Paxon is a serious conservative (100% rating with ACU) and a search of FEC records indicate he never gave anything to Randy Kuhl. Also, his is the old Tom Reynolds district, so he covered very little of the 29th save the northern tip of Cattaraugus County and western Monroe County and parts of Ontario.
There's an ironic juxtaposition in today's USA Today print version, page A8, with a pretty good editorial comment by Bob Franken on Massa right next to a random letter to the editor about civil rights by former Amo Houghton and Randy Kuhl Chief of Staff Bob Wicklin (although he isn't identified as a former congressional staffer it is from "Bob Van Wicklin, Houghton, NY" in Allegany County). Gannett or just a strange coincidence.
Paxon's district at one point covered much of what's currently the 29th, and he only left congress because of bad blood with Newt, so that's a good pick-up. Reed seems to have ridden out the turmoil and emerged stronger for it.
Here's what the Atlantic said: "A couple years ago, I got a tip about Eric Massa. It involved his aggrieved former campaign manager, Sanford Dickert, who was involved in an ugly dispute. "
In my experience, the person who sends tips about the Sanford Dickert case, and the person most invested in it, is Sanford Dickert. Sanford Dickert sent me a similar set of documents that the Atlantic reporter had. In fact, he posted most of them to a website to publicize the case. I have no evidence about who tipped off the Atlantic reporter, but Dickert was involved in a campaign to publicize the case far and wide "a couple of years ago" so I can only guess that the source was Dickert or one of his allies.
In general, Dickert's far from an innocent victim in all of this. While it was going on, he did things like astroturf this blog (i.e., posting as multiple individuals). After it was over, he contacted me and asked me to take down all the posts I made about the whole thing.
Also, I do not, and did not, praise Massa's conduct in this case. All I said is that he didn't commit perjury. I said he showed bad judgment. So did Dickert.
I read the Atlantic, and you misstate the source of thier information. It appears that the Atlantic got their information from the Court documents, not from Dickert himself.
What is more troubling is the documents themselves. It seems that to fight a bill, Massa lashed out with admittedly untrue allegations. Seeing now how many times he has changed his story, his lack of credibility is now way clear, but back then, think of the harm he caused.
The third decision they post shows that Massa then tried to hide the "discovery" in the action. Finally Massa appears to have settled the matter, which again is hush-hush, but a google search shows that he cleared Dickert's name, admitted he lied about it all and the allegations were "unfounded" in a “joint statement”.
So when you praise Massa, I'm sorry, but I can't agree with you or identify with him at all. He nuked the life of an innocent guy with horrible and admittedly untrue stories, and dragged his own son through his muck and lies (as noted by the second decision) becuase he didn't want to pay a bill. Ridiculous!
Randy's State and Federal pensions are pretty good, why would he want to work again?
Remember, this is the same guy who, upon being informed he lost the 2008 election, quit going to work as Congressman before his term was completed. I'm sure he didn't stop cashing his congressional paycheck though.
What indications do you have that Reed is not "another RINO?" Is he not endorsed by both Kuhl, Winner and Brooks? Based on those endorsements alone, he clearly doesn't fit the mold of either true Republican ideals or the Conservative party. We have heard nothing about Reeds stance on issues of life, marriage and constitutional construction. Most of it is tired Republican talking points and rhetoric.
No-one really wanted another RINO for the 29th, so Kuhl and Brooks were out. Gold star for Tim.
As an additional note to the Anonymous poster who suggested that Reed must owe favors, first of all the reason Reed is getting support is because he is not beholding to anyone and the grassroots like that. Secondly it must feel really safe to hide behind anonymity when making comments like that. Man up! If you're going to make comments like that, expose yourself.
Reed must be the golden child. They are really sticking behind him. Reed most owe a lot of people a lot of favors. You wouldn't know it by his abysmal fund raising.
As Chris Matthews just said on MSNB's "Hardball": Congress, surprisingly or not, ends up being a collection of all types of people just as in society---including those with identity confusion issues and the like. If Eric has had this as a lifelong issue (I for one believe in genuine bisexuality) it is sad that the matter now has to be outted (no pun really intended) in such a painful, public way. IF there is anything to this foolishness and innuendo, where does it end? Does he next announce that he's not gay, as was his response to Larry King, but in fact "bisexual"? I just feel so badly and concerned for him and his family. He is such a smart, ambitious, hard-driving guy--who really did represent this district with passion (whoops, no pun intended there either) and devotion.
Bath, NY – Former Congressman John R. Kuhl released the following statement regarding his decision not to run for Congress.
“Over the last week, I have heard from hundreds of my former constituents urging me to run for my old congressional seat. Their emotional plea to me was humbling and most appreciative. But after careful consideration, I have decided to forego a run for Congress. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me during my 28 years of public service. I look forward to helping the 29th District in any way that I can and I urge my neighbors and friends to support Tom Reed for this congressional seat.”
Because that's what he did. When he won the election, he had actually lived in the district for 8 years, and had been running for Congress for 4. Before that he had never lived in the district, was never registered to vote in New York, except as a Republican before he switched parties. And he has said that. Rotten himself has said that was the case and that it didn't matter as many people move into the district (yet few run for Congress).
As for the Democrat paty... There are Republicans and Democrats. A member of the Republican party calls himself a Republican. A Democrat is not a Democratic. I am a Democrat. Not a Democratic.
Whatever the case, get this joker off the national media. He's killing us.
Paxon is a serious conservative (100% rating with ACU) and a search of FEC records indicate he never gave anything to Randy Kuhl. Also, his is the old Tom Reynolds district, so he covered very little of the 29th save the northern tip of Cattaraugus County and western Monroe County and parts of Ontario.
There's an ironic juxtaposition in today's USA Today print version, page A8, with a pretty good editorial comment by Bob Franken on Massa right next to a random letter to the editor about civil rights by former Amo Houghton and Randy Kuhl Chief of Staff Bob Wicklin (although he isn't identified as a former congressional staffer it is from "Bob Van Wicklin, Houghton, NY" in Allegany County). Gannett or just a strange coincidence.
Paxon's district at one point covered much of what's currently the 29th, and he only left congress because of bad blood with Newt, so that's a good pick-up. Reed seems to have ridden out the turmoil and emerged stronger for it.
The lamb to the slaughter has not yet been identified, no.
Here's what the Atlantic said: "A couple years ago, I got a tip about Eric Massa. It involved his aggrieved former campaign manager, Sanford Dickert, who was involved in an ugly dispute. "
In my experience, the person who sends tips about the Sanford Dickert case, and the person most invested in it, is Sanford Dickert. Sanford Dickert sent me a similar set of documents that the Atlantic reporter had. In fact, he posted most of them to a website to publicize the case. I have no evidence about who tipped off the Atlantic reporter, but Dickert was involved in a campaign to publicize the case far and wide "a couple of years ago" so I can only guess that the source was Dickert or one of his allies.
In general, Dickert's far from an innocent victim in all of this. While it was going on, he did things like astroturf this blog (i.e., posting as multiple individuals). After it was over, he contacted me and asked me to take down all the posts I made about the whole thing.
Also, I do not, and did not, praise Massa's conduct in this case. All I said is that he didn't commit perjury. I said he showed bad judgment. So did Dickert.
I read the Atlantic, and you misstate the source of thier information. It appears that the Atlantic got their information from the Court documents, not from Dickert himself.
What is more troubling is the documents themselves. It seems that to fight a bill, Massa lashed out with admittedly untrue allegations. Seeing now how many times he has changed his story, his lack of credibility is now way clear, but back then, think of the harm he caused.
The third decision they post shows that Massa then tried to hide the "discovery" in the action. Finally Massa appears to have settled the matter, which again is hush-hush, but a google search shows that he cleared Dickert's name, admitted he lied about it all and the allegations were "unfounded" in a “joint statement”.
So when you praise Massa, I'm sorry, but I can't agree with you or identify with him at all. He nuked the life of an innocent guy with horrible and admittedly untrue stories, and dragged his own son through his muck and lies (as noted by the second decision) becuase he didn't want to pay a bill. Ridiculous!
And still no Democrat?
And, along those lines, to what extent will she/he accept any transfer of funds from Massa (to extent the law allows)....???
Randy's State and Federal pensions are pretty good, why would he want to work again?
Remember, this is the same guy who, upon being informed he lost the 2008 election, quit going to work as Congressman before his term was completed. I'm sure he didn't stop cashing his congressional paycheck though.
Who will be the dem's pick? That's what I want to know.
What indications do you have that Reed is not "another RINO?" Is he not endorsed by both Kuhl, Winner and Brooks? Based on those endorsements alone, he clearly doesn't fit the mold of either true Republican ideals or the Conservative party. We have heard nothing about Reeds stance on issues of life, marriage and constitutional construction. Most of it is tired Republican talking points and rhetoric.
Right. Understood!
Tom Reed must be the luckiest guy in Steuben County, if not Upstate entirely.
Tim Pearson nailed it!
No-one really wanted another RINO for the 29th, so Kuhl and Brooks were out. Gold star for Tim.
As an additional note to the Anonymous poster who suggested that Reed must owe favors, first of all the reason Reed is getting support is because he is not beholding to anyone and the grassroots like that. Secondly it must feel really safe to hide behind anonymity when making comments like that. Man up! If you're going to make comments like that, expose yourself.
Nah, the Southern Tier wants one of their own - not Maggie.
And nobody wants Randy.
It's as simple as that.
There's nothing wrong with being gay, bi or straight. But he knew damn well that the harassment would kill his political career.
Reed must be the golden child. They are really sticking behind him. Reed most owe a lot of people a lot of favors. You wouldn't know it by his abysmal fund raising.
As Chris Matthews just said on MSNB's "Hardball": Congress, surprisingly or not, ends up being a collection of all types of people just as in society---including those with identity confusion issues and the like. If Eric has had this as a lifelong issue (I for one believe in genuine bisexuality) it is sad that the matter now has to be outted (no pun really intended) in such a painful, public way. IF there is anything to this foolishness and innuendo, where does it end? Does he next announce that he's not gay, as was his response to Larry King, but in fact "bisexual"? I just feel so badly and concerned for him and his family. He is such a smart, ambitious, hard-driving guy--who really did represent this district with passion (whoops, no pun intended there either) and devotion.
Hmmm...for some reason, I thought he indeed would get in. Guess the notion died for lack of a second, 'eh? Is Maggie Brooks next?
Somebody sent it via email:
Where is the press release posted?
Bring on a new party...or better yet...an Independent. Maybe Paterson will run for the seat, since he won't be up for governor this year.
I just posted about it. Just keeps getting worse for Massa.
Hard to forget this:
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/03/eric-massas-navy-fil...
Because that's what he did. When he won the election, he had actually lived in the district for 8 years, and had been running for Congress for 4. Before that he had never lived in the district, was never registered to vote in New York, except as a Republican before he switched parties. And he has said that. Rotten himself has said that was the case and that it didn't matter as many people move into the district (yet few run for Congress).
As for the Democrat paty... There are Republicans and Democrats. A member of the Republican party calls himself a Republican. A Democrat is not a Democratic. I am a Democrat. Not a Democratic.
Whatever the case, get this joker off the national media. He's killing us.