Well, the great debate for the Democratic Congressional nomination in NY-19 took place yesterday and the two candidates took the opportunity to reinforce their basic positions--which are more similar than not. It would have been great to be there to observe all the nuances of their presentations first hand, but some basic takeaways can still be found in news coverage of the event.
Joel Tyner, for example, was quoted (in the Times-Union's "Capitol Confidential" blog) as saying "We are making miracles happen on a shoestring." In the Register Star's account, Tyner says "I’m sorry I don’t have any money," and then goes on to ask, "Is this what the Democratic Party has become?"
Unfortunately, the answer to Tyner's question is yes. But it is due to the Republicans' malignant influence over the election process more than anything else, and specifically due to the Supreme Court's recent "Citizens United" decision, which is permitting an unprecedented flow of PAC money into this year's campaigns. And that includes THIS campaign, which both national parties have targeted as important.
Julian Schreibman accurately noted (in "Capitol Confidential") that "We are now running in a brand new swing district with a Republican incumbent. We have never been in this situation before; the consequences of this election are critical."
"I will beat Chris Gibson and make a 180-degree change in representation for our communities," Schreibman added.
There are two fundamental things for Democrats to consider when they vote in next Tuesday's primary. The first is the candidates' respective positions and stated beliefs--here, Tyner is slightly to the left of Schreibman in a few areas, but Schreibman is solidly progressive (despite Tyner's claims to the contrary) and there is actually little to choose between them on almost all of the important issues.
The other thing to consider, on which all else hinges, is their respective chances of being elected to the U.S. Congress. Here, there is no contest. Schreibman has party backing throughout the district and a solid fund-raising operation. Tyner has neither, and would be drowned under a unstoppable wave of GOP attack ads.
Don't waste your vote on June 26. Use common sense, not magical thinking. Vote for Julian Schreibman, and help NY-19 go Democratic this November.
Tom Pletcher
BlueInGreene.org
Well, the great debate for the Democratic Congressional nomination in NY-19 took place yesterday and the two candidates took the opportunity to reinforce their basic positions--which are more similar than not. It would have been great to be there to observe all the nuances of their presentations first hand, but some basic takeaways can still be found in news coverage of the event.
Joel Tyner, for example, was quoted (in the Times-Union's "Capitol Confidential" blog) as saying "We are making miracles happen on a shoestring." In the Register Star's account, Tyner says "I’m sorry I don’t have any money," and then goes on to ask, "Is this what the Democratic Party has become?"
Unfortunately, the answer to Tyner's question is yes. But it is due to the Republicans' malignant influence over the election process more than anything else, and specifically due to the Supreme Court's recent "Citizens United" decision, which is permitting an unprecedented flow of PAC money into this year's campaigns. And that includes THIS campaign, which both national parties have targeted as important.
Julian Schreibman accurately noted (in "Capitol Confidential") that "We are now running in a brand new swing district with a Republican incumbent. We have never been in this situation before; the consequences of this election are critical."
"I will beat Chris Gibson and make a 180-degree change in representation for our communities," Schreibman added.
There are two fundamental things for Democrats to consider when they vote in next Tuesday's primary. The first is the candidates' respective positions and stated beliefs--here, Tyner is slightly to the left of Schreibman in a few areas, but Schreibman is solidly progressive (despite Tyner's claims to the contrary) and there is actually little to choose between them on almost all of the important issues.
The other thing to consider, on which all else hinges, is their respective chances of being elected to the U.S. Congress. Here, there is no contest. Schreibman has party backing throughout the district and a solid fund-raising operation. Tyner has neither, and would be drowned under a unstoppable wave of GOP attack ads.
Don't waste your vote on June 26. Use common sense, not magical thinking. Vote for Julian Schreibman, and help NY-19 go Democratic this November.
Tom Pletcher
BlueInGreene.org
