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Campaign Crawlers
Mad as Hell in New York
Republicans like Anne Marie Buerkle are riding an anti-incumbent wave.
DeWITT, New York — “I work 75 hours a week at this place,” said the owner-operator of a convenience store on State Route 41 in Cortland County. “All I ever get are bills coming in, where they’re raising the taxes on this and raising the taxes on that.”
The silver-haired small business owner’s diatribe had begun when I put a copy of the Syracuse Post-Standard on the counter and he asked, “Reading about all our political prostitutes?”
Obviously I was from out of town and he had apparently spotted me as a reporter, so I asked him what his feelings were about the upcoming election. “I’m not voting for any incumbents — all the challengers, that’s who I’m voting for,” he said.
This was in the 24th District, where Democrat Rep. Michael Accuri is the incumbent, meaning the store owner’s vote will go to Republican challenger Richard Hanna. The most recent poll of the district, taken in early September, showed Acuri leading Hanna 48 to 40 percent, but such results are of dubious predictive value — especially considering that the poll was taken by Sienna Research Institute. In August, a month before the GOP gubernatorial primary, a Sienna poll showed former congressman Rick Lazio leading by 13 points. Lazio lost the Sept. 14 primary by 24 points to Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino.
Paladino is an outspoken populist whose orange-and-black yard signs and bumper stickers bear the slogan, “I’m Mad Too, Carl!”
That slogan may be an unintentional double entendre. Even some conservative Republicans here privately call Paladino a “nut job” — which isn’t to say they won’t vote for him Nov. 2. Such is the discontent with Albany (the name of the state capital is, to most New Yorkers, an epithet signifying incompetence and corruption) that many will be happy to vote for a “nut job” whose campaign literature promises that he will “turn Albany upside-down and take out the trash.” Polls show Paladino trailing Democrat Andrew Cuomo by double-digit margins, but the polls may be as wrong now as they were in August.
The mad-as-hell vote is an unpredictable thing, and one Democratic consultant told the New York Times that tonight’s seven-way gubernatorial debate “could end up with Andy Warhol meets Salvador Dali.” Surreal craziness, never a rare quality in New York politics, has been in bumper-crop abundance this year.
In the 29th District, Democrat Eric Massa resigned six months ago amid an ethics investigation involving charges of sexual misconduct. Massa claimed he was the victim of a conspiracy orchestrated by the White House. Victim or not, Massa’s resignation now seems certain to result in the election of a Republican replacement, Tom Reed.
Meanwhile, in the 22nd District, embattled Democrat Rep. Maurice Hinchey reportedly assaulted a reporter for a local newspaper last week. Hinchey was caught on camera loudly telling Bill Kemble of the Kingston Daily Freeman to “shut up,” and he later confronted the reporter and poked him in the chest. The reporter had questioned the nine-term incumbent about possible conflicts of interest involving a project for which Hinchey had earmarked federal funds.
Hinchey is under pressure from Republican challenger George Phillips, whose campaign slogan is a simple question: “Had Enough?” Although Hinchey beat Phillips handily two years ago when an Obama tidal wave swept over New York, this year the tide is running in the GOP’s favor. Unemployment in the district is as high as 9 percent in some counties and, referring to Hinchey’s voting record, Phillips’s campaign manager Matt Hudson says, “The people in this district don’t support Nancy Pelosi 97.5 percent of the time.” Hinchey recently brought in former President Clinton to campaign for him — a telltale move by a troubled incumbent, says Hudson. “We know that a week prior, [the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] was doing polling in the district… then President Clinton miraculously shows up.”
Clinton also campaigned for Rep. Dan Maffei, the freshman Democrat in the 25th District. The Syracuse-area district was long represented by Republican Jim Walsh, who retired in 2008, allowing Maffei to win election with 55 percent of the vote. This year, Maffei is being challenged by Republican Ann Marie Buerkle.
A registered nurse who is also a lawyer, Buerkle has hit Maffei hard for his vote in favor of ObamaCare. “This bill needs to be de-funded, it needs to be repealed…. This doesn’t do anything to improve health care in our country,” she told a Sunday evening meeting of local Republicans in the Wayne County village of Clyde.
Buerkle and her supporters were angered by a Sienna poll reported Sunday by the Post-Standard showing Maffei with 51 percent to 39 percent for Buerkle. That contradicted a poll earlier this month by John McLaughlin that showed Buerkle slightly ahead. The Sienna poll was greeted with skepticism by Mike Jankoski, chairman of the Wayne County GOP, who pointed out that John McCain carried that county by 10 points two years ago, when most of the rest of the state went heavily for Obama.
“Wayne County is going to be rock solid behind Ann Marie,” Jankoski said to applause at the meeting in Clyde, as he related how volunteers have turned out to support Buerkle. “We’re never seen this level of enthusiasm.”
Whether motivated by enthusiasm for Republicans or anger at Democratic incumbents, voters in western New York are likely to surprise some pollsters two weeks from now. While liberals like Frank Rich fret over voter “rage” in this Tea Party year, the actual reaction to a hard-fought GOP victory Nov. 2 will probably be more like the one Buerkle described to her supporters Sunday: “I promise you, we will have one great party.”
About the Author
Robert Stacy McCain is co-author (with Lynn Vincent) of Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime, and Corruption in the Democratic Party (Nelson Current). He blogs at The Other McCain.
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Redstateboy| 10.18.10 @ 9:44AM
I escaped from the People's Republic of New York 11 years ago to the Conservative land of Milk and Honey - Tennessee (East Tennessee!) All my family are still trapped in that Socialist Gulag.. NY has been run by the Slave Party for 40 years.. and in some parts - longer. Visit Niagara Falls (USA) and you'd think you visited some Soviet Era - jerkwater City. Crumbling Roads, Poverty, ignorance, crime, rampant unemployment AND High Taxes!! It's Pathetic and the whole area has been run by Democrats for 50 Years!!! But BOY!!! the benefit package for those City workers!!
John22| 10.18.10 @ 6:10PM
I have to agree wholeheartedly. I moved out of New York to the midwest and I truly felt that I have left the devil's nest. Yes, everytime I visited niagara Falls, I always have to cross over to Canada to get the better view and the better restaurants. I have always felt sad crossing that bridge. The town I left was full of government or Indian casino workers. Very depressing for a state so beautiful (I guess this goes for all the other picturesque democrat-infested states: California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii).
AZPatriot| 10.20.10 @ 10:15AM
Me too! Grew up in Hinchey's hometown but escaped 15 years ago to move out west - best move I ever made. NY taxes primarily go to those who don't pay any. It is one massive wealth redistribution, ponzi scheme and has been for YEARS. And yes, I do have a smidge of survivor guilt in relation to family and friends who haven't managed to escape. I can only hope the good people of NY (and they are, for the most part, very good people) have finally awakened to the evil they have elected in the past and will do what needs to be done this November - take out the trash!
Son Be A Dentist| 10.18.10 @ 10:26AM
What about that enemy of the people, Louise "Deem and Pass" Slaughter?
Mad Hatter| 10.18.10 @ 10:50AM
Well north of the Libs of New Yawk,
From the over-squeezed a loud squawk.
Now eloquent waxing,
About their over-taxing.
This may become a Tea-and-Cakewalk!
Ken (Old Texican)| 10.18.10 @ 11:35AM
Mr. McCain,
I will believe it when I see the votes...in New York State.
The people there have allowed themselves to be emasculated for so long by their welfare/tax and spend.
I would be thrilled if NewYorkers stood on their feet and said NO!
New Yorkers seem to like to kvetch...and vote in scumbags time after time.
Prove me wrong, New York!
Redstateboy| 10.18.10 @ 12:26PM
There are Conservatives in NY but sadly their overwhelmed just by the shear number of self-interested Welfarite leeches in the 5 boroughs of NYC Alone!! NYC is 11 Million people and it is Liber-ul Nirvana.. NYC Sucks the rest of the State dry to feed the Liber-ul beast which keeps the likes of Chuck U Schumer, Charlie Rangle and Hillarious Clintonista in Power.. and these Liberals say to the rest of the States Peasant Masses: "Let them Eat Cake."
idalily| 10.18.10 @ 3:53PM
To paraphrase Mark Twain: New Yorkers can't get rid of bedbugs. They can't get rid of their scumbag politicians. But I repeat myself.
John22| 10.18.10 @ 6:14PM
I truly believe that New York will kick out their democrat tyrants especially their governor, their senator and many of their congressmen. These polls are but a scam to demoralize conservative voters. But you know what? I stillhave many friends in New York who WERE diehard Democrats who can't wait to vote for their conservative candidates!
Akaky| 10.18.10 @ 12:05PM
Ken, we would love to prove you wrong, but here in the Vampire State incumbents regard re-election as one of their civil rights, and NY election law is designed to help incumbents exercise their right to incumbency. Still, I think the Dems are going to take a much bigger hit here than they expect to now. There are too many people leaving the state for other places and the taxes on those of us who stay are becoming too burdensome for the old Albany game to continue much longer. At least, that's what I hope for; what Albany hopes for is for Washington to pick up the state's bills so the party can continue. Those guys don't want to hear about change.
Ken (Old Texican)| 10.18.10 @ 12:38PM
Akaky,
One of your (former) neighbors just moved in across the cul-de-sac from us.
I must tell you that he made me lose it, laughing.
Even with his New York home 30% under water, he sold it and got a home twice the square footage here...at HALF the price of his former home.
We live in the most beautiful forrested parts of Houston. He got a hundred thousand $$$ cash difference and is trying to figure out how to shelter the capital gains. (I showed him. This happens often here.)
You guys are witnessing an "racial cleansing" there. People with an out are all leaving.
Heh,
Now I gotta' take him down to the local sporting-goods store to get a six-gun and a shotgun and rifle.
he has never shot any of them, but is so excited.
(smile)
We will help him become a Texan yet.
Akaky| 10.18.10 @ 1:18PM
Ken, so long as he doesnt go bad (i.e. become a Red Sox fan) all will be well and our loss will be Texas' gain. ;-)
Al Adab| 10.18.10 @ 3:52PM
Understanding the difference between Dalls and Houston as I do, nonetheless I have to say, Go Rangers!
Redstateboy| 10.18.10 @ 12:30PM
It's a sure as Night follows Day there is Liber-ul Bias in the MSM and the dirtiest open secret is the MSM's abject failure to expose the failure of Liber-ulism in NY. This State is ready to impoade and can the Media say NY is a Red State??? NY is as Blue as Blue can be.. and they're 10 BILLION IN THE HOLE!
patrick| 10.18.10 @ 12:40PM
I was offered a job in Albany a year ago while I was still living in PA. While the job offered a significant increase over my salary at the time, I worked out that I would be worse off after I took into account the taxes and the cost of living. I turned them down and took a job in NH instead. NY is a great state but I am not surprised people are leaving in droves..........I hope a new republican congress cuts off anymore aid to the states that the idiot in the white house has been doling out....at least then if those states like CA and NY go bankrupt we can put a halt to the fiscal madness and the union control.
Kishego| 10.18.10 @ 2:56PM
N.H. is a good place to live. I lived there for a few years in the late 90's. I really enjoyed it there. The MASSholes were starting to pull it to the left and screw things up when I moved away but, it seems like they are pulling back to the right,(at least I hope so for the people of N.H.)
NJ Kay| 10.18.10 @ 1:59PM
We are mad as hell in New Jersey starting with our FAT governor. No go to the tunnel project from Governor Crisco. IMPEACH CHRISTIE NOW!
Akaky| 10.18.10 @ 2:20PM
Kay, which part of New Jersey doesn't have the money are you not grasping?
gypsy| 10.18.10 @ 3:41PM
wow, such stunning "progressive" logic -- Christie is "FAT". Therefore, he is...a bad EeeeeevvvviiiLLLLL governor! Kay, I guarantee that you will have a much clearer view of how the world really works when you pull your head out of your ass.
WGMOW| 10.18.10 @ 4:20PM
NJ Kay, are you my mother??? She went completely nuts in her old age and would say something like this. To be serious though, people I know in NJ like Christie as he's a hard-talking, cost-cutting fiscal conservative. I don't think there's going to be any inpeachement in the Garden State.
Bob| 10.18.10 @ 4:51PM
I agree with Kay if the governor steps on the national stage the stage will collapse literally speaking. If he is impeached the governor should go on The Biggest Loser, lose 200 pounds and get a job with Weight Watcher's as their national spokesman.
GavInTucson| 10.18.10 @ 11:50PM
Ah, more brilliant commentary from the tolerant left. When you can't argue, insult.
Cogito Ergo Sum Conservativum| 10.18.10 @ 5:46PM
I have been told (by liberals) that conservatives are cold hearted and that only they are understanding of people, accepting of their differences. Yet I often read insults generated by liberals and directed towards recovered alcoholics (Glenn Beck), overweight persons (Gov. Christie), females (any Republican woman). NJ Kay confirms that observation. She calls him weight related insults in her first two sentances. Thanks for posting, NJ Kay!
Colin Foy| 10.18.10 @ 10:36PM
Kay: Did you per chance "spawn" any of the knuckle dragging troglodytes now appearing on that paragon of modern american culture "Jersey Shore?" Cheers!
megapotamus| 10.19.10 @ 9:36AM
Friends, this is not a person. Or rather, it is a person but there is no "Kay". This has the hallmarks of dial-grouped sloganeering. Note the careful grammar and punctuation and the PR 101 usurping of a public mood. Outside the unions is there anyone enraged at Christie for scrubbing the tunnel project? Is this perfect spelling and phrasing typical of your unionist? Even the teachers' union? Ah, no.
Elmer| 10.18.10 @ 2:53PM
There will always be some who drink the Kool-Aid and support failure! How people can be so gullible I just don't understand.
Al Adab| 10.18.10 @ 3:57PM
An open letter to Republican Candidates:
While we wish you (and our Country) well on Nev. 2, please listen carefully. We gave you an opportunity in 1994 and between Pres. Clinton and the "government shutdown" followed by your spending madness after 2000, you failed us.
PLEASE DO NOT FAIL US AGAIN. Should you do so the few options left to us are not ones we welcome, but are the only ones remaining.
I repeat, DO NOT FAIL US AGAIN. Our futures, rights and Liberties hang in the balance.
angle | 10.19.10 @ 5:23AM
I would be worse after I took into account taxes and cost of living. I rejected them and started working in NH instead. New York is a great state, but I'm not surprised people are leaving en masse .......... I expect a new Republican Congress over cuts in aid to states that the idiot in the White House has been distributed. ... at least then, if states like California and New York bankruptcy, we can end the fiscal madness and union control.
megapotamus| 10.19.10 @ 9:30AM
Anger at Democrats? Check, but enthusiasm for Republicans? Half a check. You will see some cautious optimism but most people, even long-time Rightwingers, who are for turfing out the Obies are cynical to say the least. It is a good time to take a few bites out of National Greatness Conservatism, Compassionate Conservatism, Common Sense Conservatism (which was McCain's brand, I recall) and really hold out for genuine, small gov, individual liberty based conservatism which is just to say the real thing.
NJ Kay| 10.19.10 @ 11:22AM
Governor Christie got the message; he is now looking at additional sources of money to fund the tunnel project. It does help the citizens of my state both with easier transportation and quality jobs. Multiple letters in support of the project plus the specter of impeachment worked like a charm. Now cut your food budget to save us more and lose weight.
frank| 11.4.10 @ 3:44PM
Charlie Rangel is Maffei's mentor and Maffei is basically just a dumber, more cowardly version of Rangel.
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