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43RD SENATE DISTRICT
Bruno to seek re-election Brunswick Republican has led Senate for 13 years
BY BOB CONNER Gazette Reporter

    Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, will run for re-election this year.
    Kris Thompson, Bruno’s press secretary, said Thursday that Bruno’s name will be on petitions that Republican committee members in Saratoga and Rensselaer counties will start circulating next week in the 43rd Senate District. A formal announcement will come later, Thompson said, and for the moment, “We are focused on government, not politics.”
    Bruno, 79, had been ducking questions about whether he would run again, including on Thursday morning, when he said: “Everything is timely in this business.”
Brian Premo, also of Brunswick, who tried to run against Bruno two years ago, is doing better this year in his quest for the Democratic nomination. He was endorsed last week by the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee and Wednesday by the Saratoga County Democratic Committee. The Senate district includes all of Rensselaer County and eastern Saratoga County, including most of Saratoga Springs.
    Two years ago, Saratoga Democrats not only declined to endorse Premo but worked with Bruno’s lawyers to knock him off the ballot. The state Board of Elections and a Supreme Court judge found then that Premo could not run as a Democrat because he had only recently switched his enrollment from Republican and had not gone through the correct procedure to receive Democratic Party authorization to run. That issue is now moot since Premo has been a Democrat for long enough that he no longer requires leadership permission to run.
    Bruno and Premo could still challenge each other’s petitions, and Premo said Thursday he may do that to Bruno’s. Premo works as an attorney in Albany. He said he plans to make a formal announcement of his candidacy Tuesday in Troy, at the Rensselaer County Democratic headquarters.
    Premo said that his past dispute with the Saratoga County Democratic leadership is “an irrelevant nonissue” and that both county committees have now endorsed him unanimously. He said the campaign issues he intends to raise include “legislative dysfunction,” New York’s high taxes and poorly performing schools.
    Bruno, too, decries New York’s high taxes. He also takes credit for cutting them, and for providing more state funding for schools, which he says helps control local property taxes.
    Speaking at the Rockefeller Institute in Albany on Thursday regarding a proposed constitutional amendment for filling a lieutenant governor vacancy, Bruno said it makes more sense to pass an amendment capping budget increases. That’s the only way to realistically get control of spending, he said.
    Bruno has suffered adversity over the past year and a half, including the death of his wife, Bobbi, and an investigation of his private business activities by the FBI. And New York has become a more Democratic state, where Bruno’s Senate majority now hangs by a single seat.
    But Bruno has led the Senate for more than 13 years, outlasting rivals including former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who sought to discredit the Senate leader but had to resign in March after being exposed as a client of a prostitution ring.
    Saratoga County Democrats also backed Ian McGaughey, a Wilton Town Board member, to run against Assemblyman Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga, and Bahram Keramati of Galway, a retired engineer, to run against Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna. They backed three incumbents for re-election: U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Greenport, who will likely be opposed by Republican Sandy Treadwell; Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Colonie, whose likely Republican opponent is John Wasielewski of Halfmoon; and Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari, D-Cohoes.
    Spitzer’s resignation led to then Lt. Gov. David Paterson becoming governor, and with no constitutional provision for a new lieutenant governor to be appointed, the post will stay vacant until after the 2010 election. Meanwhile, Bruno is next in line to be governor, and there is no Democratic lieutenant governor to preside over the Senate and potentially break a tie vote. Bruno claimed that in the event of a tie, he would now get a second vote because he is acting lieutenant governor.
    The Republican Senate leader noted that he has a good relationship with Paterson, and would not seek to undermine him when he is out of the state, when under the constitution Bruno would be acting governor.
    Bruno said the Senate is not going to pass an Assembly bill to amend the constitution by letting the governor appoint a new lieutenant governor in the event of a vacancy. The Assembly bill provides that gubernatorial nominations would be confirmed by the Legislature acting as a whole, which in current circumstances would mean Assembly Democrats would wield all the confirmation power, since they comprise more than half of all legislators.

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Senate leader Bruno won't seek re-election

CAPITOL — Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, who has run the Republican chamber for more than a dozen years, confirmed today that he won’t seek re-election in the fall.
The 79-year-old Bruno, considered the oldest serving state legislative leader in the country, has been the state’s top Republican since 2006.
Several Republican senators some of whom could seek the powerful majority leader’s job, refused to comment on Bruno’s decision, announced in a closed-door session on the last scheduled day of the 2008 legislative session.
Bruno has been under an FBI investigation for more than a year which appears to be looking at his business associates outside of state government.
Bruno’s wife, Barbara, died in January. They had been married more than 50 years.
“Today, I met with my Republican colleagues in the Senate and informed them that I will not be running for re-election this November,” Bruno said in a prepared statement. “After 32 years in office, I have decided that it is time to move on with my life and to give my constituents an opportunity for new representation and my colleagues in the Senate who have supported me, an opportunity for new leadership.”
Bruno said he was grateful and felt blessed to be in his role so long.
“I have viewed my work not as a job, but as a privilege to come here day in and day out and stand up for the people of Rensselaer and Saratoga counties and stand up for the hardworking people I have come to know over the years,” Bruno stated.
“Politics is a tough ball game. Tougher now than it has ever been. But after 32 years of many successes and a few failures, I know now more than ever, and I can say that with comfort and confidence, there is no calling greater than that of public service,” Bruno stated.
Gov. David Paterson, a Harlem Democrat who has long had a close relationship with the upstate Republican, told reporters outside the Senate conference room that Bruno wants to pursue other interests in life.
“I think that it is, in some ways, a sad day for Albany and for me who would like to feel that I have a friendship with him outside of government,” Paterson said.
Paterson said he didn’t know if the decision had anything to do with the FBI investigation.
Paterson said he’s unsure when Bruno would step down as majority leader. Bruno’s term ends Dec. 31.

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ALBANY — Two state Republicans say Long Island Sen. Dean Skelos is expected to be elected majority leader.

They say Senate Republicans will meet behind closed doors at 10 a.m. today to vote on a new majority leader, one day after Sen. Joseph Bruno, who took control of the Senate in 1994, announced he would not seek re-election.

The Republicans say the 79-year-old Bruno will step down immediately and serve at least some of the rest of his term as a rank-and-file legislator under a deal worked out among GOP senators. Sen. Thomas Libous of Binghamton — who was seen as a contender for the leader post — will be elected deputy majority leader.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been publicly announced.

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Skelos to be chosen today as replacement as majority leader

Bruno endorses McDonald to replace him in state Senate

By Bob ConnerThe Associated Press contributed to this report.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, left, Gov. David Paterson, center, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver appear at a news conference at the Capitol in Albany on Monday.
ALBANY — Outgoing state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, endorsed Assemblyman Roy McDonald this morning to take over his 43rd Senate District seat when he retires at the end of the year.
Bruno announced Monday he will not seek re-election in November and indicated at a news conference this morning that he will step down today as majority leader.
McDonald, who lives in the town of Saratoga, is expected to have the support of the Saratoga County Republican Committee. Rensselaer County Republican Chairman Jack Casey said he, too, is following Bruno's lead and supporting McDonald, even though Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino had expressed interest in the Republican nomination.
Casey, a lawyer, also works as parliamentarian for the state Senate.
Jimino said this afternoon she is considering circulating petitions but has made no final decision.
Sen. Dean Skelos of Long Island was expected to be elected leader of the Republicans’ tenuous majority in the Senate today, according to two Republicans briefed on the succession deal struck Monday night after Bruno announced his retirement.
Under the agreement, Skelos’ closest rival, Sen. Thomas Libous of Broome County, will be deputy majority leader, according to the two Republicans, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been officially announced.
Skelos, 60, has been in the Senate since 1985 and is steeped in the ways of power Albany, including the authority of strong majority leaders to determine what bills even get to the floor for debate. His expected election in a closed party conference would mean the Senate majority leader, the Assembly speaker, the Senate minority leader, the governor, comptroller and attorney general will all be from New York City or its suburbs.
Bruno, 79, has held the leader’s job since 1995.
Skelos refused comment this morning.
“I think Sen. Bruno made his decision based on wanting to get on with other things in his life,” Libous said today. “We’re all focused in coming back in the majority (after elections) and I think we will pick up a seat or two. My interest is in the Senate majority.”
The agreement for Libous to step aside in favor of Skelos was made Monday night by senior senators to avoid an internal fight that could jeopardize the chance for the Republicans to keep their 32-30 advantage in the chamber. Republican senators said Bruno simply had enough after a yearlong fight with former Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer, a two-year FBI investigation, and, most of all, the death of his wife in January. They had been married 57 years.
“I felt he was suffering, the loss of his wife and few other things,” said Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna. “He’s my best friend and we came into the Senate together.”
Farley and other senators said the change, while sad and surprising, will help re-energize the Senate Republican conference, which faces an increasing threat in the increasingly Democratic state.
The change in guard will also likely mean the millions of dollars in state funding and projects Bruno steered to his Albany area district will now go to Long Island if Skelos and the GOP keep the majority.
“It’s time for a change,” a sometimes teary eyed Bruno told reporters this morning. “It’s time for me in my life to step back and enjoy my family ... I’m satisfied.”
Bruno said the FBI investigation played no role in his decision. He insists he has never been accused of a crime and won’t be, and the federal probe will end without action against him.

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In addition to his service in the New York State Senate he is also counsel to Ruskin Moscou Faltischek P.C.

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CAPITOL
Scramble starts for posts Bruno’s exit sets off political maneuvering
BY BOB CONNER Gazette Reporter

    As Joseph Bruno announced Tuesday that he is stepping down as Senate majority leader, he endorsed Roy McDonald as his successor in the 43rd Senate District.
    But Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino said later that she is considering challenging McDonald in a Republican primary.
    A potential new Democratic candidate also emerged. Michael Russo, district director for U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, said he may challenge Brian Premo, the endorsed Democratic candidate, in a primary.
    Bruno was succeeded as majority leader by his fellow Republican, Sen. Dean Skelos of Rockville Centre, Long Island. Skelos was chosen by Republican senators in a closed-door conference, then elected by voice vote on the Senate floor. His term runs until the end of this year.
    McDonald, who lives in the town of Saratoga, is a Republican assemblyman with strong support in the Saratoga County Republican Committee. His candidacy also is supported by Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, and Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna.
    Rensselaer County Republican Chairman Jack Casey also is supporting McDonald, even though Jimino is the Rensselaer County executive. Casey said he is following Bruno’s lead, and noted that McDonald has roots in Troy. Casey, a lawyer, also works as parliamentarian for the state Senate.
    McDonald’s 112th Assembly District, including all of Washington and parts of Saratoga and Rensselaer counties, has 39,373 enrolled Republicans and 21,712 Democrats. Joshua Fitzpatrick, spokesman for the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee, said there are four potential GOP candidates to succeed McDonald. They are: Rensselaer County Legislator Stan Brownell, Northumberland town Supervisor Bill Peck, Washington County Republican Chairman Mike Bittel and state Republican Committeeman Michael Dennis.
    The 43rd Senate District has 77,258 enrolled Republicans and 58,856 Democrats.
    Other Senate Republicans, including Farley, said they are defi - nitely running for re-election this year. Farley described Bruno as “my closest friend in the Senate,” and an outstanding leader. But he also said the 60-year-old Skelos will bring new energy to the Republican conference.
    Skelos had served as deputy majority leader under Bruno. His election means Tedisco is the only upstate legislator among the four leaders of legislative conferences. All the statewide elected officials also come from downstate.
    Both Bruno and Farley, however, noted that upstate senators still account for 20 of the 32 members of the Republican conference, meaning Skelos will have to take into account upstate interests.
    At a news conference, Bruno said he felt a quarter-century younger than his 79 years, but noted that his wife Barbara died this year and that he wants to spend time with his family — which now includes a great-granddaughter.
    Bruno spoke, as usual without notes, and was alone at the podium in a room packed with reporters, aides, lobbyists and fellow senators.
    Life is a series of crises, he said. “You deal with it. … You stay on your feet and you get results.”
    His humor was in evidence as he assured everyone that mental problems or terminal illness were not behind his decision.
    He paid tribute to reporters. “You help call it like you think it is. Sometimes you’re right. But you do your best.”
    He also praised political allies and sometime adversaries, including Gov. David Paterson and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, but not former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, whom he compared unfavorably to Paterson.
    Bruno’s voice grew thick with emotion at times, and he walked away from the podium after making his statement, embracing his old friend Farley. But then the former Army boxing champion walked back, saying: “I’m not going to duck out on questions.”
    In response to one question, Bruno said his retirement has nothing to do with an FBI investigation of his private business activities that has been ongoing since 2006.
    “I’ve never been accused of anything,” he said, “and don’t expect to be accused of anything because I’ve never done anything wrong.”
    Bruno said he almost didn’t run for re-election two years ago, but decided he could still help his Republican conference. He expressed confidence that Republicans would remain the Senate majority after the November elections.
    “When do you make a change in your life?” he asked rhetorically. “We got through a session. … Now is as good a time as any to move forward. … My life really is fulfilled.”
    Bruno did not give a definitive answer when asked if he will serve out his Senate term. His departure would trim the Republicans’ already slim two-vote majority, but the Legislature is not likely to be in session for most of the rest of this year.
    Bruno said that from the fi rst day he was elected a senator in 1976, he “dreamed of becoming leader. That was a dream that came true.” Bruno became leader in January 1995.
    “The Capital Region,” he said, “is the most desirable place in the whole world for high technology.” He said Advanced Micro Devices would indeed be building a computer chip factory in Luther Forest, as state leaders have been hoping. “That is done,” Bruno said.
    His final words at the news conference were: “It has been some journey, some run, some ride. But I’m here to laugh with you, talk with you and say thank you, God bless you.”
    Later Tuesday, Paterson paid tribute to Bruno in the Senate chamber. The governor also said he knows Skelos well from his days in the Senate, regards him as a friend and looks forward to working with him. As the evening wore on, Bruno made a farewell speech on the floor of the chamber. He also introduced the Senate resolution making Skelos majority leader, which was passed at 8:39 p.m.

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COLONIE
Bruno has new job as CEO of IT firm
BY JASON SUBIK Gazette Reporter

    Former state Senate majority leader Joseph Bruno, who resigned his Senate seat Friday, was hired as the new CEO for CMA Consulting Services on Tuesday.
    CMA Consulting Services describes itself as a supplier of information technology systems with business divisions including consulting services, data warehousing, human resources services, and IT solutions for infrastructure, security, supply chain and social services. Its clients include New York state.
    Bruno will succeed Kay McCabe Stafford, the widow of Republican Sen. Ronald Stafford, a close friend and contemporary of the 79-year-old Bruno. Bruno appointed Stafford to the powerful position of Senate Finance Committee chairman.
    “I look forward to moving CMA forward from its strong position as an industry leader to an even stronger position of greater growth and expansion,” Bruno stated in a news release.
    Most of the company’s growth came under Stafford’s leadership. She is credited by CMA officials with expanding the private com- pany’s revenues from $300,000 to more than $42 million. She will remain CMA’s president and chairwoman of the board of directors, while Bruno will take over the company’s day-to-day operations.
    “Senator Bruno’s insights, direction and vision will be great for our company, great for our customers and great for our employees.” Stafford said in a released statement.
    Part of CMA’s growth can also be attributed to its status as a “woman-owned business.” A “woman-owned” company has a leg up in landing state contracts. CMA has won more than $9 million worth of competitively bid state contracts since 2006 for providing computer programming and information technology, according to state records. Those contracts helped the company grow to 410 employees with offices in New York City, Maryland near Washington, D.C., Texas and Arizona.
    Bruno is prohibited from lobbying his former colleagues in the state Legislature but not the executive branch, which awards most state contracts, said Walter Ayres of the New York State Commission on Public Integrity.
    Blair Horner, the legislative director for the New York Public Interest Research Group, said Bruno should still get “ethical guidance” from the Commission on Public Integrity before trying for any new state contracts for CMA.
    “There will always be a concern, because Senator Bruno is who he is, that he will have a leg up on competitors,” Horner said. “Typically a legislator, when they leave office, does not get ethical guidance from the Commission on Public Integrity. But Senator Bruno is no typical back bencher in the senate. He’s one of the three most powerful political leaders in the state. As such, he’s had extensive contacts with the executive branch and we think it’s in the public’s best interest, and frankly in Senator Bruno’s best interests, to have his relationship with CMA vetted by the state’s ethics watchdog.”
    A CMA spokesman said company officials were not available for comment beyond the offi cial news release Tuesday.

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CMA Consulting Services describes itself as a supplier of information technology systems with business divisions including consulting services, data warehousing, human resources services, and IT solutions for infrastructure, security, supply chain and social services. Its clients include New York state