Governor Peter King?

On April 1st The New York Times reported that United States Representative Peter King is considering a campaign for New York State Governor in 2010.

Mr. King, a congressman for nearly 16 years, representing parts of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, has been in discussions with fund-raisers in the state and with local party leaders in an effort to gauge the support he might have and to begin assembling a statewide political organization, those people said.

The article continues to describe Congressman King‘s strong stances on abortion and illegal immigration.  It also comments on his ability to raise large amounts of money ($2 million in 2006).  The article continues describe King as somewhat of a “maverick in his own party”. King has crossed the aisle many times in order to help his state in areas of funding for Medicaid, homeland security and has fought for labor unions.

Mr. King commenting on the New York states:

We have to get our act together as a party.  We have to stand for more. We have to come up with an agenda.  I just think that a lot of Republicans have become gun-shy. We have to be more outspoken. When Al D’Amato was there, he was outspoken. And when Rudy Giuliani was mayor, he was outspoken. We have to stop playing it safe.

If Congressman King were in a thesaurus the antonyms listed under his entry would certainly include gun-shy.  This is one of the things that I like about Mr. King and why I am proud to be one of his constituents.  While I may not agree with him on all the issues I know that he is at least giving a one hundred and ten percent effort for the issues that he campaigns for or against.  I believe he would make a great governor however his outspoken style of politics would certainly create much friction against the Democrats within the senate and assembly.  He would certainly be able to unite the New York Republicans (dare I say better than Joe Bruno is right now).  However I feel he would need a Republican controlled assembly and senate in order to avoid the ugly quarreling which would occur on an even more grander scale than the previous fisticuffs of Eliot Spitzer and Republicans

Long Island’s Own…

In a New York Times article dated Mach 30th Bruce Lambert reports that the new governor David Patterson needs to do very little in studying the political issues surrounding Long Island.

The Paterson family lived on Carolina Street in Hempstead, alongside the Southern State Parkway. The governor is a graduate of Hempstead public schools and Hofstra University’s law school. His father, Basil A. Paterson, is a longtime member of Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, the powerhouse law firm in Garden City.

The article continues on describing the main issues surrounding Long Island as “school aid, property taxes, housing, the economy, transportation and the environment.”

While Governor Patterson did grow up on Long Island (Hempstead specifically) he currently resides in Manhattan and has never served a Long Island district while in political office prior to his ascension to governor.  His detractors have pointed this out in order to show that a loyalty to Long Island is now non existent.

Concerning the governor, Nassau County Executive Thomas Souzzi said the following in regards to his  property tax commission:

“It was only David Paterson’s third day in office as governor, with the budget and everything else going on, and he came to Rochester and spoke, he gave a fantastic speech, which showed not only knowledge of the issue but a lot of empathy for what people are suffering. The governor was taking this as a personal priority, recognizing this as a statewide problem. That’s a very good sign.”

I absolutely concur with Tom Suozzi.  Property taxes are a huge issue especially on Long Island and the fact the new governor agrees is excellent.  However I agree with many of the detractor in this case since I do believe that the fact he was born and raised on Long Island is not extremely significant.  Loyalties come and go and I expect Mr. Patterson to do whatever he agrees is best for the state not just Long Island.  However it is somewhat comforting that the governor has at least a vague idea as to what the problems on Long Island are as opposed to none. 

Spitzer has no effect on Tax Panel

According to Newsday, the resignation of Elliot Spitzer will have no effect on the Property Tax panel in which the former governor helped create. Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi added these remarks:

“I believe in the importance of this to the people of New York State and I’m going to do everything I can go keep this a top priority of the governor.”

This is really good news since the taxes on Long Island are out of control. Hopefully Dave Patterson looks at this issue further. Spitzers downfall certainly came as a surprise to us all however Suozzi, the man who ran against Spitzer in the Democratic primaries for governor, is certainly helping with the shock by keeping everyone on task.

Spitzer Resignation

The New York Times has just reported that NY Governor Elliot Spitzer has, citing personal reasons, resigned today.

“I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me,” he said. “To every New Yorker, and to all those who believed in what I tried to stand for, I sincerely apologize.”

Personally I felt he had to resign considering the platform of reform that he ran upon. It will be extremely interesting how this effects Long Island Politics, considering its proximity to the 2008 elections. I’m sure, given time, the Democrats can regroup after this considering past scandals involving both parties. I think more importantly is how the new governor, David A. Patterson will react to his new found political clout.