Items by Joseph Spector

• Schumer In Flight Attendant Flap

  —Albany Watch

  Sen. Charles Schumer was in the newspapers this morning, and not because of one of his regular press conferences. Politico reported yesterday Schumer called a flight attendant the “B-word” when she asked him to shut off his phone as the flight was ready to leave. Schumer, who was seated next to [...]
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  Posted: December 17, 2009, 10:41am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Schumer In Flight Attendant Flap

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Sen. Charles Schumer was in the newspapers this morning, and not because of one of his regular press conferences. Politico reported yesterday Schumer called a flight attendant the “B-word” when she asked him to shut off his phone as the flight was ready to leave. Schumer, who was seated next to [...]
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  Posted: December 17, 2009, 10:40am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Lazio Picks Up Monroe County GOP Endorsement

  —Albany Watch

  Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio picked up the endorsement today of Monroe County GOP chairman Bill Reilich. It’s the second Lazio endorsement out of Monroe County: Conservative Party chairman Tom Cook endorsed him last month. “Rick Lazio is not only the best choice for Monroe County, he is the best choice for [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2009, 2:51pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Lazio Picks Up Monroe County GOP Endorsement

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio picked up the endorsement today of Monroe County GOP chairman Bill Reilich. It’s the second Lazio endorsement out of Monroe County: Conservative Party chairman Tom Cook endorsed him last month. “Rick Lazio is not only the best choice for Monroe County, he is the best choice for [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2009, 2:50pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Sampson Says GOP Chairmanships “An Exciting Opportunity”

  —Albany Watch

  Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn, said offering committee chairmanships to Republicans is an expansion of the rules reform adopted by the Senate in July. He said he met with Skelos Monday to discuss how the chamber can be more bi-partisan. “One very substantive action is now before us: expand on the [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2009, 2:04pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Sampson Says GOP Chairmanships “An Exciting Opportunity”

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn, said offering committee chairmanships to Republicans is an expansion of the rules reform adopted by the Senate in July. He said he met with Skelos Monday to discuss how the chamber can be more bi-partisan. “One very substantive action is now before us: expand on the [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2009, 2:03pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Saying They Want More Reforms, Senate Republicans Reject Chairmanships

  —Albany Watch

  Thanks, but no thanks. In a statement today, Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County, said that any committee chairmanships offered to Republican senators need to be coupled with further reforms of the chamber. He said other reforms need to be considered, such as reducing the number of standing committees and the [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2009, 12:43pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Saying They Want More Reforms, Senate Republican Reject Chairmanships

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Thanks, but no thanks. In a statement today, Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County, said that any committee chairmanships offered to Republican senators need to be coupled with further reforms of the chamber. He said other reforms need to be considered, such as reducing the number of standing committees and the [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2009, 12:42pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• State Legislature Still Unpopular

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Voters continue to have sustained displeasure with the state Legislature: Only 17 percent approve of the job lawmakers are doing, a new Quinnipiac University poll today found. The approval rating is the lowest for any legislature polled by Quinnipiac, which polls in six states. Voters disapproved 72 percent to 17 percent [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2009, 10:29am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• State Legislature Still Unpopular

  —Albany Watch

  Voters continue to have sustained displeasure with the state Legislature: Only 17 percent approve of the job lawmakers are doing, a new Quinnipiac University poll today found. The approval rating is the lowest for any legislature polled by Quinnipiac, which polls in six states. Voters disapproved 72 percent to 17 percent [...]
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  Posted: December 16, 2009, 10:29am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson Signs Foreclosure Law

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday signed into law stronger foreclosure regulations that aim to protect New Yorkers from losing their homes, such as requiring better notice to homeowners facing foreclosure and mandating settlement hearings with banks. The law expands a package of regulations adopted last year that dealt largely with homeowners [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 3:51pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson Signs Foreclosure Law

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday signed into law stronger foreclosure regulations that aim to protect New Yorkers from losing their homes, such as requiring better notice to homeowners facing foreclosure and mandating settlement hearings with banks. The law expands a package of regulations adopted last year that dealt largely with homeowners [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 3:51pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Maziarz “Very Interested” In Energy Chairmanship

  —Albany Watch

  Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, Niagara County, said this afternoon that he spoke with Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson yesterday and would be “very interested” in serving as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee. Maziarz is one of three Republicans that Senate Democrats have reached out to for possible committee chairmanships. The [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 3:06pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Maziarz “Very Interested” In Energy Chairmanship

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 4
  Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, Niagara County, said this afternoon that he spoke with Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson yesterday and would be “very interested” in serving as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee. Maziarz is one of three Republicans that Senate Democrats have reached out to for possible committee chairmanships. The [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 3:06pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• A Look At the Pain

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson’s budget office has put out the school-by-school aid reductions as part of the governor’s decision to withhold $750 million in aid because the state is running out of cash. According to the governor’s budget office, the previously scheduled $1.46 billion payment has been reduced across-the-board for each district [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 1:34pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• A Look At the Pain

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Gov. David Paterson’s budget office has put out the school-by-school aid reductions as part of the governor’s decision to withhold $750 million in aid because the state is running out of cash. According to the governor’s budget office, the previously scheduled $1.46 billion payment has been reduced across-the-board for each district [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 1:33pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• New Yorkers Support Changing Part-Time Legislature, Split On How

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
  A majority of New Yorkers agree that the state needs to change the system that allows state lawmakers to receive outside income. But they are split on how to change it, a Siena College poll today found. Sixty-three percent of voters oppose the current system where state legislators are considered part-time [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 11:25am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• New Yorkers Support Changing Part-Time Legislature, Split On How

  —Albany Watch

  A majority of New Yorkers agree that the state need to change the system that allows state lawmakers to receive outside income. But they are split on how to change it, a Siena College poll today found. Sixty-three percent of voters oppose the current system where state legislators are considered part-time [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 11:25am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Court: Commision Can Admonish Judge, But Needs New Hearing

  —Albany Watch

  The state Court of Appeals ruled today that a Kingston City Court judge can be admonished for failing to render timely decisions, but also found that he deserves a new hearing on the charges. The ruling comes after Judge James Gilpatric, who was elected as a Supreme Court justice last month, [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 10:46am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Court: Commision Can Admonish Judge, But Needs New Hearing

  —Politics on the Hudson

  The state Court of Appeals ruled today that a Kingston City Court judge can be admonished for failing to render timely decisions, but also found that he deserves a new hearing on the charges. The ruling comes after Judge James Gilpatric, who was elected as a Supreme Court justice last month, [...]
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  Posted: December 15, 2009, 10:45am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Gillibrand Avoids Another Potential Primary Foe

  —Albany Watch

  A Long Island businessman and county lawmaker who hoped to become the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate instead endorsed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand at a news conference earlier today in Mineola, reports Gannett’s Washington bureau correspondent Brian Tumulty. Jon Cooper, majority leader of the Suffolk County legislature, spent the [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 6:19pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Senate Democrats Offering Leadership Posts To Republicans

  —Albany Watch

  With its slim 32-30 seat majority and shakeups in its staff, Senate Democrats are in discussions with Senate Republicans about offering two to four committee chairmanships to Republicans. Confirming today’s Daily News report, Senate Democratic conference spokesman Travis Proulx said Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn, met this morning with Senate [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 4:23pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Senate Democrats Offering Leadership Posts To Republicans

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 5
  With its slim 32-30 seat majority and shakeups in its staff, Senate Democrats are in discussions with Senate Republicans about offering two to four committee chairmanships to Republicans. Confirming today’s Daily News report, Senate Democratic conference spokesman Travis Proulx said Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn, met this morning with Senate [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 4:22pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson On Potential Opponents: “Why Are They Being So Quiet?”

  —Albany Watch

  In recent weeks, Gov. David Paterson has brushed aside questions about his political future, saying he will run in 2010 and that the focus needs to be on the state’s fiscal condition. He continued that theme today, saying in an interview to be broadcast tonight on NY1’s “Road To City Hall” [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 2:39pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson On Potential Opponents: “Why Are They Being So Quiet?”

  —Politics on the Hudson

  In recent weeks, Gov. David Paterson has brushed aside questions about his political future, saying he will run in 2010 and that the focus needs to be on the state’s fiscal condition. He continued that theme today, saying in an interview to be broadcast tonight on NY1’s “Road To City Hall” [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 2:38pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Silver: It’s Governor’s Job To Manage State Cash

  —Albany Watch

  Don’t expect Assembly Democrats to join any lawsuit against Gov. David Paterson over his decision to delay payments to schools and local governments. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, said this morning it is the governor’s job to manage the state’s cash flow. Senate Democrats said they may consider filing a lawsuit [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 2:22pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Silver: It’s Governor’s Job to Manage State Cash

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
  Don’t expect Assembly Democrats to join any lawsuit against Gov. David Paterson over his decision to delay payments to schools and local governments. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, said this morning it is the governor’s job to manage the state’s cash flow. Senate Democrats said they may consider filing a lawsuit [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 2:21pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson’s Poll Numbers on Rise, But Still Low

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson’s tough talk on the state’s fiscal crisis and his battle with the state Legislature helped boost his once record-low approval rating among New Yorkers for the second consecutive month, a poll today found. But Paterson remained far behind Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in a potential Democratic gubernatorial primary [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 9:59am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson’s Poll Numbers On Rise, But Still Low

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
  Gov. David Paterson’s tough talk on the state’s fiscal crisis and his battle with the state Legislature helped boost his once record-low approval rating among New Yorkers for the second consecutive month, a poll today found. But Paterson remained far behind Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in a potential Democratic gubernatorial primary [...]
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  Posted: December 14, 2009, 9:58am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson Delays $750M In Aid

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
  Following through on his pledge to delay state payments, Gov. David Paterson today announced he will withhold about $750 million in aid to schools, local governments and other agencies because the state doesn’t have enough money to pay its bills this month. The move, groups have warned, will cripple local agencies [...]
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  Posted: December 13, 2009, 1:55pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson Delays $750M In Aid

  —Albany Watch

  Following through on his pledge to delay state payments, Gov. David Paterson today announced he will withhold about $750 million in aid to schools, local governments and other agencies because the state doesn’t have enough money to pay its bills this month. The move, groups have warned, will cripple local agencies [...]
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  Posted: December 13, 2009, 1:54pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson, On Wall Street, Defends Financial Sector

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson today continued to sound the alarm about the state’s fiscal problems, warning that the state has exhausted its ability to close budget gaps with one-shot revenues and gimmicks. Speaking at the Museum of American Finance on Wall Street, Paterson also offered a sympathetic voice to the much-maligned financial [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 1:56pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson, On Wall Street, Defends Financial Sector

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Gov. David Paterson today continued to sound the alarm about the state’s fiscal problems, warning that the state has exhausted its ability to close budget gaps with one-shot revenues and gimmicks. Speaking at the Museum of American Finance on Wall Street, Paterson also offered a sympathetic voice to the much-maligned financial [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 1:56pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson Goes To Wall Street

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson is giving a speech on Wall Street at noon today to discuss the state’s troubled economy. Despite a budget-reduction plan approved last month, Paterson has warned that the state’s fiscal problems will continue into next year. The speech will be streamed live on the governor’s Web site.
  
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 11:43am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson Goes To Wall Street

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Gov. David Paterson is giving a speech on Wall Street at noon today to discuss the state’s troubled economy. Despite a budget-reduction plan approved last month, Paterson has warned that the state’s fiscal problems will continue into next year. The speech will be streamed live on the governor’s Web site.
  
  Click [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 11:42am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Clerks Ask: What’s The Deal With the New Plates?

  —Albany Watch

  After submitting a petition with 100,000 signatures of people opposed to a new fee on license plates, county clerks want to know whether the state will, in fact, dump the new fee, which is scheduled to start April 1. Gov. David Paterson has pledged to drop the fee if the $129 [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 11:18am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Clerks Ask: What’s The Deal With the New Plates?

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
  After submitting a petition with 100,000 signatures of people opposed to a new fee on license plates, county clerks want to know whether the state will, in fact, dump the new fee, which is scheduled to start April 1. Gov. David Paterson has pledged to drop the fee if the $129 [...]
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  Posted: December 09, 2009, 11:18am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Justices Skeptical Of Law That Took Down Bruno

  —Albany Watch

  Here’s the AP story today on the Supreme Court’s hearing on the “honest services” law that led to former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno’s conviction yesterday. The article states that the justices were quite skeptical of the law’s use against public officials and corporate executives. Bruno and his supporters have regularly criticized [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 4:57pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Justices Skeptical Of Law That Took Down Bruno

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
  Here’s the AP story today on the Supreme Court’s hearing on the “honest services” law that led to former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno’s conviction yesterday. The article states that the justices were quite skeptical of the law’s use against public officials and corporate executives. Bruno and his supporters have regularly criticized [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 4:55pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Bruno Resigns As CEO Of CMA

  —Albany Watch

  After his conviction yesterday, former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno has resigned as CEO of CMA Consulting Services, the position he took when he resigned from the Senate last year. The Times Union reports that the Latham-based company’s numerous state contracts could have been in jeopardy with Bruno’s conviction. Here’s the release [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 4:22pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Bruno Resigns As CEO Of CMA

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
  After his conviction yesterday, former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno has resigned as CEO of CMA Consulting Services, the position he took when he resigned from the Senate last year. The Times Union reports that the Latham-based company’s numerous state contracts could have been in jeopardy with Bruno’s conviction. Here’s the release [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 4:22pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Liz Feld On The Move

  —Albany Watch

  Liz Feld, the Larchmont mayor, is in Washington D.C. today meeting with Republican leaders and potential donors as she seeks to build support for a potential U.S. Senate run next year. With the increasing likelihood that neither Rudy Giuliani nor George Pataki will run against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Feld is planning [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 11:56am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Liz Feld On The Move

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 9
  Liz Feld, the Larchmont mayor, is in Washington D.C. today meeting with Republican leaders and potential donors as she seeks to build support for a potential U.S. Senate run next year. With the increasing likelihood that neither Rudy Giuliani nor George Pataki will run against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Feld is planning [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 11:55am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Empire State Pride Agenda Issues Warning To “No” Vote Senators

  —Albany Watch

  Fresh off of last week’s defeat of the same-sex marriage bill, the Empire State Pride Agenda is warning those who voted against the measure that they will be targeted in next year’s elections. “Over the next several months, the Pride Agenda will roll out endorsements of candidates who support equality and [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 10:37am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Empire State Pride Agenda Issues Warning To “No” Vote Senators

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Fresh off of last week’s defeat of the same-sex marriage bill, the Empire State Pride Agenda is warning those who voted against the measure that they will be targeted in next year’s elections. “Over the next several months, the Pride Agenda will roll out endorsements of candidates who support equality and [...]
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  Posted: December 08, 2009, 10:36am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• “The Tornado That Albany Didn’t Want To See”

  —Albany Watch

  Barbara Bartoletti, legislative director for the state League of Women Voters, said the verdict on former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is “the tornado that Albany didn’t want to see.” She said the verdict shows that lawmakers can’t act as if ethics laws, at least federally, do not exist in Albany, [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 5:37pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• “The Tornado That Albany Didn’t Want To See”

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
  Barbara Bartoletti, legislative director for the state League of Women Voters, said the verdict on former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is “the tornado that Albany didn’t want to see.” She said the verdict shows that lawmakers can’t act as if ethics laws, at least federally, do not exist in Albany, [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 5:37pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Bonacic On Bruno: “I Feel Neither Vindication Nor Satisfaction”

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Sen. John Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, Orange County, was the first senator to call for Bruno to step down as majority leader in 2006 after Bruno revealed he was being investigated by the FBI, angering his GOP colleagues. But Bonacic said “I feel neither vindication nor satisfaction” in the guilty verdict against [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 5:14pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Bonacic On Bruno: “I Feel Neither Vindication Nor Satisfaction”

  —Albany Watch

  Sen. John Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, Orange County, was the first senator to call for Bruno to step down as majority leader in 2006 after Bruno revealed he was being investigated by the FBI, angering his GOP colleagues. But Bonacic said “I feel neither vindication nor satisfaction” in the guilty verdict against [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 5:14pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Bruno Guilty On Two of Eight Counts

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
  Former Senate Republican Leader Joseph Bruno was found guilty in federal court this afternoon on two of eight counts in his federal corruption trial. Bruno, 80, a state legislator since 1976 and Senate majority leader from 1995 through last year, was accused of accepting nearly $3.2 million from groups of individuals [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 4:47pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Bruno Guilty On Two of Eight Counts

  —Albany Watch

  Former Senate Republican Leader Joseph Bruno was found guilty in federal court this afternoon on two of eight counts in his federal corruption trial. Bruno, 80, a state legislator since 1976 and Senate majority leader from 1995 through last year, was accused of accepting nearly $3.2 million from groups of individuals [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 4:46pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Lazio Picks Up Niagara County Nod

  —Albany Watch

  Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio is in western New York today and picked up the endorsement of the Niagara County Republican chairman Mike Norris. So far, Lazio has the endorsements of the county GOP chairmen in Orange, Schoharie and Suffolk counties and the Conservative chairmen in Monroe and Queens. Today’s endorsement [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 12:50pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Lazio Picks Up Niagara County Nod

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 2
  Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio is in western New York today and picked up the endorsement of the Niagara County Republican chairman Mike Norris. So far, Lazio has the endorsements of the county GOP chairmen in Orange, Schoharie and Suffolk counties and the Conservative chairmen in Monroe and Queens. Today’s endorsement [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 12:49pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Libous Recovering

  —Albany Watch

  Sen. Thomas Libous, R-Binghamton, had surgery on Saturday at Memorial Sloane Kettering Hospital in New York City for prostate cancer, his office said. Following a brief stay at the hospital, he’ll be recovering at home in Binghamton during December, his staff said. “He looks forward to getting back to work in [...]
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  Posted: December 07, 2009, 11:00am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Senate Investigation Into Monserrate To Continue

  —Albany Watch

  Number of comments: 1
  Senate Democratic spokesman Austin Shafran said the Senate’s internal review of whether to discipline Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, will continue after Monserrate was sentenced to three years probation and one year of counseling today. “A court of law has now ruled and we respect the decision rendered by the justice system,” [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 2:26pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Senate Investigation Into Monserrate To Continue

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Senate Democratic spokesman Austin Shafran said the Senate’s internal review of whether to discipline Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, will continue after Monserrate was sentenced to three years probation and one year of counseling today. “A court of law has now ruled and we respect the decision rendered by the justice system,” [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 2:25pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Campaign Cash For Same-Sex Marriage

  —Politics on the Hudson

  NYPIRG’s Bill Mahoney was able to pull together how much money gay-rights groups and supporters contributed to state legislative campaigns last year in an effort to legalize same-sex marriages, according to state campaign finance reports. The Senate voted 24-38 on Wednesday to reject the bill. At least $620,000 came from groups like [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 2:09pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Campaign Cash For Same-Sex Marriage

  —Albany Watch

  NYPIRG’s Bill Mahoney was able to pull together how much money gay-rights groups and supporters contributed to state legislative campaigns last year in an effort to legalize same-sex marriages. The Senate voted 24-38 on Wednesday to reject the bill. At least $620,000 came from groups like the Empire State Pride Agenda, Human [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 1:59pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Probation, Not Jail For Monserrate

  —Albany Watch

  NEW YORK (AP) — New York state Sen. Hiram Monserrate has been sentenced to three years probation for dragging his bleeding girlfriend through his apartment building lobby in a violent scene caught on security cameras. The sentencing Friday also included 250 hours of community service and 52 weeks of domestic abuse [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 1:58pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Probation, Not Jail For Monserrate

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York state Sen. Hiram Monserrate has been sentenced to three years probation for dragging his bleeding girlfriend through his apartment building lobby in a violent scene caught on security cameras. The sentencing Friday also included 250 hours of community service and 52 weeks of domestic abuse [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 1:33pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Prosecutors Seek Two Months Jail For Monserrate

  —Politics on the Hudson

  From the Associated Press: NEW YORK (AP) — The prosecution is seeking two months in prison for a New York state senator who dragged his bleeding girlfriend through his apartment building lobby in a violent scene caught on security cameras. The judge in Queens planned to rule Friday on the sentence for [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 11:59am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Prosecutors Seek Two Months Jail For Monserrate

  —Albany Watch

  From the Associated Press: NEW YORK (AP) — The prosecution is seeking two months in prison for a New York state senator who dragged his bleeding girlfriend through his apartment building lobby in a violent scene caught on security cameras. The judge in Queens planned to rule Friday on the sentence for [...]
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  Posted: December 04, 2009, 11:59am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Facing Potential Lawsuits, Paterson Says More Budget Cutting Needed

  —Albany Watch

  Despite a budget deal in the Legislature, the state’s fiscal problems are far from over and the state still faces running out of money this month, Gov. David Paterson said today. Paterson continued his vow to independently delay payments to schools, health care and local governments because lawmakers didn’t make deep [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 5:36pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Facing Potential Lawsuits, Paterson Says More Budget Cutting Needed

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Despite a budget deal in the Legislature, the state’s fiscal problems are far from over and the state still faces running out of money this month, Gov. David Paterson said today. Paterson continued his vow to independently delay payments to schools, health care and local governments because lawmakers didn’t make deep [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 5:36pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson To Wait On Reintroducing Same-Sex Marriage Bill

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson said today that he will not re-introduce a same-sex marriage bill in the state Senate until it’s clear there is “substantial change in the position of the legislators.” After Thursday’s 24-38 vote defeat in the Senate of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, gay-rights advocates [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 12:36pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson To Wait On Reintroducing Same-Sex Marriage Bill

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Gov. David Paterson said today that he will not re-introduce a same-sex marriage bill in the state Senate until it’s clear there is “substantial change in the position of the legislators.” After Thursday’s 24-38 vote defeat in the Senate of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, gay-rights advocates [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 12:33pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Alesi: “I’ve Agonized Over This For Months”

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 4
  The video of Sen. James Alesi, R-Perinton, Monroe County, yesterday holding his head as he decided to vote no against same-sex marriage illustrated how agonized he said he was over the vote. “I’ve agonized over this for months,” Alesi said last night. “And part of why I agonized was because I [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 10:55am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Alesi: “I’ve Agonized Over This For Months”

  —Albany Watch

  The video of Sen. James Alesi, R-Perinton, Monroe County, yesterday holding his head as he decided to vote no against same-sex marriage illustrated how agonized he said he was over the vote. “I’ve agonized over this for months,” Alesi said last night. “And part of why I agonized was because I [...]
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  Posted: December 03, 2009, 10:54am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Roll Call On Same-Sex Marriage Vote

  —Albany Watch

  Eight Democrats joined all 30 Republicans in defeating the same-sex marriage bill. Twenty-four Democrats voted for it. The only senators north and west of Albany to vote for the bill were Democrats Neil Breslin of Albany County, David Valesky of Syracuse and Antoine Thompson of Buffalo. In the Hudson Valley, the Democrats [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 4:41pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Roll Call On Same-Sex Marriage Vote

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
  Eight Democrats joined all 30 Republicans in defeating the same-sex marriage bill. Twenty-four Democrats voted for it. The only senators north and west of Albany to vote for the bill were Democrats Neil Breslin of Albany County, David Valesky of Syracuse and Antoine Thompson of Buffalo. In the Hudson Valley, the Democrats [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 4:33pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Senate Rejects Same-Sex Marriage Legislation

  —Politics on the Hudson

  The state Senate this afternoon rejected a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, a setback to gay-rights advocates who spent months lobbying senators to support the measure. The Senate brought the bill to the floor without a clear sense of whether it would pass. It failed 24-38, a larger [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 3:49pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Senate Rejects Same-Sex Marriage Legislation

  —Albany Watch

  The state Senate this afternoon rejected a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, a setback to gay-rights advocates who spent months lobbying senators to support the measure. The Senate brought the bill to the floor without a clear sense of whether it would pass. It failed 24-38, a larger [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 3:49pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Hassell-Thompson Talks About Gay Brother

  —Albany Watch

  In perhaps the most emotional moment of the same-sex marriage debate so far today, Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson, D-Mount Vernon, Westchester County, talked about her gay brother who was born in 1930 and fled to France as a gay adult. She said it was the first time she’s talked publicly about her [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 2:18pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Hassell-Thompson Talks About Gay Brother

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
  In perhaps the most emotional moment of the same-sex marriage debate so far today, Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson, D-Mount Vernon, Westchester County, talked about her gay brother who was born in 1930 and fled to France as a gay adult. She said it was the first time she’s talked publicly about her [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 2:18pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Same-Sex Marriage Debate Underway

  —Albany Watch

  The state Senate started its debate on same-sex marriage a little before 12:30 this afternoon, and the sides were imploring their colleagues to vote one way or another. You can watch it live here. Sen. Thomas Duane, D-Manhattan, who is gay and the bill’s sponsor, asked his colleagues to give him the [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 1:01pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Same-Sex Marriage Debate Underway

  —Politics on the Hudson

  The state Senate started its debate on same-sex marriage a little before 12:30 this afternoon, and the sides were imploring their colleagues to vote one way or another. You can watch it live here. Sen. Thomas Duane, D-Manhattan, who is gay and the bill’s sponsor, asked his colleagues to give him the [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 1:00pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Alesi Won’t Say How He’ll Vote on Same-Sex Marriage Bill

  —Albany Watch

  Sen. James Alesi, R-Perinton, Monroe County, wouldn’t say this morning how he will vote on the same-sex marriage bill scheduled to be heard today. Alesi has been targeted by same-sex marriage advocates as a possible “yes” vote, but he questioned the timing of bringing the bill to a vote today when [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 12:25pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Same-Sex Marriage Vote Today In Senate

  —Albany Watch

  The state Senate is set to vote today on whether to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, and it remains unclear whether the controversial measure will pass. You can watch the Senate session live here today. Senate officials confirmed this morning that the long-awaited vote will take place after the Senate votes [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 10:54am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Same-Sex Marriage Vote Today In Senate

  —Politics on the Hudson

  The state Senate is set to vote today on whether to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, and it remains unclear whether the controversial measure will pass. You can watch the Senate session live here today. Senate officials confirmed this morning that the long-awaited vote will take place after the Senate votes [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 10:53am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Assembly Passes Deficit Reduction, Senate Up Next

  —Albany Watch

  Working into the early morning today, the state Assembly passed legislation to help close the state’s $3.2 billion budget gap. The state Senate is expected to vote today on the budget-reduction package. Despite objections from Gov. David Paterson that the plan doesn’t make enough spending cuts, the state Legislature agreed to [...]
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  Posted: December 02, 2009, 10:20am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Senate Delays Vote, Assembly Presses On

  —Albany Watch

  Because of a delay in bill printing on the budget, the state Senate tonight postponed a vote on the deficit-reduction plan, while the Assembly was set to reconvene at 10 p.m. with the hope of passing the bills, reports Gannett’s Cara Matthews. It was unclear whether the Assembly would also seek [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 9:26pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Senate Delays Vote, Assembly Presses On

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Because of a delay in bill printing on the budget, the state Senate tonight postponed a vote on the deficit-reduction plan, while the Assembly was set to reconvene at 10 p.m. with the hope of passing the bills, reports Gannett’s Cara Matthews. It was unclear whether the Assembly would also seek [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 9:26pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Late Night Planned At State Capitol

  —Albany Watch

  Lawmakers and aides are planning for a late night of legislation in Albany, as the Legislature is expected to vote on a deficit-reduction plan tonight, then move on to a vote on same-sex marriage and other bills. The Senate is scheduled to return to session at 9 p.m., while the Assembly [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 5:33pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Late Night Planned At State Capitol

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 3
  Lawmakers and aides are planning for a late night of legislation in Albany, as the Legislature is expected to vote on a deficit-reduction plan tonight, then move on to a vote on same-sex marriage and other bills. The Senate is scheduled to return to session at 9 p.m., while the Assembly [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 5:12pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Suozzi Concedes County Executive Race

  —Albany Watch

  Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, who ran for governor in 2006 and was seen by Democrats as a viable statewide candidate again next year, conceded today in his re-election as county executive. It is a remarkable setback for Suozzi, who gained statewide attention for his “Fix Albany” campaign in 2004 that [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 1:52pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Suozzi Concedes County Executive Race

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, who ran for governor in 2006 and was seen by Democrats as a viable statewide candidate again next year, conceded today in his re-election as county executive. It is a remarkable setback for Suozzi, who gained statewide attention for his “Fix Albany” campaign in 2004 that [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 1:52pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• On Budget Deal, Paterson Would Approve It But He Won’t Introduce It

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson sought to clarify this morning his position on whether he will support a $2.8 billion deficit-reduction package agreed to by state lawmakers. Essentially, he said he would sign it into law if the Legislature passes it, but he won’t introduce their proposal—saying it falls short of the spending [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 1:22pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• On Budget Deal, Paterson Would Approve It But He Won’t Introduce It

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Gov. David Paterson sought to clarify this morning his position on whether he will support a $2.8 billion deficit-reduction package agreed to by state lawmakers. Essentially, he said he would sign it into law if the Legislature passes it, but he won’t introduce their proposal—saying it falls short of the spending [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 1:22pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson, Lawmakers At Odds Over Potential Budget Deal

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson insisted this morning he has the legal authority to unilaterally delay payments to schools, local governments and health agencies if the Legislature will not reduce spending. Paterson first announced the move Monday evening, upending what lawmakers thought was an agreement to eliminate about $2.8 billion of the state’s [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 10:41am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson, Lawmakers At Odds Over Potential Budget Deal

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Gov. David Paterson insisted this morning he has the legal authority to unilaterally delay payments to schools, local governments and health agencies if the Legislature will not reduce spending. Paterson first announced the move Monday evening, upending what lawmakers thought was an agreement to eliminate about $2.8 billion of the state’s [...]
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  Posted: December 01, 2009, 10:41am EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson Said Legislature’s Plan Doesn’t Cut Enough

  —Albany Watch

  Gov. David Paterson said Monday night his office will delay payments to local governments and schools—and ultimately seek to cut the money entirely—because legislative leaders refuse to make enough spending reductions to state programs. The move came after a day of negotiations with legislative leaders, who met Paterson at the governor’s [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 8:00pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Paterson Said Legislature’s Plan Doesn’t Cut Enough

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Gov. David Paterson said Monday night his office will delay payments to local governments and schools—and ultimately seek to cut the money entirely—because legislative leaders refuse to make enough spending reductions to state programs. The move came after a day of negotiations with legislative leaders, who met Paterson at the governor’s [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 7:44pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Bruno Jury Wraps Up For Day Without Verdict

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 4
  The jury in the trial of former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno failed to reach a verdict during the second day of deliberations Monday, the first since taking a five-day break for the Thanksgiving holiday. Jurors will return to the James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to resume [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 6:18pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Bruno Trial Wraps Up For Day Without Verdict

  —Albany Watch

  The jury in the trial of former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno failed to reach a verdict during the second day of deliberations Monday, the first since taking a five-day break for the Thanksgiving holiday. Jurors will return to the James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to resume [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 6:18pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Leaders Present Paterson Budget Deal Without School Cuts

  —Albany Watch

  In a bid to get an agreement to close the remainder of the $3.2 billion mid-year budget deficit, legislative leaders this afternoon presented Gov. David Paterson a plan that would not include cuts to schools during the current fiscal year. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, said this afternoon that the leaders [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 5:04pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Leaders Present Paterson Budget Deal Without School Cuts

  —Politics on the Hudson

  In a bid to get an agreement to close the remainder of the $3.2 billion mid-year budget deficit, legislative leaders this afternoon presented Gov. David Paterson a plan that would not include cuts to schools during the current fiscal year. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, said this afternoon that the leaders [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 5:04pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Waiting For Action At the State Capitol

  —Albany Watch

  The state Legislature was waiting this afternoon for the conclusion of a meeting at the governor’s mansion between legislative leaders and Gov. David Paterson to determine whether there will be a budget deal to close the state’s $3.2 billion budget gap. Lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, said they were frustrated with the [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 4:01pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Waiting For Action At the Capitol

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Number of comments: 1
  The state Legislature was waiting this afternoon for the conclusion of a meeting at the governor’s mansion between legislative leaders and Gov. David Paterson to determine whether there will be a budget deal to close the state’s $3.2 billion budget gap. Lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, said they were frustrated with the [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 3:59pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Faso: Freeze Salary Increases To Help Close Budget Deficit

  —Albany Watch

  Former Republican gubernatorial candidate John Faso is calling on Gov. David Paterson to seek legislative approval to freeze all raises scheduled for state employees as a way to lower the state’s deficit. Faso argued in an op-ed piece Sunday and this morning on Fred Dicker’s radio show that Paterson should get [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 12:45pm EST
  by Joseph Spector

• Faso: Freeze Salary Increases To Help Close Budget Deficit

  —Politics on the Hudson

  Former Republican gubernatorial candidate John Faso is calling on Gov. David Paterson to seek legislative approval to freeze all raises scheduled for state employees as a way to lower the state’s deficit. Faso argued in an op-ed piece Sunday and this morning on Fred Dicker’s radio show that Paterson should get [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 12:45pm EST
  by Joseph Spector