Posted on 07/09/2008 12:37:36 AM PDT by neverdem
ALBANY — Tom Golisano, the unpredictable Rochester businessman with deep pockets and never-ending political ambition, brought fresh drama to a chaotic election year on Tuesday with his announcement that he would pour at least $5 million into the state’s legislative races.
That is about 10 times what the average Senate candidate spends in an election, and slightly more than all the money held in the Republican Party’s statewide campaign accounts.
His aim, Mr. Golisano said at a news conference, was to throw a scare into — and maybe even replace — Albany’s political elite. He certainly drew their attention.
“Those elected officials on either side of the aisle who are not focused on Tom’s issues should be focused on them now,” said Assemblyman Bill Reilich, a Rochester-area Republican. “He puts his money behind his beliefs, and people definitely take him seriously.”
Mr. Golisano was critical of the state’s top leaders, especially Sheldon Silver, the speaker of the Assembly. Mr. Golisano, who has run for governor three times and flirted two years ago with a fourth bid, also said that he thinks about running for governor again “every day.”
But his influence may be most felt in races this fall for the State Senate, where Republicans have ruled for more than 40 years but now cling to a one-seat majority, their last redoubt of power in Albany.
Mr. Golisano’s political leanings are not easy to categorize. Although he ran on the Independence Party ballot in his three bids for governor, he considered seeking the Republican nomination in 2006 and has been friendly with Joseph L. Bruno, who stepped down last month as Senate majority leader.
But Mr. Golisano acknowledged on Tuesday that he had had informal conversations with at least three Democrats who are challenging Republican senators...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Hmmmm....What was that Archie bunker used to say about Italians in high places?
This scumbag will learn that people can look him over and find stuff he would rather not have get out.
How much does it cost to buy the local government in Rochester ?
Golisano will, no doubt, end up giving the RATS control of al branches of state governement. Reform...right. If he really wanted Silver gone (the assembly leader forever), he would not be worrying about promting RATS in the state senate.
Less than the cost of Frontier Field.
The political consultants and the polsters they hire just love this guy.
He spends, they lie to him, and his bought and paid for polsters, usually Quinnipiac, get rich.
FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.
Thanks for the ping!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.