William Weld | The New York Observer

Kerry and McCain: Enemies, Friends, and Enemies Again

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:39:59 -0400

John Kerry said over the weekend that John McCain lacks the judgment to be President, leading the Associated Press to note, quite appropriately, that “it’s probably a...

At Atlantic Party, Haves and Have-Nots

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 08:21:08 -0500

Last night at a party for The Atlantic Monthly's 150th anniversary, held on the stage of the NYU student center auditorium, the aging cable-access porn star Robin Byrd was looking around the room. She saw Robert DeNiro, and locked in.

"Hello!" she said, touching his right arm.

"Hi" he replied.

"Hi," she said, curling a smile.

"Hi, hi," he replied, holding his look for an extra second and turned away.

Mass Governors Inc.

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 13:43:15 -0400

Bill Weld will be among the vice chairs for a June 27 fund-raiser in NYC for Mitt Romney, according to an invitation sent over by a reader.

It’s $2,300 for a “photo reception” and $1,000 to attend the “general reception."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY
______________________________________

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2007

Intercontinental The Barclay
111 East 48th Street
New York City

PHOTO RECEPTION 5:30 P.M.
Contribution: $2,300 per...

Mitt's Modest NY Fund-Raiser

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 07:00:00 -0400

The Sheraton New York Hotel has been getting a lot of pre-Presidential action these last few days. First Rudy Giuliani threw a baseball-themed bash there last Wednesday, March 14. And just four days ago, Hillary Clinton hosted a big-ticket mega-fundraiser headlined by her famous husband, Bill. Last night it was Mitt Romney's turn. But while his competitors boasted 1000-person, ballroom-sized events, the former governor's money-raiser was somewhat more modest. Romney's New...

Pataki and Weld

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 09:59:44 -0500

A reader in the city emailed to say the spotted former Governors George Pataki and Bill Weld having lunch together today at the Harvard Club. In case you were wondering what they're up to. -- Azi...

Spitzer Forum Notes

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:02:14 -0500

Random mini-highlights from a New School forum today about the incoming Spitzer administration: NYPIRG's Albany man Blair Horner said the new governor "has to have a big reform victory that people understand" quickly, because the longer he's there, and the more Spitzer works with lawmakers, the harder it'll be to leverage public support for major changes. Lobbyist and consultant Norman Adler criticized the much-discussed Brennan Center report about how to reform the state legislature for shoddy...

Events for Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:00:00 -0500

At 8 a.m., the Campaign for Fiscal Equity has a breakfast forum at the Yale Club. Starting at 8:20 a.m., former governors Bill Weld and Jim Florio join incoming state budget director Paul Francis at a panel discussion on "Governing Change: Policy, Politics and the Spitzer Administration" at The New School. At 9 a.m., the Board of Directors for the NYC Industrial Development Agency will meet at 110 William Street. At 10 a.m., the Governance and Audit...

Elsewhere: Moses Out, Kerry Down, Mulrow In?

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:45:00 -0500

State GOP Executive Director Ryan Moses, who backed Bill Weld over party-nominee John Faso, will leave his job Dec. 1 to become the director of government relations at a Syracuse-based law firm. August 11 is the day to be in Iowa if you're a GOP White House hopeful. A Q poll today measuring the popularity of national leaders finds John Kerry wanting. Ben sees Hillary's ghost writer as something of a metaphor. Greg Sargent condemns the tendency...

But Pirro Soldiered On

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 06:15:00 -0400

Standing under a chandelier that looked like an exploding atom particle, a smiling Jeanine Pirro told LGBT activists and donors at a Manhattan fundraiser that "When I got out of law school 150 years ago, I was taught that equal rights and equal justice applied to all of us. And then, I got into the real world..." This was last night, about three hours after Pirro publicly confirmed that her attempt to verify her...

Pirro: How Was Your Day?

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 21:44:40 -0400

Standing under a chandeleer that looked like an exploding atom particle, a smiling Jeanine Pirro told LGBT activists and donors at a Manhattan fundraiser that "When I got out of law school 150 years ago, I was taught that equal rights and equal justice applied to all of us. And then, I got into the real world..." This was about three hours after Pirro said her attempt to verify her husband's infidelity is now...

Not Particularly Healthy

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 07:42:39 -0400

And on the subject of Republican leadership... Manhattan GOP Chair and medieval cartography expert James Ortenzio - an early Bill Weld supporter - wants to know why John Faso isn't getting more help from the county leaders who claim to be in his camp. "They're the ones who said last September that a primary would vitiate our resources," he said, referring to the Faso supporters. "That presupposes that there are resources. Let's see them." As...

The Morning Read: July 14, 2006

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 04:13:56 -0400

The Times reports on K.T. McFarland's fundraiser with Bud McFarlane last night. The Assembly Majority Leader, Paul Tokasz, will retire at the end of his current term. The Daily News reports on Bill Weld's distribution of campaign funds to Republican candidates. Quinnipiac polls on the 11th district. AP reports on petition filing in the race for attorney general. —Nicole...

Blue-Collar Revenge Helped Doom Weld

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 20:00:00 -0400

The Republican Party’s bluebloods have had a bad month.

William Weld ended his New York gubernatorial bid eight days ago, unable to recover from the smarting defeat he suffered at the hands of John Faso at the G.O.P.’s state convention. Mr. Faso claimed 61 percent of the convention votes against 39 for Mr. Weld. K.T. McFarland is pressing on with her attempt to win the party’s nomination for Senate, despite injunctions from state chairman...

Blue-Collar Revenge Helped Doom Weld

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 20:00:00 -0400

The Republican Party’s bluebloods have had a bad month. William Weld ended his New York gubernatorial bid eight days ago, unable to recover from the smarting defeat he suffered at the hands of John Faso at the G.O.P.’s state convention. Mr. Faso claimed 61 percent of the convention votes against 39 for Mr. Weld. K.T. McFarland is pressing on with her attempt to win the party’s nomination for Senate, despite injunctions from state chairman Stephen...

The Transom

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 20:00:00 -0400

Lindsay Lohan’s ‘Treacherous Turn’

At the Prairie Home Companion premiere’s after-party in the bar of the Hudson Hotel on Sunday, Lindsay Lohan, in a short little black-and-gold tunic, eyelashes suspiciously thick, joined her family. She self-consciously picked up a pool stick. Her opponents at the table were various daughters of Meryl Streep, startling look-alikes to their mother. “I don’t think I can bend over,” Ms. Lohan said. “She was well trained at the...

Good Night, Weld: Ruddy Candidate Throws In Towel

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 20:00:00 -0400

He left humbly, heaping praise upon John Faso, a former minority leader in the New York State Assembly. “Sometimes it takes a little while for things to settle in, and it was no one thing,” he...

Good Night, Weld: Ruddy Candidate Throws In Towel

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 20:00:00 -0400

Bill Weld entered the New York Governor’s race as a red-haired, ruddy-cheeked savior for the state’s declining G.O.P. establishment—a former two-term Massachusetts governor and classical scholar who was once considered a strong potential candidate for President. He left humbly, heaping praise upon John Faso, a former minority leader in the New York State Assembly. “Sometimes it takes a little while for things to settle in, and it was no one thing,” he said to...

The Weld Effect

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 07:54:04 -0400

Ben reports that the Spitzer people are "elated" to have Bill Weld out of the race, setting up the prospect of a campaign against a "known, predictable and conservative quantity." I don't doubt it for a moment. Interestingly, though, I heard from a Suozzi advisor yesterday who said that Faso was great for their guy, too. His logic: a) without Weld around, Faso will be able to focus on Eliot Spitzer b) without Weld around, the media will...

In Today's Observer

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:43:54 -0400

Jason Horowitz reports on Iraq as rhetorical quagmire for New York's politicians. Anna Schneider-Mayerson reports on Andrew Cuomo's private sector dealings. Jason Horowitz and Nicole Brydson report on Bill Weld's withdrawal from the race for Governor. Joe Conason writes it's politics as usual, instead of security. Michael MacDonald writes in favor of public financing. Jason Horowitz reports on Weld's post-convention barbeque. Sheelah Kolhatkar asks where the marchers have gone. Nicholas von Hoffman writes about English as a second language. In the...

The Morning Read: June 7, 2006

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 04:59:26 -0400

Bill Weld quits the race for governor, reports the Times. Robert Menendez will face Thomas Kean, Jr. in the New Jersey election for U.S. Senate. The Post reports KT McFarland will soon be urged out of the Republican primary race for Senate. Newsday teams up with NY1 on a poll showing Eliot Spitzer ahead by 50 points. —Nicole...

It's Official

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 08:19:56 -0400

It's official, Bill Weld's entertaining bid for governor is over. John Faso joined Weld at the podium today for his announcement, which turned into somewhat of a love fest between the now former rivals. Here was Weld talking to the media pack: On the economic issues facing New York and the issues that are most critical to the future of New York State in this crossroads election, John Faso and I are on...

The Morning Read: June 6, 2006

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 04:29:23 -0400

The Times reports on threats made against Cory Booker. Hearings are scheduled for legislative redistricting. Today is Primary Day in New Jersey. The Daily News reports that Greg Meeks ranks in the top 10 of "globetrotting congressional offices." Bill Weld is facing pressure to drop out of the governor's race. —Nicole...

Weld Needs a New Coalition. Or Party.

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:53:27 -0400

Steven Minarik's decision to urge Bill Weld to drop out of the Republican primary for governor lends some added poignancy to something Weld told us just four days ago: "You never know where your next coalition is coming from." -- Jason...

What About Steve?

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 08:33:34 -0400

Besides the influence of George Pataki, and the future of Bill Weld, another state Republican big shot who comes out limping from yesterday's convention in Hempstead has to be Stephen J. Minarik III, the party leader who publicly and staunchly backed Weld and predicted that John faso would fail to break 16 percent. During a press conference in the "Pride Room" at the Hofstra arena after winning the party's endorsement, John Faso was...

Weld: Conventions Aren't Really My Thing

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 07:10:04 -0400

So what now for Bill Weld? He started out this election season as one of the most intriguing figures from either part to seek statewide office, but now has Globe alumnus Pat Healy asking whether his stock has fallen to the point of becoming a "spoiler" for John Faso. At his post-convention barbeque yesterday in Bellport, Horowitz reports, Weld spent a half hour ruminating with the handful of reporters there about the significance of his heavy...

After Vote, Whither Weld?

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 08:06:29 -0400

Horowitz has this from the Hoftra Arena: So the delegates are voting ("Lewis County -with more cows than people and the largest wind farm east of the Mississippi proudly supports John Faso"). Faso looks like he is doing very well so far, but the last few counties that voted, especially Manhattan, which is voting now, are going heavily for Bill Weld. Also, Faso supporters are making themselves heard and seen much more than Weld's, stomping...

Events for June 1, 2006

Wed, 31 May 2006 13:33:35 -0400

Tomorrow, a commission appointed by Mayor Bloomberg to review the salaries of elected officials will hold a public hearing at 110 William Street at 3pm. Bill Weld hosts a post-convention barbeque at his home in Bellport. Stonewall Democrats host a 20th anniversary celebration of the City Council's passage of the Gay Rights law. —Nicole...

Weld Presents Jacobs, Bruno Shrugs

Wed, 31 May 2006 10:52:32 -0400

Exasperated. That's the word Jason just used to describe Bill Weld's tone as he unveiled his running mate out at the Republican convention on Long Island. "Chris and I are lacking in one area," Weld said at his press conference in the Hofstra Arena, referring to Chris Jacobs, the 39 year-old secretary of state. "We are both strangers to the halls of Albany." But just moments after touting Jacobs as an Albany outsider, Weld took pains...

Editorials

Sun, 28 May 2006 20:00:00 -0400

Pataki’s Legacy: Chaos and Disarray New York’s Republican Party will gather on Long Island on May 31 for a state nominating convention. For the first time since 1990, George Elmer Pataki will not be the party’s nominee for Governor. After a dozen years, Mr. Pataki is bowing out—and none too soon. He and his administration ran out of energy and ideas about 11 years ago. The lethargy of the Pataki era will be evident...

The Morning Read: May 26, 2006

Fri, 26 May 2006 04:27:31 -0400

The Times reports on Mike Bloomberg's speech to graduating students at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. A study shows that campaign finance regulations in New York State need to be strengthened. Bill Weld proposes the elimination of the state gas tax and an increase in environmental spending, reports AP. The Daily News speaks to Democratic delegates, scheduled to attend their state convention. —Nicole...

Beyond Decker

Thu, 25 May 2006 07:07:12 -0400

So the website of Wave 3 news, an NBC affiliate way out in Louisville, has a story on its Website that Bill Weld might want to read. The web site reports that FBI investigators are checking out a trade school (ring a bell?) owned by two brothers, Jeffrey and Gerald Woodcox. This school was set up to test truckers applying for commercial licenses, but the brothers also ran Decker College Inc, which...

Happy Faso Day

Tue, 23 May 2006 08:05:17 -0400

So the official announcement of moderate C. Scott Vanderhoef as John Faso's running mate will come at 1:00 today, the campaign says. The timing, of course, is choreographed to coincide with the Conservative party's endorsement of Faso at the pre-convention convention today. Bill Weld, meanwhile, is affecting an attitude of complete disintest about Faso's big day. "We're continuing to work to gain support in the Republican Party and the Independence Party," said Andrea...

A Welcome Non-Endorsement

Tue, 23 May 2006 07:12:28 -0400

The Times answers our question from yesterday about whether Bill Weld actually wants George Pataki's public support. Sort...

Events for May 23, 2006

Mon, 22 May 2006 14:00:14 -0400

Tomorrow morning, Marcia Gay Harden, Christine Quinn and Geraldine Ferraro host a women's breakfast Andrew Cuomo at the Sheraton. John Faso and Bill Weld speak at a New York Building Congress forum at the Hilton. Bill Clinton speaks at Cooper Union's 147th Commencement. Later in the day the New York State Conservative Party meets at the Sheraton. —Nicole...

Governor Kryptonite?

Mon, 22 May 2006 12:02:03 -0400

The State Democratic Committee has come up with the intriguing theory that George Pataki's endorsement will be as helpful as a stomach virus to whoever gets it. Citing the governor's "toxic" approval ratings, a helpful backgrounder concluded that "his endorsement could ultimately be a net negative, if not irrelevant." This, as the governor is reported to be on the verge of embracing Bill Weld in the Republican primary. (And, of course, as the governor is maintaining...

The Morning Read: May 22, 2006

Mon, 22 May 2006 04:21:05 -0400

The Times reports Chuck Schumer signed a new book deal. Newsday has a guide to politics and politicians. The Sun reports that Bill Weld is set to receive the endorsement of George Pataki. The Albany Times Union reports Kristen Gillibrand gets a boost from House Democrats. —Nicole...

Faso's La-La Land

Fri, 19 May 2006 06:16:55 -0400

Could John Faso, in his wildest dreams, imagine that it would come to this? Just a few months after the always-measured Stephen Minarik accused him of living in "la-la land" over his political strength, there was a satisfied-looking Faso on NY1 accusing Bill Weld of being the "desperate candidate" in the Republican primary. Giving the knife an extra half-turn, considering Weld's view of himself as the rhetorical heir of either Lincoln or Douglas (or both), Faso...

The Libertarian Threat

Thu, 18 May 2006 11:12:41 -0400

It's no wonder Bill Weld's attempt to assure himself a spot on the ballot by seeking out of the the Libertarian line infuriated so many conservative Republicans. The Libertarians gave Weld their endorsement, but in a measure of just how meaningless that really is, they also selected their preferred candidate to take on Hillary Clinton. His name is Jeff Russell, a retiree who spends a lot of time with his dog, Shadow. (Then...

Supreme Leader

Wed, 17 May 2006 06:41:51 -0400

Maybe it's just because I haven't been paying close enough attention, but I'm stunned by the new Quinnipiac poll numbers on the governor's race.

Registered voters responding to the interestingly formulated statement that "New York State is broken and needs to be fixed" said by a margin of 72-20 that the only candidate who could fix it was Eliot Spitzer.

And in a development to which Ben has aptly ascribed the term...

New York G.O.P. Is Free-Falling To '06 Election

Sun, 14 May 2006 20:00:00 -0400

Twelve years later, the party is in complete disarray and the Democrats are poised for not an election but a coronation in November. Many of the power brokers of...

New York G.O.P. Is Free-Falling To ’06 Election

Sun, 14 May 2006 20:00:00 -0400

Back in 1994, Alfonse D’Amato took George Pataki by the hand and led him out of oblivion—or, rather, Peekskill—and into the Governor’s Mansion. The Republican Party won its first gubernatorial election since Nelson Rockefeller’s final victory in 1970, and the party’s prospects looked bright. Twelve years later, the party is in complete disarray and the Democrats are poised for not an election but a coronation in November. Many of the power brokers of yesterday...

Events for May 5-8, 2006

Fri, 05 May 2006 13:10:43 -0400

Tonight, The Metropolitan Club holds its 104th Annual Ball honoring Bill Weld, with KT McFarland as guest speaker. Then, 10th congressional district challenger and hip hop aficionado Kevin Powell hosts a birthday celebration at Spy. On Sunday, the Lexington Democratic Club, Lenox Hill Democratic Club, East Side Democratic Club, Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, Gramercy-Stuyvesant Independent Democratic Club, Samuel Tilden Democratic Club and CODA will hold a candidates forum for all Democratic Gubernatorial and Attorney General candidates. Then,...

The Morning Read: May 2, 2006

Tue, 02 May 2006 04:01:05 -0400

The Daily News reports that Andrew Cuomo picked up an endorsement from Unite Here. The Post reports that Rudy is weighing his chances in '08. The Times reports on yesterday's rally and march and the support from some Albany lawmakers. And the Sun reports that John Faso and Bill Weld want to eliminate the gas tax. —Nicole...

The Morning Read: April 28, 2006

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 04:07:41 -0400

The Daily News reports that Adele Cohen has not decided if she will seek re-election; and on the difference between Bloomberg and Pataki on abortion. The Post reports on Bill Thompson's audit of the medical firm which provides services to New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS; and the City Council descended into NASCAR chaos. The Sun reports on Bill Weld, who is expected to walk away with the Libertarian line on Saturday. The Albany Times Union reports on...

Events for April 25, 2006

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 14:09:46 -0400

In the morning, Joe Crowley meets with local immigration advocates and service providers in Jackson Heights, just before New York University's Center on Law & Security hosts a conference on presidential powers at the NYU School of Law, with keynote speaker John Dean. In the evening, Libertarians meet up in Brooklyn, but Bill Weld will be out in the Rockaways speaking to area Republicans. —Nicole...

Weld to Seek Libertarian Line

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 06:17:58 -0400

Bill Weld's campaign has confirmed that he will seek the Libertarian Party's endorsement for governor. He is expected to attend their convention, to be held in Albany on April 29th, to garner support from party members who will vote that afternoon. Weld supporter Richard Cooper of Westbury, the former Libertarian state chair, says he will seek to return to his former position in the party and hopes to garner 50,000 votes for Weld...

Events for April 17-18, 2006

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 13:52:33 -0400

Tonight, the Brooklyn Young Republican Club hosts Bill Weld (his first stop in Bay Ridge). Tomorrow morning, Christine Quinn addresses the Crain's NY Business Breakfast Forum at the Grand Hyatt. Then, Riverkeeper announces their intent to file suit against Entergy Nuclear Northeast because of an alleged radioactive leak at Indian Point. In the afternoon, Local 32BJ workers march from 79th Street and Fifth Avenue to 83rd Street and Park Avenue for a contract. In the evening,...

Jeanie's Got a Gun

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 05:02:19 -0400

The Conservative Party's annual conference is usually funny, so it was just a lack of foresight on our part not to have sent someone. So we'll have to make do with other people's reports: Jeanine F. Pirro, who is running for attorney general, said she would not push for restrictions on legal guns and proudly declared that she had a .22, a .38 and a Mauser....

Carpet-Bagger Reruns

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 10:51:05 -0400

AP's Marc Humbert got Steve Minarik to raise the carpet-bagger issue again, in a conversation about Hillary's plans to deliver a speech about job creation tonight in Chicago. "She's quite at home there," Minarik said. "Do I need to say anything else? You can fill in all the rest, about how perhaps she can help create jobs in her hometown as opposed to here in New York state where she hasn't done...

The Morning Read: April 7, 2006

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 05:53:26 -0400

The Daily News reports that Bill de Blasio has been given an ultimatum by Staten Island Democrats; and Bill Weld is interested in seeking the Libertarian line in his run for governor. The Post reports that Mark Green and his wife were working the crowd at the Women for Spitzer breakfast yesterday. The Times reports that Rudy Giuliani could be laying the groundwork for 2008. And the Albany Times Union rounds up Ada Smith's appearance in...