Tag: congress

Will Rangel Cut the Deal?

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Congressman Rangel finds himself between what is said: “a rock and a hard place.”

In the twilight of his career, he is forced to make a decision that he does not want to make.

Having Known Rangel for a number of decades, and knowing how important his legacy is to him, every ounce of Rangel’s being is to fight the ethical charges all the way.

It wouldn’t be surprising if he took that route.

Rangel’s Excuse

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"Mississippi gets more than their fair share back in federal money, but who the hell wants to live in Mississippi?"

People elsewhere heard this as New York condescension. I hear something else. What this sounds like is a pre-excuse for New York continuing to get screwed by the federal government fiscally under Democratic rule.

What was the context of this statement? Was it a discussion of why New York is so fiscally disadvantaged despite having an above average poverty rate and a below average median household income? Did someone ask Rangel if this would change?

In any event, Mississippi was a bad example — it is truly poorer than New York, and New Yorkers don't mind contributing to those truly poorer. But that is not all that goes on. Republicans screw us because we vote for Democrats. And Democrats screw us because we are not up for grabs. Seems that nothing will change.

Case Closed: An Endorsement In The 11th Congressional District

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Let me start off by apologizing to my many fans who called and e-mailed, with concerns about my bi-weekly “Grapevine” column-which is now way overdue. The reason for the column’s absence is that I have been brought in as part of a team of half-a-dozen political operatives, trying to steer the Kenneth Evans challenge to victory in the 40th AD, over the final 4 weeks of the primary season. I am now doing 16 to 18 hour days on this campaign. We are hoping to take out the ethically-challenged and much tainted Assemblywoman Diane Gordon; and time is very very much against us. You all can help by sending funds or volunteers, or by donating some of your own time. Call or e-mail me if you want to help in this effort.

Who’s Not Running

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A while ago, I reported on the candidates who filed petitions to run in contested Primaries in New York City. Now I’m reporting which elections in New York State do not have a traditional Republican vs. Democrat contest. That is, the Congressional & State Legislative districts where either the Democrats or Republicans do not have a candidate running.

Congress

4 Democratic Members of Congress – Rep. Gary Ackerman, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Anthony Weiner & Rep. Maurice Hinchey have no Republican opponents.

State Senate

15 of the 62 State Senators do not have major Party opponents. 7 are Democrats from New York City plus 1 Republican from NYC – Marty Golden.

John McCain – Just Another Pol

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A while ago, I wrote on one of the blogs that the test of whether Sen. John McCain is really as different as the media wish is true all their heart or is just another pol would be if he changed his position on ethanol in order to win the Iowa Caucus.

I think the answer is becoming clear.

Here’s McCain’s old position –

McCain Also Voted Against Ethanol in 2004, and 2003. In 2004, John McCain voted against an amendment to Senate Bill S 150 to promote ethanol, declaring that ethanol was “a product that we have created a market for which has absolutely, under no circumstances, any value whatsoever except to corn producers and Archer Daniels Midland and other large agribusinesses.” In 2003, John McCain voted to block a final vote to an “energy bill coveted by Iowa farm interests” that “would double use of corn-based ethanol.” [S 150; Aberdeen American News, 5/2/04, S. Res. 150, 4/29/04, Roll Call #74; Des Moines Register, 11/22/03; H.R. 6, 11/21/03, Roll Call #456]