Next Up: Maltese?
One state Democratic official told me that despite a report that he had already reject an overture, Serph Maltese was still "target number one" of the Spitzer administration's recruitment efforts, partly because of his close re-election this year -- meaning that his seat is eminently winnable for Democrats -- and because of his record of working with local Democrats around his district.
It's an intriguing notion, although Maltese has so far done nothing to indicate that he intends to make an early exit.
At a swearing ceremony last night at Christ the King High School, according to one attendee, Maltese thanked the roughly 250 guests for their help and jokingly noted that he really had needed each and every one of them to win this year. Maltese also said, meaningfully, that he loves being a state senator and wants to keep his seat for at least few more years.
Spitzer spokesperson Christine Anderson declined to comment.
-- Azi Paybarah
Spitzer is more concerned with competence and making himself look non partisan. Balboni worked, serph wouldn't.
Does anyone know what Spitzer may be offering Maltese to induce him to leave the Senate?
The story is not true 2:41
Will Spitzer endorse Albert Baldeo who ran a Brilliant race against Maltese?
That is the least Spitzer, David Paterson and Malcolm Smith can do. They should actually be headlining Baldeo's reelection bid, or bow out as democratic leaders...Heard that Rangel and other national leaders are POed by their lack of action and support for Baldeo.
If Baldeo were to run again he would actually have to show up at civic meetings
Good to see that Tilzer put down the twinkie long enough to post at 5:55. Nobody who isn't on crack thinks Baldeo ran a sleazy race, just that Maltese was comatose while Baldeo rode a Dem wave. So, Gary, the answer is of course Spitzer won't endorse Baldeo. It's unlikely Spitzer will ever endorse somebody who was arrested on weapons charges.
Whoops, typo in my last comment. I meant to say nobody who isn't on crack thinks Bladeo ran a brilliant race, rather he ran a typical Tilzer-ish sleazy race.
A Maltese appointment just doesn't hold water. Unlike Balboni, who is a relatively moderate conservative, Serph is a real right winger who would be pretty lost in an even moderately liberal Democratic administration. His ability to work well with local Democrats mostly concerns either non-ideological community service issues or political deals to endorse similar judicial candidates or not oppose each other. These do not translate well into other environments. Besides, what skills does Maltese bring to the table that Spitzer can use?
Even if I am wrong and Serph joins Eliot, it is hardly clear that this provides the Democrats with a slam dunk to take the seat. The special election race will be between Councilman Gallagher, whose district includes a good deal of Sepph's and Councilman Addabbo. (Baldeo will not be a factor.) But this match up will also occur in 2008, if Serph stays and then provides Gallagher a chance to succeed him before his final council term ends. Given the inherent freakishness of special elections, it is entirely possible that Gallagher may have a better chance of success there than in the high turnout 2008 presidential election. And, if he does win the special, he would be far more formidable as an incumbant in 2008.
So maybe this kick Serph upstairs campaign is not be a very smart move.
Good to see that Tilzer put down the twinkie long enough to post at 5:55. Nobody who isn't on crack thinks Baldeo ran a sleazy race, just that Maltese was comatose while Baldeo rode a Dem wave. So, Gary, the answer is of course Spitzer won't endorse Baldeo. It's unlikely Spitzer will ever endorse somebody who was arrested on weapons charges.
Posted by: Anonymous | December 29, 2006 10:50 PM
RUBBISH!RUBBISH!RUBBISH!
Any one can get set up on a weapons charge. You too! Even Spitzer! All some perjurer has to do is to swear to an affidavit that you pointed a gun, or some thing looking like a gun, at them. End of story. Could be a prostitute making the allegation, or a political rival as in Baldeo's case-You will be arrested! Also, check the filings-Maltese out spent Baldeo by $100,000! So you are the comatose ignoramus one, my friend. The Dem wave did not reach the State senate elections. If it did then County endorsed Nora Marino would not have been defeated by over 20% by Frank Padavan, and Brian Keeler, Jimmy Dahroug would have fared much better!
Any joe who scores 49% against an institution like Maltese is a hero indeed, and so is this Gary guy. Are you kidding me? Joe Addabbo, son of the famous Congressman, docked out of this race even with the political clout of Bloomberg! Baldeo has balls aright! Any one can see that that gun charge was a political set up! Grow up, guys!
Pheffer is going for Borough President. Addabbo will take her seat. Whty this race war spurred by Addabbo's desperados? Do you guys want the Black and Latino caucus to split Crowley's party?
Earth to Baldeo fans: your guy will not be a factor in any future race for this district. While he did play the very useful role of highlighting Maltese's vulnerability and making the Queens organization look like fools for not challenging Serph in 2006, Baldeo will not be a serious player once the Queens Dems get serious. Does anyone think he could capture the County Committee in a Special Election nomination or win a seriously contested primary election in 2008? Baldeo's time was in 2006, when he almost won in a fluke. But lightning will not strike twice.
"Whty this race war spurred by Addabbo's desperados? Do you guys want the Black and Latino caucus to split Crowley's party?"
What race war? The only people engaging in that seem to be Baldeo people (more accurately probably just 1 person) if the various blog comments of that idea are any indication. Sounds like someone is engaging in the "big lie" propaganda communication style.
"Whty this race war spurred by Addabbo's desperados? Do you guys want the Black and Latino caucus to split Crowley's party?"
What race war? The only people engaging in that seem to be Baldeo people (more accurately probably just 1 person) if the various blog comments of that idea are any indication. Sounds like someone is engaging in the "big lie" propaganda communication style.
As a resident of Middle Village, the election was close becasue a number of voters in the Middle Village, Maspeth, Glendale areas did not turn out and vote. Many thought Serf would have an easy race. The 2006 results are very misleading and I guarantee that if Serf runs in 2008, it will be a classic Serf race and nothing will be taken for granted. He will win an easy victory next time. If not Serf, Gallagher will win in a walk.
A classic Serf race is one with no opponent. This is the first time he's had one since his early days. A guy with a rep as a whacko on the Dem line with no organization support almost beat him. Addabbo or another Dem who will have full support will win.