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In Hollywood, they say, it can take a lifetime to become an overnight success. In Albany, it can take a lifetime to become an overnight failure. Governor David Paterson has spent a lifetime in Albany. Before his six-day-old campaign came to a halt last week—and long before he became Topic A for the New York media—Mr. Paterson’s career trajectory seemed to defy... READ MORE»
The latest round of campaign-finance numbers will come out later this week, and the debate about how much money embattled Governor David Paterson needs to stave off a challenge from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is well underway. The question is how much Paterson needs to raise his poll numbers in an effort prevent a rush towards Cuomo, particularly considering what Paterson has already spent on television... READ MORE»
ALBANY—David Paterson has announced that director of communications Risa Heller is leaving his administration to "pursue other opportunities." Heller's last day is not yet set. Nor, Paterson just told reporters at a press conference, is her... READ MORE»
Here's a look at some of where two top aides to David Paterson donated money in the last filing (January 12-July 11): Risa Heller, Paterson’s well-paid director of communications, donated $250 to Scott Stringer in January. Sean Patrick Maloney, a top aide to Paterson who previously ran for attorney general, is spreading his money around. In addition to giving money to Sheldon Silver, Maloney contributed to City Council candidates Bob Zuckerman in Brooklyn, Ari... READ MORE»
Democratic consultant Bill Lynch, who has been giving advice to incoming Governor David Paterson, was hanging out this morning outside the executive chambers on the second floor of the Capitol. I asked Lynch about reports that people are coming out of the woodwork to ask Paterson for favors and... READ MORE»
Dan Squadron is 28 years old, has never held a public office, and has already raised $205,153.33 in his bid to challenge 30-year incumbent Marty Connor for a state Senate seat, according to the most recent campaign filings. Connor's numbers haven't been posted online yet, but I'm told he's raised less than $5,000. When I asked his consultant Evan Stavisky, he told me Connor “hasn’t started fund-raising. He’ll raise and spend whatever it takes... READ MORE»
After two and a half years in the hardest job in New York politics, Risa Heller is leaving government to work for Pollock, Silvan and company at the Global Strategy Group. Which should give her a decent opportunity to put the skills she learned from her ubiquitous boss to good use.... READ MORE»
Here's an interesting little sidelight to the DOT bid-rigging story: Santo Petrocelli and Santo Petrocelli Jr., both listed as employees of Petrocelli Electric (the company accused of defraudnig the Department of Transportation) contributed a total of $4000 to Chuck Schumer, the husband of the commissioner of that department, in December, 2002. He returned the money (the FEC has him returning twice what he was given, which seems likely to be a typo of some sort)... READ MORE»
Instant messaging has become the preferred message of communication among a segment of the political and media class that just barely missed the phenomenon in high school. And there's a Web site, AIM Fight, that allows you to track who has the largest network of instant-messaging "buddies" -- depending on your interpretation, that's whoever is the most connected or whoever has the most time on his or her hands. The numbers change constantly -- they're based... READ MORE»
One Risa Heller. Heller, now Rep. Jane Harman's communications director, will be playing the same role in Chuck Schumer's office, taking over for Stu Loeser. She is, we see from this little bio, perfectly qualified for handling her new boss and the New York press. Her degree from the University of Michigan is in psychology and Jewish cultural... READ MORE»
