‘Soul’ of Party Is Memorialized by Nation

ARLINGTON, Va. — The nation said final farewell on Saturday to Edward M. Kennedy, who used his privileged life to give consistent, passionate voice to the underprivileged for nearly a half-century as a United States senator from Massachusetts. He was the only one of four fabled Kennedy brothers to reach late adulthood, and he was remembered for making the most of it.

Along the rain-dappled roadways of Boston in the late morning, and then in the sweltering humidity of Washington in early evening, people waited for the fleeting moment of a passing hearse so that they could pay respects to the man known simply as Ted. At the United States Capitol, where Mr. Kennedy had served for so long, his wife, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, stepped out of a limousine to receive hugs, bow her head during prayers, and to hear the singing of “America the Beautiful.”

Full Post

Eulogy for Edward Kennedy

Today we say goodbye to the youngest child of Rose and Joseph Kennedy. The world will long remember their son Edward as the heir to a weighty legacy; a champion for those who had none; the soul of the Democratic Party; and the lion of the U.S. Senate — a man whose name graces nearly one thousand laws, and who penned more than three hundred himself.

But those of us who loved him, and ache with his passing, know Ted Kennedy by the other titles he held: Father. Brother. Husband. Uncle Teddy, or as he was often known to his younger nieces and nephews, "The Grand Fromage," or "The Big Cheese." I, like so many others in the city where he worked for nearly half a century, knew him as a colleague, a mentor, and above all, a friend.

Ted Kennedy was the baby of the family who became its patriarch; the restless dreamer who became its rock. He was the sunny, joyful child, who bore the brunt of his brothers' teasing, but learned quickly how to brush it off. When they tossed him off a boat because he didn't know what a jib was, six-year-old Teddy got back in and learned to sail. When a photographer asked the newly-elected Bobby to step back at a press conference because he was casting a shadow on his younger brother, Teddy quipped, "It'll be the same in Washington."

This spirit of resilience and good humor would see Ted Kennedy through more pain and tragedy than most of us will ever know. He lost two siblings by the age of sixteen. He saw two more taken violently from the country that loved them. He said goodbye to his beloved sister, Eunice, in the final days of his own life. He narrowly survived a plane crash, watched two children struggle with cancer, buried three nephews, and experienced personal failings and setbacks in the most public way possible.

It is a string of events that would have broken a lesser man. And it would have been easy for Teddy to let himself become bitter and hardened; to surrender to self-pity and regret; to retreat from public life and live out his years in peaceful quiet. No one would have blamed him for that.

But that was not Ted Kennedy. As he told us, "...[I]ndividual faults and frailties are no excuse to give in — and no exemption from the common obligation to give of ourselves." Indeed, Ted was the "Happy Warrior" that the poet William Wordsworth spoke of when he wrote:

Full Eulogy

The Record...

Gillibrand Visits Oswego

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand met the officials of Oswego County’s various governments Friday afternoon for a brief give-and-take on economic issues that produced offers to help bring more money to the area.

Gillibrand hosted a discussion at Fulton City Hall with nearly two dozen local, county and state leaders.

Their message, whether the issue was stimulus funding, farming or a new nuclear plant, was simple: We need money.

Oswego Mayor Randy Bateman asked Gillibrand to find money to help bring a fourth nuclear plant to the county. County legislator Mike Kunzwiler added his plea, saying, “the community is endorsing the plant being built.”

Full Story

Aubertine secures $1.2M for Oswego

Oswego Department of Public Works (DPW) to purchase new equipment.

The DPW is still waiting to receive the funds, but the Oswego Common Council approved a resolution allowing Mayor Randy Bateman to sign all necessary documents to accept the grant Monday.

“Obviously, $1 million is a lot of money and under the present financial circumstances, it was going to be very difficult for us to purchase anything,” said DPW Commissioner Mike Smith. “So, this is just a wonderful thing for the city of Oswego. Through the senator’s efforts, this will be taking a big burden off of all of the taxpayers.”

Full Story

Anybody here seen my old friend Ted? ...

Edward Kennedy, 1932-2009

He staked his career to the highest goals of liberalism, and defended those goals through decades when his views were not shared by most, or even that many, of his fellow citizens. While he could have simply chosen to be the liberal movement’s spiritual leader, he opted instead to spend most of his life in the legislative trenches, fighting, bill by bill, to provide government aid to people in need of health care, education, and a road out of poverty. The programs he championed may not have solved those problems, but they brought tangible assistance to millions whose lives would have been far more difficult if not for Kennedy’s exertions on their behalf.

Full Post

The liberal lion, dead at 77

Edward Moore Kennedy, Camelot’s youngest brother who never reached the White House but grew into the most accomplished legislator of his generation in the Senate, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port after a long battle with cancer.

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,” the Kennedy family said in a statement sent to reporters just before 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Elected first in 1962, the 77-year-old Massachusetts liberal was rooted in the civil rights and Great Society battles of that decade, but his enduring strength was an ability to renew himself through his mastery of issues and the changing personalities of the Senate.

Read more

Hypocrisy, Republican Definition

Hypocrisy, Definition , "Saying One Thing and Doing Another", another Definition, Republican in the New York State Senate.

Remember when the "reform" republicans and all their good friends in the press were attacking the Democratic Controlled Senate because they were giving raises to their staff for new positions and increased job responsibilities. The Republican attack machine was working overtime, probably on our tab, making the point that the Democrats were giving raises in this climate in the state.

Well, look who's giving raises NOW.

All but 10 of those employees work for Republicans. In some cases, staffers got raises of more than $10,000 a year, according to records from the state comptroller's office.

My question is how do they sleep at night, the republican senate leadership, knowing they lie like this?

Why is not the press calling them Hypocrites?

Their reply to giving raises, well they have increased job responsibilities.

Hypocrites.

Aubertine urges reform of authorities

State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, and 23 Senate colleagues have urged Gov. David A. Paterson to adopt a bill they say would make public agencies, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, more transparent and accountable.

"New York's authorities have operated in secret, mismanaged resources, and showered developers with sweetheart deals long enough," said Sen. William Per-kins, Senate Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee chairman, in a statement. "The governor must step up and sign on behalf of the people."

Full Story

1199 Wants an Obama Ally in NY-23

ALBANY—The political director for one of the state's largest unions says he expects to support Bill Owens in his bid to replace John McHugh in Congress.

"We're looking forward to working with the candidate who is going to be working with the president on health care reform, and we expect that's going to be Bill Owens," Kevin Finnegan, political director for SEIU 1199, told me by phone. While the union's national leadership will be involved in making a formal endorsement--which it has not yet done--Finnegan's comments bode well for Owens.

Full Post

"OS-1" Are Special License Plates Political in Oswego County??

Many of us growing up in Oswego County often wondered why certain people got the special “OS” license plates. For years it was one of those things you wondered about but didn’t ask.

Many years latter I meet many political people, Republicans, and many seemed to have these OS-#plates. One day I asked. They told me they were a political plum to certain favored Republicans. I was told that the Republican County Clerk awarded these “special” plates to those in the Republican Party, and yes a few “good Democrats” as a sign of favored status. Some even said they helped them, lets say, even pass unnoticed to certain law enforcement types.

My question is why should a political party have the right to assign "special" plates to the political operatives at our expense? Should these not be open to any Oswego taxpayer who wants one?

In researching this issue I can see no DMV regulation or law that allows a political party to have overwhelming ownership in a county of certain license plates. I did find how a county clerk who runs a DMV office can assign certain plate numbers.

So now the question I would have to ask the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles: Is it lawful, or ethical for one of your agents to favor a political party over another and use your office to support or reward them?

Our question.

New Data Includes Port Authority, Thruway Authority, and Municipal Authorities

Payroll files for 384 Public Authorities have been posted on www.SeeThroughNY.net, the Empire Center’s government transparency web site for taxpayers.The new data includes names, titles, base pay rates and total pay received for most of the 44,320 public authority employees added today.

You can search local schools ( Oswego City Schools), colleges (Oswego State) and authorities like the Oswego Port Authority. Just click this link and follow the directions.

A Question for the Republican Candidate for County Legislature in District 21, Hannibal

For some several weeks a burning question has entered the the race for county legislature in the 21st legislative district.

Question: Why would Mr. Wilbur run for county legislature knowing that he will have to resign his full-time job at the county clerks office? As most everyone knows Pubic Officers Law and County Law does not allow a county legislator to work for the county.

So why?

Two possible answers have been given by local Hannibal insiders.

1. He actually believes he can do both. He works for the Republican County Chairman George Williams who is also County Clerk. Some have said GW is prepared to fight, using county legal resources, so he can do both. That might work here in Oswego Courts but will not hold much water in the real world when appealed.

2. He wins but resigns the office immediately leaving a vacancy in the county legislature seat. The republican lead legislature fills the seat with their choice, maybe someone who could not win?

What ever is the reason I'm sure the 21st legislative district has the right to know prior to the November election. You should start a campaign being totally honest with the voters.

PS: If you have not noticed the "bug" on his literature is not a UNION PRINTER but just says printed in Oswego County.

Why Owens will WIN the 23rd Congressional District

I have heard lots of reasons from lots of people telling us why Bill Owens will not win the 23rd. It seems very few are from here.

Let me make it clear and up front...Bill Owens is going to win. Now to why.

The 23rd Congressional district is changing. More and more people no longer rely on the local republican press but have access to the Internet and are able to get news that is un-tainted by the local partisanship.

Now lets look at the candidates. Dede Scozzafava is a politician that was and is part of the mess in Albany. She is far left to the average Oswego voter and is not known. Added she has never had a real challenge that is well funded and organized. She will have to campaign very hard and everyone who knows her knows this is her weakness. In short Dede does not fit the district or Oswego County.

Bill Owens can be summed up by the last sentence of the above paragraph, Bill Owens fits Oswego County. Bill holds the same opinions and values of most Oswego County voters. He is a common sense moderate who has not helped to create the mess in Albany. He has actually created JOBS and been a leader at bringing people together to solve problems.

The game changer is Doug Hoffman the conservative parties choice. Here is the true base of the republican party. The republican vote will split. Make no mistake about that. Many republicans did not want the candidate they have and they will make a protest vote thru Hoffman.

Some may try to make the reverse argument about a Dede pull for Democrats. For those that have lived in the Democratic Party their whole life in this area I can see there is very little draw for us to Dede. Basically for the reasons of her trying to distance herself from the very issues we share to reestablish her "Republicanism."

Numbers are also with Bill Owens. There are 197,081 Democrats and Independents to 167,272 Republicans. Also there are many "soft" republicans. That's when you resister as a republican because most people in the community are, but you split your ticket. Clearly this is the case in Oswego with the strong votes for Senate, US Senate and President over the last few election cycles.

Here is how I see the result, Owens 51%, Dede 39%, Hoffman 10%.

It's a leased space that on its face appears completely unnecessary that the Senate Republicans saddled us with.

A leased office building across from the state Capitol that was the subject of a partisan spat earlier this year has been emptied of its Senate employees. But the lease for 90 S. Swan St. remains in place, and taxpayers may end up spending some $1.5 million for approximately 32,000 square feet of empty office space for the next 28 months.

The emptying of 90 South Swan wasn't a surprise. Shortly after the Democrats took control of much of the Senate's sprawling apparatus after winning a majority in the chamber in January, they said they were disbanding the news clipping service based at the building. Democrats contended it had become outmoded and had been hijacked by the Republicans during the decades that they controlled the Senate.

Other Senate staffers throughout the building were laid off, and the remaining people were moved out -- including some to the nearby Alfred E. Smith Building, operated by the state.

The move came amid accusations that executives with the building's manager, Omni Management, were major Republican donors.

Full Story

Oswego Democrat Makes National Blogs.....again !!

In less than a year Oswego Democrat has gone from a small new kid on the "blog" block to being linked by heavy weight national blog sites. Our current daily hit rate is over 500.

Most recently we were mentioned as an authority in POLITICO, the SCORECARD and the ALBANY PROJECT.

Thank you to the readers and we will continue to keep our blog up to date and hopefully fresh and insightful.

COMING THIS WEEK FROM OSWEGO DEMOCRAT

Why Owens will win the 23rd Congressional District

Oswego County Legislative Candidate Questioned and why aren't the local press asking the same questions we are??

Another example of how the former Senate Republican Majority Squandered our TAXDOLLARS

License Plates, is it political in Oswego County? Is this a legal use of taxpayers dollars??

and more opinion on local and state issues.

Scozzafava is The 'Bernie Madoff' of Republicans

As the state Conservative Party endorsed Douglas Hoffman as their candidate for the 23rd Congressional District Friday, Long unloaded on the Republican Party's choice.


"She presents herself as a Republican, and that puts her in line to receive the New York Politics Award for Bernie Madoff for running the biggest scam, and posing as a Republican when she's not really a Republican," Long said.

Full Story

This Weeks Cartoon

President Obama defends health care reform plan at Montana Town Hall meeting

President Obama pushed back Friday against raucous health care reform foes by urging Americans to "fight against the fear."

"This is not some government takeover," Obama said as he doffed his coat and rolled up his sleeves at a town hall meeting in a Belgrade, Mont., airport hangar crammed with about 1,500 people.

As Obama urged a rejection of "scare tactics," he spotlighted horror stories from the existing system, including people whose insurance coverage abruptly got canceled while they were facing deadly illnesses.

Obama said he was against bureaucratic meddling from Washington but "I also don't want insurance company bureaucratic meddling in your health care either. That's what reform is all about," Obama said to prolonged applause.

FULL STORY

Bill Owens Launches Campaign Site

Democratic Congressional candidate Bill Owens launches campaign site. It is we understand just a placeholder but will be updated very soon and we encourage you to visit it.

Bill Owens for Congress

Oswego Democrat

A tribute to the finalists - 23rd Congressional District

First I would like to say I make this posting as a tribute to the candidates that did not receive the backing of the chairs in the 23rd congressional district. All 11 candidates were outstanding and anyone would have bee an excellent candidate.

The process I saw as an observer was fair, open and very democratic, big D and little d.

I have to give credit to the two finalists. These were the John Sullivan and Brian McGrath.

John Sullivan has make a remarkable record as a County Legislator, Mayor and loyal Democrat for over four decades. He has been a leader in progressive common sense solutions to problems and a strong spokesman for the working class residents of Oswego County and the state. To sum it up he is a gentleman and an outstanding Democrat.

Brian McGrath once again brought back to me the reason I registered as a Democrat. The passion, the ideas, and the desire to make a difference in others lives in a positive way. He is the future of the 23rd district. Once again I see the promise of the party I belong to. The party of ideas, freedom and hard work. The party of the middle class, the party of the American dream.

These two finalists must be thanked for stepping forward and wishing to make a difference in the 23rd congressional district. We also look forward to working with Bill Owens our democratic candidate to turn the 23rd BLUE.

Congressional Candidate Shares Political Views

Plattsburgh attorney Bill Owens made good on his promise to focus on making himself known in the western part of the 23rd Congressional District.

The district is comprised of 11 counties and Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego counties are considered critical areas to carry in the race.

Republicans Lose Campaign Fund-Raising Edge

Losing the majority in the State Senate last year cost Republicans the choice office space they long occupied in the Capitol, their committee chairmanships and dozens of staff members.

Senate Republicans, who once had perhaps the most formidable fund-raising operation in Albany, were heavily outraised by Senate Democrats during the first six months of 2009, as donors moved to ingratiate themselves with the new majority party, according to an analysis of donation records by the New York Public Interest Research Group, a nonpartisan watchdog organization.

While Senate Democrats raised $6.9 million, Republicans raised just $2.5 million. That $4.4 million gap is the second-largest between the two parties since 1999, when the State Board of Elections introduced electronic filing.

Bill Owens for Congress -- 23rd District

Click to see larger image.

I apologize

I apologize...I went to the Minnowbrook Conference Center at Blue Mountain Lake to blog on the events. I wanted to keep the readers of the Oswego Democratic Community informed on the events.

The 11 County Chairs requested I not blog...give updates or give any information until the final choice.

A vote was taken and I lost.

I was given the first ... very first release of the announcement, which I posted immediately.

I have learned from this experience. Next time I will bring another blogger with me!!

Democratic County Chairs Issue Statement on 23rd Congressional District Nomination Process

Blue Mountain Lake, NY – This evening the Democratic County Chairs in the 23rd Congressional District released the following statement after meeting with applicants interested in running for Congress in the upcoming special election. The County Chairs will move forward with their process to nominate a candidate after the seat is officially vacated and Governor Paterson issues a proclamation calling for a special election.

“Tonight, we are proud to declare our support for Bill Owens. While we interviewed many qualified applicants, we believe that Bill Owens best shares the values of the communities across our district, and will be an effective, independent voice for our priorities. Bill Owens has devoted his career to serving our country and helping create jobs in New York, and in Congress he will use his experience to get our economy moving again and create jobs,” said the County Chairs.

“I’ve devoted my career to serving our country and helping create jobs in New York State. I am running for Congress to use my experience to get our local economy moving again and create good paying jobs,” said Bill Owens.

“As a Captain in the United States Air Force, I proudly served at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. My family and I fell in love with the area and decided to stay here. When the base closed, I went to work to create the Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corporation (PARC) to ensure the land was used to create jobs,” said Owens.

“So far, we’ve created more than 500 good jobs and PARC still is growing. We did it by taking advantage of our regional assets – a well motivated workforce, good infrastructure, good schools and colleges, and access to outside investment and markets. We can do the same thing throughout the 23rd District if we work together with total dedication. That’s what I will do in Congress,” said Owens.

Owens has devoted his life to creating jobs, bringing economic development to the region, and serving his country. As a Captain in the United States Air Force, he proudly served at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. When the base was closed he helped create the Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corporation to ensure the land was used to create jobs, and currently there are more than 500 jobs based in the region as a result of his leadership. He has also served his community on the boards of many civic and non-profit organizations. He is currently a Managing Partner at Stafford Owens Piller Murnane & Trombley, PLLC.

###

Why I have not blogged

Oswego Democrat was asked by the 11 chairs of the 23rd district to not announce any information until the final selection.

It is Bill Owens

Press release to follow

Mike Oot has just informed County Chairs he is no longer a congressional candidate for the 23rd District.

Mike Oot the 2007 Democratic candidate for congress in the 23rd has withdrawn his name from consideration today at Blue Mountain Lake.

I am Here...23rd

After three hours of travel I made it to one of the most beautiful places in New York State.

We are at Minnowbrook Conference Center at Blue Mountain Lake. Monday the Democratic Candidate for the 23rd Congressional district will be chosen.

On the way there we ran into a traffic jam cased by an accident...hope everyone is alright.

The other picture is from the lodge over looking the lake.

Posting will start in the morning.

Oswego Democrat

We will Blog from the Adirondacks - 23rd Race Aug 10th

Oswego Democrat will Blog from the Adirondacks where the 11 Democratic Chairs will interview and make their decision on their candidate for the 23rd congressional district.

Yes we will give updates on the process and the candidates. As time permits.

The finial announcement we will posted here first.

Oswego County Supports 23rd Process

The Oswego County Democratic Committee is committed to as our guest editorial wrote, "I look forward to meeting all of you who (candidates) are participating in this process to choose a Democratic Candidate for our 23rd Congressional District."

It is our choice to support the process of the other 10 counties and not endorse until August 10th. Also we will not post any "endorsements" as our aim is to be open in the process and hear each candidate's presentation on August 10th and make the best choice for the 23rd congressional district.

We are bringing a delegation of county committee people to listen and advise our county chairman and assist him in picking the best candidate for congress.

As LW said we look forward to the 10th and meeting many people who should be congratulated for taking this step at making our district better.

Conservatives back Doug Hoffman for Congress

Conservative leaders from New York's 23rd Congressional seat backed Lake Placid businessman Doug Hoffman for the house seat. That sets the stage for a three-way race to succeed John McHugh. State Conservative Party Chairman tells WRVO's Chris Ulanowski why he believes Hoffman is best qualified for the job. You'll also hear from Doug Hoffman too.

Link to announcement

Guest Opinion on the 23rd Selection

A few years ago I attended DRC at Cornell and participated in the Straw Poll held that week-end. Our meeting coming up on Monday reminds me of the AG's race at that event. As much as I thought I knew in advance about most of those candidates, while sitting in the auditorium listening to all of them I quickly learned how much I did NOT know. Each one was highly qualified and accomplished, and any one of them would have done a great job for NYS.

I'm very happy to be able to be present on Monday, and I look forward to meeting all of you who are participating in this process to choose a Democratic Candidate for our 23rd Congressional District, and especially all of the candidates who are interested in this very important position. It takes an awful lot of commitment to personal sacrifice to do this, and I appreciate, and thank each of you, no matter who is chosen.

LW

(Editors note: Oswego County's Chairman is bringing five representatives selected by the County Democratic Committee to assist in the selection process by providing input to their chairman. Oswego County has 18.20 percent of the total vote of the 11 counties... OD)

John McHugh's Nomination Blocked

Kansas' two U.S. senators are blocking 10 of President Barack Obama's nominees for senior administration posts at the Pentagon and Justice Department in protest over a proposal to house Guantanamo detainees at the Fort Leavenworth prison.

The list of blocked nominees includes a fellow Republican member of Congress - Obama's pick for Army secretary, Rep. John McHugh of New York.

Sens. Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts, both R-Kan., said Thursday that they are prepared to block the appointments until they get answers from the White House about the proposal. And they said they want Leavenworth taken off the list of potential relocation spots.

Full Story

23rd Candidate Web Sites ...

www.mcgrathforcongress.com

www.bisselleforcongress.com

http://www.johnsullivan4congress.org/


As we get more we will add them.

Updated 8/8/09

Conservative Party plans to nominate Hoffman in 23rd

He was virtually unknown. Just one of several republicans who hoped to replace John McHugh in the 23rd Congressional District. But he was passed over when the republicans made their choice official, Dede Scozzafava.

Now, Lake Placid businessman Doug Hoffman is getting a second chance in the most unlikely of circumstances, as a conservative. The state Conservative Party will likely choose him for its line, normally given to the republican choice, because Scozzafava is not what they say conservatives represent.

"Her record is atrocious. In our rating system last year, she got a 15 out of 100. Shelly Silver got a 10," said Conservative Party Chair Mike Long.

The choice has left some republicans upset with Hoffman, whom some say broke a promise by not supporting Scozzafava.

"I never promised I would support Dede Scozzafava. I did indicate I'd be happy to support a conservative republican candidate. I did not walk away from the Republican Party. The Republican Party walked away from the values that made our party strong," Hoffman said.

Full Story

(Looks like a three way race is almost certain. In this type of district common history teaches us that this favors the Democratic candidate. If the conservative candidate attacks the Republican candidate it drives down the Republican vote. If he attacks the Democratic candidate it drives way the independents, which he needs to win. Going to be a hard race to win for the Conservative-Republican. OD)

And yes....he got it done!!

President Bill Clinton met with top North Korean officials in Pyongyang to appeal for the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who had been arrested while reporting from the border between North Korea and China.

And yes....he got it done!!

You are one of the BEST President's in HISTORY.

We will Blog from the Adirondacks - 23rd Race Aug 10th

Oswego Democrat will Blog from the Adirondacks where the 11 Democratic Chairs will interview and make their decision on their candidate for the 23rd congressional district.

Yes we will give updates on the process and the candidates.

The finial announcement we will posted here first. That's of course if the New York City based blogs don't find there way to the North Country.

I bet they won't. ; )

Web poll on potential congressional candidates

One side note: When the Senate confirms Rep. McHugh as Army secretary, it is up to Gov. David Paterson to set the special election to replace him. We hope he follows common sense and schedules it for the regular Election Day, Nov. 3 (he will the insiders say). This would ensure a decent turnout in this important decision, since regularly timed elections always get more voters than special elections.

---

Poll

This poll is not scientific, and the results represent only the opinions of Internet users who have chosen to participate.

July 27-29:

Which of these possible candidates do you favor for New York's 23rd Congressional District?

1% Dan Francis, D

11% Jim Kelly, C-Wilmington

53% Brian McGrath, D

3% Dan French, D

3% Mike Oot, D-Munnsville

3% William Owens, D-Plattsburgh

19% Dierdre Scozzafava, R-Gouverneur

8% John Sullivan, D

760 votes

Full Story

The Oswego Pork

Fulton Public Library	$50,000	Aubertine	Fulton	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 160 1st Street, Fulton, New York 13069 Fulton Public Library Funding: $50,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 160 1st Street, Fulton More Info Syracuse, NY
Town of Constantia	$50,000	Aubertine	Constantia	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 14 Frederick St., Constantia, New York 13044 Town of Constantia Funding: $50,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 14 Frederick St., Constantia More Info Syracuse, NY
Young Men's Christian Association of Oswego, New York	$40,000	Aubertine	Oswego	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 249 West 1st St., Oswego, New York 13126 Young Men's Christian Association of Oswego, New York Funding: $40,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 249 West 1st St., Oswego More Info Syracuse, NY
City of Fulton	$25,000	Aubertine	Fulton	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 141 South First St., Fulton, New York 13069 City of Fulton Funding: $25,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 141 South First St., Fulton More Info Syracuse, NY
Pulaski Day Care Center, Inc.	$25,000	Aubertine	Pulaski	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 20 Castle Dr., Pulaski, New York 13142 Pulaski Day Care Center, Inc. Funding: $25,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 20 Castle Dr., Pulaski More Info Syracuse, NY
Agricultural Society of Oswego County, Inc..	$20,000	Aubertine	Sandy Creek	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 P. O. Box 66, Sandy Creek, New York 13145 Agricultural Society of Oswego County, Inc.. Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: P. O. Box 66, Sandy Creek More Info Syracuse, NY
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc., Central New York	$20,000	Aubertine	Syracuse	Jefferson, Oswego, St. Lawrence	G 650 400 9 Y 10 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, New York 13204 Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc., Central New York Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse More Info Syracuse, NY
ARISE Child and Family Service, Inc.	$20,000	Aubertine	Syracuse	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 635 James St., Syracuse, New York 13203-2744 ARISE Child and Family Service, Inc. Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 635 James St., Syracuse More Info Syracuse, NY
Heritage Foundation of Oswego County, Inc.	$20,000	Aubertine	Oswego	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 143 West Third St., P.O. Box 405, Oswego, New York 13126 Heritage Foundation of Oswego County, Inc. Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 143 West Third St., P.O. Box 405, Oswego More Info Syracuse, NY
New York Agricultural Land Trust	$20,000	Aubertine	Preble	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 P. O. Box 121, Preble, New York 13141 New York Agricultural Land Trust Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: P. O. Box 121, Preble More Info Syracuse, NY
Onondaga-Oswego Chapter American Red Cross	$20,000	Aubertine	Syracuse	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 220 Herald Place, Syracuse, New York 13126 Onondaga-Oswego Chapter American Red Cross Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 220 Herald Place, Syracuse More Info Syracuse, NY
Town of Granby	$20,000	Aubertine	Fulton	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 820 County Route 8, Fulton, New York 13069 Town of Granby Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 820 County Route 8, Fulton More Info Syracuse, NY
Town of Scriba	$20,000	Aubertine	Oswego	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 42 Creamery Rd., Oswego, New York 13126 Town of Scriba Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 42 Creamery Rd., Oswego More Info Syracuse, NY
Town of West Monroe	$20,000	Aubertine	West Monroe	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 46 County Route 11, West Monroe, New York 13167 Town of West Monroe Funding: $20,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 46 County Route 11, West Monroe More Info Syracuse, NY
Parish Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.	$18,000	Aubertine	Parish	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 16 Union St., Parish, New York 13131 Parish Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. Funding: $18,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 16 Union St., Parish More Info Syracuse, NY
American Legion Raymond Faulkner Cook Post 858	$10,000	Aubertine	Cleveland	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 11143 Lake St., P.O. Box 53, Cleveland, New York 13042 American Legion Raymond Faulkner Cook Post 858 Funding: $10,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 11143 Lake St., P.O. Box 53, Cleveland More Info Syracuse, NY
Literacy Volunteers of Oswego County, Inc.	$10,000	Aubertine	Oswego	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 34 East Bridge St., Suite 301, Oswego, New York 13126 Literacy Volunteers of Oswego County, Inc. Funding: $10,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 34 East Bridge St., Suite 301, Oswego More Info Syracuse, NY
Mercy Flight Central, Inc.	$10,000	Aubertine	Canandaigua	Jefferson, Oswego, St. Lawrence	G 650 400 9 Y 10 2420 Brickyard Road, Canandaigua, New York 14424 Mercy Flight Central, Inc. Funding: $10,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 2420 Brickyard Road, Canandaigua More Info Syracuse, NY
Town of Volney	$10,000	Aubertine	Fulton	Oswego	G 650 400 9 Y 10 1445 County Route #6, Fulton, New York 13069 Town of Volney Funding: $10,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 1445 County Route #6, Fulton More Info Syracuse, NY
Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board	$5,000	Aubertine	Syracuse	Jefferson, Oswego, St. Lawrence	G 650 400 9 Y 10 100 Clinton Square, Suite 200, Syracuse, New York 12202 Central New York Regional Planning & Development Board Funding: $5,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 100 Clinton Square, Suite 200, Syracuse More Info Syracuse, NY
Rural Law Center of New York, Inc.	$4,000	Aubertine	Plattsburgh	Jefferson, Oswego, St. Lawrence	G 650 400 9 Y 10 22 U.S. Oval Suite 203, Plattsburgh, New York 12903 Rural Law Center of New York, Inc. Funding: $4,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 22 U.S. Oval Suite 203, Plattsburgh More Info Syracuse, NY
Special Olympics Upstate Regions	$2,000	Aubertine	Syracuse	Jefferson, Oswego, St. Lawrence	G 650 400 9 Y 10 800 South Wilbur Ave., Syracuse, New York 13204 Special Olympics Upstate Regions Funding: $2,000 Requested by: Aubertine Location: 800 South Wilbur Ave., Syracuse More Info Syracuse, NY
Michaud Residential Health Services	$100,000	Upstate Senate Delegation	Fulton	Oswego

I must respect the Conservatives stand in the 23rd

It seems that unlike the Independence Party the Conservative Party will not line up automatically with who ever the Republican bosses pick. It's clear from the endorsements from the Independence Party in Oswego County their endorsements were just blank authorizations the republican county chairman filled in for those he wanted to give them to.

It is clear the Independence Party has lost it's values and now is clearly just the lapdog for the republican party.

As one of the original "blue dog Democrats" I must respect the Conservatives stand. I may not agree with each and every issue .. but many I do. What is more important is they have a set of issues and values that they will not, at least in the 23rd, sell out to the republican party bosses.

What does this mean for the Democrats in the 23rd. My take is the republican base will go with the Conservative candidate and this will split the republican vote and that is why we predict a Democrat being elected in the 23rd.

Chairman Mike Long said today that he is "leaning toward, without a doubt" supporting Doug Hoffman, a Republican businessman from Lake Placid, to land Row D in the special election to replace Rep. John McHugh.

Hoffman also sent a letter to members of the Conservative Party's executive committee in hopes of landing their support. from The Daily Politics