Golisano For Caroline Kennedy
After several lengthy conversations with U.S. Senate hopeful Caroline Kennedy, Rochester-area billionaire Tom Golisano has decided to back her for the job, a source close the Paychex Inc. founder s
aid today.
Golisano is planning to reach out to other leaders across the state to promote Kennedy’s candidacy.
“They’ve been talking a lot, and I think he’s willing to start making phone calls for her and trying to help her out,” the source said.
While Golisano had mixed results in his influence in state Senate races last fall, his support of Kennedy for the Senate could help her gain legitimacy with some upstate leaders who have been wary of whether she would be focused on the region.
Golisano and Kennedy have spoken by telephone on several occasions, including yesterday, and the three-time gubernatorial candidate believes she understands the issues facing upstate New York, particularly the high tax burden that his hurting homeowners and businesses, the source said.
Moreover, Golisano believes Kennedy could have immediate influence in the Senate, compared to some other candidates in the field.
It’s unclear whether Golisano would seek to put money behind her candidacy, but he does have Responsible New York, the independent campaign committee, that could spend on her behalf in 2010, when the seat will be on the ballot.
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It would be nice if mr golisano picked a party rather
than trying to be a power broker based on his billions
the independence party cannot win a statewide election
and neither can mr golisano unless he runs as a major party
candidate…the minor parties are doing more to compromise
the democratic process in new york than anything else
the conservatives are the tail wagging the republican
dog..and here in westchester both major parties continually
vye for the support of the independence party as well
republicans know they have to have it to win..and democrats
know that if they have it they can’t lose
The public doesn’t want Kennedy and has made that very clear. Why is she still even in the running for the appointment? Would Paterson really pick her with under 30% of NY voters supporting the idea? Newsflash: Nepotistic and Pay to Play selections are currently very unfashionable. If she’s serious about politics, Kennedy should run for the seat of whoever Paterson picks.
you don’t seem to understand that like old joe kennedy
the family reach is far and wide…it touches all democrats
who hold office…pressure has been brought by ted kennedy
in terms of political support money and other things
that david patterson cannot ignore…kennedy will be the next senator..and if the republicans are smart they
will choose a moderate candidate to run against her, one
that can run rings around her in terms of articulating
positions on issues
IMHO, The consultant is correct about the nation-wide tentacles of the Kennedy family. If Caroline were in Illinois instead of New York, you can bet that Senator Reid would not have rejected her filling Pres-elect Obama’s seat.
She will, unless Gov. Patterson has major brass cajones and says screw all of you-I’m taking care of New York, be appointed.
Well, you know how it all works, you know. If Caroline were in Illinois, Blago, you know, after he’s made his deal, you know, would be the next First Deputy Assistant Riverkeeper on the Hudson at a quarter mil a year. And you’re right, you know, that, you know, the Senate Democratic leadership would have no objection in having her, you know, like seated.
Yeah I KNOW, I worked both on the Hill and for the Illinois State Goverment, and despite Caroline’s UM, AH speech she would have made it in as Illinois’ junior senator without a problem and she will probably make it in as New Yorks junior senator.
Golisano’s backing of Caroline Kennedy is just what New York needs – non-partisan, issue driven politics. His endorsement will bring a lot of backing to Kennedy throughout the state, especially in western and Upstate New York.
Issue driven? What’s the issue? On the other hand, he has a perfect right to, you know, endorse whomever he, like, wishes.