Lt. Gov. Paterson, Hotels and Taxpayers Cash - It Just Doesn't Stop
By GordonTaylor Posted in State Politics — Comments (62) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
As the Gov. Paterson escapade continues, it is now becoming apparent that Paterson not only mis-spent campaign funds, but as Lt. Governor he used a state credit card to pay for hotels and bar tabs all around Albany more then a dozen times, and as recently as February 2008. Here is the rub, HE ONLY LIVES 11 MILES FROM THE CAPITOL BUILDING!
Paterson claims that he had to stay in the hotels, because the Governor needed him early in the morning or late at night. In a statement issued yesterday, Paterson said; "I had to be at the call of the governor. And a few times I was asked to do a few things early on, and I was too far away." He said he stayed at hotels when he had "early morning meetings or press conferences" in order to "accommodate" Governor Spitzer.
A former top aide to then Governor Spitzer disputes this statement and says that Paterson was not a part of the Governors early miring briefings. Pataki lived more then 40 miles away when he was Governor and never used hotels. Pataki refused to stay in the Governors mansion.
On at least one occasion when Paterson used a hotel in Albany, state records indicate that his first scheduled event was at 2 P.M. Another stay was do to a very late official dinner he had to attend, it was way late in the evening at 7 P.M.! Poor guy, that was a really late day indeed.
As each day unfolds, post inauguration, a new example of questionable judgment is revealed. 6 business days have passed since he has taken office, not counting the day he was sworn in, and each day has been filled with stories of just how inept this man really is.
"I believe we must adjourn this meeting to some other place." - The last recorded words of Adam Smith.
He is the "gift" that keeps on giving.
Fighting for conservatism one day at a time.
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
attorney's are already clarifying the election time table and Bruno's office is said to be putting together a gubernatorial secession team.
... I'm NOT the only one waiting for "another shoe to drop".
With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see right.
Paterson is being told resign or be impeached....
The house of cards is collapsing around them.
Rus Thompson, Grand Island New York
but it's a good solid rumor from a very reliable source. I referenced it in another thread, the rumor that is.
Simply to to one of the New York paper, the Daily News, The NYSUN or the NY Post and do a search for David Paterson, it's all over the place.
Funny, the NY Slimes has yet to utter a word, what a shock!
...that the NY GOP needed to bust out of its slump?
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
no.
There effectively is no GOP in NY state. The legislature is gerrymandered to the point where CA looks competitive by comparison. The party, statewide, has no leadership and no message.
____
CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
If that is the case, then it would have been done to guarantee the incumbencies of both Democrats and Republicans, since the GOP has controlled the senate in NY for decades, and Pataki had the governor's mansion for 12 years.
“.....women and minorities hardest hit”
the NY GOP is leaderless and NY itself has no really effective government at all in NY State, regardless of the party, it is ecentually 3 men in a room. The Governor, Leader of the Senate and the leader of the house can block any legislation, then they all huddle in a room and hammer out a comprimise. The whole process is a joke.
For some reason the consistency is heartening.
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
I don't think McCain will win New York, however I'm willing to bet he's going to want to put some of his campaign resources over there. It will force Democratic nominee to draw off his or her finite resources to keep New York in solid Democratic column. I would not be surprised if Paterson falls upon sword, then independents and weak-minded Democrats might take another look at McCain.
Either way, it's definitely a win for McCain even if he can't really take advantage of Spitgate and Pattygate (sorry, can't help myself there, hehe).
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Daniel 2:20 And he [God] changeth the times and seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.
Trying to win California really helped Bush in 2000. If McCain had an infinite amount of money I would say sure, but right now, if we're competitive in New York, then its not going to be a long election night. Lets try flipping PA instead.
“One element in the strength of any government is the patriotism of the people, their love for its institutions, their pride for its name and achievements.” ~ William McKinley
The latest PA Survey USA map shows Penn going for Johnny Mac by a point and a half.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
is after YOU. :>)
I have a clear field of fire around my house up here in the woods up here in the Catskill Mountains.
But in the end, I can't because even more so than here in the People's Republic of Maryland, they did it to themselves. I mean, the PRM is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Washington bureaucracy, so that one sort of follows. New York actually has industry and businesses and a real economy.
So, who is the Gerald Ford of the State of New York going to be?
Would be a great opportunity should Paterson leave and NY hold another election. Rudy then can spend the next several years moving (slightly probably) to the right should he want to seek higher office after that. But it would be a great place for Rudy to clean up the state like he cleaned up NYC.
___________________________________
Two thirds of the world is covered by water,
the other third is covered by Champ Bailey.
---
Finrod's First Law of Bandwidth:
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it takes the bandwidth of ten thousand.
And I think Bloobergs in. They appeal to the same voters,a dn I don't think Rudy wants to get into a race he can't win because of his former successor.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
Just saying its the most likely thing to happen for New York. Of course if Bloomberg adn Guiliani end up in a nasty brawl, Cuomo can step in again and win.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
I can't see them getting into a dogfight. Not this year. Not with the current strategic windows opening. They're both too smart for that.
soli Deo gloria
The problem is he pulls Rudy's NY City numbers down making them both fight for upstate, which doesn't really like the city. My bet is that they'd go for Rudy, but it makes it ripe for a slick Dem to come in and be above the fray-because Rudy would definitely do some smacking around and wipe that smug little grin off of Bloomberg's face, no matter how hard he'd try to buy the NY Governer's mansion. Although Rudy's endorsement of Cuomo makes me think that if Rudy is in Cuomo might not run against him. I'd love to see Rudy vs Bloomberg-my money's on the street fighter against the pretty boy millionaire nanny stater. In case you can't tell, I can't stand Bloomberg-worse thing to happen to the City since Dinkins.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
My observations are based on 20% anecdotal extrapolation, 80% wishful thinking and 0% knowledge of backroom hardball. I can't see Mike pulling Rudy down that much in the city, however. I think there are still enough smart voters with long memories who will weigh in Rudy's favor, above any policy disputes, Rudy's genius in backing the city off the edge of the Dinkins cliff versus Mike's mere ability to keep it mostly on the road since. Especially if they sense, as you imply, that history would have been little different had Dave and Mike been switched at birth; before Rudy, either would have been toast, after Rudy, either would have only had to coast.
soli Deo gloria
If they can have someone whos not a Republican, they'll go for it. The fact is, Bloomberg is way more socially liberal than Rudy and everyone knew what a RINO he was when he went in office. I don't mean that as a insult, he literally changed parties just to run for mayor, and as we've seen, changed back as soon as it was convenient. There is not a conservative bone anywhere in Millionaire Mike's body. Rudy however, is a conservative, when you take away the social issues, and before 9/11, he was on the outs in NYC. Also the rpess hates, ahtes, Rudy, and they'll be reminding everyone of every skeleton in his closet. The underlying theme will be, remember all the scandals of the Rudy mayor? After Spitzer and Paterson can we trust Rudy? I love Rudy, but I'm just saying thats how the game will be played...
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
One of the reasons I love this place ... life is always more invigorating on the front lines, heh.
You are much more the political scholar than I, BlackRepub, so I can't challenge your thesis. I would just temper it with a strong sense that the atmosphere here has changed over the past 15 years. Maybe not enough to get Rudy into Albany, but the winds really have shifted a bit since the squeegee men left town, and some will still remember who was at the helm.
But then, we're talking as if he even wants the job if Paterson jumps. Any thoughts on that?
soli Deo gloria
That he can use to vault into governor of NY in 2010 if he wants it. I imagine he still wants to be president, and 4 years of more executive experience cleaning up the crap in Albany wouldn't hurt. Also the fact that he has enough name recognition and appeal outside the Northeast would mean he's still up there. I don't know though. Rudy knows I think that he might have missed his best chance to be President-the GOP is going to roll over for Jindal in 2016, and so Rudy may have to content himself with being governor. He'll be highly sought after though in JMacs administration. I think he might jump depending on his positino, but In all likelihood he's JMac's AG.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
I would love to see him as VP.
And just for giggles, wouldn't Rudy be great at the UN?
And they thought John bolton was an arrogant SOB. Heh.
I just don't see it happening because of the pressure from the SoCons. I think McCainin all liklihood picks Sanford, Crist or Romney, and Rudy gets AG or State. And yes, Rudy in the UN would give us the giggles c17, though for selfish reasons I want him delivering severe smackings to Democrats on a regular basis.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
somewhere, RCP, Malkin, or Townhall, that he would be opened to slave reparitions. WTH????? No, no, no, h*ll no.
Rudy at AG would be my #1 for him. I don't know why the so- cons would be so freaked out over that. Except maybe 2nd amendment cases. But, the Roberts court is going to put that to rest in June, so it shouldn't be a deal breaker anymore.
I'd still love him as VP, and I do consider myself a so-con fo rhte most part. I'm just more concerned with nat'l security this go round.
Disappointing, because he had become my number one realistic choice, and seemed to line up with me on most everything. That is absurd-but OTOH, probably not something that anyone would be silly enough to try and sneak into legislation.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
The governorship is a step down after being mayor.
I don't think he'll be McCain's AG because that's one where the social conservatives would be up in arms.
BR, I've thought for a long time that Rudy could get the Veep spot if he did a Bush 41 1980 switch, and adopted the presidential candidate's view on abortion. If he made that switch, he'd my first choice for Veep (though I've been known to make the case for shortlisting John Bolton too :) ).
If Rudy goes in the Cabinet, I'm betting he'll be at State or Defense. Giuliani won't take Homeland Security, and he won't be offered Justice. But because Rudy is really a candidate for only the very best positions in this administration, the odds are just as strong that he won't be returning to public service.
Well, it's not really that high a standard in the D-FW area of TX. I mean, here's the recent exploits of our local Big 4 sports teams:
(1) Texas Rangers - have not sniffed the playoffs since 1996 or so, and have never even threatened to make the second round.
(2) Dallas Stars - famous in this century for playoff 1-and-done - and Turco is one of the best *regular-season* goalies in history....if you know what I mean.
(3) Dallas Cowboys - also famous in this century for 1-and-done playoff appearances, even with a 13-3 record.
(4) Dallas Mavericks - Merriam-Webster's definition for choking, expressed by both the finals of 2006 (Miami), and the first-round flop in 2007 (Golden State) after posting the 3rd-best regular season in NBA history.
So hopefully you can see why I get so much entertainment value out of NY's Peyton-Place political soap opera. It beats the heck out of the local scene.
Kill the terrorists
Protect the borders
Punch the hippies -- Frank J
The last remnant of my Texas love, my beloved 'Boys in Blue. And with Pacman on the way, they're only going to get better this year. My dream is coming true though-with Ocho Cinco not wanting to play for Cincy, is anyone else having fantasies with Ocho Cinco and Owens on the same team with Witten and Tony Romo? If you'll excuse me, I have to go change my pants now. And lighten up EPU, its March Madness-Hook Em!
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
and Pacman might not even play at all. Don't count me as a hater, I'm a proud Cowboy fan in D.C., but we didn't have any trouble scoring on offense last year. We need to use our meager cap resources on a secondary that can pick up the third receiver on third and short. And we don't need an injury prone running back from Arkansas at the expense of two first round picks.
“One element in the strength of any government is the patriotism of the people, their love for its institutions, their pride for its name and achievements.” ~ William McKinley
McFadden is the real deal. He's one of two impact RB's in the draft-the other being the Illinois boy, Rashard Mendenhall who I would also love to see in Cowboy colors. We need a RB bad, and I'm sorry Barber doesn't do it for me. McFadden is a once in a lifetime back, you take those guys when they come along. I know he doesn't play defense, but Romo can only get better with more toys. Teams would go crazy trying to decide between Ocho Cinco and TO. Yeah I know the secondary needs work, but we can certainly go youung there/ It's not like the Giants secodnay was insanely seep either.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
we can get a decent nickelback late in the draft, plus maybe Felix Jones or another guy to spell Barber. I don't want to give a huge contract to a running back with his kind of history, and if Dallas has had a problem since Darren Woodson has retired, it's been getting our offense on the field against good teams. We can't stop a three wide receiver spread when it counts, and what happens if Newman goes down again? You really like Anthony Henry covering a top guy? All he'd have to run is a button hook every single down, and he'll get a completion. Or if we go zone, they'll just pick on Williams all day in the secondary.
“One element in the strength of any government is the patriotism of the people, their love for its institutions, their pride for its name and achievements.” ~ William McKinley
Coming out this year, and correct me if I'm wrong. I just think that teams are going to have the same thinking as you, and then McFadden's going to be a monster, adn we're all going to think oh man, why did we not get this guy. I bet if they could do it again AP would have gone to the Raiders last year. McFaddens going to be the same kind of guy-I'm alwasy dead on aboutt hesse kinds of things. McFadden and Mendenhall are special.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
then Jerry Jones needs to hire you ASAP.
“One element in the strength of any government is the patriotism of the people, their love for its institutions, their pride for its name and achievements.” ~ William McKinley
4 tickets on the 50 yard line for life and 70,000 a year would be all I ever asked for. Oh, and free beer. Defintely somehow free beer.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
it will probably be Dallas since they have two number ones. Teams usually do not trade up to the one or two or even three spot anymore, you have to pay too much for these rookies.
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
and according to the handy-dandy conversion chart they all use, a 22 plus a 28 is equal to the 7 pick. DMcF may or may not be there at the 7. According to the local gossip though, the 22 + th 28 plus Barber might get you something like the 1, 2, or 3.
Is he worth all that? I lean toward no.
Kill the terrorists
Protect the borders
Punch the hippies -- Frank J
Which is what makes the recent late-season el-foldo act so frustrating.
To join in the thread above, I offer the following:
-- no on Pacman. I would love the talent, and starting opposite of T-New, we'd have the best corner tandem in football. But you gotta stand for something. I have reluctantly swallowed the pill that is Terrell Owens, and truthfully he's been realtively well-behaved. But I'm sick of the thug element, and Pacman is the very essence of the thug element.
-- Ocho Cinco -- ah, maybe, but like it or not, Cincy won't move him. Massive cap hit.
-- reluctantly no on Darren McFayden. Absolutely looks like the real deal - a talent with the ranks of Ricky Williams(when he played), LT, APeterson. But a college tailback is always a roll of the dice. Might be a Cedric Benson or Cadillac Williams. And it would cost us the 22 and 28 picks plus Barber to get him. But MAN I do love him. If Jerry goes and gets him, I'll support the move.
Kill the terrorists
Protect the borders
Punch the hippies -- Frank J
Is his recent refusals togo to camp. He's younger than Owens, who I agree has been well behaved. As for Pacman, I think that if any team can cure him, its Dallas-certainly TO has bought into the Cowboy mystique, and from the sounds of things Pacman wants to go to Dallas, which I believe will result ina changing of attitudes. Also, he's just flat out nasty as a player, and we need a bit of an edge on D. I really don't think we're going to go get McFadden, but I think he'll be worth it. My money says he ends up in Oakland,playing for the Dark Side.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
if you load up with too many of these type of temperamental players, it will blow up in Jerry's face. Personally I would not want a piece of trash like Pacman on my team even if it meant going to the Superbowl.
My alma matter LSU had to dump their highly recruited quarterback Ryan Perrilleuix because he was a dumbass who got in trouble with the law. I am all for it. I would rather we have a rebuilding year with another young quarterback.
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
I'm sick of seeing those whiny East Coasters win everything-and the Giants/ The giants?!?! Nothing made me madder that seeing a Boston New York SuperBowl. If we can get bad character guys to change when they get here I'm fine with it honestly. This is our year-provided JSimpson isn't too ahem, distracting. Heh, if I was dating Jessica Simpson I'd be pretty unconcerned about football too though. :-)
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
although the skill people for the cowboys are mostly young. The lines are getting long in the tooth, and that has been the teams strength.
I like the Cowboys because I live in Texas but my team is the Houston Texans. I like all the move that Rick Smith has made since he became general manager. He gets real good value out of third and fourth rounders.
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
I'm with kyle8 on not making Dallas the badboy rehab clinic. You can get away with that a couple of times (TO and Tank Johnson), but eventually you get burned good. There comes a point of saturation, and if I can't be proud of my Boys in a character sense, then I can't really wear the colors.
Kill the terrorists
Protect the borders
Punch the hippies -- Frank J
and, anyway, Jerry, I mean the taxpayers, are building the 'Boys a neat new stadium. I can see it from the office. If you have to choke in the playoffs, why not be comfortable?
Have faith this year-and technically, it was the second round of the playoffs.
"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice.Let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."-Barry Goldwater
McCain/Rudy 08-kill the terrorists and punch the hippies.
You learn to LIVE when you become a Democrat.
I envy Gov. Paterson. He can cop to just about anything at this point and he's not going to be asked to resign. Why? His Lt. Governor, per the NY Constitution, is now a Republican. Of course, the official reason we'll hear from the Dems are "The people of NY are tired of scandal and want to move on."
Like I said, I envy him.

"I believe we must adjourn this meeting to some other place." - The last recorded words of Adam Smith.