It was interesting to see Paul Tonko attending downtown Schenectady Martin Luther King ceremonies. This type of public event is heavily attended by politicians always looking for votes. The Democrat dropped out of the Assembly last year to take an appointment as state energy czar so he doesn't have to be concerned about votes. Or does he? Some Republican insiders believe Tonko may run against 32-year GOP state Sen. Hugh Farley in November. They say even though he's out of elected office, he's appearing at numerous public events in Schenectady and Montgomery counties. When Tonko resigned his Assembly seat, I recall talking with Chris Gardner, Schenectady County Democratic capo. He said Tonko would miss campaigning and pressing the flesh. He said he wouldn't be surprised if Tonko returns to running for office sooner than later. While beating entrenched Farley is a large order, Tonko is the only guy around with a shot. Farley's seat is a key to GOP Senate control, so any move by Democrats wouldn't surprise.
He said Tonko would miss campaigning and pressing the flesh. He said he wouldn't be surprised if Tonko returns to running for office sooner than later.
I guess he couldn't find 'interesting' employment in the public sector....maybe he should go to welding school....
An elderly resident that I had the priviledge to take care of quoted socrates to me: "Those who fail to continue to educate themselves get old and die."
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
He said Tonko would miss campaigning and pressing the flesh. He said he wouldn't be surprised if Tonko returns to running for office sooner than later.
Yes sireee...he is a career politician for sure. I love when they say things like 'Tonko would miss campaigning and pressing the flesh'. Give me a break! I thought that people ran for office to make a difference. To help the people. To govern by the law. To make things better. Not just kiss babies and shake hands and make empty promises.
If he likes 'pressing the flesh', I would recommend Mr. Tonko change careers and either become a rock star or a groupie that follows them around. He'll get a lot of 'flesh pressing' there!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Amsterdam democrat considers run for Congress Updated: 01/25/2008 By: Mark Repasky
AMSTERDAM, N.Y. -- She is not ready to throw her name in just yet, but Amsterdam Democrat Susan Phemister confirms she's considering a run to represent the 21st Congressional District.
"At the moment it's about putting together the support and the money that I would need in order to run," Phemister said.
Phemister, a vice-president at Reuters in Manhattan, has never run for office before.
But she sees that an asset in today's political environment, comparing herself to people like George Amedore, Ann Thane and even Michael Bloomberg, who were business leaders long before they became office holders.
"I am a business woman. I work in Manhattan. I live in Amsterdam. I think that voters are showing they value business people and doers," she said.
Phemister moved to the Mohawk Valley with her husband and three children in 2005. They purchased the Amsterdam Castle and converted into their home and business.
That project gained the attention of Eliot Spitzer, who made it a stop during his campaign for governor.
While she has yet to speak to him about her run, Phemister says she has reached out to a number of leaders across the 7-county district.
"Every county wants to put forth the candidate that will win and be successful and provide the best for the district. Of course the Albany area is incredibly important and I just as any other candidate need to appeal to that," she said.
Phemister said April will be the point of no return, and she'll make a decision by then.
There is also another Amsterdam name being mentioned for the seat, Paul Tonko.
If he were to jump into this race, it could have a big impact on Phemister's fundraising ability.
We called his office today but did not get an immediate response.
SCHENECTADY Savage won’t seek House post Tonko described as having interest BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
Susan Savage is out and Paul Tonko in, politicians say, as part of the latest changes in the lineup of candidates for the 21st Congressional District race. U.S. Rep. Michael R. McNulty, D-Green Island, announced in October he would retire in 2009 after 20 years in the House. Savage, of Niskayuna, is a Democrat and chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. Tonko, also a Democrat, is a former state assemblyman for the 105th District and is now CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Corp. Savage announced Monday she would not seek McNulty’s seat. In the same announcement, she mentioned Tonko as interested in running for the seat. Tonko did not return repeated calls for comment. She added both Tonko and Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton would make strong candidates. Several others are interested, and there may be both Democratic and Republican primaries. Savage said she considered a run for the seat after McNulty made his announcement. The congressional seat has opened but twice in 50 years. But she changed her mind after her father, Charles, died several weeks ago, Savage said. “I made my decision recently. I lost my father, but he was more than a father to me. He was a great adviser to me and I always looked to him for guidance in making big decisions,” she said. Her father served 22 years in the Cayuaga County Legislature. In an earlier interview, she said her parents would have joined her in Washington, D.C., had she been elected, to help look after her children. Savage said she will now focus her energies on Schenectady County. “Currently, I like what I do and I like the changes I was able to effect on Schenectady County. My mother and my children suffered a great loss and I am happy to be closer to home,” she said. Savage did not rule out other options. “There is always time to run for other things. Just because I am not running today does not preclude my running for something else,” she said. Her four-year term in the county Legislature expires in 2009. She was re-elected chairwoman for a second two-year term in January. Meanwhile, Tonko’s name surfaced in recent weeks within local, state and Washington, D.C., circles as someone interested in McNulty’s seat, several political observers said. Gov. Eliot Spitzer appointed Tonko to head NYSERDA last year after Tonko finished serving 24 years in the Assembly. PROS WEIGH IN Carrie James, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington, said she had heard Tonko may enter the race, although he has yet to contact the committee. “He has not reached out to us; it’s not a protocol, but it is common for a candidate who is interested in running to give us a heads up,” she said. James said the committee will not get directly involved in the race, as it is considered a safe Democratic seat, but it will provide advice and guidance to candidates and incumbents. Most likely, James said, “whoever wins the [Democratic] primary will probably get elected.” The primary would be in the fall. Charles Diamond, McNulty’s chief of staff, said he heard consideration of Tonko as a candidate. He has not spoken with Tonko directly, however. “It’s pure speculation, but with Tonko coming in, it makes the race interesting,” Diamond said. Tonko would give Stratton a strong challenge, Diamond said. Tonko represented Montgomery and portions of Schenectady County in the Assembly, and he remains well regarded in the community and has strong name recognition. McNulty’s congressional district consists of parts of Fulton, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties and all of Albany, Montgomery, Schenectady and Schoharie counties. Stratton has name recognition in Montgomery County, as well, obtained when he ran against state Sen. Hugh T. Farley, R-Niskayuna, of the 44th District, several years ago, Diamond said. Stratton was not available for comment on Monday. He said in an earlier interview he would announce his plans after today’s “Super Tuesday” primary. James and Diamond said names of others Democrats they have heard include Tracy Brooks, who is regional director for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid in New York; and Albany County Legislator Phil Steck, the Colonie Democratic Committee chairman . Republicans J. Christopher Callaghan, a former Saratoga County treasurer, and Warren Redlich, a Guilderland board member who lost races to McNulty in 2004 and 2006, said they will seek the seat. There are over 50,000 more enrolled Democrats than Republicans in the district. Albany County has a numerical advantage in the district. Diamond said in a primary, Albany would account for 60 percent of the vote, while Schenectady would have 17 percent, Rensselaer 12 percent and the rest scattered. Steck and Redlich have created committees to collect money for their campaigns. The committees are listed with Federal Election Commission and both report they have not raised any money as of yet.
Savage said she will now focus her energies on Schenectady County. “Currently, I like what I do and I like the changes I was able to effect on Schenectady County,...” she said.
In defense of Suzie, I do think that by losing her father has really impacted her. I believe it is a tough time for her personally right now.
However, the dems don't stop for anything. Stratton will make the run for the seat and Suzie will emerge into a new position even if it is created or appointed if necessary. As long as the dems are in control, Suzie will be in for the long haul!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Republican Assemblyman George Amedore can't believe his predecessor, Democrat Paul Tonko, showing up at many Schenectady and Montgomery county events. Tonko left the Assembly last spring when appointed state energy czar. Yet, he continues attending ribbon-cuttings, public forums and other events elected officeholders often stop by. "Tonko's at about 75 percent of the things that I go to, making me think he's running for something," Amedore said. "I told him we should start car pooling to save gas." Insiders say he is a potential congressional or state Senate candidate. Incidentally, some people say they are confused when they see Tonko's vehicle license plate -- "State Assembly 26." He left the Assembly many months ago, so what gives? I tried to reach him for five days, but he did not return calls.
Also, the Schenectady County Web site -- http://www.schenectadycounty.com/index.php?page_id=241 cq -- has a picture and details about various area politicians. Tonko is still listed as assemblyman, even though Amedore was elected to replace him way back in July. Hopefully, this is an oversight and not a low-class political omission.
"Tonko's at about 75 percent of the things that I go to, making me think he's running for something," Amedore said. "I told him we should start car pooling to save gas."
Quoted Text
Also, the Schenectady County Web site -- http://www.schenectadycounty.com/index.php?page_id=241 cq -- has a picture and details about various area politicians. Tonko is still listed as assemblyman, even though Amedore was elected to replace him way back in July. Hopefully, this is an oversight and not a low-class political omission.
Don't be too hopeful.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
I'm tellin' ya...it's the strategic planning by the democratic dictatorship!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
105TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT Tonko likely to run, officials say Former assemblyman eyes contest for congressional seat BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
Paul Tonko Thursday said he is considering entering the 21st Congressional District race, a prospect that has fellow Democrats buzzing. Tonko retired last year after 24 years as the popular assemblyman from the 105th Assembly District to become head of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. In a telephone interview Thursday, Tonko said he was “flattered by the many requests” he has received to run for the seat being vacated by Rep. Michael Mc-Nulty, D-Green Island. Several Schenectady County Democratic Party officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak for Tonko, said they are virtually certain Tonko will enter the race. Tonko said he is not a candidate but is “considering a candidacy because I believe we need a new direction.” He said he would announce his intentions soon. “My first obligation is to Gov. Eliot Spitzer, to the NYSERDA board and to the people of New York,” he said. “They deserve to have a strong advocate at NYSERDA.” Tonko said he was returning to Albany from Washington, where he spent the day talking with officials about “NYSERDA business.” Two political officials speculated Tonko would have to resign from NYSERDA to run for the congressional seat, as he would otherwise violate Spitzer’s conflict of interest guidelines. Two Democrats have already announced their candidacies: Phil Steck, Colonie Democratic chairman, and Tracey Brooks, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton. Darius Shahinfar, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Lester Freeman, an Albany Democratic activist, are considering candidacies. The only Republican stating interest in running so far is J. Christopher Callaghan, former Saratoga County treasurer and a 2006 state comptroller candidate. Should Tonko enter the race, he would immediately become the front-runner, said Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton. “I think Paul Tonko is the tier one candidate we need in this race. We expect him to get in,” he said. “He has told many people he is going to announce and announce soon.” Stratton himself considered running for the congressional seat held by his father for 30 years before McNulty’s tenure, but he announced Feb. 11 he will remain mayor; he is in the first year of his second term. Stratton said he spoke with Tonko and urged him to run. “Paul has always been a good friend and a great supporter. I told him I would like him to get in the race when I made my decision not to run,” he said. Stratton called Tonko “a tremendous partner for us in Schenectady and the Capital Region and we need a candidate with a proven record to support us.” Schenectady County Democratic Committee Chairman Brian Quail said “most Democratic leaders believe it is a matter of when, not if” Tonko announces. The Schenectady County committee, as well as other committees and major Democratic Party officials, have held off endorsing a candidate for the congressional seat until they knew Tonko’s intentions, Quail said. Tom Nardacci, spokesman for Steck, issued a statement from Steck about Tonko’s possible announcement: “We need a real change of direction in this country. I’ve been fighting for that change throughout my career and that’s why I am in this campaign to win. If we want to win, we have to earn it, and I intend to make sure that no one works harder than me to earn the support of the people of the 21st Congressional District.” Nardacci said Steck has a strong political base in Albany and Rensselaer counties and won the endorsement of former Amsterdam Mayor John Duchessi. Steck also has some 40 other endorsements. Brooks has endorsements from former Green Island Mayor Jack McNulty and current Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty Ryan. The former is Michael McNulty’s father and the latter is his sister. McNulty himself has not endorsed any candidate. Brooks and Steck come from Albany County, which accounts for about half the district’s enrollment. Democratic Party officials said Tonko has gone to Washington to speak with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about running and that he has $100,000 remaining in his Assembly Campaign Committee account available for an expected Democratic primary this summer. “He wants to do it, but he wants to get his ducks in a row,” a Democratic official said. Another party official said Tonko “can out-raise anyone” for a primary race. “He is the 800-pound gorilla and he would be the front-runner.”
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