Pro-Wall Street Democrat Takes On a House Veteran

[kempsternyc]

I snorted so hard on the subway when I read this, I made another passenger jump.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/nyregion/27maloney.html?ref=nyregion

I just love Reshma Saujani's resume.....

In 2005, she helped start an investment fund for a company partly owned by Hassan Nemazee, a Democratic fund-raiser who was charged with bank fraud last year. Ms. Saujani said she left before the alleged crimes. She went to another fund started by the Carlyle Group, before it was hammered by credit-default swaps. Then she shifted to Fortress Investment Partners, which cratered in the market meltdown.

I, myself, really have no complaints with Rep Maloney...but, you'd better be doing better than a three time loser on Wall Street to get me to, even for a second, consider voting for you.

[TRX]

That is a good snort.
It would be great to have a pro growth pro biz rep, but that challenger does not appear to make a sensible case.
Maloney must love the author of that piece.

Even if the challenge is weak, it may strengthen the Reps connections with the voters.

http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/memsearch.php

I wish Maloney had more encouraging fundraising disclosures, but it appears to be an expected mix of financial and union moneys.
(Some irony with the Supremes recent overturn for collective/corporate political 'speech')


 :?
Good ratings noted from IAVA veterans and ACLU:

http://www.carolynmaloney.com/legislative.php

[TRX]

Based on very little, it seems Gilli would have a 2-1 advantage over a Dem challenger.
Still that seems enough to suggest there should be a primary to have Kirsten earn the statewide nomination.

Dems, would you want to see a primary? Or would you rather forego it and simply have Gilli prepare for the general election contest?

Not related, I thought there was quite  a good article on how journalists should do a better job of covering challengers.
One never knows when a contest may actually become a contest.

I am keeping hope open for further challengers.
[I also am considering that it appears Dems will be looking to keep majorities. If that is actually the case, voters should consider how strongly they want to keep incumbents and which ones. I would welcome a split NY delegation, but it depends on which newcomer.]


http://www.kirstengillibrand.com/issues/

[StephanieL]

I snorted so hard on the subway when I read this, I made another passenger jump.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/nyregion/27maloney.html?ref=nyregion

I just love Reshma Saujani's resume.....

I, myself, really have no complaints with Rep Maloney...but, you'd better be doing better than a three time loser on Wall Street to get me to, even for a second, consider voting for you.

And if you want me to vote for you, don't leave any more rambling messages, complete with 2 false starts, on my answering machine.

[Mckenna797]

And if you want me to vote for you, don't leave any more rambling messages, complete with 2 false starts, on my answering machine.

me too enough with the phone calls , wish the do not call list included politicians

[TRX]

A bit on the fundraising behind the candidates.
At least a little news of encouragement.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/nyregion/03donors.html?ref=nyregion

In recent weeks, both Ms. Gillibrand and Mr. Ford have sought to portray themselves as allies of the financial industry, even as they acknowledge public outrage over extravagant executive compensation deals.

[kempsternyc]

A bit on the fundraising behind the candidates.
At least a little news of encouragement.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/nyregion/03donors.html?ref=nyregion

Ah, the rich people of Manhattan are fighting. That makes me sad.

[TRX]

Ah, the rich people of Manhattan are fighting. That makes me sad.

[Satire]
Would it be true that Cuomo would retire were the NYT and/or NYP wrote about his cocaine distribution network and kickbacks from those he threatens to indict?

[Satire]
If this is the campaign being pushed, what would be the value of returning Dems to power in Albany.


What a country

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-papa/ex-addict-welcomes-ex-add_b_433313.html
 

Ex-addict welcomes ex-addict


.

[kempsternyc]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-papa/ex-addict-welcomes-ex-add_b_433313.html
 

Ex-addict welcomes ex-addict

From what I've heard, most of the Financial firms are hooked on blow (And don't ask me why I know this).

I don't think Schumer has much to worry about. He has 19 million cash on hand as of Feb 4th. And I'm not really sure he is an automatic lackey for Wall Street. However, I do think he is between a rock and a hard place trying to balance the two constituencies of Wall Street and the rest of us.

[TRX]

This may be a bit random. Considered a business wizard. And I think his views are pretty strongly Democrat.
A surprising read.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/35644956

[Ask Warren Buffett almost anything]

[TRX]

While there may more turnover elsewhere in the country, I think many local races largely are to catch up on issues.
Will see what to make of this.

POLITICAL BITES

● Republican Ryan Brumberg, who has worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company plans to challenge Congressmember Carolyn Maloney or the Democratic nominee in the 14th Congressional District race this November. Brumberg describes himself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative, and the new breed of the Republican Party.

● Aravella Simotas, who is running for New York State Assembly in the 36th Assembly District Democratic primary against Jeremiah Frei-Pearson picked up two major labor endorsements. Both the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 (UFCW 1500) and the CWA Local 1182 endorsed Simotas. UFCW Local 1500 based out of Queens Village, represents more than 23,000 grocery workers in New York and CWA 1182 represents more than 2,500 Uniform Traffic & Sanitation Enforcement Agents in the city.


Have a campaign nugget about a fundraiser, endorsement or story tip?
Email pdavis at queenscourier.com

http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2010/05/13/news/top_stories/doc4be9ac690fcd3604574166.txt

[ladywithpans]

Here in Astoria, Ms. Saujani is promoting herself as the voice of recent immigrants.  I had two questions about her: 1) why is she challenging Carolyn Maloney instead of some mediocrity elsewhere in the city, and 2) how is she promoting herself in Manhattan?

I suppose now I have the answer to both questions.

[ditmarszoe]

When I first heard about Reshma Saujani I was pretty excited. I like Maloney but she's been in office for like, 17 years and I think that's just too long. But the more I got to know about Saujani, the less I liked her. I mean, it's not like Maloney has never taken a dime from big business or anything but Reshma Saujani just seems way too proud of the Wall Street chicanery that messed up our economy.

[TRX]

I think each candidate would love to have a reporter write an article about their opponent like this.

http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-05-18/columns/reshma-saujani-congress-carolyn-maloney/


Wall Street Runs for Congress

Asked for a copy of her résumé, Saujani's campaign initially refused. "People don't typically ask for it," said Saujani, who is promoting innovation and new ideas as a top campaign theme. After loud squawks were made, she relented.

[ditmarszoe]

I think each candidate would love to have a reporter write an article about their opponent like this.

http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-05-18/columns/reshma-saujani-congress-carolyn-maloney/


Wall Street Runs for Congress

Wow. Maloney really has some allies in the press!

[TRX]

the lead-in was hilarious, this is not a local paper but a pretty simple look at the incumbent/challenger profile

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/07/AR2010070705333.html

the photo though does not look as expected

This is not a politician who sounds worried about losing an election. And at this point, she does not seem to be taking her challenger very seriously. (Whoever wins the Sept. 14 primary is virtually assured to be elected in this overwhelmingly Democratic district.) Maloney might have lost the support of many former Wall Streeters, but the rest of her constituents aren't at all upset at her efforts to rein in the banking industry. Maloney has raised more than $2 million this election cycle.

Hard to imagine business folks storming the Dem primary. My wish is that Ms. Maloney would be available more to voters, and she may have more outreach later this year. Obviously Congress has been extremely busy this session, for good or for worse.

It is fair to point out the fundraising that goes on even while regulations are being legislated. Seems legal, but leaves quite a poor appearance.

I should say that I expect to support a challenger.

[mjmurphy]

I've met Congresswoman Maloney several times. She's actually been to Astoria a lot over the last year--I'm surprised she's found so much time for our neighborhood given the size of her district.

I support primary elections on principle, especially in districts where the special election is essentially uncontested. Voters deserve a choice and Reshma Saujani deserves a fair hearing. But in this match-up, I support Carolyn Maloney and that's who I'll be casting my vote for in September.

[ddanny999]

The Daily News political blog has an embedded video of Reshma Saujani being interviewed by Chris Matthews.  I think Chris Matthews was particularity rude for constantly interrupting and cutting her off, but here is Reshma Saujani in her own words:

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/07/reshma-saujani-vs-chris-matthe.html

[TRX]

The Daily News political blog has an embedded video of Reshma Saujani being interviewed by Chris Matthews. 

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/07/reshma-saujani-vs-chris-matthe.html

Thanks so much for that. Strangely, I like Chris Matthews. He is often though boorish and treats so many guests this way.
Reshma must be glad for the exposure. I did not, would not watch the whole segment.

She largely said talking points and slogans and did not give policy answers. She pointed out the low income housing in our area and the high level of unemployment. Does she have proposals for job creation? Why would Wall Streeters be supporting her campaign, to what ends?

And somehow Maloney has millions in her funding as well. My belief is that voters should seek fresher minds and not have incumbents remain in DC for very long periods.
But the control of the House might possibly change this election and voters should take that into consideration as well.


Found one good proposal so far from Reshma, hope to see if there would be any others.
[I lost a typed message and might have more to add another time.] Good luck to all.

[ddanny999]

You're welcome TRX.  I don't have a problem if Chris Matthews calls her out on something she says, but berating and cutting her down during the whole interview is a disservice to viewers who might want to learn about the candidate.  If he spoke that way to Carolyn Maloney, the DNC might be calling for an apology right now.

Reshma Saujani isn't my cup of tea, but I don't think her background in Wall Street should be taken as a liability.

[TRX]

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/07/rep-carolyn-maloney-files-2300.html

The Maloney campaign says that since June 8, it has knocked on 27,564 doors and dialed 35,171 voters

Encountered a few of the various volunteers, but never was sure if they were for Maloney or AS. That certainly seems like an incredible amount of signatures.
So the candidates could get to the next phase of campaigning, if they wish.


http://www.observer.com/2010/politics/simotas-announces-fundraising-petition-numbers

Simotas, a lawyer and a community activist, has become something of the darling of the sizeable Greek community in Astoria and is locked in a tight battle for the seat with Jeremiah Frei-Pearson.
Frei-Pearson is also a lawyer and a community activist, and is running as a strong supporter of LGBT rights.

[mcdirk]

Admittedly I am biased - I have known Carolyn for well over a decade and served as her Deputy Campaign Manager for a few months and am a longtime contributor to her campaigns, but I think this fact check speaks volumes to this race.

http://factcheck.org/2010/07/maligning-maloney-by-mailer/

I am proud of Carolyn.  She's a woman of integrity.  She stands up for our district, she stands up for consumers and she fights hard for equality.  I was proud to petition for her and will be voting for her again in September and November.

[TRX]

thanks for that. Have not seen any of those mailers as yet which would not be a surprise.
More recent fundraising would be reported soon, I imagine. See if PAC numbers change.
http://www.opensecrets.org/



In other celebrations by Congress -

http://www.nasdaq.com/newscontent/20100715/senate-approves-bill-to-reshape-regulatory-landscape.aspx?storyid=19893062

The Senate voted 60-39 to pass a bill that will change the face of the U.S. financial industry, altering the way every banking and investment firm does business.  (GS),  (BAC) and  (JPM) must now confront a new reality in terms of consumer finance, proprietary trading, swaps and other points of contention.

However, many of the details remain to be hashed out, and it is through this process of official studies, lobbying and rulemaking that the real face of regulation will be determined.

[mcdirk]

I'm never as concerned by who is getting the PAC donations as how they are voting.  If I saw a direct correlation between a PAC espousing positions with which I disagreed giving an elected official money and saw the elected official start voting in line with the PAC I'd be less likely to support the elected official.  Carolyn Maloney does get PAC money, most incumbents do, it's the nature of our flawed system.  She does, however, stand up against the special interests that sometimes donate to her - the banking industry (which is bankrolling Saujani) HATES Maloney, for the Credit Card Bill of Rights and for opposing their abuse of customers.  I'm glad she's down in DC fighting for us.

[ddanny999]

Admittedly I am biased - I have known Carolyn for well over a decade and served as her Deputy Campaign Manager for a few months and am a longtime contributor to her campaigns, but I think this fact check speaks volumes to this race.

http://factcheck.org/2010/07/maligning-maloney-by-mailer/

I am proud of Carolyn.  She's a woman of integrity.  She stands up for our district, she stands up for consumers and she fights hard for equality.  I was proud to petition for her and will be voting for her again in September and November.

[kempsternyc]

Well, that was just mean......One thing I never doubt is his integrity......But then again, I guess saying that makes me a brown noser.......hehehe.....

ps...written with a bit of humor.

[TRX]

Hope candidates are showing to these --

17th Precinct Community Council’s Candidates Forum

Tuesday, October 26th at 7 p.m.
Sutton Place Synagogue
225 E. 51st Street
New York, NY 10022


Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Debate

Wednesday, October 27th at 6 p.m.
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
331 E. 70th Street
New York, NY 10021

[mcdirk]

I don't think our House race in Astoria is likely to be close.  Anyone seen Brumberg speak yet?