Helmke on Paladino

Paul Helmke on Paladino’s primary victory:

“… In Delaware, New York, Nevada, Utah, Kentucky and Alaska, statewide candidates who reject common sense gun laws have won Republican primaries. Carl Paladino in New York wants to repeal the state’s assault weapons law …”

He must be referring to the mailing the campaign did:

“… A letter to prospective 58,000 gun owners—based on NRA records and state gun records and licenses—says “the restriction of our firearm rights went too far under Governor George Pataki and Assembly boss Sheldon Silver,” who it notes later is from New York City. It also calls the recent micro-stamping bill “more Liberal, feel-good claptrap.” …”

This is why he won the GOP primary over the objection of party bosses.

Primary aftermath

Victories:

Defeats:

Other:

Lazio doesn’t like me

My morning e-mail brought me this from a local talk show host:

Lazio’s campaign called yesterday more or less demanding an interview segment. I suggested they contact you by e-mail to arrange it. Man, did I get an earful. They are aware of your comments about Lazio and they DON’T like you.”

Oh, well.

News of the day

New York City gun laws only apply to the little people.

The NRA said there would be consequences for those who voted to confirm Elena Kagan.  The New York Times does not understand this.

Conservative Party gubernatorial candidate Ralph Lorigo has spent $100,000 to deny Rick Lazio the party nomination.

Good point: Even if Lazio wins, he loses.

Brutal attack ad by Kathleen Rice against Eric Schneiderman.

Final primary polling

Final Sienna College poll for Tuesday’s primaries.  They used a small sample, but it basically shows both races are too close to call:

Rick Lazio 43% v. Carl Paladino 42%

Eric Schneiderman 25% v. Kathleen Rice 23% v. Sean Coffey 13% v. Richard Brodsky 7% v. Eric Dinallo 4%

WNY Schneiderman ad

Daley bows out

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley will not seek re-election next year.  He co-founded MAIG along with Mayor Mike and Mumbles.

My first thought upon seeing this was, are the cops are closing in on him?

Endorsing an idiot

Eric Schneiderman was on the campaign trail in Rochester yesterday and tried to link the Buffalo shootings with his microstamping proposal.  Sure, he left out the part about the shootings being gang-related, but not to worry because according to the D&C:

“… He said he favored gun owners’ rights, but said he would crack down on rogue gun dealers …”

The Albany Times Union is impressed with his performance and gave him their endorsement:

“In a crowded Democratic field this year, one candidate clearly stands out: Eric Schneiderman … he has been an eloquent, progressive voice, speaking out for reform, sensible gun control, marriage equality and equal protection for all New Yorkers …”

The Gotham Gazette thinks this endorsement is really helpful:

“… It has been said that Schneiderman is relying heavily on votes from minorities in the city but the Times Union endorsement should solidify him as a force upstate …”

Perhaps they should have checked how the locals reacted because the Niagara Falls Reporter also thinks he clearly stands out:

“There’s an idiot named Eric Schneiderman running in the race for state Attorney General this fall. He thinks the reason there’s so much gun violence in Niagara Falls, Buffalo and New York City is that the state’s gun laws aren’t strong enough … There’s a good case to be made that if there had been one man or woman in the City Grill that night who legally had a handgun and was practiced in its use, McCray could have been dispatched before he had a chance to slaughter five people. Guys like Schneiderman will never understand this …”