As you all know, Bronx GOP Chairman Jay Savino's legal demise has been predicted for nearly four years now. One person who I have written about has gone to the trouble of making up accusations of wrongdoing against him and other members of the Bronx GOP such as Dawn Sandow, Anthony Ribustello, Frank Tosi, J.C. Polanco, and Phil Foglia.
With the recent arrest of Westchester Republican Anthony Mangone, the aforementioned person (let's call him Ishmael--an inside joke) has been suggesting that Savino took money to promote the new electronic voting machines for New York City. Mangone did, in fact, lobby for the company that builds these machines.
"Ishmael" is hoping for several things. First, he thinks he can turn people against Savino. Second, he thinks that by revealing embarrassing personal information (don't assume it's true) anonymously on the Internet, he can hurt his targets (or victims) or blackmail them into leaving public life. (Who likes being smeared on the Internet?) Most of all, Ismael hopes that some prosecutor, FBI agent, or detective somewhere will read these posts and maybe decide that there may be something there. By opening an investigation (i.e. a fishing expedition), maybe a prosecutor will find something, anything to nail Savino.
Of course, Ishmael doesn't realize it. But with his all hysterical falsehoods and unproven allegations, he doesn't realize that he has made the prosecution of Jay Savino extremely difficult.
Let's say that Ishmael's wet dream comes true, and Savino is actually indicted for something. (I don't expect any future investigation--if one is bothered to be open--to get past a grand jury unless they have videotape of him buying cocaine or taking a suitcase full of cash). During the trial, all his lawyer would have to do is read all of Ishmael's posts on different sites to the jury. "False, unproven allegations have made against Mr. Savino and his associates for years. How is this any different?" the lawyer could ask the jury. Indeed, this could be enough to create a reasonable doubt with the jury.
Ishmael's real name has been exposed on numerous sites (including this one). Certainly, Savino's lawyer could subpoena him and have him testify under oath. In order to avoid a perjury rap and losing his law license, Ishmael would have to admit that (1) he's been smearing Savino for years for whatever reason (i.e. "he got the promotion I should have," "he displaced me as Guy's sidekick," "we got into an argument at Velella's fundraiser," etc.) and (2) made unproven and even false allegations.
Ishmael could certainly take the Fifth, but this would look bad in open court. (Mario Biaggi took the Fifth during a grand jury hearing once. It leaked out, and his 1973 campaign for mayor was destroyed.)
So congratulations, Ishmael. In your zeal to destroy Jay Savino, you have probably made it impossible for him to be convicted of anything should he ever be investigated and then charged.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In writing this, I am NOT saying that Jay Savino is being investigated, or that he will soon be indicted by a DA, NYS Attorney General, U.S. Attorney, or the UN War Crimes Commission. I am simply pointing out an irony to someone who has devoted the last few years of his sad life trying to get Savino sent to prison because of a personal grudge.
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written by Behold a Pale Horse , February 02, 2010
If there's a lesson in this Shakespearean tragicomedy, it's "Never think that you're smarter than everyone else."
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written by Daniel Peterson , February 11, 2010
Pale Horse, Looks like there were some subpoenas that were sent out.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/02/bronx-gop-chair-elections-comm.html
"J.C. Polanco, the Bronx GOP commissioner, and Queens GOP Commissioner Judith Stupp, acknowleged they received subpoenas earlier this week. Both declined comment.
Also served was Bronx Republican Party Chairman Jay Savino, who stressed he plans to be as cooperative as possible with investigators but declined to say anything more. "
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written by Behold a Pale Horse , February 11, 2010
We'll see where it goes.
Again, given how someone out there has gone to the trouble of manufacturing falsehoods about Savino, et al in the last four years, it's become a little difficult to take accusations of corruption against Savino & Co. seriously.
Also, is it a coincidence that the now-expelled "Peter Gordon" accused Savino of taking money from Mangone to promote the voting machines (without evidence) on UE?
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written by Behold a Pale Horse , March 01, 2010
This is a collection of posts, which I found through the Wayback machine--which preserves old pages from Web sites that no longer active. They concern the 2006 State Senate race between Democratic incumbent Jeff Klein and Republican, Jay Savino.
Many of these have the hysterical anti-Savino attacks by "Doug DeWitt", "Dave Pendergrass" and most interestingly, "Phil S."
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written by Behold a Pale Horse , March 01, 2010
Of course, I forgot the link.
See http://web.archive.org/web/200...my/term/57
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written by Behold a Pale Horse , July 08, 2010
Six-seven months later, no indictment of Savino and/or Polanco yet....
On a couple of Westchester blogs, "Ismael" alleged "under the table" payments from indicted GOP lawyer Anthony Mangone to Savino and Polanco to promote the ESS voting machines.
We'll check back in January or so.
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written by Reaganite , July 08, 2010
It seems certain Republicans, some from Brooklyn who shall remain nameless, have been pushing this garbage to prevent Polanco from becoming the next executive director at the Board of Elections.
They are falsely claiming he is under investigation, when they know this is not the case. Truly disgraceful. To disparage a decent guy like JC Polanco in order to serve your own personal interests.
And while the Brooklyn GOP holds up a good deal on this vote, the BOE is being run without any Republican in the leadership. With a week until petitions are filed no less.
Remember Brooklyn Republicans, you reap what you sow.
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written by Daniel Peterson , July 09, 2010
Reaganite, it appears Bklyn is in a bit of disarray. If we are to believe what we read from Dagny and other AtlasBklyn folk.
I guess we will only see what happens in that borough if an Atlas-faction wins an elected seat. There are so many Assembly Districts in Bklyn you'd think the Republican Party could swipe one. Especially in such an anti-incumbent year.
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written by CableFan20 , July 09, 2010
I wouldn't believe a thing about Atlas.
It's run by Jonathan Judge and a few of his Rodents who are being programmed what to type mostly by one assembly district.
In fact Judge's own blogs have gotten him into a lot of hot water of late.
I think you may have to ask Jonathan Judge if he reaps what he sows.
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written by Reaganite , July 09, 2010
Yes you are correct Daniel. These is some major disarray in Brooklyn now, even if you don't beleive what the people at Atlas write.
CableFan, you may or may not be right about Jonathan Judge, but what does that have to do with anything here? That assembly district you refer to is one of about 3 active ones in Brooklyn, so that appears to be about a third of the county that is disaffected.
None of this has anything to do with the establishment in Brooklyn undermining JC Polanco for Exec Dir of the city BOE, a job he would take on and turn upside down. Instead, the forces of darkness in Brooklyn would rather see a dem (and one who is seriously ethically challenged) become head of the BOE just so they can get their lackey in as the number 2 guy.
Lying to advance your personal interest is one thing, but lying about someone's integrity to advance your personal interest is disgusting.
Are you listening in Brooklyn???
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written by CableFan20 , July 09, 2010
Jonathan Judge is the same guy who regularly campaigns for Democrats, and advertises "Democrat" blogs on his Atlas blog.
Including a person named Michael Harris who is a state government reporter moonlighting a campaign blog that's disguised as a "Bay Ridge" blog to help his candidate.
Which has also landed him in some serious hot water I may add.
The only people who are in disarray are Jonathan Judge and his handlers in that one Assembly District who are run by lifelong homemakers, and fathers of attempted cop killers who served hard time.
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written by Daniel Peterson , July 11, 2010
Ha. Sounds like someone doesn't like gingers.
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written by Daniel Peterson , July 11, 2010
Cablefan, clearly you spend too much time in front of the TV. From the sources I have, Judge is not the guy running the show over at AtlasShrugs in Bklyn.
And with the record of endorsing Democrats from the county establishment, it is very strange to hear someone complain about Judge and not the county organization. Unless Cablefan is a THIRD faction in Brooklyn. Now that would be interesting...
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written by CableFan20 , July 11, 2010
With all due respect sir you are misinformed.
Jonathan Judge and a few of his friends run the blog Atlas Shrugs with the intent to sabotage the Kings County Republican Party they are ordered too from there longtime enablers Lucretia Potter, and Arnaldo Ferraro a long time instigator to county chairman.
Judge himself has even admitted saying he runs this blog to others, and he and his friends run three or so other blogs including the website of the very tarnished Lucretia Potter.
Again sir you are way misinformed it was Jonathan Judge who endorsed a Democrat in the special election to fill Simcha Felder's seat, when a capable conservative Republican was still in the race.
In fact Mr. Judge himself voted to cross endorse several Democratic elected officials in the past, and has public record of giving money to Democrats.
Judge even used former senate minority leader Marty Connor to handle his failed election challenge to return to the ballot which put him in serious debt.
Judge has also partnered with Democrat Michael Harris to help his candidate advertise on Judge's blog, and Harris's candidate has even posted on Judge's Atlas Shrugs blog.
With all due respect again you are misinformed.
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written by Daniel Peterson , July 12, 2010
But didn't Greenfeld win the Special Election?
Isn't Greenfeld a Democrat?
Didn't Sen Martin Golden (R) come out early for Greenfeld before even learning a Republican was going to run?
Cablefan, as a former YR President, I've gotten to know Jonathan Judge, the Brooklyn YR president. It seems that if anyone is misinformed, it is you. Perhaps we should set up a meeting, where you can express your grievances with Judge and he can answer to your accusations.
Let's do it. We can then have Michael Harris write about it.
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written by CableFan20 , July 12, 2010
Sir, with all due respect once again it was Jonathan Judge who endorsed Democrat Joseph Lazar when a Conservative Republican was in the race no less.
In fact Jonathan's club went incognito during the months of his failed candidacy in order to help himself, even when another Republican was still in the race, his club did not give Ken Rice the other Republican no equal time, something that YR club's are not supposed to do.
His club's website has been used to promote only his candidacy, and the very controversial Lucretia Potter.
Jonathan Judge said his club endorses no candidates, yet an article is quoted of an endorsement for the very controversial Lucretia Potter someone who is a very decisive character to say the least.
Jonathan himself has refused to answer these questions about his club, his club's website and if they are endorsing any candidates.
There is one thing Jonathan won't deny and that is he runs Atlas Shrugs.
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written by Daniel Peterson , July 12, 2010
CableFan, I really don't feel the need to address everything you're saying, because it sounds as if you're actually very afraid of Mr. Judge and fear he has some ability to accomplish his set goals within the Republican Party. That makes me believe that you're someone of note on the executive committee and are trying everything possible to discredit him.
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written by CableFan20 , July 12, 2010
Sir, I am not on the executive committee.
Sir, I think you would be very surprised on some of the people Mr. Judge associates.
Sir, I am just a fair and balanced person here giving the spin.
Mr. Judge's goals are only to help himself nothing more.
Mr. Judge is the one who has discredited himself with his actions and his blog atlas shrugs.
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written by BklynBarrister , July 14, 2010
Hey Daniel, just saw how out of whack this thread went, and wanted to comment.
To say that the Brooklyn GOP is in "major disarray" is a bit over the top. There are those, specifically in one Assembly District, who disagree with the Executive Committee, which is their right, and it has gotten nasty. I'm of the opinion that this AD's leadership is falsely assuming the mantle of "reform" in the name of attempting to obtain control of that which they believe should have been theirs, but was "passed over" - and that others who really believe in change are getting sucked into the power grab.
Other than this faction, I have seen the borough unified behind the current leadership for the past three years that it has been working.
The nastiness has continued online by two anonymous blogs, locked in an internet flame war that crosses the line of politics into personal attacks and insults. Personally, I believe half of what is posted and read them occasionally for entertainment purposes only. Frankly, I think all sides would benefit from the quote posted in the first comment in this thread!
Jonathan Judge has become a flashpoint in all of this because he has publicly spoken out against the party leadership in his failed attempt of making the ballot for City Council. IMO, he's wrong on many points, but again, that's his right. I will say that I was disappointed when, having failed to make the ballot, he chose to support a Democrat over a Republican who made the ballot in this non-partisan election. For that and other reasons, I've stopped supporting the YRs. As for Senator Golden's support of now-Councilman Greenfield, I understand the logic - he supported him before any Republican declared to run, and the damage of a perceived "flip-flop" of endorsement would have been significant.
Things aren't perfect - there's much to be done, and there's plenty of work to go around. If the energy that went into all this hate on the 'net were directed to actually accomplishing goals of getting candidates elected (of which we have several good candidates running!), Brooklyn wouldn't be as deep a shade of blue as it is now.
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written by Daniel Peterson , July 14, 2010
Hey BB,
Thanks for your comment on clarity. In my position (and opinion) I am not directly connected with the events in Brooklyn and often try to view what goes on their in a pragmatic way. I have no brief with the current GOP leadership there and my few times talking with chairman Eaton have been cordial and informative.
As for Judge, I am political friends with him and though he takes an abrasive approach at times in a way that I wouldn't, I do believe his intent in strengthening the GOP presence in Bklyn is sincere and it is a shame that their is such aversion against him.
Judge has denied being the creator of Atas or part of its operations, but admits to providing his position and viewpoint when asked. I'll take him at his word.
Atlas shows its lack credibility with all the nicknames it uses for everyone and their silly youtube videos with some of the worst songs in pop music.
Things aren't perfect in many places. I personally believe that the best strategy is to focus on your own AD. I've come to the realization that people in the party forget that politics is grassroots from bottom up. That its leadership from each district selects a chairman to lead, but the leadership is really the district.
Build your district. Show you have strength there. Worry about your AD. Don't worry about the entire borough. If you prove that you can build up your AD committee, then other ADs will do the same. It starts local and expands out through the borough. I don't think the Atlas folks see it this way.
As you are aware, I am a Queens resident and there is a situation there as well that is similar yet different. I'm more familiar with the Queens GOP than Brooklyn's and have no interest in fighting the battles in a borough I'm not in. So I'll be friends with all.
The semantics of the council race earlier this year is now a moot point. I think we should all see about strengthening our party's presence in whatever ADs we can and see where it takes us.
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written by BklynBarrister , July 14, 2010
Thanks for the response.
Frankly, What Jonathan does in his own time is his business, and that's all there is to it. Unfortunately, her's gone about business within the party in such a manner that he has alienated most of the Brooklyn GOP Leadership.
I agree with your approach to growing the party wholeheartedly.
As a final thought, I guess that reasonable people can disagree. Unreasonable people go blog under a pseudonym. :-)
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