21
Comments

New York’s First Black Governor in a Tight Spot

Published by Pamela Gentry on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 11:59 pm.

 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

June 11, 2009 – Republicans seized control of the New York Senate  this week  and may have delivered a crushing blow to the state’s first African-American governor, who had hoped to run for the state’s top job in 2010. 

The floor of the Senate erupted and the live television feed went black when the Republicans seized control in a coup-like power struggle with Democrats.  The Dems then locked the chamber’s 15-foot brass gates, hid the keys and forced the GOP rebels to meet outside of the chamber. 

All of this drama unfolded with just a few weeks remaining in the legislative session.  New York Gov. David Paterson said, “Once again, Albany’s dysfunction has raised its ugly head.” The pandemonium all began on Monday.  “This is despicable,” Paterson said.

So what brought about such drastic actions by the two fighting factions? 

The Republicans complained that the Democrats were planning to raise taxes and increase spending, so 30 Republicans in the Senate pulled off the coup by luring two of the least savory Democrats in the 62-member chamber to their side of the aisle. They even went so far as to install one of the turncoats as the new Senate president.

The two Democrates who jumped ship have problems of their own: Sen. Pedro Espada, Jr, of the Bronx, the newly-installed Senate President, is under investigation over thousands in fines for violations in the health care clinics he operates.

His colleague, Sen. Hiram Monserrate of Queens, who also jumped to the other side of the aisle, has been charged with slashing his girlfriend’s face with a broken glass.  If he’s convicted, he’ll lose his seat in the Senate.

The Dems might just want these two to stay with the GOP. 

Back to what happened….

This plan was the brainchild of billionaire B. Thomas Golisano, owner of hockey’s Buffalo Sabres.  He bankrolled the Democrats’ victory in the Senate last fall, but grew angry earlier this spring over Majority Leader Malcolm Smith’s support of a budget that would increase spending and raise taxes on the wealthy.

The now-ousted Democrats say all of these actions and maneuvers are illegal. The Dems are seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the Republicans from taking power, and plan to boycott the chamber in the meantime.

While the Democrats’ “ousted leadership” say they are ready to get to work, Austin Shafran, a spokesman for them is calling foul. “[We are] fully prepared to go back to the people’s work, but will not enter the chamber to be governed by unlawful rule.”

As the drama continues, the governor could find himself in a tough spot.  The state could again end up in legislative gridlock and that could reflect poorly on Paterson.  If a recent The New York Times poll is any indication, Paterson is in trouble already.  A poll of more than 1,000 New Yorkers found only 21 percent have a favorable view of the governor and seven out of 10 respondents said he didn’t deserve the job as governor.

I’m sure this situation isn’t going to help.

  • SEND TO A FRIEND
  • Digg It
  • Delicious

TAGS: , , , , ,

Comments

Lisa411 said on June 11th, 2009

Whether you are an online shopping novice or seasoned vet; if you are one for project related shopping, comparison shopping, or bargain hunting this short article will change the way you shop online forever… http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1215341/an_innovative_online_shopping_guide.html?cat=46
(personal project webpages listed on pg.2)

thweatt said on June 11th, 2009

Hey Pam, A turn about is always fair play. When (R) Spector switched parties to become a (D) … by the way he was the only repub to take UAW $$$$. He wasan’t potrayed by you as unsavory and unwanted.

The way you proposed the Republicans actions as anything but democratic and fair, is absolutely amature.

Pam,.. Step your game up

rednblack said on June 11th, 2009

I prefer we question ALL politicians: both Republican and Democrat!
*
However, Pams slant and bias is laughable

jerseyzones said on March 16th, 2010

linjianxia

Cheap jerseys sale in 2010! We supply all kinds of jerseys: NFL jerseys, NHL jerseys, MLB Jerseys, NBA Jerseys ect. Buy Cheap NFL Jerseys, 45-70% Off. We sell nfl jersey good price, good quality! Discount NHL jerseys for hardcore hockey fans. Hot sale NBA Swingman Jerseys for the highest quality products with a low prices, backed by the best service anywhere. We carry the widest variety of authentic NBA player jerseys with top quality with reasonable price online. Our Authentic Jerseys is a Professional jerseys website. Cheap NFL Jerseys From China, Buy NFL Jerseys with a good price and good quality. Discount jerseys for hardcore hockey fans. Best Jerseys sale,100% guarantee and hard-to-beat prices. If you’re looking for Wholesale jerseys online, come Jerseys online store – Jerseyzones.com.

uggboot. said on March 16th, 2010

cheap mens nike air max shoes Technology was first introduced in late 2000. The nike air max Technology is believed to be able to absorb maximum impact when running and provide extra power for the runners by the spring effect of the nike shox on sale. The Shox is generally made of rubber and is very durable. You can find shoes like nike air max shoes on sale, nike air max 1 shoes and nike air max 90 mens shoesat by getbesthere.com.

asda said on March 28th, 2010

Chopard watches. If you are in search of a perfect masculine ChronoSwiss watches, this is just the kind. The dial, strap and case are all made of stainless steel. It features an analog time display and it’s also water resistant. Apart from casual days it looks perfect for office wear also. Alternatively, for people looking for Ferrari watches exclusively for casual wear and who are love experimenting with colors will love the TechnoMarine Midsize Diamond Cruise Magnum Glashutte watches. This yellow plastic strapped Hublot watches looks so cool that is sure to get noticed anywhere. With its black case and yellow dial, its color combination is absolutely noticeable. Its case is of stainless steel and has a 200 meter water resistance. So now you can go out and do all your outdoor activities without worrying about your accessories.
Patek Philippe watches
Porsche Design watches

sdsd said on March 29th, 2010

Blancpain watches? Auctions are great way to pick up a Cheap Diesel Breguet watches – often at a fraction of retail prices Breitling watches. One of the best ways to pick a Breitling watches at the right price is to check the retail prices against whats offered at the auction, mark the auction end date, and keep an eye on the prices on the indicated last date of the auction, and bid within your range.
We spend our time finding the ideal Diesel Bvlgari watches auctions so that you dont have to!Cartier watches.thank very much!U-Boat watches
Vacheron Constantin watches
Zenith watches

xqhajjhjgu said on April 10th, 2010

cdVrlY rygyfdcapgnq, [url=http://hzcjvhqcvxdw.com/]hzcjvhqcvxdw[/url], [link=http://flvqwvoqdvvx.com/]flvqwvoqdvvx[/link], http://pstifbkfriwe.com/

puma said on May 23rd, 2010

Player always like the kind of weight is not heavy Puma Sandals shoes, if that, you may fail in their true level, such things if happen in myself,it will be a real frustrating thing to me. I was fortunate to know a friend who introduce me to buy Puma Ferraris Sandals shoes, the result I am very grateful to him, I believe he is really good for me because he recommended a pair of really good Puma 2010 Shoes ,and also he introduce me with the Puma Future Cat Shoes site : http://www.salepumashoes.com , when you buy Puma drift cat shoes from that,you will find that always with the best service to you.So i have buy puma mens trainers twice there,and i want also buy women puma shoes for my wife there.So good puma shoes store with so good puma trainers . It is the best sale puma shoes store for you to choice,and don’t miss to sale puma shoes there.

breitling said on May 27th, 2010

New York s First Black Governor in a Tight Spot Pamela on Politics BET com, Favorite Online . Free FedEx , 30-Day Returns. 27/5/2010

puma mens trainers said on May 31st, 2010

So good a topic, would you like to do sports?We are the best and professional online puma shoes retailer, we sale puma shoes and offering top quality puma trainers ,puma speed cat shoes, Puma Future Cat Shoes ,Puma drift cat shoes fast shipping worldwide. And we have engaged in womens puma shoes for years. Buying cheap puma shoes is the best choice to enjoy the benefits. The price of puma mens trainers is cheap, buy puma sandals and puma 2010 shoes from us ,we will supply the best service for our friends.Wearing MBT Shoes to walk are good for you healthy.MBT Anti Shoes have lots of various tyles,like MBT Chapa ,MBT Lami ,MBT M.Walk and so on. In addition,Anti Shoes can resolve your issue.MBT Shoes clearance ! Quickly to buy MBT Lami Shoes,don’t miss so good chance.

william said on June 1st, 2010

Interested in free CompTIA Security+ Certification

guides practice test demos? CompTIA Nerwork+

Certification offers you a free sample of all our MCITP exam products, so you can view the actual

MCITP exam product before you purchase it. These free MCITP exam demos are often referred to as “free

MCSA Exam study materials” and “free MCITP study guides

downloads.”

kikus said on June 13th, 2010

??????? ???????, ?????????? ?????? 98)

«
»