This morning's New York Times contains an endorsement in the NY-13 primary. The Times calls both candidates, Steve Harrison of Brooklyn and Mike McMahon of Staten Island, "appealing", but says that Harrison lacks McMahon's "record of accomplishment."
On the Democratic side, two appealing candidates are facing off. Stephen Harrison, a lawyer who ran a spirited campaign against Mr. Fossella two years ago, has strong community ties in the Brooklyn part of the district and has demonstrated an admirable passion for public service.
He does not, however, have the record of accomplishment of his opponent, Michael McMahon. Mr. McMahon has done an impressive job representing Staten Island in the City Council since 2001, showing leadership on some of the city's thorniest issues. As chairman of the sanitation committee he was instrumental in overhauling the waste management plan to make it fairer and more environmentally sound, and he has been a steadfast champion of recycling, ushering through pioneering legislation on electronic waste.
Mr. McMahon also has a deep understanding of transportation and infrastructure issues, including a strong commitment to mass transportation. He would be a valuable advocate on these fronts in Washington.
As the only Democrat in the Council from Staten Island, Mr. McMahon has proved adept at reaching out to moderates and conservatives. That broad appeal would be an advantage in representing this conservative- leaning district, which gave 55 percent of its votes to President Bush in 2004. Mr. McMahon wins our endorsement in the Democratic primary.
The other four are seats that are currently held by Republicans, three of which are open seats. In NY-13, Steve Harrison and Mike McMahon are vying for the Democratic nomination. Both received good news today as Rothenberg moved the race to Democratic favored. That designation can be attributed to many factors, namely the Republican recruiting woes that have made this race somewhat comical to watch.
Dan Maffei should also be smiling in NY-25. His race was ranked Democratic favored also. Dale Sweetland is his Republican challenger and doesn't come off as an overly strong candidate. Maffei has been strong on the issues, strong in the fundraising column AND a recently married man.
NY-26 and NY-29 both were ranked "Toss Up/Tilt Republican" by Rothenberg. In NY-26, Jon Powers is the front-runner on the Democratic side while Chris Lee has been sitting and waiting for the Democratic nominee. NY-29 has been a duel between Eric Massa and Randy Kuhl. Massa is looking very strong in NY-29 and has the ability to beat Kuhl. Kuhl is the only Republican who has decided to stick it out and run again.
The new Rothenberg Political Report 2008 House ratings are out with some great news for us. They have shifted two of our four races, all positively for the Democratic candidates.
NY-13 (McMahon, Harrison): This was the largest jump moving from toss-up/tilt Democratic to Democrat Favored
NY-25 (Maffei): This moved from Lean Democrat to Democrat Favored
- There will be no endorsement in SD-32, as Sen. Ruben Diaz, who has been an opponent of gay causes, did not receive an endorsement from the Stonewall Democrats and because there is no other candidate in the race, no one will get an endorsement.
Second quarter financial data is slowly streaming in and while the FEC hasn't posted the actual data yet, some news sources are already reporting the general outlook for our Democratic candidates in the 13th. As expected, it looks as though Councilman McMahon significantly outraised Steve Harrison, to the tune of a $350,000 difference.
We've been hearing all morning about a major shakeup within the campaign of Steve Harrison. Laura Sword, Harrison's campaign manager and two other key staffers have apparently left the campaign. We were subsequently able to confirm the departures and have learned that a statement from the Harrison camp is forthcoming.
In yet another sign that the Dem establishment is lining up behind City Councilman Mike McMahon in the race to replace "Papa Vino" Fossella in NY-13, The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has just added him to their Red to Blue program.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced today the next round of candidates who earned a spot in the DCCC's highly competitive Red to Blue program. These 14 candidates qualified for the third round of the Red to Blue program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress. The DCCC also released a list of 20 emerging races, where Democratic candidates are running strong campaigns that are generating excitement in their districts.
"The candidates for change being named to the DCCC Red to Blue program are running strong campaigns and are committed to making things easier for middle class families in their districts," said Chris Van Hollen, Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "With less than five months to make their case for change to voters in their districts, the Red to Blue program will give these candidates the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November."
Chairman Van Hollen joined Red to Blue co-chairs Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Artur Davis (D-AL), and Bruce Braley (D-IA) to announce 14 candidates who qualified for the Red to Blue program:
Ethan Berkowitz (AK-AL)
Paul Carmouche (LA-04)
Gerry Connolly (VA-11)
Joe Garcia (FL-25)
Martin Heinrich (NM-01)
Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-01)
Frank Kratovil (MD-01)
Bob Lord (AZ-03)
Betsy Markey (CO-04)
Raul Martinez (FL-21)
Mike McMahon (NY-13) Glenn Nye (VA-02)
Harry Teague (NM-02)
Dina Titus (NV-03)
This move by the D-trip signals not only their intentions in NY-13 by picking McMahon over Steve Harrison, it also means that they smell blood in this district and think they can win it.
It looks more and more like City Councilman Mike McMahon is the Dem establishment's choice for the NY-13 seat. Today, Charlie rangel and 11 othe Dem congresscritters from NYC proclaimed their support according to Liz:
The 12 House members (Ackerman, Clarke, Crowley, Engel, McCarthy, Maloney, Meeks, Nadler, Rangel, Serrano, Towns, and Weiner) issued the following joint statement:
"Following the lead of local Staten Island and Brooklyn Democrats, the New York City Congressional delegation is proud to stand behind Staten Island Councilman Mike McMahon in his campaign for Congress."
"This year, we have an historic opportunity to turn the last Republican Congressional district in New York City Democratic. We are committed to seeing that Mike McMahon is successful."
"In the past eight years, New Yorkers have shown tremendous strength - together we have lived through the horror of 9/11, and we have seen New York soldiers off to war. But the misplaced priorities of the Bush administration have weakened our City, and there is a great deal of work to do to take us in a new direction."
"We are confident that Mike McMahon will play an important role in bringing our troops home from Iraq, and in winning our fight for good-paying New York jobs, reduced gas prices and quality health care for all Americans."
What's interesting to me is the absence of my Congresswoman's name, Nydia Velazquez. I wonder what that's about.
All signs point to a McMahon vs. Harrison primary on the Democratic side of this race. Today brings us news that we might also have a primary on the Republican side. Dr. Jamshad Wyne (R), GOP Finance Chair in Staten Island has indeed entered the race;
The Todt Hill resident, who has gone back and forth on the race over the last two weeks, announced yesterday he would challenge Frank Powers, a Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member and retired Wall Street executive, for the GOP congressional nod.
The Republican County Committee is holding candidate interviews tonight, where if you can believe former candidate GOP chairman John Friscia, Lisa Giovinazzo is the front runner for their endorsement. Lisa Giovinazzo as he tells us, because I had no clue is an NY1 reporter. She is also known for losing to McMahon previously when she ran against him in 2003 for his City Council seat. As a third/fourth/fifth tier candidate I am sure everyone is familiar with her, but if not here is her 2003 candidate bio.
Assembly Member Mike Cusick has withdrawn his name as a potential Congressional candidate for Fossella's seat hours before the Richmond County Democratic Committee Meeting. The Advance breaks the news;
"I took a hard look at Congress," Cusick (D-Mid-Island) told the Advance in a telephone interview moments ago. "I looked hard at what it would take to get there. The one thing utmost in my mind was what would be best for the people I serve, and the people of Staten Island as a whole."
Cusick said he was also concerned about having a fight over the seat within the Democratic Party.
"I don't want to have a fight for the seat, a fight in the party," Cusick said. "This is a hard decision for me."
By now you know Rep. Vito Fossella did some very bad things. There are a lot of news articles and blog posts covering his immoral behavior. I don't need to get into that, instead I am here to provide a better understanding of just who these potential Democratic candidates are that are suddenly being talked about. To start with only one candidate has declared for this race, Steve Harrison. Additionally City Council member Domenic Recchia is raising money for this race but has yet to declare his candidacy or put together a campaign staff of any kind for almost eight months. The rest of this diary is going to focus on three Democratic office holders from Staten Island; State Senator Diane Savino, Assembly member Mike Cusick and City Council member Mike McMahon.
Vito Fossella is toast and I think we'll most likely be seeing a special election for that seat this summer. Vito admitted having a long time affair this morning as well as fathering a child, a daughter, with his mistress in a Thursday morning press release.
Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) said Thursday that he had an extramarital affair that has resulted in a three-year-old daughter in a statement released through a public relations firm.
"My personal failings and imperfections have caused enormous pain to the people I love and I am truly sorry," Fossella said in the statement.
"While I understand that there will be many questions, including those about my political future, making any political decisions right now are furthest from my mind," the lawmaker, who was arrested for drunk driving last week, said. "Over the coming weeks and months, I will to continue to do my job and I will work hard to heal the deep wounds I have caused."
Following the arrest, the New York tabloids had speculated that an illegitimate child was involved.
There were rumors of an affair back during the race in '06, but I don't think many people knew who the mistress actually was. What I don't think anyone knew about was the child. Now it appears the GOP is bailing on Vito in a big way and now polling the district in anticipation of his imminent departure.
National Republican leaders have "lost all faith" in Rep. Vito Fossella and are poised to begin polling in the 13th CD on potential candidates to take his place on the ballot, despite the fact that he has yet to make a definitive statement about his future political plans.
...
The poll could start as early as today, according to a Washington GOP source, and will likely include at least two names: Sen. Andrew Lanza and Staten Island DA Dan Donovan.
Another national GOP source said Fossella's fellow House minority members were "shocked" to learn of his "double life," and his admission that he fathered a child out of wedlock with retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, Laura Fay.
I think Lanza (and Savino on the Dem side) are too precious in their current seats to spare. I think the GOP will likely back either Oddo or Donovan to replace Fossella and I'd give the edge to Donovan here.
Regardless, it should be obvious to anyone that Vito's days as a congressman are definitely numbered. He's done.
Democratic Congressional candidates around the country - Darcy Burner, Eric Massa, Steve Harrison, Donna Edwards, and many more - are embracing the Responsible Plan, an effort to get American troops out of Iraq while preserving regional stability, United States interests and restoring American moral leadership. Every Progressive should read this document. If there is a way forward, this is it.
Here's Steve Harrison, running for Congress against Bush lap dog Vito Fossella in New York's Thirteenth District, speaking on why he was one of the ten original supporters of the Responsible Plan.
10 Democratic challengers are today announcing a plan for Congressional action to bring an end to the Iraq War. Among these ten are New Yorkers Steve Harrison (NY-13) and Eric Massa (NY-29). The plan, which calls for no residual troops and a diplomatic "surge", will be announced formally here at the Take Back America conference in DC later today and I'll have streaming video of the event here on TAP.
Some details from the press release:
Ten Democratic Challengers to Issue Plan for Congressional Action to Bring Iraq War to a Responsible Close
Washington, DC (March 17) - A group of top-tier Democratic congressional challengers will launch a major new grassroots effort on Monday around a comprehensive strategy to bring the war in Iraq to responsible close.
Darcy Burner (WA-8), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), Donna Edwards (MD-4), Jared Polis (CO-2), Tom Perriello (VA-5) and Sam Bennett (PA-15) will be in attendance at the unveiling of a detailed strategy document at the Take Back America Conference in Washington, DC. The release of the document will take place at:
Palladian Room
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert St. NW Washington, DC
5:30 pm EST
Other challengers .participating in the effort but unable to attend include Eric Massa (NY-29), Larry Byrnes (FL-14), George Fearing (WA-4), and Steve Harrison (NY-13).
Originating outside the Beltway and based on consultations with retired generals and other national security experts on a path forward to end the war, the challengers' document lays out a series of actions for Congress to take to end United States military involvement in Iraq, strengthen America and improve our standing around the world, restore accountability and checks and balances to our government and work toward energy independence.
"I wholeheartedly endorse this plan as a responsible and forward looking plan for ending the war in Iraq. As Burner and her colleagues correctly note, bringing our troops home is the first, but not the only step that must be taken to ensure a debacle like Iraq never happens again," said Dr. Lawrence Korb, former assistant secretary of defense in the Reagan administration. "This plan addresses the root causes that allowed the Bush Administration to lead this country into this mess, and sets us in the right direction. I applaud their efforts on this ambitious and sound strategy. This is progressive strength on national security in action."
Here's some video of career Naval officer and the next Congressman from New York's 29th District, Eric Massa discussing his support of the plan.
This is a very exciting and important development, one that can introduce a dose of sanity into the debate about what to do about the war that will enter its sixth year this week. These ten challengers are to be heartily commended for taking a bold stand to bring this war to an end. They need and deserve our support. We hope that these ten candidates will soon be joined by more challengers willing to stand with them. Please consider giving some financial support to these candidates, especially the two New Yorkers on the list. It's extremely important that we show them and other candidates that we support their efforts to end this war.
Take a few seconds and go to Democracy For America and vote for the DFA Grassroots All-Stars. You can vote for three candidates and as it turns out, there are three candidates for Congress from New York that are on the list of candidates:
Thus far, none of our guys are in the top ten. Let's change that this weekend. Keep voting and vote often. You can vote more than once, so don't hesitate to do so.
And remember, DFA Training 2008 will be coming to Rochester, New York from May 3-4.
The Cook Political Report has changed their rating for NY-13 from 'solid safe republican' to 'likely republican'. An early indication that this seat may be more competative than it was in the past. Possibly a result of horrible fund raising by Fossella or that he may have to fend off two Democratic opponents.
Steve Harrison, who ran against NY-13 Rep Vito Fossella in 2006, will announce tomorrow that he will once again challenge Vito, one of the most useless Congresscritters in either chamber, of either party in 2008. This is good news.
The Steve Harrison campaign just confirmed that he is indeed running for Congress.
Brooklyn attorney and 2006 NY 13 Congressional District (Staten Island and Southwest Brooklyn) Democratic Candidate Steve Harrison will formally announce his candidacy for this seat in 2008 at a 12: 30 PM August 9 press conference at Staten Island’s Arthur Von Briesen Park (foot of Bay Street at Fort Wadsworth). The press conference was originally scheduled for August 8, but was postponed out of respect to victims of the Bay Ridge tornado and Staten Island weather related damage.
Who: Brooklyn Attorney and 2006 Democratic Congressional Candidate Steve Harrison What: Press Conference concerning 2008 NY 13 CD (Staten Island/Brooklyn) race When: Aug 8, 2007 12:30 PM Where: Arthur Von Briesen Park (foot of Bay Street at Fort Wadsworth), Staten Island.
This will be a much closer race this time out. First, I think that Steve will benefit greatly from his experience last year. Second, Vito begins this cycle over $117K in debt.
A commenter at Daily Gotham says that Steve's campaign website URL will be the same as last time (www.steveharrisonforcongress.com) and should be updated and live soon after tomorrow's press conference.
As usual, the place to follow this race will be Jonah's district specific site, NY-13.
