Politics on the Hudson

Democratic Rep. John Hall and Republican challenger Nan Hayworth are tied at 43 percent each among likely voters in a new poll conducted by Penn Schoen Berland.

The phone survey of 416 likely voters in the Hudson Valley’s 19th Congressional District was conducted Tuesday through Thursday of last week.

It’s part of The Hill 2010 Midterm Election Poll of key congressional races around the country.

The polling also found Democratic Rep. Mike Arcuri leads Republican challenger Richard Hanna by 10 points, 47 percent to 37 percent,  in the 24th Congressional District covering central New York and part of the Southern Tier.  That phone survey of 400 likely voters had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

Both the 19th and the 24th Congressional Districts are considered by Republicans among their top opportunities to pick up seats on Nov. 2 and regain majority control of the House.

Today’s polling sponsored by The Hill looked at 10 second term Democrats who are in tossup races.

Arcuri was the only one of the 10 incumbent Democrats to have a lead that went beyond the poll’s margin of error.

First a RNN-TV/Westchester County Association poll said it. Then a Siena College poll did. Now, it’s Monmouth University Polling Institutes’s turn.

In the election for New York’s 19 Congressional District, incumbent John Hall is in a virtual tie  with his challenger Nan Hayworth.  The Monmouth University Poll finds the incumbent Democrat with  49% of the vote and the Republican with 48% among likely voters in this district.

Last week, a Siena poll found Rep. Hall, the Democrat, and Dr. Hayworth, the Republican,“waging a neck-and-neck race, as 46 percent of likely voters are currently backing Hayworth and 43 percent favor Hall.” That came after the RNN-TV/Westchester County Association poll showed the two in a “dead heat” with each having 42 percent of voters surveyed in their favor.

Here’s the Monmouth survey.

MUP37_NY19

The Uniformed Fire Officers Association announced its endorsement of Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, today, in part based on his support of legislation that provides medical coverage and other support for ailing 9/11 first responders suffering from a reported growing number of illnesses.

Beacon, NY -  Standing in front of the Beacon Hook and Ladder and War Memorial, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association announced their endorsement of Rep. John Hall in recognition for his steadfast support of professional first responders. Hall was joined by Richard Alles, UFOA Federal Legislative Coordinator and Financial Secretary, Eddie Boles of Goshen, NY and UFOA Legislative Chair and Treasurer, Jim McGowan, UFOA Lieutenants’ Representative, and Lt. Brendan Finn of Florida, NY

The Uniformed Fire Officers represent the 2,500 Lieutenants, Captains, Battalion Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Supervising Fire Marshalls and Medical Officers of the New York City Fire Department, as well as representing professional fire officers in the Hudson Valley, in those Fire Districts which employ professional fire fighters.

“John Hall has exhibited unwavering support for Fire Officers and their families throughout his four years in the Congress,” Captain Alexander Hagan, President of the UFOA said in a statement.  “In particular, his unequivocal support for the Zadroga Bill, which provides protection for Firefighters that are sick and dying from their Rescue and Recovery efforts at Ground Zero, was essential to ultimate passage in a divided House of Representatives.”

“To have the support of the heroes of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association is incredibly meaningful for me.” Rep. John Hall said. “These officers, many of whom live in the Hudson Valley, save lives every day. Members of the Uniformed Fire Officers rushed into the Twin Towers on September 11th 2001. Now, more than nine years later, many of these courageous first responders are suffering from serious illnesses caused by inhaling toxic fumes and particles in the air. It is our patriotic duty to protect those who sacrificed for their fellow Americans.”

Rep. Hall, a co-sponser of the legislation, went to the floor of the House of Representatives to speak out in support of what should have been bipartisan legislation, while his opponent, Dr. Nan Hayworth staked out a position against the bill.

UFOA Federal Legislative Director Richard Alles added “I’m shocked that Congressman Hall’s opponent is against this bill. Being against health care for sick and dying heroic Americans is obscene.”

Hall’s opponent, Republican Dr. Nan Hayworth, has said she supports “health care for our first responders involved in the 9/11 disaster” but not how Congress is paying for it. The legislation requires multinational companies incorporated in tax havens to pay taxes on income earned here.

And, with that we move onto and recap a few other things. First off, there’s the Siena poll and this evening’s debate. Then, there’s this morning’s Tea Party endorsements.

Lastly, for now, here’s a Hayworth interview with ABC News.

A Siena College poll released this morning shows Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, and Dr. Nan Hayworth of Mount Kisco, his Republican opponent, “waging a neck-and-neck race, as 46 percent of likely voters are currently backing Hayworth and 43 percent favor Hall.” The Sienna Siena poll was conducted October 5-10 by telephone calls to  610 likely voters and has a margin of error of 4 percent.

“Hall and Hayworth are dividing the voters in the 19th Congressional District nearly evenly. Hall has the support of more than three-quarters of Democrats, while Hayworth has the support of more than three-quarters of Republicans and a seven-point lead among independent voters,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. “Hayworth leads by 16 points with men and Hall has a 12-point lead with women. Hayworth’s 21-point lead in Orange County offsets Hall’s seven-point lead in Westchester and Rockland Counties and his small three-point lead in Dutchess and Putnam Counties. Hall has a slight edge among voters 55 and older, while Hayworth has a 10-point lead among voters less than 55 years of age.”

You can see the poll press release below and you can go here for further study.

19thpoll

It’s the second poll released in less than a week that shows a tight race between Hall, who is seeking a third term, and newcomer Hayworth. Last week, a RNN-TV/Westchester County Association poll showed the two in a “dead heat” with each having 42 percent of voters surveyed in their favor.

The association tonight is hosting a debate between the two, their first public face-off. The event takes place at 6 p.m. at RNN, 800 Westchester Avenue (5^th Floor Auditorium), Rye Brook, NY.

Almost everyone by know probably knows that Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, is one of the founders of the ‘70s rock band Orleans. Among their hits was “Dance with Me,” which a group supporting his opponent, Republican Dr. Nan Hayworth, parodied this summer. Called “Vote With Me,” the video has brought about some legal wrangling, but that’s another story for another post.

Vote With Me from YVFORT on Vimeo.

In response, supporters of Hall have put together a remake of “Still the One,” another of Orleans’ hits. Some Orleans’ members, Dar Williams and at least one of the Garrison-based MotherLode Trio make appearances.

Rep. John Hall, D- Dover Plains, and his Republican opponent, Dr. Nan Hayworth of Mount Kisco, traded views this week over the auto-industry bailout. (Any bolding/italics is theirs.)

This came from Hayworth’s campaign:

John Hall Fact of the Day: John Hall Accepts Money from GM PAC After Government Bailout

John Hall accepted $1,000 on August 30, 2010 from the General Motors Company Political Action Committee.

In 2009, U.S. taxpayers committed $66.7 billion in bailout funding to General Motors ($49.5 billion to General Motors and $17.2 billion to the General Motors financing arm, GMAC LLC).

Pursuant to its loan agreements, General Motors was required to submit a restructuring plan to the Department of the Treasury TARP Auto Team to show how GM would use bailout money to achieve “long-term viability.” One of the main purposes of the loans to General Motors was to “preserve and promote jobs of American workers employed directly by the automakers and subsidiaries and in related industries.” In February of last year, General Motors submitted its restructuring plans. GM’s restructuring plan called for terminating 1,650 dealerships (about 300 per year) by 2014. The closure of the dealerships and plants was an acceleration of a plan to complete a “right-sizing and right-shaping of its dealer network in major markets, increasing volume throughput in better locations.”

GM’s plan was rejected by the Auto Team. According to the TARP Auto Team, GM’s “pace” of planned dealership terminations was too slow and therefore an obstacle to its viability. In response to the Auto Team’s rejection of GM’s plan, GM identified 1,454 dealerships in 2010 for closing. Additionally, the Auto Team advised GM to accelerate the closings during the bankruptcy proceedings as a way of avoiding the various state franchise laws and protections for the dealerships.

It is important to note that under GM’s plan, only 300 dealerships would have been closed a year. Under TARP’s plan, 1,454 dealerships had to be closed in 2010. As a result of that decision, there were greater job losses in 2010.

The Inspector General also found that that job losses at dealerships as a result of the closings was not a substantial factor in the Auto Team’s consideration of the dealership termination issue.

Questions for the Hall Campaign:

Given that John Hall has accepted money from General Motors, did he support the Treasury’s decision to close more dealerships than was necessary?

How many jobs were lost in New York as a result of the dealership closings?

It was followed by a response from Hall’s folks.

HUDSON VALLEY GM CAR DEALERS RESPOND TO NAN HAYWORTH’S SO-CALLED “FACT OF THE DAY”

Beacon, NY - Dr. Nan Hayworth’s on-going barrage of negative attacks against Rep. John Hall continued yesterday with a so-called “Fact of the Day” criticizing Hall’s vote to save the US auto industry.

Here are responses from several Hudson Valley GM auto dealers:

“This government action was taken to keep America going. The auto industry helped build America. These are American cars and local dealerships. If it had not been done, there would be a lot more empty storefronts and a lot more unemployed people in Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester. What Congress did was right. Congressman Hall helped to keep us in business. It should be non-partisan and no one should second guess it now.” – Michael Sylvester, President, M&S Chevrolet, Pawling, NY

“Had it not been for the legislation to clear the way for a managed bankruptcy of General Motors and Chrysler, I don’t believe we would have survived, let alone the increase in sales that we have experienced since. It has created a culture change at GM and will influence how they do business now and into the future. I commend Congressman Hall and his colleagues for staving off a potential disaster.” – Frank Petrucci, President, Country Chevrolet, Warwick, NY

“It was because of the government’s intervention and Congressman Hall’s help that our local dealership was able to survive the auto crisis. At the time we had 45 employees who all would all have lost their jobs without the government’s help. Now we have 65 employees who live and work locally.” – Lou Roberti, President, Arroway Chevrolet of Mount Kisco, NY

Hall campaign manager Patrick McGarrity added:

“John Hall stands by his vote to save the US auto industry and stands by American workers and car dealers. It is no surprise to us that Nan Hayworth would oppose efforts to save American manufacturing jobs and our auto industry. After all, she is a strong supporter of tax breaks for companies that outsource US jobs overseas and opposed recent congressional efforts to close tax loopholes allowing foreign national corporations to dodge paying taxes by hiding assets in tax-haven countries.”

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A new poll has Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, and his challenger, Republican Dr. Nan Hayworth of Mount Kisco, neck and neck in the race for the 19th Congressional District with less than four weeks until Election Day.

According to the RNN-TV/Westchester County Association poll released this morning, 42 percent of voters said they would go with Hall and 42 percent said Hayworth. The poll has a margin of error of 3.75 percent.

Hall is seeking his third term and some political observers in recent days and weeks have been labelling the race as a toss-up. See here and here.

You can see the poll, conducted by Iona College, below.

Hall Hayworth Poll Final(2)

A round-up of endorsements for Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, and his Republican opponent, Dr. Nan Hayworth of Mount Kisco. See other endorsements here.

New York State Chiefs of Police Endorse Nan Hayworth

PRESS RELEASE, October 1, 2010

Carmel, N.Y. – The New York State Chiefs of Police (NYS COP), representing over 500 chiefs of police across the state, has endorsed Nan Hayworth’s candidacy for the 19th Congressional seat of New York. Hayworth received strong support from the local chiefs of police in the District.

Michael Biasotti, Second Vice President of the NYS COP and Chief of the New Windsor Police Department, stated, “The Chiefs work with our federal law enforcement partners all the time. We need members of Congress who understand our issues, and can fight for us in Washington, D.C. Nan Hayworth is that candidate and the chiefs are proud to stand with her.”

Dominic Giudice, NYS COP Governor of Zone 1 and Chief of the Monroe Police Department, commented, “Nan Hayworth understands how important local law enforcement is to public safety and national security. I am proud to join my fellow chiefs in supporting her candidacy for the 19th Congressional seat of New York.”

“Receiving the endorsement of the New York State Chiefs of Police is a tremendous honor,” said Dr. Hayworth.  ”Our leaders in law enforcement play a crucial role in our local communities and in our national security, and I am proud to stand with the Chiefs as we move forward in the campaign.”
Hayworth has the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines on the Nov. 2 ballot for the 19th District.

The New York State Chiefs of Police is a not for profit organization that represents more than 500 Chiefs of Police across New York State. The NYS COP’s membership consists of Police Chiefs, Commissioners, Superintendents, Executives, Administrators, and Agents-in-Charge. For more information about the New York State Chiefs of Police, please visit the website.

New York State Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Nan Hayworth

PRESS RELEASE, September 27, 2010.

Carmel, N.Y. – The New York State Fraternal Order of Police (NYS FOP), the oldest and largest national association of law enforcement professionals, endorsed Dr. Nan Hayworth’s candidacy for the 19th Congressional seat of New York. The NYS FOP makes endorsements to candidates for public office based on his or her support of police professionals.

Michael Essig, Second Vice President of the NYS FOP, stated, “The New York State Fraternal Order of Police needs someone in Congress who is a friend to law enforcement, who understands our issues and the value we provide to the community, the state and the nation. Nan Hayworth is that friend.”

Jim O’Neill, Vice President of Zone 1, stated, “The New York State Fraternal Order of Police is excited to endorse Nan Hayworth. She understands the kind of risks that law enforcement officers take everyday, and the incredible sacrifice that they and their families make. We are proud to stand by Nan Hayworth in her candidacy for the 19th Congressional seat New York.”

Nan Hayworth stated, “I am honored to receive the New York State Fraternal Order of Police’s endorsement. Local law enforcement is an integral part of our communities on the front lines ensuring our safety and security. This campaign is not about one candidate; it’s about every citizen of our District, and I will be very proud to represent our members of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police.”

The New York State Fraternal Order of Police is the New York Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police. The FOP is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 325,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges.

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF THE HUDSON VALLEY ENDORSES NAN HAYWORTH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For the first time in the organization’s history, the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley has endorsed a political candidate, with its endorsement of Dr. Nan Hayworth’s candidacy for the 19th Congressional seat of New York. The Builders Association’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to support Dr. Hayworth.

Pete Nurzia of Nurzia Construction is the BAHV 2010 Board President.  Nurzia stated, “While our organization has traditionally refrained from formally endorsing candidates, the time and the candidate were right this year.  In Dr. Hayworth, we believe, the homebuilding industry has found an eager ear, a strong voice and a business-friendly advocate who we can rely on.”

“The Builders Association is excited to endorse Dr. Hayworth.  Our industry is so desperately in need of a strong and dependable ally in the House of Representatives who understands our issues,” said Rachel Neuhaus, Director of Government Affairs.

“In 2010, the construction industry was nearly dealt a fatal blow when Congress almost passed legislation requiring costly mandates to be burdened solely by the construction industry; singling us out over every other business.  We need an advocate who will stand up for us, and fight for equitable regulation,” said Steve Rieger of Rieger Homes and Chairman of the Builders Association Government Affairs Committee.

Hayworth stated, “I’m deeply honored to have the support of the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley. The Builders provide countless jobs and invest millions of dollars in the local economy. Unfortunately, current unemployment and the lack of available credit have put a strain on the Homebuilders in our region. As a member of Congress, I will work tirelessly to rein in federal spending, restore balance to the budget, and enact policies that encourage strong economic growth.”

The Builders Association of the Hudson Valley, Inc. is a not-for profit trade association representing the interests and needs of the residential building industry in Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester Counties since 1952, and is comprised of 600 members.

Alliance for Retired Americans Endorses John Hall – Hall will Protect Social Security –
Beacon, NY – The Alliance for Retired Americans announced it has endorsed John Hall for Congress in New York’s 19th District. Representing almost 700,000 retirees in New York State, ARA’s endorsement is based on Hall’s consistent advocacy on behalf of our nation’s seniors.

“Your positions demonstrate a strong commitment to improve the quality of life for older Americans. Your leadership on issues such as preserving and protecting Social Security from privatization and benefits cuts, especially in 2010, the 75th anniversary year of the program, exhibits that commitment,” wrote Barbara Easterling, the Alliance’s President, in their letter endorsing Rep. Hall. She continued: “The Alliance for Retired Americans believes that your election to the House of Representatives will enhance the quality of life for older Americans”

“I am honored to receive the support of the Alliance for Retired Americans. We must all keep fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare,” John Hall said, in accepting the endorsement. “If you worked hard through your career, you have earned security in your retirement. As long as I am in Congress, I will fight the effort to privatize these programs that all American’s count on.”

“This endorsement underscores the choice facing Hudson Valley voters this fall,” Hall’s campaign manager Patrick McGarrity added. “Nan Hayworth supports the privatization of Social Security, something that would put the retirements of our seniors at extreme risk while lining the pockets of wealthy Wall Street investment bankers. If Hayworth’s radical privatization plan had been in place the past couple of years, workers could have lost as mush as 50 percent of their retirement savings in volatile Wall Street investments.”

Following is a round-up of recent endorsements garnered by Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, and his Republican opponent, Dr. Nan Hayworth of Mount Kisco. In general, I’m going to try and post endorsements in batches once or twice a week.

VFW-PAC ENDORSES REP. JOHN HALL – Cites Hall’s record on national defense and veterans –
Beacon, NY – Rep. John Hall has received the coveted endorsement from the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Political Action Committee, which is “dedicated to the support of candidates who have taken responsible positions on issues involving national defense and legislation pertaining to our nation’s veterans.”

“I am very honored to have the support of the veterans and patriots at VFW-PAC,” said Rep. Hall. “We look forward to continuing our work on behalf of our nation’s heroes.”

VFW-PAC’s endorsement coincides with John Hall’s current TV ad airing throughout the Hudson Valley entitled “Generation.” The ad references Hall’s H.R. 5892 Veterans Disability Claims Modernization Act, aimed to comprehensively modernize the claims process within the Department of Veterans Affairs to reduce the egregious claims backlog. The Times Herald Record called H.R. 5892 “the most sweeping reform of the VA disability benefits system in a generation.”
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HUMANE SOCIETY ENDORSES REP. JOHN HALL
Beacon, NY – The Humane Society Legislative Fund announced its endorsement of two-term Rep. John Hall (D-NY).

In a letter to Hall, Executive Director Sara J. Amundson said, “We are grateful for your support of humane issues, and for your work to create a more humanesociety. The Humane Society Legislative Fund looks forward to working with you in the 112th Congress to promote more humane treatment of animals.”

“I am honored to receive the support from the Humane Society,” said Rep. Hall. “As a lifelong animal lover, I stand ready to support further efforts to foster the humane treatment of animals.”

Amundson concluded, “The Humane Society Legislative Fund is a social welfare organization which works to pass animal protection laws at the state and federal level, to educate the public about animal protection issues, and to support humane candidates for office. We base our endorsements solely on a candidate’s positions and actions on animal welfare issues, regardless of party affiliation.”
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MITT ROMNEY ENDORSES NAN HAYWORTH FOR CONGRESS

Former Republican Governor of Massachusetts, Republican presidential candidate and founder of the Free and Strong America Political Action Committee, Mitt Romney, endorsed Dr. Nan Hayworth’s candidacy for the 19th Congressional seat of New York.
“These tough economic times call for common sense, pro-growth solutions. Dr. Hayworth has those solutions. Her experience as a medical doctor and small business owner give her a unique perspective and necessary tools to get our nation’s economy back on track,” Romney said.
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NRA-PVF Endorses Nan Hayworth for U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 19th Congressional District

Fairfax, Va.—The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is endorsing Nan Hayworth for election to the U.S. House of Representatives for New York’s 19th Congressional District this November.

“Nan Hayworth will be a strong defender of the Second Amendment freedoms of law-abiding gun owners, hunters and sportsmen in New York,” said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF. “Hayworth has earned an ‘AQ’ rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF.”

Hayworth supports national right-to-carry reciprocity, right-to-carry permit holder confidentiality and efforts to reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  She also believes sportsmen should have access to federally owned or administered lands for hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational shooting. She will fight against ongoing efforts to dismantle our Second Amendment by anti-gun politicians.

A state Supreme Court justice in Albany today dismissed an effort by Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, and some supporters to knock his Republican opponent, Dr. Nan Hayworth, off the Independence Party line on the November ballot.

Decision