Westchester Democrats stick with Latimer
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- February
- 13
Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s criticism of Assemblyman George Latimer doesn’t seem to be hurting the Rye Democrat’s support in his home county.
“I support the governor in many things and will continue to support the governor, however I am still the county chair in Westchester and George is a favorite son of Westchester,” said county Democratic Chairman Reginald LaFayette.
“George is an incumbent and has a fine record,” LaFayette said. ”(The comptroller vote) was one vote and I don’t know if one vote makes or breaks a person. If one vote makes or breaks a person, then we are all doomed.”LaFayette said Latimer remains popular in the Sound Shore area and is not likely to face a primary challenge, despite Spitzer’s suggestion that an opponent could be found.
“I am very disappointed that this is the road we are heading down,” LaFayette said, referring to the governor’s handling of the matter.

















THE VOTERS MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT VIEW
no we dont we feel the same. And it doesnt hurt that they voted the right way.
If Assemblyman George Latimer does not stop voting for the interests of his cronies and embrace a reformist agenda in the people’s interest then I will not vote for him.
Assuming Latimer does not make amends I would welcome a reform candidate who would not be Speaker Silver’s lapdog.
Perhaps we should replace LaFayette too.
Ever see Glenn Blain and George Latimer at the same event? Well, I think it’s safe to say that the two are very chummy if not “old friends.” They work the same beat – Blain does his reporter thing and Latimer trolls for votes and dollars. So they see eachother fairly often and they’ve gotten to be friendly over the years. It works for both of them – Blain gets his insider info and Latimer gets some nice lines about him from time to time (man of the people BS).
So it’s more than a little troubling when Blain has a headline (above) that is over the top pro-Latimer misinformation. Um, Mr. Blain “Westchester Democrats Sticking With Latimer”???!!!! That’s not accurate – in fact you just have ONE West.Democrat insider – Chairman Lafayette (who happens to be Latimer’s successor in the position) talking for himself – and frankly he seems to be saying that he thought Latimer voted wrong! So Mr. Cozy with the Pol in Trouble, don’t write that we Democrats are sticking with cronies like Latimer. I’m a Dem and I way give Latimer the boot!!!! Too bad I can’t make you feel like an insider or maybe that would get a headline too.
this is why spitzer is making a big mistake. its not that the legislature and even individual lawmakers dont need to be smacked around. its that most of them are as popular in their districts as he is statewide. once he moves from attacking the institution of the legislature to specific legislators, his credibility with voters in thos districts will fall because they know these guys. they like them. and it makes the voters think, hey, if he is attacking my guy with stuff that doesnt ring true, maybe he is wrong about other things. spitzer has so much to do—so much that he needs the legislature to go along with—that this is a total waste of political capital. its not worth risking mor eimportant parts of his agenda just to vent his anger at being defied. we need him focusing on his job, not getting back at people he really cant hurt.
Glen Blain is one of the best reporters in the industry- he is fair and balanced
Maybe the chickens are finally coming home to roost on Latimer. Everyone knows the guy is a complete joke of an elected official. Name me one law he sponsored all these years that ever mattered! He spends all his time schmoozing and no time legislating. He may be the least substantive elected official around. By the way, he completely screwed the people of New Rochelle by being the main sponsor of the bill the took away their property tax cap. This guy is beatable if the GOP ever ran a credible candidate against him and actually proved to the people that he has spend his whole career being a rubber stamp – knee-jerk rubber stamp for years for Andy Spano and now knee-jerk rubber stamp for Sheldon Silver.
In response to Helen’s comment for the Governor to find better things to do and not waste political capital I say its not a waste to insist that we have a competent Controller and not a crony Dem nor a Republican one-
those who voted for DiNapoli made a horrendous mistake that could bring the State’s financial underpinnings into ruin-the best thing would be for DiNapoli not to accept the position because frankly, he is not qualified for it.George is untouchable in his district. He is loved by those he represents.