McMahon picks up NYTimes endorsement

The Albany Project covered this first, so hat tip to them. Here is an excerpt from the NY Times article followed by a portion of McMahon's press release;

When New York voters go to the polls on primary day, Sept. 9, one of the most compelling races will be a hard-fought Democratic Congressional contest in Staten Island and part of Brooklyn.

snip

Mr. McMahon also has a deep understanding of transportation and infrastructure issues, including a strong commitment to mass transportation. He would be a valuable advocate on these fronts in Washington.

As the only Democrat in the Council from Staten Island, Mr. McMahon has proved adept at reaching out to moderates and conservatives. That broad appeal would be an advantage in representing this conservative- leaning district, which gave 55 percent of its votes to President Bush in 2004. Mr. McMahon wins our endorsement in the Democratic primary.

McMahon press release:

The McMahon campaign continues to gain momentum, having recently picked up key labor endorsements from the New York State AFL–CIO, the United Federation of Teachers, 1199 SEIU Healthcare East, UFCW, RWDSU, UNITE HERE, the Hotel and Motel Trades Council, CWA, CSA, CSEA, the Public Employees Federation and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. McMahon has also received endorsements from elected leaders including Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Charles Schumer, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, former Mayor Ed Koch, and members of the New York City Congressional Delegation.

Last month McMahon earned a spot on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's vaunted "Red to Blue" program, signaling that the campaign is a top national priority for the Democratic Party. He was the only candidate from downstate New York included in the program. The "Red to Blue" program was a proven success in the 2006 cycle, raising nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns. It highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country and offers them financial, communications and strategic support.

The Democratic Primary will be on September 9th, and the General Election will be held on November 4th.

note: The McMahon press release contains the full NY Times article which I can not republish in full due to copyright restrictions.

More on that Times article

This is why its a horrible article. People actually believe the make believe they are pushing;

Speaking of Staten Island, it's hard for the Democrats to unite, even with Congressman Vito Fossella on his way out.

Again, its just completely false especially consider the state of affairs of the Republican party. Jonathan Hicks you blew it on that article.

The NYTimes' make believe "unity" issue

Yesterday the Times put out a semi decent article about the Democratic primary. They covered the similarities and differences between McMahon and Harrison in terms of campaign style and policy issues. Had it ended there I think it would be a great introductory article to voters on this race. Instead they tried to skew it into a more controversial story, proposing disunity among the party simply because the voters of the district are being offered a democratic option, we call it a primary. The Republicans have one of those too, but it is the Democrats they would have you believe are in turmoil over this non-fight. So now this is getting some coverage with people picking up on this theme they are pushing such as the Albany Times Union's really awful digested link;

Democrats are scrambling to fill the hole left by GOP Rep Vito Fossella in Staten Island’s 13th CD.

* Democrats are not scrambling, they had no problems getting on the ballot unlike the Republicans.

* Democrats are not scrambling to "fill the hole" unlike Republicans who almost didn't find a replacement for Fossella and then Powers.

* Democrats are not a enduring disunity, the Republicans are the ones refusing to support their own candidates and calling for future party leadership changes.

NYTimes covers Fossella and Cheney fundraiser

via the NYTimes;

The fund-raiser for Mr. Fossella will be at the Upper East Side home of David H. Koch, the billionaire executive vice president of Koch Industries, a company with major oil and gas holdings.

Democrats from Staten Island to Washington said that Mr. Cheney’s support signaled that the Bush administration had to come to Mr. Fossella’s aid.

“Republicans in New York are in free fall, and Cheney’s visit to New York just proves Vito Fossella’s campaign is flagging,” said Carrie James, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in Washington. “Rather than bring home necessary resources to meet the needs of his district, Vito Fossella is embracing Dick Cheney and his Big Oil money to resurrect his failing campaign.”

Remember today's protest at 10am.

Republicans facing hard times in New York

via NY Times;

In some cases, potential candidates see a tough climate for Republicans, largely because of a troubled economy and a protracted war, according to some Republicans.

snip

Republicans have had difficulty recruiting top-tier candidates in several other states, including Ohio and Indiana. But the problems have been especially pronounced in New York, a heavily Democratic state where Democrats picked up three Republican-held seats in 2006. Republicans are in danger of suffering more losses this year, analysts say.

Emphasis in that quote my own. Stay tuned for Tom Wrobleski to explain to use how this is bad news for Democrats. In the mean time for the rest of us living in reality it is fun to watch the Republican brand fall apart in New York.