NY Gov’s Shrewd Move; "Palin Light"

Written By D.

Liberal NYC Dems are not happy with Gov Paterson’s apparent choice of Hillary’s Senate replacement.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/22/new-york-gov-paterson-rep-gillibrand-clintons-senate-seat/

But I’d say it was a very politically astute move on his part. Appointing US Rep. Gillibrand, a moderate Democrat who was elected in a traditionally Republican district throws NY State moderate Democrats and RINOS a political bone. These Upstate folks have got to be uncomfortable with the off the wall behavior of the far left bordering on absolute lunacy, but Gillibrand is their kind of Democrat ... non threatening.

The NYC Dems should be thanking Paterson because he might be the only Democrat in NY, or the country for that matter, who “gets it.” Paterson is giving the Democrats of his state and country “Palin Light.” He apparently understands the attraction that millions of Americans have for Palin as the persona of “every woman.” Now the Democrats will have an “every woman” of their very own. They should be celebrating. Of course no one said Libs were the brightest of bulbs, but the benefits may eventually become apparent even to them.

Since Palin has already run the interference and suffered the slings and arrows of “hunting,” “lacking experience” and “motherhood” Gillibrand can cruise into the spot without so much as a scratch from the msm, despite her centrist Democrat credentials. Paterson will send a strong moderate message to the voters of NY, the great majority of them are probably very relieved he did not choose Caroline or the other Leftos on the list.

I know a smart political move when I see it.

The Replacement’s Replacement Choice

Written By D.

You would think that selecting NY Senator Clinton’s replacement should be something about which New Yorkers need to be kept abreast. After all, this person will represent them in the Senate.

Not so. Governor Paterson seems to be playing his selection process close to the vest;
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/12/ny-governors-secretive-process-selecting-clinton-successor-violate-state-law/

While it is his legal right to choose a replacement, leaving New Yorkers out of the information loop seems like bad form. It seems New Yorkers don’t even know all the names of those being considered, let alone qualifications or positions on the issues.

Apparently this may also be a violation of NY Freedom of Information law. But the Governor is a Democrat and we know the law doesn’t apply to Democrats. They pick and choose the laws with which they wish to comply.

So basically, a Governor who was not directly elected Governor by the voters is choosing a Senator who will not be elected Senator by the voters. The replacement chooses the replacement and chooses not to reveal details of selection process.

New Yorkers need to remember that when they vote and replace them both.

HAVING IT BOTH WAYS ... NO WAY

Written By D.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagovich appointed Former Attorney General Roland Burris to fill Obama’s US Senate seat and now the Senate Dems as well as the Pres-Elect don’t want him seated. The Senate Dems are vowing to fight it.

WAIT A MINUTE. Blago is still the sitting Governor and has the right to seat anyone he chooses. The Governor has only been charged and not yet convicted of any crime. The Senate has no right to interfere with this appointment. Many of these same Senators as well as the Pres-Elect supported Blago when he ran for Governor and helped him get elected. Now they want to distance themselves from him and play Kabuki political theatre with his choice of appointments simply based on the fact that the Governor appointed Burris, therefore, they reason, Burris is tainted.

With no regard to Burris or his merits they project guilt by association onto him. Well, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. I don’t imagine it has even occurred to them that if Burris is guilty by association, then they are just as guilty because they are also tainted by their associations with Blago. If we are to be expected to believe that the Pres-Elect is innocent of all taint through his associations with Blago, why should we be believe Burris is guilty? Either all are innocent or all are guilty.

The law is the law, even when you don’t like it or it doesn’t benefit you or your party’s agenda. Seat Roland Burris or risk losing any credibility. The stench from Illinois politics is bad enough without further violation of law – and the law is Blago gets to choose.