REDLICH VS LAZIO FOR GOP NOD?

I had to laugh when I read in the Albany Times Union that there is a "Tea Party Birther" looking to steal the Republican nod from Rick Lazio as he attemts to run for Governor. Just like what we know of John McCain's predicament, Warren Redlich, a DWI lawyer in Albany, thinks Lazio is too much of a corporate insider.

Redlich is a Guilderland town board member. Being a year in which he doesnt have to secure his own position, he has decided to run, with the help of the Libertarian Party. He told the TU that he thinks he's got a good shot.

The article has Redlich assuming the average New Yorker as perceiving Lazio as a Wall Street exectutive with all the shady trimmings of a corporate lobbyist. Something that seems to be a theme among the rebels of the party. Question is, what are the chances of the New York Republican machine letting Warren even get his campaign started before they work their magic against him?

NYGOP is also trying to channel voter frustration with incumbents and the economy, Redlich will surely be in the way.

Redlich told the TU that he would work to limit public employee salaries to no more than $100,000, and would push for wholesale elimination of agencies such as the state's Office for Technology. That's a good start for a state that most believe operates in the 20th century.

At a news conference this week, Redlich said one of the most undeniable truths so far: "The first thing is to get on the ballot."

GOV PATERSON PAC RAISING FUNDS

So, David Paterson is already raising funds for his 2010 race. His campaign committee said Sunday that it raised more than $3.2 million in just over two months.
With most of the funds coming from more than 600 donors, we see that “big money” people have invested in Paterson’s reelection already.

Jonathan Rosen, his campaign spokesman said “Most of the money was raised at small events over the past several weeks.”

I guess this puts to rest any questions about his intent to run for Governor on his own. In an interview on NPR last week, Alan Chartock, the station director, said Paterson will have a tough time if Bloomberg jumps in and that he feels Mike would do a better job.

Paterson, The Harlem Democrat rose from the lieutenant governor's office on March 17, after Eliot Spitzer resigned.

I would like to see if Tom Golisano contributed to the campaign and what he thinks of the Governors management style. This is the year Tom has decided to contribute to changing the way New York is represented.

The no-nonsense billionaire has run and failed for this position himself, and knows Dave is vulnerable, but will he convince Bloomberg to jump in next year?

That’s the kind of race the whole country will be watching.

PATERSON SUPPORTS NET-METERING

Governor Paterson has made it known that he will sign what is called the Net-Metering Bill if the Legislature ever gets it to his desk.

Net-metering refers to the credits utility customers receive for putting electricity back into the grid from wind, solar and biomass technologies. The option has been limited to residential and farm customers.

Net-Metering would extend the “sell back” benefit to municipal governments and schools powered by solar and wind technologies. This; at a time when the state is pushing toward a goal of 25% renewable energy use by 2013, should be no surprise.

City Hall, Kingston High School and the two local hospitals could participate in the Net-Metering program as well as reduce the demand on the Central Hudson supply. There must be grants to help with such an investment. I bet we could find some if we looked.

If any building needed attention regarding power efficiency, it would be City Hall. It wasn’t built with fuel conservation in mind. Heating and cooling that monster takes plenty of energy. I wonder if the Governor would consider new thermal repro windows for our historic landmark? But I digress.

Those of us who have created our own solar and wind power as residents have sold back the extra electricity to Central Hudson. This will allow small business to join in and provide a real incentive to invest in the self sufficient, albeit, expensive equipment for local entrepreneurs.

Thank you Governor Paterson.

BLOOMBERG TO RUN IN 2010?

Governor Bloomberg. Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?

I know, we’re not even the through campaign 2008, but the prospect of a Governors race is just two years from now; so why Mike? Term Limits.

Bloomberg can’t run for Mayor of NYC again. When Giuliani was forced out of office, we were thankful, this time around, I say too bad!

The man has done wonders for New York City and held the line on plenty of partisan spending projects.

He has impressed the media and because of his money, owes no-one.

There is a ground swell of support growing throughout the state in hopes to convince Mike to run. Polls are showing him with quite a lead among New Yorkers when offered along side Paterson, Cuomo, and Giuliani, three well known contenders.

Mike claims he won’t seek the Governors Mansion, but minds can change between now and 2010. I have to imagine that Paterson doesn’t really expect to run and win in two years so the Party bosses will be looking for a worthy candidate. The pressure will be on.

On the AP, I found this quote: “I am not and will not be a candidate for governor of the state of New York,” Bloomberg said this last Thursday in Washington.

Having been a Democrat, Republican and now an Independent, any number of party elites will be testing the waters around Bloomberg. I like the prospect of a no-nonsense Governor who doesn’t cave in to the lobbyists and special interests. Unlike the Presidential contenders, Mike is financially independent , thus, less persuaded by the usual cast of characters in Albany.

Senate Republicans continue to raise his name as a possible contender for governor, as do a number of Democrats, News stories report that Bloomberg supporters are privately polling the question.

I think I will start a poll question on this myself.