Republicans For Cuomo (Updated)
The roll out of Republicans for Cuomo is underway.
At the Mahopac Library today, outgoing Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi (left) and Carmel Town Supervisor Ken Schmitt (middle), both Republicans, introduced Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo as he began his RV tour across the state. He stopped in Rockland County earlier in the day.
Journal News reporters Brian Howard and Jane Lerner covered the events, reporting that Cuomo called on voters of all stripes to put partisan politics aside and fix what’s wrong with New York.
“This is a time to come together and do what’s right for the people and what’s right for the state,” Cuomo told the packed room Mahopac Library. “We haven’t had a functioning state government, and it has to change. It has to change now, and it has to change radically.”
Earlier in the day in Ramapo, at Rockland Community College, Cuomo told a small crowd at Rockland Community College the state is at a critical stage.
“This is the most important election for the state of New York in my lifetime,” Cuomo said. “This state is at a tipping point — it can go either way.”
(Photo: Brian Howard/The Journal News)
Updated: Mike McKeon, a former spokesman for Gov. George Pataki who is heading the Republicans for Cuomo effort, said Bondi and Schmitt made it pretty clear during the event in Mahopac that they are backing Cuomo, saying he has the right plan and is the right person to lead New York.
“I heard an endorsement. They said he has the right plan for New York,” McKeon said.
Bondi said this morning that he’s endorsing Cuomo, saying “I do think that the plan that he has put forward is the right plan for the state of New York for the next four years, and I think he’s the right person to implement that plan.”
A phone message was left this morning at Schmitt’s office.
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Did they endorse Cuomo or just introduce him? I would not say an introduction is an endorsement. I guess if the AG comes to your town and you are the County Executive or Supervisor you should show some respect and appear?
Hey, Joe. Did Bondi and Schmitt endorse Cuomo? If they did, why doesn’t the text say so? If they didn’t, this is about the most misleading headline since ‘Dewey Beats Truman.’
Probably looking to see if the politicians who are getting arrested soon by the Feds would have the chutzpah to show up!
Ball’s computer’s where taken by the Feds and no arrest, Bob Bondi’s office was raided by the Feds and no arrest. I heard Ball was in the parking lot of the Mahopac library but did not have the courage to go and say hello to Andrew Cuomo. Why would he be in the parking lot of an event for Cuomo?
The above post is confirmed, Greg Ball was at the Cuomo event but did not have the courage to go inside, I guess he is a fan.
You did not see Tony Scannapieco, Vincent Liebell, Vincent Tamagna, William Gouldman, Mary Beth Murphy, Mary Ellen Odell or Nan Hayworth in attendance.
Ken Scmitt did not endorse Cuomo, he just welcomed him to our town as he should. You show respect for the office of Attorney general.
Mike McK is nothing but a political opportunist and an empty suit. Guys like him have no loyalty, intestinal fortitude and lack a moral compass. Ego, it is all about ego. Sad little turncoat. Mahoney, however, who has far too long traded on republicans and the reputation of his Conservative party co-founder father, is the real man behind the curtain. McK is his empty headed puppet, and without Mahoney, would be driving a cab and I am sure, doing that poorly too. Maybe Pataki will finally learn the real deal about his fair weather pals.
Thank you for the clarification, JS. I only have one question left – and this one is to Cuomo and his acolytes – what is the “plan?” I hope he has one, but would like to hear about it. The only “plan” I’ve heard about is a compilation of a lot of vague platitudes and few specifics. Maybe it’s a Masonic thing spoken about only in the “lodge.” If Cuomo holds true to his heritage and his personal past, it includes a lot of rhetoric tossed into a salad with an increase in spending and taxes. If he proves me wrong, I’ll send roses. Problem is, it’s good advice to never bet an old horse to suddenly reverse form.
From another article:
The gubernatorial candidate can count on bipartisan support from at least two prominent Putnam Republicans – County Executive Robert Bondi and Carmel Supervisor Kenneth Schmitt.
Bondi called Cuomo a true friend and fighter for the people of his community.
“I am in full support of Andrew Cuomo’s plan,” Bondi said. “We need to put all partisan political differences aside on these issues.”
Schmitt said he was also supporting the Democrat for governor.
“I have seen his plan, and I wholeheartedly endorse and support his plan,” Schmitt said. “I am here today as a proud Republican but also as someone who knows that Andrew Cuomo is the right man at the right time to get our state government back on track and to make it work for the State of New York.”
IF Ball was in attendance, more than likely he was ONLY there to be outside and see who of importance shows up and if press is present. He was probably hoping for an opportunity to be asked a question or be recognized. Just to boost his ego.
Ball was not inside the event, but was in the parking lot at the library appearing to want to meet Andrew Cuomo.
Ken Schmitt was being a gentleman and introducing the AG to his Town, that is the right thing to do.
Before 2006, Cuomo would have been in the parking lot trying to meet Ball.
Hey Kelly – Get with the reality – Schmitt effectively endorsed Cuomo. He said he’s “seen the plan” and thinks Andrew is the man “to get the state back on track.” He’ll need a big crane and a tax hike.
Schmitt was being nice to the AG, he was showing respect. I know some think because he is in another party you should treat him like crap. But a gentleman will always take the high road and show respect for the office of AG.
Yes, Ball’s computer was taken by the feds, but that was because Ball had called them when his fat lazy former chief of staff was found to have been sending Ball’s confidential information to Leibell’s people. They told Ball that they wouldn’t make a move yet because they are working on a much bigger Putnam case.
As far as the Bondi ceiling incident, the Feds haven’t forgotten.
But rest assured this current action is nothing like before, and the good old boys know it. Indictments are almost assured before September, and the boys know that as well. The Feds hit several towns and several people with subpoenas and have been showing up at people’s homes getting sworn statements. Thirty years of shenanigans and corruption and destroying people for political gain have all now come home to roost. For the Feds to hit Putnam with this many subpoenas this close together means they are working very fast. In Carmel alone they got 1,500 documents. And they have a cooperator which they never had before, someone so close to the good old boys you can smell the money in his pockets. Then dont forget the subpoenas were prepared by the Deputy US Attorney for Political Corruption in the Southern District. This man does not get involved unless a trial is coming up. So just sit back and enjoy! Several things soon will be straightened out.
Has anyone seen Senator Vincent Leibell? You would think the man is worried about something, the way he’s disappeared. But we all know he’s not worried. Right?
let me ask you all a question one which will no doubt
be the lynchpin of non party registered voters when
they decide for whom to vote for governor. Yes his father
was a liberal..yes andy is also probably quite liberal
yes his father made deals with the unions..yes andy
has good relationships with the unions…but is it not
possible that cuomo by putting forth a plan that appeals
to moderates with regard to how to right the dysfunctional
new york state government will in fact do exactly what
he says..and is it not possible that in a state that
is overwhelmingly democrat by registration that only
a democrat can make the kind of sweeping changes that
are necessary to restore credibility..in other words
assuming we like what the cuomo plan is…can we trust
him to do it..or do we simply think he is manipulating
and misrepresenting his own positions solely to get
elected..and remember george pataki made deals with the
unions as well..and like mario cuomo was not able to win again for a fourth time so chose not to run…
ie is this Nixon going to China…
Do you really think that Cuomo will follow the dismally executed (failed) methodology of Paterson and buck the liberal establishment in Albany, or do you think he’ll privately compromise everything while trying publicly to hoodwink the people (a la the old man) into thinking he’s the second coming of King Solomon?
Leibell is everywhere, he does not seem worried, he seems to be enjoying life.
What are you, his leg bracelet?
Greg Ball going to file his campaign finances that were due three days ago?
Must agree with Kelly, Leibell is out and about, I have seen him at sevearl events over the last week. He is looking good and working the campaign trail like the professional he is. Leibell is still the man with the support in Putnam regardless of what some may want you to believe. Leibell will win in a landslide, nothing can help his primary opponent who has shown herself to be a follower. We need leaders in the County Executive seat, not a person who runs behind others and do as they say.
Was Ball really in the parking lot looking to meet Andrew Cuomo? I guess he got a picture with Eliot Spitzer and he wanted one with King Andrew!
Any opportunity for a photo…’look at me, I am the greatest’ Right…. !!
Financial filings are now four days overdue, still nothing from Ball, Borkowski, Leibell. What are these guys hiding? I have already received several pieces of mail from Ball and one from Borkowksi, so obviously they’ve raised and spent money. Their opponents were able to file on time. What makes them so special that they can be four days late with no penalty?
Checked the state web site. Leibell and Murphy ARE filed for the July report due on the 15th.
Could not find Ball or Borkowski.
Greg Balls, tens of thousands of dollars from Teamsters, Laborers and Labor PACs. Why does labor back this guy???
Ball is hustling the unions like he does everyone else.
Biondi is looking for a state job in Stuben county if cuomo wins
This man can retire with a NYState Retirement right? Or does he need more years? ?????
Please fellow New Yorker’s wake up! You can see where A/G hopeful Governor Cuomo is really going. He has the same outlook as that of New York City Ultra liberal Mayor Bloomberg has as far as constructing the Mosque at Ground Zero goes. They both support its construction based on “Freedom of Religion.” A lame excuse.
No, I feel that it will be just more of the same with Andrew Cuomo as Governor. Just another Democrat holding elective office. Unfortunately, upper New York State will suffer under his administration.