuri bested Ray Sweeney in the 24th to fill the seat of retiring Congressman Sherwood Boehlert. Democrats also picked up one seat in the State Senate and three seats in the State Assembly.
Going into the election the Democrats needed to pick up a net of fifteen seats to capture the majority in the House of Representatives. As election night wore on it became apparent that they would do so. Many of the Democratic wins came from places one might expect like New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania or from districts where Republicans had been besieged with scandal as in Texas, Ohio, and Florida, but Democrats also picked up seats in places where they do not usually run strong, like Kansas, Indiana, Arizona and in rural areas of California, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. There are still two races where the winner has yet to be determined and two where there will be a runoff, but it appears that in the 110th Congress, the Democrats will hold at least 232 seats, a pick up of thirty seats.
The Democratic victory was so overwhelming that no Democratic incumbent lost nor did the party fail to hold any open seat. Even in 1994, the year of the Republican Tsunami when the GOP had a net pick up of over fifty seats and captured the House, the Democrats did manage to win three open Republican seats. In 2006, the Republicans did not win any Democratic seats.
Although by a much closer margin, the Democrats were also able to recapture control of the Senate. The Republicans held a 55-45 seat in the Senate which meant that the Democrats would need to pick up a net of six seats since Vice President Dick Cheney, who also serves as President of the Senate, would cast a vote in favor of the Republicans were there to be a tie. The Democrats had hopes of picking up seats in seven states, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Virginia, whereas Republicans’ only real chance for a pick up was in New Jersey.
As mentioned, early on election night it became apparent the Democrats would capture at least three seats and hold onto New Jersey. As the evening progressed Tennessee started to go Republican and Bob Corker was ultimately able to pull out the victory, saving retiring Majority Leader Bill Frist’s seat. This meant that for the Democrats to capture the majority, they would have to win all of the remaining undecided seats, Missouri, Montana, and Virginia. As the votes started to come all three races turned out to be very close and no winner was declared election night in any of these contests.
The next day Democrats Claire McCaskill and John Tester took leads in Missouri and Montana respectively and were eventually declared winners, but Virginia remained too close to call, leaving control of the Senate in the balance. It was not until two days after Election Day that Democrat Jim Webb’s lead was secure enough to cement the victory, thus giving control of the Senate to the Democrats.
Gains were not limited to Washington as Democratic Gubernatorial candidates also had a big day. The party captured six new statehouses, Arkansas, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio. Democrats also made large gains in races for seats in state legislatures across the country.
One other note, in Missouri amendment 2 passed by a 51%-49% margin. This proposal amends the State Constitution to guarantee that all stem cell research allowed under federal law can be conducted within the state of Missouri. The amendment will prevent future legislatures from passing regulations on stem cell research that are more restrictive than what the federal government allows.
Spitzer, Clinton, Cuomo, Spencer Win Nomination — Few Surprises in Primary Outcomes
September 29, 2006 - The candidate slates for both parties were set on Septembers 12th when voters statewide chose their party’s nominees for the November election. On the Democratic side, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer beat Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi in a landslide. General Spitzer now faces former Assemblyman John Faso, the Republican-Conservative nominee. Former United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo easily beat Mark Green and Sean Maloney to win the Democratic Attorney General nomination to run against Jeanine Pirro, the former Westchester County District Attorney. After the loss, Mr. Green, a former New York City Public Advocate and frequent candidate for office, announced that he would not seek elected office again. In another lopsided win, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton crushed opponent Jonathan Tasini, who ran a low-budget campaign hoping to attract an anti-war vote.
The sole contest on the Republican side was for United States Senate. The nomination was won by former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer, who also has the backing of the Conservative Party. Spencer handily defeated newcomer KT McFarland in a contest that saw only about 5% of eligible Republicans vote.
The most hotly contested race had to be the one for United States Congress in the 11th district in Brooklyn. Longtime incumbent Major Owens retired and four candidates battled to replace him. Three of the candidates, City Councilwoman Yvette Clarke, State Senator Carl Andrews, and Chris Owens, the Congressman’s son, are African American. The fourth, City Councilman David Yassky, is Caucasian, and race became a significant issue in the campaign. The district is 60% African American and has been represented in Congress by an African American since 1969, first by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman ever elected to Congress, and then by Congressman Owens. Councilman Yassky moved into the district only about a year before the election; he did live nearby; and many people accused him of being an opportunist and trying to take advantage of a split African American vote. Several African American political leaders and the Reverend Al Sharpton tried to get one or more of the African American candidates to drop out, but none would.
Although Councilman Yassky was better financed and favored to win, it was Councilwoman Clarke who came out the ahead in the primary and in this highly Democratic district that is tantamount to a win for the seat. Councilwoman Clarke captured 31% of the vote, followed by Councilman Yassky with 26%, Senator Andrews with 23% and Mr. Owens with 20%. Ironically it was the presence of the third African American candidate, Mr. Owens, which may have helped push Councilwoman Clarke over the top. Mr. Owens was the most vocal opponent of the Atlantic Yards project, a plan to build office space, housing, and a new arena for the New Jersey Nets in the area surrounding the Flatbush Avenue Long Island Railroad Station. Many residents of Park Slope are opposed to this project. Park Slope is Councilman Yassky’s base but Mr. Owens probably drew votes away from him because of his staunch opposition to the project.
On primary day a few well-known incumbent state legislators lost or came close to loosing their contest for renomination. The most prominent was Senator Ada Smith (D-Queens), who was convicted of attacking an aide and has a long history of run-ins with police and staffers. Senator Martin Connor (D-Brooklyn), who was ousted as minority leader by David Paterson, survived a closely fought primary challenge as did Senator John Sabini (D-Queens).
In the Assembly, Assemblyman Pat Manning (R-East Fishkill) lost a primary challenge, likely ending a career that earlier this year had him running for governor. Also losing to a GOP challenger was Assemblyman Will Stephens (R-Brewster), who is a third generation state legislator.
Democrats Candidates Hold Big Lead in Fundraising
(Excerpted from Weingarten, Reid & McNally's Albany Update)
July 21, 2006 - The most recently filed campaign finance reports for the races for statewise office showed big gaps between the favorites to win in November and their under-funded challengers.
Governor
In the first six months of 2006, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer raised $10.7 million for his campaign, compared to the $4 million raised by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, his Democratic primary opponent, and the $1.5 million by former Assembly Minority Leader John Faso, the likely Republican nominee for governor. General Spitzer's fundraising reflected the widely held view that he will defeat County Executive Suozzi and go on to be elected Governor in November. Lobbyists and powerful special interests cut across party lines to give money to Spitzer, including Republican elected officials turned lobbyists Clarence Rappleyea and Armand D'Amato, the brother of former Senator Al D'Amato. Overall, General Spitzer has raised about $30 million so far for his campaign, with $16 million in the bank and most of the rest spent on TV ads that have been running for weeks.
A Marist Poll out this week found Spitzer with the support of 75% of Democratic voters, with only 10% favoring Suozzi and 15% undecided. In a general election match-up, General Spitzer held a 69% to 20% edge over Assemblyman Faso with 11% undecided.
Senate
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton broke the previous campaign fundraising record held by her 2000 Republican opponent Rick Lazio. Her total fundraising is now at $43 million, $4 million more than the total raised by Lazio, and $22 million on hand. She faces a primary challenge from antiwar candidate Jonathan Tasini, who is running an ultra-low budget campaign. He is courting voters opposed to Clinton's support for the Iraq war and liberals unhappy with the middle of the road positions she has staked out on issues such as gay marriage. He reported raising just $48,000 in the last filing.
Republican candidate K.T. McFarland reported having $282,000 in her campaign treasury. News reports indicated that staffers – including her chief fundraiser – were going on unpaid leaves, raising doubts about how much longer she can keep running an active campaign. The other Republican in the race, former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer, raised $1.2 million in the last six months, bringing his total overall fundraising to $3 million. His campaign said he had $646,000 in cash on hand.
Attorney General
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo showed he is still reaping the benefits of his endorsement by SEIU 1199, a very powerful New York Labor union which represents hospital workers, in the Attorney General's race. He reported raising $2.1 million in the first half of this year. In total, Cuomo has raised about $6 million for his campaign, more than double the amount raised so far by his chief rival, former New York City Public Advocate Mark Green. On the Republican side, former Westchester County District Attorney Jeannine Pirro reported having about $2 million on hand, making her evenly matched with Secretary Cuomo in terms of campaign wealth.
Comptroller
Comptroller Alan Hevesi reported raising $1 million in the past six months, compared to just $79,000 raised by Republican candidate Christopher Callaghan, the former Saratoga County treasurer. Comptroller Hevesi has so far raised about $6 million. Callaghan reported having just $43,000 on hand.
The primary for all races is September 12th and the general election follows on November 7th.
Democrats and Republican Hold Conventions; Emerge with Candidate Slates
June 27, 2006 - Both the Democratic and Republican parties held their state nominating conventions the week after Memorial Day. The Democrats met in Buffalo while the Republicans gathered in Nassau County a day letter.
At the nominating convention the respective State Committee Members vote for candidates for statewide office. This year ballots were cast for United States Senator, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Comptroller, and Attorney General. Candidates who get at least 25% of the ballots cast are automatically on the ballot for the primary. Candidates who do not reach the 25% threshold must petition to get a on the ballot, a complicated, time consuming, and very expensive process involving collecting a large number of signatures from across the State. Candidates for Congress, Assembly, State Senate, and other non statewide offices must all petition to get on the ballot
There was very little suspense at the Democratic Convention. Attorney General Eliot Spitzer was nominated for Governor and State Senator David Paterson received the nod for Lieutenant Governor. Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi is challenging General Spitzer but he did not compete for delegate votes at the convention, vowing to get on the ballot via the petitioning route. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was unopposed and easily re-nominated, as was Comptroller Alan Hevesi.
The only real convention contest on the Democratic side was the race for Attorney General, and that turned to be a lot less close than expected. Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Andrew Cuomo received two thirds of the votes cast and easily received the convention’s nomination. None of the other four candidates running –Mark Green, Denise O’Donnell, Sean Maloney, and Charlie King -- got the 25% needed to get on the ballot. After the convention, Ms. O’Donnell, a former United States Attorney, dropped out of the race but the other candidates vowed to remain in and are attempting to petition to get on the ballot. Petitioning ends in early July, at which point Secretary Cuomo will know how many opponents, if any, he will have in the Democratic primary.
The Republicans had a contested race for both Governor and Senator. In the race for Governor, former Assembly Minority Leader John Faso pulled off a surprise victory over former Massachusetts Governor William Weld, who had been the early favorite and had the backing of much of the state Republican Party’s leadership, including the official endorsement of Party Chair Stephen Minarik and the more quite support of Governor George Pataki. Governor Weld did get enough votes to get on the ballot but dropped out of the race the next week and endorsed Assemblyman Faso.
There was no such party unity in race for the Republican nomination for United States Senate. Although former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer received a majority of the ballots cast, like Governor Weld, Mayor Spencer’s opponent, former Reagan Administration Defense Department Official, Katherine (KT) McFarland, received enough votes to get on the ballot. Unlike Governor Weld, Ms. McFarland is not dropping out of the race and will challenge Mayor Spencer in September primary. Mayor Spencer also has the endorsement of the Conservative Party. No Republican has won statewide in the past thirty years without the cross endorsement of the conservative party.
Rounding out the Republican slate are Saratoga County Treasurer J. Christopher Callaghan, who is running for Comptroller, and former Westchester County District attorney Jeannine Pirro. Ms. Pirro originally was slated to challenge Senator Clinton but instead chose to run for Attorney General. The New York primary is September 12th. Election Day is November 7th.
Leading Moderate Republican Sherwood Boehlert Retires
by Ross A. Frommer
April 28, 2006 - Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, a Republican form upstate New York, announced that he will not seek reelection this fall. First elected in 1982, Sherry was an exemplary public servant, a great man, and a good friend for those of us who have had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.
Sherry is, unfortunately I fear, part of a vanishing breed -- the common sense, moderate to liberal Republican. Some have retired, some were forced out by redistricting, some were defeated for reelection, and a few have passed away, but their numbers seem to be dwindling. John Chafee, Marge Roukema, Claudine Schneider, and Connie Morella have all left Congress. In the last ten years alone the New York Congressional delegation has lost Ben Gilman, Jack Quinn, and one of the truest gentlemen to ever serve in Congress, Amo Houghton. Now we can add Sherry Boehlert to that list. More often than not, these fiscally conservative yet open minded on social issues, Republicans are replaced by highly partisan Members who are either hard core conservatives or run of the mill liberal Democrats.
I first got to know Sherry in the early 1990's. I was working for Congressman James Scheuer, a Democrat from Queens who recently passed away. Jim was on Science Committee, as was Sherry. They were both interested in energy and environment issues and I was working on the Energy Policy Act so I spent a lot of time working with his staff. His now Chief of Staff, Dean D'Amore, another colleague named Jim Matthews, and I used to have on ongoing contest to see who had the longest hair among New York delegation staff, at least the men, all of us wearing our hair neat up front, but pulled back in a pony tail; a style that was somewhat popular at the time. Looking back, I'm not so sure why.
But it was in 1996 that I really got to know Sherry well. I moved to Oneonta, New York to become Regional Director for former United States Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, also great man, but that is the subject of another essay. Oneonta, a beautiful small city in the Central Leatherstocking area of upstate New York, was in Sherry's district so I became a constituent. I learned what a great Congressman he was; how hard he worked for district; and how much he and I agreed on the issues, even though we were of opposite political parties. At the time, the Moynihan's lived on a farm in nearby Delaware County. They were also constituents, and both the Senator and Liz Moynihan also thought highly of Sherry and were proud to be represented by him. From the conversations I have had with Sherry over the years, I know he felt the same about the Senator. Sherry is not the only Republican I have ever voted for; there have not been many; but he was by far the one for whom I was proudest to do so.
I spent a lot of time working with Sherry and his staff on issues important to the people of upstate New York and we often would be guests or speakers at the same events, anything from Hall of Fame games in Cooperstown to the anti-arson day in Utica in 1997. I remember in 1998 we both attended and spoke a ceremony for the Adirondack Scenic Railway, which had received federal transportation funding. Several people from state and local government spoke and one person whose name I do not remember, got up and made some incredibly smug remarks saying he was the guy with the check. When it was my turn speak I pointed out that if it wasn't for Senator Moynihan and Congressman Boehlert, that check would have bounced. Sherry loved that remark.
After Senator Moynihan retired I went to work for the Columbia University Medical Center. I continue to work with Sherry but these days it is more with his Washington staff. He has been a strong supporter of the National Institutes of Health and of stem cell research. Of course, as Chairman of the Science Committee, he has worked tirelessly to promote research and development.
I understand why Sherry chose not to run and I truly wish him well in his retirement, but there is no doubt that the country, the Congress, New York, and his district will be the poorer for it.
Ethics Issues Bring Changes to House Republicans
January 13, 2006 - The make-up of the Republican Majority in Congress has changed more than a bit over the past six months, something you do not normally expect to see at this point in the Congressional calendar. First there were the special elections to fill the seats of former Representatives Chris Cox (CA) and Rob Portman (OH), both of him whom took senior positions in the Administration. Then in September, House Majority Leader Tom Delay was indicted in Texas for various alleged campaign violations. Under House Republican rules, a member who is under indictment can not serve in a leadership position, so Congressman Delay was forced to temporarily relinquish the Majority Leader post. House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) took over as Acting Majority Leader.
Just after Thanksgiving, Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-CA) pleaded guilty to felony charges that he had accepted bribes. He resigned his seat in Congress and will likely face significant jail time and fines. A special election will be held to serve out his term in Congress and Republicans are very likely to retain this seat.
The news continued to get worse for Republicans as the week after Christmas lobbyist Jack Abramoff struck a deal with federal prosecutors. He had been under investigation for bribery. He was a very close associate of Congressman Delay. Soon after the Abramoff deal was announced, Congressman Delay announced that, at least for the 109th Congress, he no longer intended to try to reclaim his position as Majority Leader, something he would have been allowed to do only if the felony charges were dropped or he was exonerated. Republicans will choose their new Majority Leader in February. Congressman Blunt and two other members, Congressman John Boehner (OH) and Congressman John Shadegg (AZ), are the leading candidates.
Of course the biggest changes may still be yet to come. As part of his plea agreement Mr. Abramoff will be asked to tell the Justice Department about his dealings with Members of Congress. Most of the focus so far has been on Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH), but several dozen, mostly Republicans but some Democrats, may get caught up in this scandal.
Republicans were not the only ones dealing with an ethics scandal. A staff member for Congressman William Jefferson (D-LA) pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and authorities continue to examine whether the Congressman himself was involved in any wrongdoing.
Election Complete, the More Interesting Battle Begins
Mayor Michael Bloomberg cruised to an easy reelection victory over former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer. The twenty point margin of victory was decisive, although not as much as some Democrats had feared. Elsewhere in New York City, there were no major surprises as Borough President, District Attorney, and City Council candidates all won easy victories.
Perhaps the most interesting election, one in which all but a handful of New Yorkers do not have a direct vote, will come in January. That is when the New York City Council will choose its new Speaker, arguably the second most powerful position in City government. Democrats hold a 48 to 3 edge in representation in the Council, so they have a veto proof majority and the Council has overridden several of Republican Mayor Bloomberg’s vetoes, most recently on a bill to prevent the city from charging for parking in meters on Sundays. Current Speaker Gifford Miller is leaving office at the end of the year. He was prevented from running for reelection to the Council by term limits. He ran for Mayor but lost in the Democratic primary.
Several current City Council members are mounting an effort to become the next Speaker. These include Joel Rivera from the Bronx, Christine Quinn from Manhattan, Leroy Comrie, David Weprin, and Melinda Katz of Queens, and Bill deBlasio and Lewis Fidler of Brooklyn. The fifty-one members of the City Council will choose their Speaker in Janaury.
Ballot Measures
On Election Day, in addition to being able to vote for Mayor, City Council, and other local offices, New Yorkers will have an opportunity to vote on four referenda that are on this year’s ballot. The first would amend the New York State budget process; the second would fund transportation improvements, both highway and mass transit; the third would establish an ethics code for City hearing officers; and the fourth would add certain financial management requirements. For more information on these ballot measures, go to Gotham Gazette.
It’s Bloomberg v. Ferrer in the Mayor’s Race
Nominees for Other City Posts Chosen as Well
The New York City Democratic Primary for Mayor took a few strange twists before former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer emerged as the undisputed winner who will face Republican Mike Bloomberg in November. On primary day, BP Ferrer finished first by a comfortable margin but appeared to have failed to reach the 40% needed to avoid a runoff between the top two finishers, BP Ferrer and Congressman Anthony Weiner. As the post election parties wound down that night, BP Ferrer seemed stuck at 39.95%, short of what he needed. After vowing to fight to the finish, the next day however Congressman Weiner bowed out of the race and endorsed Ferrer. The Board of Elections said that the runoff election must still go on, regardless of the fact that there was no real contest. Fortunately, when the Board counted the absentee and contested ballots, BP Ferrer went over the 40% mark and there was no need to hold an election that was, in effect, uncontested, an election that probably would have cost New York City over $10 million to hold.
Numerous other contests were held that day, some of which involved offices of importance to the Medical Center. In all of these races, winning the Democratic nomination is tantamount to winning the election. Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum was renominated by a wide margin and Assemblyman Scott Stringer won a nine person race to become the next Manhattan Borough President. Two local Councilmen, Robert Jackson and Miguel Martinez, were also renominated.
Is There a Doctor in the (Upper) House?
Dr. Jonathan Cohen, Chief Medical Officer for the North Shore-LIJ Health System, has announced his plans to run for the Democratic Nomination for Lieutenant Governor. If nominated, Dr. Cohen would be the running mate for Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, the expected Democratic nominee for Governor. If elected, as Lieutenant Governor, he would, among his other duties, preside over the State Senate. Dr. Cohen is no stranger to Columbia. In September he took part in the Columbia University Medical Center Election forum and has also taught at the Mailman School of Public Health. The primary is in September of 2006.
On Capitol Hill
Doris Matsui (D-CA) became the newest member of the House of Representatives, winning a March 8th special election to succeed her husband, Robert Matsui (D-CA), who passed away earlier this year. Congresswoman Matsui, a former deputy director of public liaison in the Clinton Administration and lobbyist, was sworn in on March 10th and is expected to be assigned a seat on the House Rules Committee. Her election brings the party breakdown in the House to 232 Republicans, 202 Democrats, and 1 Independent.
Senate Confirms President’s Choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services
On January 26th the United States Senate confirmed Michael O. Leavitt by voice vote to be the new Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The day before the Senate Finance Committee had approved his nomination unanimously and Secretary Leavitt also appeared before the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee on January 18th. Secretary Leavitt served as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is a former Governor of Utah.
In appearances before both the HELP and Finance Committees, Secretary Leavitt noted his expectation that implementation of the Medicare Modernization Act, and specifically the Medicare prescription drug benefit, would be the "main event at HHS" in 2005. He also called Medicaid a "vital program" but said that it is "not meeting its potential" and that resources could be used more wisely. Secretary Leavitt called the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) three "names of trust," and stated, "We cannot allow these American treasures to be lost." In his written testimony, the Secretary also expressed his support for passage of comprehensive medical liability reform.
Congress Returns With Republicans Firmly in Control
Members of the 109th Congress were sworn in on January 4th. As a result of the November elections, the Republicans have increased their majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
A four seat pick net pick up gives the Republicans a 55-44-1 majority (the independent, James Jeffords (VT), usually votes with the Democrats), their largest majority in years. The Republican leadership remains the same, with Bill Frist (TN) as the Majority Leader and Mitch McConnell as the Majority Whip, but there is new leadership on the Democratic side. Harry Reid (NV) is the new Democratic Leader, taking over for Tom Daschle (SD) who lost his bid for reelection, and Richard Durbin is the new Democratic Whip. There are also several new Committee chairs, with Thad Cochran (MS) taking over Appropriations, Judd Gregg (NH) (a Columbia College Alumnus) taking over Budget, and Mike Enzi (WY) becoming the new leader on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. New York Senator Charles Schumer, not only secured a much-coveted seat on the Finance Committee, he was chosen to lead the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Leadership in the House remains the same with Dennis Hastert (IL) continuing on as Speaker and Nancy Pelosi staying on as the Minority Leader. The Republicans hold a 232-201-1 majority with one vacancy (the one independent, Bernard Sanders (VT) usually votes with the Democrats. The vacancy is owing to the death of Democrat Robert Matsui (CA) who will, in all likelihood, be replaced by a Democrat after a special election in March). Jerry Lewis (CA) is the new Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. There are two new members of the New York delegation, Democrat Brian Higgins and Republican Randy Kuhl, both of Western New York.
There have also been significant changes in the Administration with nine Cabinet Secretaries announcing their resignation. Among them was Tommy Thompson of the Department of Health and Human Services. President George W. Bush has nominated Mike Leavitt, the current Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and former Governor of Utah, to replace Secretary Thomson.
The line-up in Albany will remain pretty much the same. Neither Governor George Pataki nor any of the other statewide elected officials were up for reelection this year and Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno retain their leadership positions. The Democrats picked up one seat in the Assembly and at least three seats in the Senate. One race, Republican incumbent Nick Spano v. Democrat Andrea Stewart-Cousins has yet to be decided. Regardless of the outcome, the Republicans will retain a majority in the Senate, although a much slimmer one.
Election Preview
Although much of the nation’s attention has been focused on the Presidential election, control of the Senate and House of Representatives is also up for grabs on November 2nd. In addition, there are eleven gubernatorial contests and thousands of races for state legislative seats and other local offices. In New York, Senator Charles Schumer is up for reelection as are all twenty nine members of the State’s Congressional delegation, 150 members of the Assembly and sixty two members of the State Senate. Below is an election preview drafted by analysts at Weingarten and Reid.
United States Senate
Schumer v. Mills v. O’Grady: In March, Republican Assemblyman Howard Mills announced that he would be challenging Senator Charles Schumer for U.S. Senate. Immediately following his announcement, Governor George Pataki, Republican State Committee Chairman Sandy Treadwell and many other political and business leaders rallied behind Assemblyman Mills providing both political and monetary support. However, Assemblyman Mills faces an uphill battle against Senator Schumer, who with a $16.8 dollar war chest, is expected to win by a landslide. Conservative Party candidate Marilyn O’Grady is also vying for the seat.
United States House of Representatives
Higgins v. Naples: State Assemblyman Brian Higgins won the Democratic primary for the 27th Congressional district, held by Congressman Jack Quinn Jr. who is retiring this year. Assemblyman Higgins and Republican Nancy Naples are vying for the seat in November and this race is very tight.
Kuhl v. Barend: Republican State Senator Randy Kuhl beat Monroe County Legislator Mark Assini in the Republican primary for the 29th Congressional seat, being vacated by Congressman Amo Houghton. Senator Kuhl will face off against Democrat Samara Barend. Senator Kuhl is favored in this race.
New York State Senate
Southern Tier
Winner v. Cleveland: After Congressman Houghton’s retirement announcement, Assemblyman George Winner announced that he would be running for Senator Kuhl’s seat in the State Senate. Assemblyman Winner is running against Democrat Daniel Cleveland in November, but is expected to win by a large margin.
Central New York
Hoffmann v. Valesky: Former Democrat-turned Republican Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann bucked a revolt by local GOP Chairmen and won the Republican primary in her Syracuse-area district against Conservative Tom Dadey, for the seat she has controlled for twenty years. Senator Hoffmann now faces Democratic challenger David Valesky in November. She is among those targeted Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi and his anti-Albany Fix NY political action committee. Mr. Suozzi has endorsed Mr. Valesky. The Syracuse Post Standard reported that Senate Republicans have transferred $160,000 to Senator Hoffmann's campaign account since her primary victory. She is the favorite but a large Democratic turnout coupled with a number of Conservative votes could make this an interesting race.
Capital District
Breslin v. Conners: This closely watched race involves another Democrat who switched sides. Albany County Comptroller Michael Conners is running as a Republican to defeat Democratic Senator Neil Breslin. Conners faces a tough fight because of what is expected to be a strong Democratic turnout in Albany County next month. However, both sides are spending a lot for last minute media buys and this could be a very close race.
Westchester
Spano v. Stewart-Cousins: One GOP stalwart caught in the crossfire is Senator Nicholas Spano of Yonkers, who is in a marginal district. This summer, he rejected the Brennan Commission criticisms of the New York State Legislature, but later switched positions, telling the Journal News in Westchester that he intends to lead the reform push in the Senate. He endorsed state budget and election reform, along with a constitutional convention. Senator Spano is facing a tough reelection fight against Westchester County Legislator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
"It's time for us to restore public confidence in government and I intend on playing a leadership role in pursuing this agenda," Senator Spano told the Westchester based Journal News. He released an 11-point reform plan that embraced some of the Brennan Center's recommendations. Ms. Stewart-Cousins ridiculed Senator Spano, "He's had 18 years to reform Albany and up to a couple of months ago he didn't think it was a problem at all." Senator Spano recently took credit for giving Yonkers schools $6.5 million in aid and assistance, which should certainly help his re-election efforts.
New York City
Klein v. Fleming: Assemblyman Jeff Klein received the Democratic nomination over fellow Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman for the highly contested state Senate seat in the Bronx and Westchester County vacated by Republican Guy Velella, who was recently released after serving only three months of his yearlong jail sentence for influence peddling. This has created a great controversy and has led to the resignation of a number of Commission members. Media reports suggest that former Senator Velella may be ordered to return to jail because the Commission has violated certain laws.
Assemblyman Kaufman also lost the district’s Republican primary to retired New York City detective John Fleming, who is running against Assemblyman Klein for the Senate seat in November. Much to the advantage of the Republican, a judge ordered Assemblyman Klein to return $1 million in donations made to him when he was running for Attorney General
Curtis v. Savino: Another possible bright spot for Senate Republicans is the New York City race for the seat being vacated by Democratic Senator Seymour Lachman. They are backing Alfred Curtis, a former New York City youth commissioner in the Giuliani Administration, against Diane Savino, a union leader who is the Democrat in the race. If Mr. Curtis wins, he will be the first African-American in the Senate Republican Conference. Mr. Curtis received a third of the vote when he ran against Senator Lachman two years ago in the district that includes portions of Staten Island and Brooklyn.
Mendez v. Serrano Jr.: Democrat-turned Republican Senator Olga Mendez will face Democratic challenger in Councilman Jose Serrano Jr., son of Congressman Jose Serrano for her 28th district seat. Councilman Serrano Jr. is the favorite in this heavily Democratic district.
Long Island
Marcellino v. Brisbane: Another incumbent legislator being heavily targeted by Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi is Republican Senator Carl Marcellino. Mr. Suozzi has endorsed the challenger, Charles Brisbane, a Democratic trustee to the Village of Matinecock. Senator Marcellino will most likely be re-elected.
New York State Assembly
Western New York
Hoyt v. Penna: Twelve year incumbent Assemblyman Sam Hoyt prevailed over challenger and Buffalo Common Council Member Joe Golombek in the Democratic primary for the 144th Assembly district. Hoyt won by only eight points, acknowledging, “Much of my opponent’s vote was driven by anti-Albany sentiment”. Assemblyman Hoyt now faces Republican challenger David Penna in November and is expected to win.
Pordum v. Jack Quinn III: Francis Pordum won the Democratic primary for the 146th Assembly seat, being vacated by the retiring Assemblyman Richard Smith who held the seat for fourteen years. Mr. Pordum defeated Hamburg Supervisor Patrick Hoak, but still faces a potentially difficult race in November against Republican nominee Jack Quinn III, son of Congressman Jack Quinn Jr.
Schroeder v. Rydza: Erie County Legislator Mark Schroeder won a pivotal primary for the Democratic line in the 145th Assembly District, currently held by Brian Higgins who is running for Congress. Mr. Schroeder will face Republican Richard Rydza in November, but is expected to win.
DelMonte v. Banks-Dahlke: Democratic incumbent Francine DelMonte turned back the challenge of her Republican opponent, Paul Banks-Dahlke in the 138th Assembly District Independence Party primary. Assemblywoman DelMonte will run on the Independence, Democratic and Working Families lines against Mr. Banks-Dahlke in November, who carries the Republican and Conservative lines. Assemblywoman DelMonte is expected to be re-elected.
Rochester
John v. Slattery: Democratic incumbent Assemblywoman Susan John faces a tough race in November against Republican challenger, Michael Slattery for her Rochester Assembly district seat. This is expected to be a very tight race.
Southern Tier
O’Mara v. Hare v. Bell: With Assemblyman Winner seeking higher office, Republican Tom O'Mara is running against Democrat James Hare and Conservative Bob Bell for the 137th Assembly district seat. It appears that Mr. Hare has the upper hand in this race.
Westchester
Mosiello v. Ploski: Assemblyman Mike Spano announced this summer that he would not be running for re-election in November and instead plans to run for local office. Close friend of the Spano’s and Westchester County Legislator, Louis Mosiello won the Republican primary for this seat. He will face off against Democrat Steve Ploski in November, but Mr. Mosiello is the favorite in this race.
New York City
Ignizio v. Innamorato: Republican Assemblyman Robert Straniere lost the GOP nomination for the Staten Island seat he has held since 1981 to Vincent Ignizio, Chief of Staff to Staten Island City Councilman Andrew Lanza. Emanuele Innamorato is the Democrat running for the seat. Mr. Ignizio is the favorite in this race.
Meng v. Meilin Tan: Democratic incumbent Assemblyman Barry Grodenchik lost the Democratic primary to Jimmy Meng who is running against Republican Meilin Tan for this Queens seat. Mr. Meng is favored to win.
Lavelle v. Russell v. Johnson: Staten Island Assemblyman John Lavelle retained the Democratic line and is running against Republican John Russell and Independent John Johnson for his 61st district seat. Assemblyman Lavelle is expected to prevail.
Long Island
Lavine v. Sciarillo: Assemblyman David Sidikman was targeted by the “Fix Albany” campaign. Mr. Suozzi handpicked Glen Cove councilman Charles Lavine who beat Assemblyman Sidikman in the Democratic primary for the 13th Assembly District, a seat he held for twelve years. Mr. Lavine is running against Republican Phillip Sciarillo for the seat in November and is the favored candidate.
Eddington v. Hall: Democratic incumbent Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington faces a tough race against Republican Frederick Hall to retain her 3rd Assembly district seat in Suffolk County. Assemblywoman Eddington is expected to prevail.
Most Incumbents Survive Primary Day, but Some Don’t. Slates Set for November
New York Democrats and Republicans went to the polls on September 14th to choose their nominees for Congress, the State Legislature, and the State Senate. Although most incumbents won, three fell and many had to fight off strong challengers. This primary was largely seen as a referendum on the current Assembly and Senate leadership. In the Assembly, two Democrats – David Sidikman and Barry Grodenchik of Nassau County and Queens respectively -- and one Republican – Robert Straniere of Staten Island -- were defeated. The Sidikman race was especially interesting as the winner, Chuck Lavine, received the strong backing of Assemblyman Sidikman’s fellow Nassau County Democrat, County Executive Tom Suozzi. Suozzi had targeted Sidikman as part of his Fix Albany Campaign, an effort he is undertaking to highlight what he feels is the unbearable Medicaid burden that the State has placed on New York’s counties.
Although no incumbent State Senator lost, Republican Nancy Larraine Hoffman of Syracuse had a tough race. Conservatives had targeted her because they felt that Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno had become too moderate. Senator Bruno did suffer a defeat in the Bronx where the candidate he supported to replace recently jailed former Senator Guy Vellela, Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman, failed to capture the nomination. It was an especially bad day for Assemblyman Kaufman as he also lost the Democratic primary.
In Congressional races, Utica based Republican Sherwood Boehlert beat back a challenge from the right from David Walrath and Democrats Eliot Engel and Major Owens survived challenges in their downstate districts. In the race to replace retiring Congressman Amo Houghton, self-proclaimed moderate Randy Kuhl out polled conservative Mark Assini and Samara Barend captured the Democratic Nomination. Finally in the race to fill Congressman Jack Quinn’s seat, who is retiring, Assemblyman Brian Higgins got the Democratic nod. He will face Nancy Naples in November in what should be New York’s most competitive Congressional race.
New York Congressional Delegation Loses Two Veterans
This past spring two members of the New York State Congressional Delegation announced that they would not run for reelection and would retire at the end of the 108th Congress. The two Republicans, Jack Quinn and Amo Houghton, were both moderates who, along with many of their colleagues form the Northeast, often battled the more conservative Republican leadership. First elected in 1992, Congressman Quinn represented Buffalo and nearby areas in Western New York. Congressman Houghton came to Congress in 1987 and represented the Southern Tier area. Congressman Quinn’s district should be competitive with Democrats holding an edge in party registration. The Republicans are certainly favored to hold the Houghton district but will have to deal with a potentially divisive primary between conservative Mark Assini and moderate State Senator Randy Kuhl. Congressman Houghton has endorsed Senator Kuhl. The winner will face Democrat Samara Barend who, although not doubt an underdog, could make the race interesting.
Another Senator Announces Retirement
On March 3rd, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) announced his decision not seek reelection this fall. Senator Campbell was first elected to the Senate as a Democrat in 1993 but and switched to the Republican Party in 1995. He serves on the Appropriations, Veterans Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources, and Indian Affairs committees. Senator Campbell is the eighth Senator, three Republicans and five Democrats, to announce his retirement during this election cycle, the most since 1996. Twenty-five House members are also retiring. Three others left mid term and another lost his primary election.
Presidential Candidates File for New York Primary
January 15, 2004: Nine Democratic candidates filed petitions to be on the ballot for the March 2nd New York Presidential primary. Nobody filed to challenge President George W. Bush in the Republican primary. In order to get on the Democratic Presidential primary ballot in New York candidates had to collect the valid signatures of 5,000 New York Democrats. The term “valid” is key because New York election law is very particular as what constitutes a “valid” signature, although in recent years the rules have been changed to allow greater ballot access.
Wesley Clark, Howard Dean, John Edwards, Richard Gephardt, John Kerry, Dennis Kucinich, Joseph Lieberman, Lyndon LaRouche, and Al Sharpton are obtained the necessary 5,000 signatures to qualify for the primary. Only one well-known candidate, Carol Moseley Braun did not file petitions and thus will not be on the ballot. Several hundred delegate candidates also filed their petitions. Delegate candidates who are pledged to a particular Presidential candidate run in each of New York’s twenty-nine Congressional districts. The results of the Presidential primary determine which delegate candidates are chosen to represent the party at the Democratic National Convention in July.
The primary season begins in earnest on Monday, January 19th with the Iowa caucuses and continues on the 27th with the New Hampshire primary. For more information on the Presidential primary process and primary caucus dates go to www.vote-smart.org. For more information on the New York primary go to www.elections.state.ny.us.
Former New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a great friend of Columbia and Academic Medicine, passed away at age 77. Read Ross Frommer's tribute to him.
New Leadership on Capitol Hill, Some Changes in Albanyx
When the 108th Congress convened new leadership was the theme as Republicans assumed the majority in the Senate. Republicans picked up a net gain of two seats in the November elections and now hold a 51-48 edge in the chamber (Senator James Jeffords (VT) is an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, thus making the ratio in effect 51-49).
The Republican majority in the Senate itself was under new leadership, as Senator Bill Frist (TN), a physician, became Majority Leader. Senator Frist became leader after Senator Trent Lott (MS) was forced to step aside because of controversial statements (yes, that is a euphemism for idiotic) he made at the 100th birthday party for Senator Strom Thurmond (SC). Senator Mitch McConnell (KY) took over as the Majority Whip, the number two person in the leadership, from Senator Don Nickles (OK). Senate Republican Conference rules prevented Senator Nickles from continuing on as Whip.
With the Republicans taking control of the Senate, the committee chairs flipped as well, although the two sides had considerable difficulty coming to an agreement on issues like budget, staff, and office space. It took almost a month for the Senate to pass an organizing resolution. Senator Ted Stevens (AK) once again assumed the leadership of the Appropriations Committee as did Senator Charles Grassley (IA) of the Finance Committee. Senator Judd Gregg (NH), who became the Ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions when Senator Jeffords left the Republican Party, became Chair of that Committee.
The Democratic Leadership remained largely unchanged with Senator Tom Daschle (SD) remaining as the Minority Leader and Harry Reid (NV) as the Assistant Minority Leader. New York Senator Charles Schumer maintained his committee assignments, but Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton left the Budget Committee. She did join the Committee on Armed Services, thus putting her in a better position to protect Fort Drum from any closure efforts. Fort Drum, located in Jefferson County in the North Country, is the largest military installation in the State.
In the House of Representatives, J. Dennis Hastert (IL) remained Speaker, but the Republicans, who increased their majority to 229 out of 435 members, have a new Majority Leader and a new Majority Whip. Tom Delay (TX) moved up from Whip to Majority Leader and Roy Blunt (MO) became the new Whip. Nancy Pelosi (CA) became the new Democratic Leader in the House, the first woman to lead a party in Congress. Steny Hoyer (MD) became the new Democratic Whip.
For more information on the 108th Congress, go to http://www.senate.gov or http://www.house.gov
In Albany, the key leadership remained the same with Sheldon Silver (New York) remaining Speaker of the Assembly and Joe Bruno (Rensselaer) staying on as Senate Majority Leader. Ron Canestrari (Albany) replaced longtime Morningside Heights Assemblyman Ed Sullivan (New York) as Chairman of the Committee on Higher Education and Peter Rivera (Bronx) took over the Chair of the Committee on Mental Health from Martin Luster (Tompkins) who retired. In the Senate, Owen Johnson (Suffolk) ascended to Chairman of the Finance Committee, replacing Columbia Law Alumnus Ron Stafford (Clinton) who retired and Local State Senator David Paterson (New York) assumed the role of Minority Leader. For more information on the State Assembly and Senate, go to http://www.assembly.state.ny.us or http://www.senate.state.ny.us
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