Maltese Out, Ragusa In
There's officially a new Republican County chair in Queens: Phil Ragusa.
The former chair, state Senator Serph Maltese, is now the "honorary chair," according to a spokesperson at the city's Board of Elections who said the paperwork was just filed there moments ago.
Maltese barely won re-election to his state senate seat in Middle Village and has been drawn into a spirited fight over his leadership of the county organization.
Ragusa ran unsuccessfully for city council.
UPDATE: Urban Elephants something more extensive about the Maltese situation here.
-- Azi Paybarah
Ragusa ran against Avella in 2003, in what was supposed to be a potential GOP upset.
Ragusa decided to create his own campaign literature and mailings, which looked like they'd been created back in the 1960s. And they weren't trying for a retro look.
Avella won in a landslide.
Albert Baldeo and Gary Tilzer push destroyed Surf Maltese. They both should be thanked by the Democratic party
1:25 -
Albero Baldeo, is that you?
..is this just the precurser to the Addabbo--Gallagher Senate race in 2008?
I think Matt Gorton, a rising star in the republican party should have been made Chair.
Albert Baldeo is a hero!Let's accept the truth, guys. Without him, Serf would still have been considered an "untouchable monarch." Be kind to Baldeo.
1.37: No, this is the steamroller. Gallagher and Addabbo would not accept the $79,000 salary, when City Council is $115,000. Both voted for it. Avella could teach them both about future office. Addabbo's swelling at the waist. He'll starve in Albany.
Gallagher will brush Addabbo aside! We need an Irish, Italian, Asian Latino-Alberto's the man!
Albert the hero? He's still playing with pictures of Hillary. Check out his recent paid ads.
Yeah, that's right! Hillary and Albert will make a great ticket for 2008-the changing face of America!