Tag: NY-Gov

I'm sure that, by now, everyone has heard the news about New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's ties to a prostitution ring.  I must say, it comes as a major disappointment after Spitzer established himself as the ethical white knight who fought Wall Street corruption during his tenure as the state Attorney General.  During the run-up to the gubernatorial election, Spitzer was heralded as the next FDR.  It is, therefore, amazing to see how quickly his political capitol evaporated, as he clashed with State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno (R-Rensselaer).  That was disappointing enough; this latest offense is nauseating.  Right when the public is just beginning to build enthusiasm about the political process and the Democratic party, something like this happens, reminding everyone of the Lewinsky scandal of ten years ago, and reinforcing the idea that all politicians are sleazy, self-serving, Huey Long-esque megalomaniacs. 

Meanwhile, if Spitzer steps down, Lt. Gov. David Paterson will become the Governor.  I'm very interested to see what effect he'll have on the state and congressional races in New York if he ascends.  Is his name too tied to Spitzer's, or will his presence provide a breath of fresh air for the party?  I cautiously await . . . 

So says the latest Q-Poll:

New York State voters approve 61 – 11 percent of the job Gov. Eliot Spitzer is doing and say 61 – 24 percent that his “Steamroller Style” is good for the people, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

If there was ever any question that New Yorkers had doubts with Governor Spitzer’s aggressive agenda for progressive reform in the face of a slow-moving legislature, this should set the record straight:

Voters disapprove 48 – 31 percent of the job the State Legislature is doing, the independent Quinnipiac University poll finds. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver gets a negative 28 – 37 percent score, while Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno gets a negative 25 – 39 percent rating, among the lowest ratings for these leaders.

With negatives like those, Silver and Bruno could stand to learn a thing or two from the ‘Roller.