Dustup over former councilwoman's photo op The biggest Schenectady political hullabaloo last week was Republican Cathy Lewis in a photo with four top Democrats on a Facebook page titled "Madeline Thorne for Senate.'' Thorne is challenging incumbent GOP state Sen. Hugh Farley in the fall election. Lewis, a former city councilwoman, was often labeled a RINO (Republican in name only) because she always voted in lockstep with the otherwise all Democrat council. She is in a photo with Karen Johnson, former city mayor; Peggy King, City Council president; state Sen. Cecilia Tkaczyk and Thorne. "Being in a photo like this is political insanity. It's a slap in the face to the Republican Party," county GOP Chairman Jim Buhrmaster said. "If a Democrat was in a picture with four top Republicans the person would be drawn and quartered by Democrat leaders.'' Bob Farley, Hugh's son and a longtime ranking Republican, said the news was sad. "It's no secret Lewis has been tight with Democrats for a long time,'' he said. Lewis said the photo was taken at a SCCC seminar titled "Women in Politics.'' She said the photo was misused. "I'm not endorsing Thorne. I'm a Republican committeewoman supporting Farley,'' she said. So, there you have it folks, the latest grist from the local political mill. http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Marv-Cermak-Brothers-deserve-to-be-Schenectady-5419233.php |