Special Election Wrap-Up

The special congressional election in New York’s 20th congressional district has had so many twists and turns in the past month. It has been difficult for me to keep up with all the news pouring out from this race. For this reason, I present to you the “special election wrap-up” today as an attempt to fill you in on what’s gone on in the race and what to watch for as the voting results come in tonight.

New York State Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco (R) and venture capitalist Scott Murphy (D) are locked in a battle for Congress that will end tonight (barring a recount or legal challenge). Tedisco will be on the Republican and Conservative lines on the ballot. Murphy will be on the Democrat, Working Families and (in somewhat of a coup) the Independence Party line. Bigwig politicos from across the country have been focused on this race due to its symbolic importance. Newly elected Republican National Chairman Michael Steele has staked his reputation on Tedisco’s victory and Vice President Joe Biden and new senator Kirsten Gillibrand (the seat’s previous occupant) have recorded robocalls in support of Murphy’s candidacy.

Scott Murphy hammered Jim Tedisco for weeks for not taking a position on the stimulus plan and when Tedisco finally stated he would have voted with his party against the bill, Murphy attacked him some more. Tedisco has been tying Murphy to some of the unsavory portions of the stimulus plan and bailout bills, specifically AIG bonuses. The national media is portraying this race as a referendum on President Barack Obama and his economic package. Though the Republicans have an enrollment advantage in the district, Obama carried it with 51% of the vote. Republicans are hoping that without Obama on the ballot, voting patterns will return to the district’s more traditional partisan breakdown. If Scott Murphy wins, the national media will trumpet his victory as a signal of support for Obama’s economic policies from voters. If Tedisco wins, the GOP will hail his victory as a turn of the tide and a symbol for growing strength heading into the 2010 congressional elections (and the 2009 gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia). If Tedisco loses, expect calls for the resignation of both Steele and NY State Chairman Joe Mondello.

Polls have tightened quite a bit in the recent weeks. Jim Tedisco enjoyed a large lead early in the race, but as voters have become more familiar with Scott Murphy, he has been closing the gap. The most recent polls show a dead heat, with either candidate ahead within the margin of error. It all comes down to turnout.

The TV and radio airwaves (not to mention mailboxes) have been filled with political ads and I am not going to attempt to gather them all here. Below is a DNC ad touting Obama’s support of Scott Murphy and an ad by the National Republican Congressional Committee slamming Murphy’s opposition to the death penalty for terrorists. I’ll be back tomorrow with the election results.

Roy Bernardi Lands a New Job

Former Syracuse mayor Roy Bernardi was hired by CGI Group, an information technology and business process services firm based out of the Northern Virginia/D.C. area. His new title is Vice President of Consulting Services. Mayor Bernardi was appointed to a position in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by President George W. Bush in 2001, eventually becoming Deputy Secretary of the Department in 2004 and serving until the end of Bush’s second term. Even with his HUD days behind him and the beginning of a new lucrative career, Bernardi tells the Post-Standard that he hasn’t ruled out a return to politics.

Bea Withdraws from Mayoral Race

Finally! Some interesting news in local politics! Common Council president Bea Gonzalez announced that she will be exiting the race for mayor. As you may remember, she was the first candidate to enter the race last fall. She cites concerns about her ailing mother (who lives in Puerto Rico) among her reasons for leaving the race. It is also well known that Bea was having a difficult time fundraising and rumors have been swirling for a few weeks that she was likely to exit the race. We wish her and her mother the best in this difficult time. According to the Metro Voices blog, Bea will be endorsing another Democrat in the race soon.

In other news, check back for a quick recap of the NY-20 special congressional election in the next few days. The election will be held this Tuesday, March 31.

Another GOP Candidate for Mayor

In a letter to local Republican committee people, former General Manager of WSYR-TV Steve Kimatian has announced that he is a candidate for Mayor of Syracuse. This pits him against Otis Jennings for the party designation and makes him the second Republican to officially join the race. An excerpt from his letter:

“With over 25 years experience as a successful business executive, currently as General Counsel and earlier as General Manager of WSYR-TV, Channel 9, the ABC affiliate here in Syracuse, I believe my experience can be a key asset to building our city and our party. I have also been deeply involved with civic and charitable organizations in Central New York.

I know we can win this race. I believe I will be able to attract the financial resources to wage a successful campaign. In addition, you can be sure of one thing – I will work day and night to carry our party’s message to every corner of this community.”

At least he wasn’t the General Manager of WTVH-TV, Channel 5.

Will Maffei (and Arcuri) Return Dirty Cash?

In case you missed the story back in February, R. Allen Stanford, a Texas billionaire, was accused of more than $8 billion in investment fraud. Just two months after the Bernie Madoff story broke, Stanford’s activities became public and the assets of his companies were frozen by the Securities & Exchange Commission. R. Allen Stanford was also an extravagant - and bipartisan - contributor to political campaigns. Once the story of his massive fraud case was publicized, many politicians were asked to return contributions made by Stanford, and many complied or donated an equal amount to charity. Central New York congressman Dan Maffei received $4,550 from R. Allen Stanford and as of the time of this posting, Maffei has not made a public statement about what he plans on doing with the tainted contribution. Will Maffei keep the $4,550 like he kept corrupt Rep. Charlie Rangel’s money as others were returning it? (Heck, even Charlie Rangel is dropping the Stanford money like a hot potato.) It’s also important to note that another Central New York Congressman received tainted cash as well. Rep. Mike Arcuri was the recipient of another $4,000 donation by R. Allen Stanford.