The Republicans have won back the Senate Majority and it’s time for the Democrats to accept it and move on. See:
Speaking of social justice
I’m surprised the Daily News ran this op-ed from Columbia University professor Marc Lamont Hill, “Strict gun laws are bad for blacks: Why African-Americans should value Second Amendment protections“:
“… It’s little-known that throughout its history, the United States government has gone to great lengths to disarm black people – from early “slave codes” that prohibited blacks from possessing firearms to exorbitant postwar gun tariffs that priced blacks out of the gun market … Such laws prompted Otis McDonald … to successfully sue the City of Chicago … The suit went all the way to the Supreme Court, which correctly affirmed his constitutional right to self-defense. Hopefully, this decision will spark similar pushback around the country. Indeed, the New York Police Department is already lowering the financial barriers for gun possession in the home out of a fear that the courts could strike down its current policies …”
He’s gotten a little ahead of himself. The Clown Council is opposed to lowering the fees.
Election update
More good election news. Nancy Calhoun won re-election in AD-96 in a very close race while Bob Castelli has been maintaining his lead in AD-89. That is especially good as Castelli has a personal interest in firearms.
A matter of social justice
In response to yesterday’s press release, we’re letting Eric Schneiderman know that help is available:
The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association would like to offer consulting services to Attorney General-elect Eric Schneiderman to help guide him as he prepares to take over from departing AG/Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo. NYSRPA notes the conspicuous absence of anyone with a legal background or practical experience dealing with firearms issues on his transition team. In light of the historical Supreme Court decisions affirming that the 2nd Amendment is a specifically enumerated civil right, NYSRPA feels it is important that this area of social justice not be overlooked. As the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, NYSRPA is ready to aid Schneiderman in any area of firearms policy, legislation or jurisprudence.
Schneiderman taps Aborn and Hilly
AG-elect Eric Schneiderman has tapped former Handgun Control (now Brady Campaign) President Richard Aborn and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence mouthpiece Jackie Hilly to be on his “criminal justice” transition team. It’s safe to assume where they’re going to go with it.
Skartados-Kirwan race
In another of the as yet to be decided races, in AD-100 A-rated Tom Kirwan has widened his lead over D-rated Frank Skartados.
Skartados defeated Kirwan in ’08 by less than 1000 votes and now it appears that Kirwan has reversed things. While they still haven’t counted all the ballots, given that Kirwan won in Newbugh, I believe he’s going to come out ahead in the end.
Schumer’s new powers
Despite Democrat loses in the last election, Chuck Schumer has come out ahead. According to The Politico, he’s going to be in charge of a new joint operations effort combining their press, policy and political operations.
Maffei-Buerkle race
Ann Marie Buerkle is maintaining her lead over incumbent antigunner Dan Maffei in CD-25.
I think she’s won it. The Democrats are looking desperate.
Senate control
The counting and recounting is still not done, but I think it is likely the Republicans will control the State Senate next session. That should help keep antigun legislation bottled up, although I question whether Dean Skelos has the sort of control over his conference the same way Joe Bruno did.
In any event, unless there is a serious effort made by the Republicans to reach out to the grassroots and Joe Citizen, sooner or later the Democrats will take the majority in both houses. There’s no reason they should not have picked up the two seats in Westchester, let alone blowing SD-38 in Rockland.
Unlikely
I find these to be hard to believe.
Cuomo Pledges To Use People Power:
“Democratic Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo plans to use people power to move his agenda in Albany when he takes office on Jan. 1. Cuomo, speaking on WOR 710 AM in New York City this morning, said that in order to end what he considers to be a strangle hold of special interests on the state Legislature he will wield his voter mandate to achieve spending and tax caps this coming legislative session. …”
Kolb optimistic about Cuomo administration:
“Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, said today that he’s optimistic about a Cuomo administration …”
First off, Cuomo does not have a mandate. He won in no small part because the the GOP did not put up a serious candidate (Lazio) against him. After their boy lost the primary, the party “leadership” refused to get behind the winner (Paladino).
Second, as for Kolb’s optimism, I’m sure it’s the same sort of optimism I feel whenever I buy a lotto ticket.
Cuomo has been part of the Democrat political machine for decades. He’s not about to change his style or his ambitions. The only question is how much energy he’s going to put into pushing each of his agenda items, including microstamping. He may just leave that one to Eric Schneiderman.