Politics on the Hudson

With the six-month campaign filing period quickly approaching Jan. 15, Gov. David Paterson’s campaign today made an appeal to supporters: Contribute and stand up to the special interests.

“With an important campaign financial filing deadline coming up in less than a week, the Albany special interests are intent on burying Governor Paterson’s campaign under a mountain of their money contributed to their candidates,” writes campaign manager Richard Fife in an email.

“The special interests are determined to show that you can’t succeed in New York politics if you take them on. And they will stop at nothing to send the message that they continue to run things in Albany. We need your help. Your support is critical to continue the work of keeping the state on track for the coming years.”

Paterson’s fundraising is expected to come up significantly behind Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s fundraising for the July through January period as Cuomo prepares for a likely gubernatorial run. Cuomo could have upwards of $16 million in the bank, while Paterson may only have a few million after spending about $3 million on his five-week advertising campaign.

In July, Cuomo ended the period with $10 million in the bank compared to $5.4 million for Paterson.

The campaign finance disparity between the two is expected to lead to Cuomo stepping up his campaign efforts, perhaps with some endorsements beginning to come his way.

But Paterson’s campaign has said it expects to be outraised, but would not be deterred.

Here’s the full letter.

Dear Friend,

After too many years of our state government not serving the people, Governor Paterson has said, “enough”—enough to taxing too much and spending money the state doesn’t have; enough to burdening our children by relying on gimmicks and borrowing that push the problems down the road; and enough to Albany special interests running the show.

Governor Paterson has been straightforward and forthcoming about his ideas and principles for governing in the interest of the people of New York.

People across the state are taking notice. In the last month, three new polls—Siena, Quinnipiac and Survey USA—have each reported significant gains for Governor Paterson. Each reports a double digit increase in the Governor’s favorable ratings. Each reports consistent growth in the last two months. And each reports that Governor Paterson is in a position to continue to grow his support in the coming months.

And newspapers across the state are applauding his leadership too. The New York Daily News wrote, ”[Governor] Paterson and Lt. Gov Richard Ravitch seem to be the only ones in Albany who get it. Everyone else is living in la-la land.” The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle wrote, “Gov. David A. Paterson took a big step Thursday toward backing up his latest round of tough talk about getting New York’s finances in order.” And the Watertown Daily Times wrote, “It is little wonder that New York Gov. David A. Paterson is rising in the polls. He has handled the state budget with straightforwardness and common sense.”

Now, with an important campaign financial filing deadline coming up in less than a week, the Albany special interests are intent on burying Governor Paterson’s campaign under a mountain of their money contributed to their candidates. The special interests are determined to show that you can’t succeed in New York politics if you take them on. And they will stop at nothing to send the message that they continue to run things in Albany.

We need your help. Your support is critical to continue the work of keeping the state on track for the coming years. We know these are difficult days and we have much work ahead of us. We also understand that New York’s families are making hard decisions about where to spend, and where to cut back. So I am grateful for your support of $25, $50, $100 or whatever you can give. Your contribution will help us build our grassroots organization and spread our message that government must serve the people and not the special interests.

So, please contribute today.

Governor Paterson is committed to putting the people first, no matter how difficult the circumstances. I am confident that those tough choices mean a brighter New York for all of us tomorrow. I hope I can count on you to stand with him to make it happen.

We are grateful for your support.

Sincerely,
Richard Fife
Campaign Manager

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