As City Republicans struggle to find their voice and their identity in the post-Bush era, there are certain candidates that Party leaders all seem to be in agreement on. Clearly, their preference for John Catsimatidis to run for mayor is now well known. However, there is another citywide candidate the Party seems to developing a consensus on.
Juan Carlos "JC" Polanco, Director of Assembly Republican Leader James Tedisco's NYC office and Bronx commissioner at the Board of Election, has been often discussed as a potential candidate for Public Advocate, and GOP leadership now seems to be rallying around the Hispanic Republican's potential candidacy.
Polanco has been involved in Republican politics in the City for the last 10 years and has gained much responsibility and experience over that period of time. In addition to his legislative and BOE responsibilities, Polanco is a professor of Dominican History and Business Law at CUNY, spent years as a social studies teacher at Truman High School and holds a degree from Fordham Law School. He is one of the few established Hispanics in Republican politics here, and would help the Party in its efforts to recapture Hispanic voters they may have lost in the Obama debacle.
Unlike the last two election cycles where formerly-Republican Bloomberg had blocked the Party from fielding other citywide candidates, this year he is not in a position to exert such authority. Many see these citywide races as both helpful to growing the Republican Party as well as helping build a farm team of experienced candidates to run for other major city and state offices. The fact that the GOP Chairs are in solid agreement on Polanco's candidacy is just another clear sign that the City GOP is back in business again after eight long years of Bloomberg induced silence.
Another Republican candidate, Alex Zablocki, has also expressed interest in the race. He serves on the staff of former City Councilmember and present State Senator Andrew Lanza. From his website, his ties with former Republican Bloomberg seem tight. Our sources say this connection has Republican County leaders unsure of where his true allegiance lies and others have expressed reservations with Zablocki and noted that the GOP establishment in Staten Island is not terribly fond of the State Senator's employee.
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written by Reaganite , February 13, 2009
I can't imagine a better citywide candidate than Polanco. He will do us proud and help grow the NYC Party. How do we convince him to run?
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written by kvasir , February 13, 2009
polanco sounds interesting. is he playing hard to get?
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written by Daniel Peterson , February 13, 2009
If it's Cats for Mayor, Polanco for PA, all we need is a Comptroller candidate and we have the citywide done. Then it would be down to the five counties finding five strong presidential candidates for each borough.
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written by chancehaywood , February 13, 2009
On a political level the sooner he announces the better for me. Obviously as a Bronx-centric organization it would be nice for the Bronx YRs to have a local candidate to invest time in.
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written by Jay Golub , February 13, 2009
"Obviously as a Bronx-centric organization it would be nice for the Bronx YRs to have a local candidate to invest time in."
That's a good point, Chance. One of the things the City GOP needs, is a little teamwork. That hasn't been the case in the past, but with recent events, it seems like those days may be over...
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written by Daniel Peterson , February 13, 2009
Last night at our YR meeting, one of our guest speakers was Dan Schorr, District Attorney candidate in Westchester.
Dan will make a great District Attorney and its seats like this one, and like the 20 CD with Tedisco, and Staten Island Borough President and District Attorney, and the 34 St Senate District, and a few city council seats here and there, say seven, eight or nine of them.
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written by Hennessey , February 17, 2009
I think you're knock on Zablocki is a little unfair.
If you're unsure of where his allegiances lie, why don't you ask him? I'm sure he'd be happy to answer your questions as he seems like a nice young guy with a lot of ambition.
We'd be well advised not to kick dirt in the faces of our young, ambitious guys -- especially those who are willing to actually run for citywide office with an "R" next to their name.
Let's call off the perpetual RINO alert and try to get some Republicans elected.
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written by Paladin , February 17, 2009
The "knock" on Zablocki was not unfair if it accurately reports the general sentiment toward him by Party leaders. The fact of the matter is that he is too cozy with Bloomberg at a time when the Republican Party is about to kill his chances at reelection.
Right now we need candidates and political operators loyal to the Party, not to Bloomberg (or his wallet), so that we can build an effective Party that stands for something (SOMETHING!!).
We also need candidates that can pass the laugh test, and this kid running for city wide office does not. Maybe in a few more years, after some hard political lessons, he will be ready to run for city council or assembly.
"especially those who are willing to actually run for citywide office with an "R" next to their name."
If you check out his website, you'd have to look in the right place to find the one line where he mentions he's running for the Republican nomination. Everywhere else, and on every banner, etc, he refers to himself as an "independent fighter."
Frankly, I'm pretty sick of republicans who call themselves "independent." That means they will try to run my life just like Bloomberg and the rest of the liberals in this country. But as I said, he's young, he has time to learn how things really work.
Looking through his issues page, I could not readily identify a single Republican issue. I read through some looking for interesting details, expecting to see something like real reform for education in the form of inceased competition. What I founf instead was more of the same liberal clap-trap about money and resources.
Last, he's been running for a year and only raised $5000. That makes it hard to take him seriously for a city wide race, regardless of age or experience.
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written by Jay Golub , February 17, 2009
"I'm sure he'd be happy to answer your questions..."
I think you are correct. Although I would prefer Mr. Zablocki pens his own piece, which will be given the same access as this piece got, if he would prefer, UE will be more than happy to interview him to respond to this post and/or its sentiments.
"We'd be well advised not to kick dirt in the faces of our young, ambitious guys -- especially those who are willing to actually run for citywide office with an "R" next to their name."
Ouch...I'll leave that one alone...
"Let's call off the perpetual RINO alert and try to get some Republicans elected."
First, is that a way of defining Mr. Zablocki's positions? There was no mention of RINO in the post or in any comment after. So why do you bring it up?
Second, Hennessey, does that mean would support giving bloomberg the GOP line this year to run again for Mayor? Certainly he could win if he had the GOP line and became a Republican again.
"Right now we need candidates and political operators loyal to the Party, not to Bloomberg (or his wallet), so that we can build an effective Party that stands for something (SOMETHING!!)."
In all fairness, we don't "know" what Mr. Zablocki stands for. We should give him the opportunity to fill in those blanks before getting into such detail.
"Last, he's been running for a year and only raised $5000."
That is a good point. Sadly, speaking from experience, a citywide campaign can't be run without money...
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written by Alex Zablocki , February 17, 2009
After reading this post by Paladin, I must personally respond.
First off, it is difficult to respond to allegations made through "sources". My phone is always on. For anyone reading this that may have something to say, something to suggest, something good to say or even something bad to say, call me! Cell: 347-885-1200 (or text) Home: 718-989-4960. Email: \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . My door is always open, my BlackBerry is always on and I will always answer and/or meet with you.
Late last year, I wrote to every County Chair in New York City about my candidacy, as well as executive committee members. I have not received a response to my letter, but have spoken with a representative for the Manhattan chair, Queen’s chair, Craig Eaton himself from Brooklyn and John Friscia from Staten Island. For Paladin to say that "Republican County leaders [are] unsure of where his [my] true allegiance lies and others have expressed reservations with Zablocki [me]" couldn't be more false. First off, I have been a strong supporter of my party! Since I got involved in politics, I have been a part of nearly every Republican campaign on Staten Island – most successful – working hard for the winners and those that came close. I stood by my party and my friend, former Congressman Vito Fossella, during a very difficult time. I stuck with my party during primaries, fighting to get Vincent Ignizio elected to the Assembly and getting Andrew Lanza elected to the State Senate. I was a campaign captain for Michael Bloomberg in 2005. I built and designed websites for Republican candidates free of charge because I wanted to make a difference and I wanted to make sure the Republican message got out their effectively. Besides blood, sweat and tears, I also gave my money. I don't need to go on and on about this – I know where I stand and so do my supporters - I've been there for my party - and though I don't agree with every decision made, everything Republicans stand for and I may not always wave the republican flag, but I am proud to say I am a Republican. No one can or should doubt my allegiance to my party. If you do, tell it to my face, not behind a blog.
Paladin's sources need to check their facts. Unless the conversations I have been having with members of the party are not true or that the process is flawed, and a candidate is already picked, than this blog post is inaccurate.
Paladin's post in response to someone else’s post, refers to the party needing a candidate who is "loyal to the Party, not to Bloomberg (or his wallet)" but then goes on to say "he's [Alex Zablocki] been running for a year and only raised $5000." This is disingenuous. For starters, I announced last July and held one fundraiser. Money is important, but so is getting my name out there. It’s the happy median all candidates strive to achieve. If I was so aligned with Bloomberg and, as Paladin says, his wallet, then wouldn't I have raised more money? OF COURSE raising $5,000 is not enough for a citywide race. OF COURSE I need to raise more money. OF COURSE I will be doing so in the next few months. However, I would never rate a candidate’s viability on the money he or she raises or can raise. That’s politics as usual and anyone that knows me knows I work until 2-3am, I get up at 6-7am, I will out walk, out think, out talk and out campaign anyone I am put up against. It is the passion I have for public service that money cannot buy. I've raised enough money to get me this far - and as the campaign progresses, we will be raising more. I will not lie and say I will raise the $3 million my Democratic opponents have raised, but I will raise enough to run an effective campaign and get the message out. I am running to win and I will not back down.
[to be continued]
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written by Alex Zablocki , February 17, 2009
I think calling me a "kid" is insulting - you are insulting every person, willing and able, that wants to run for any office, regardless of age. If you think 26 years old means I am a 'kid' and 'kids' shouldn't run for office, then lobby to change the law. This "kid" has done more for his community and this city than most have in a lifetime. I am a business owner - a business I started while attending Baruch College, where I earned a BBA in Finance - I hold a Series 7 license, allowing me to practice as a Financial Services Representative and I know how this city works, better than most, from my 6 years of experience in the trenches, dealing with the red tape and bureaucracy of city government. I have real results from real projects I have worked on and I am happy to share and expand on my accomplishments. This "kid" owns a home that I purchased at the age of 23 and as someone that took a lower paycheck to make a difference and do something I love, I know the struggles of balancing a mortgage, rising real estate taxes, increased water bills, steadily increasing electric bills, etc. I don't think I need any (quote) "hard political lessons" which you claim. You are sending the WRONG message to young people.
You mention my use (or lack of) the "R". The Public Advocate's office is not a republican office, it’s not a democratic office; it is, as described in the City Charter, an INDEPENDENT OFFICE. I am not seeking to be the "Republican Advocate". Anyone that thinks I will be should not support me. I will be a Republican Public Advocate that will independently fight for all New Yorkers. Notice the lower case i, not an uppercase I. I think that is what we need in government - elected officials willing to be independent, bringing fresh new ideas to an office that so badly needs it and someone who is willing to stand up, say something and do something. I quote Alexander Hamilton, “Those that stand for nothing, fall for anything.” I stand for a lot of things, I’m no fool.
I invite Paladin to my news page, www.alex2009.com/news.htm, where, at the top of my press releases, I put proudly that I am a Republican candidate for Public Advocate. I'm not sure what he/she is missing. Look again, you'll find it. It’s even right on the FIRST PAGE: "Alex Zablocki is seeking the Republican nomination to serve the over 8 million New Yorkers as their Public Advocate." www.alex2009.com. Like I said, look again, maybe you missed it.
With all of this said, regardless of who runs and who gets the Republican line, I am sure (I am positive) we will all come together as a team in the end. Right? I know I’ll be there. I hope everyone else is too. Because like the post says, that’s what we need
Paladin, you are more than welcome to join the team, volunteer, hit the streets with me, ring some bells and we'll spread the Republican message from Morris Park in the Bronx to my hometown of Tottenville, Staten Island.
Everyone should learn more about me - join my Facebook group, follow me on Twitter, watch some of my videos on the YouTube channel, join my newsletter and give me a call! I would love to chat.
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written by Jay Golub , February 17, 2009
"If I was so aligned with Bloomberg and, as Paladin says, his wallet, then wouldn't I have raised more money?"
That's a good point, alex - well said.
I like your sentiments overall. Take it to Paladin! And we look forward to hearing more from you in the weeks and months to come...
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written by Paladin , February 17, 2009
Good response Alex. I applaud your moxie. However, you seem to miss the basic premise of the article. Which is that the candidate the Party wants is Polanco. If he doesn't run and there is no other candidate of substance, I'm sure you will get their support and I'm sure you will run a very vigorous campaign.
I will also give you the respect of trying to respond to all your points.
"I was a campaign captain for Michael Bloomberg in 2005."
There lies the concern. You express no remorse for supporting Bloomberg and seem perfectly comfortable with him getting the R line once more. If that is incorrect, please set the record straight. I would be very interested in hearing your assessment of Bloomberg at this point.
" If I was so aligned with Bloomberg and, as Paladin says, his wallet, then wouldn't I have raised more money?"
Frankly, No. Bloomberg has been notoriously unhelpful with raising money for our candidates or our local party organizations. He gives money to the guys at the top so they will keep the rest of us in line. Ask any of the candidates from 2005 who had their lips in a virtual permanent pucker on his ass how much help they got raising money.
"However, I would never rate a candidate’s viability on the money he or she raises or can raise."
That's not politics as usual, that is a cold hard fact of political life. One you may learn the very hard way. But I honestly hope not. There is plenty of hope for you.
"I think calling me a "kid" is insulting - you are insulting every person, willing and able, that wants to run for any office, regardless of age."
I disagree. I don't see it as an insult to anyone except the very few who overreach at a young age. Few people will take you seriously, regardless of your personal achievements, which I did not belittle in any way. However, you should try representing a district before you try to represent the 8 million people of NYC. There is not a single candidate on the Dem side who is not an elected official, and you haven't even run for office before. Cut your teeth a little more before you try to be top dog.
"The Public Advocate's office is not a republican office, it’s not a democratic office; it is, as described in the City Charter, an INDEPENDENT OFFICE."
Honestly, this is what I find most disturbing. That's the same crap I hear from most candidates who are either afraid or embarrassed to promote their republican affiliation, expecting people when they do find out to think it's some sort of accident. Yes, as I acknowledged, you did put on your website that you are running for the republican nomination. So is Bloomberg. Are you a republican by accident, or is there a reason you chose your party?
Every office is a non-partisan office. There is no such thing as the Republican City Councilman, Senator or Assemblyman. Or Mayor. You've worked for years helping republicans run. That is really great. So why not put on your poster, Republican for Public Advocate?
If you want to help build the Party wave the flag as a candidate, not just as an activist. That would get my ultimate respect, and I would certainly be there in the trenches with you should you be the candidate.
Finally, you don't address the issue of issues. Where are you on vouchers? What taxes would you advocate be cut? What issues will you fight for that I as a republican can get excited about? I'm sorry, but traffic just doesn't get me hot and bothered.
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written by Behold a Pale Horse , February 18, 2009
It sounds like we have the making of a primary between Alex Zablocki and JC Polanco.
To those you who just shook you're heads, primaries don't have to be destructive or expensive. They can allow the Republicans to get more attention in the media and get their message out. We shouldn't assume that only Republicans will hear that message.
While I am not speaking of anyone at UE, I think the "control freak" mentality of many Republican leaders in the past, who always sought to discourage primaries might have contributed to the decline of the GOP.
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written by Hennessey , February 18, 2009
Paladin, what exactly are the "hard political lessons" that you want Zablocki to learn? To sit down, shut up, and wait his turn? Not to question the "candidate the party wants?"
Did you support John Faso? I seem to remember the Party leaders had a different candidate in mind for that race.
Sure we need diversity. Sure we need experience. But we also need youth. And "moxie," and fresh ideas. We need a vibrant Party to be a viable party.
In all honesty, I used to visit this site quite a bit before the redesign, but the constant bickering about who is the "real" Republican and who is just Bloomberg's lapdog got really boring.
I just don't see the benefit in turning away those who self-identify as Republican.
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written by Jay Golub , February 18, 2009
"I just don't see the benefit in turning away those who self-identify as Republican."
No one is "turning away" anyone on this site. If you had been reading, you'd see that a WIDE variety of views are represented here. Everyone has the right to put up their views as early and often as they like.
As well, I'm sorry that the topic of Bloomberg is a big one these days. His involvement in the GOP is emblematic of what has been wrong with the Republican Party in this state.
I don't want to make any assumptions about your view on the topic as to avoid being charged like you've charged Paladin above, but I did ask you a direct question related to Bloomberg and you chose not to answer it.
But if the view you are more comfortable with is that the GOP line means nothing but a place for people of all values and any issues to run on, then the two of us disagree strongly.
I would suggest that the Republican Party in this city needs to stand for something if it wants to have any electoral value going forward. If you disagree or have another suggestion, please put pen to paper...
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written by Quickjustice , February 18, 2009
"Tis a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Shakespeare's MacBeth.
You're wasting a lot of time and breath, Alex. Carpe diem, pal. Gear up for a GOP primary. Organize. Raise money. Campaign. Show us what you got, kid. And if you've got it, I'll root for you too!
If Bloomberg is such a mensch, get him to cut you a big check to get you in the game. The mayor wants the GOP nomination? What does he do for our junior candidates? (Frankly, I expect Bloomberg to pat you on the head like a good little doggy, and give you bupkis.)
The GOP needs young people. The GOP needs champions. Show us you have the smarts and the guts for politics in a very tough city.
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written by Paladin , February 18, 2009
Well Hennessey, I'm glad to see you chiming in here now. You may be uncomfortable with these discussion but I think they help the Party. Internal debate is never a bad thing, as long as you don't try to destroy people personally.
"what exactly are the "hard political lessons" that you want Zablocki to learn?"
Have you worked on campaigns, Henn? Do you know the disappointment of someone who thinks they are going to win and then get 20% of the vote? Or when someone thinks they will have legions of supporters and it winds up being the candidate and his campaign manager alone 99% of the time?
Faso is a great example. He overreached. Do you doubt he would have had a very good chance of being Comptroller now had he run for that office and not governor? He was not a strong candidate in that race, but was when he ran for comptroller.
I love Alex' enthusiasm and interest in politics. However, he is overreaching for someone of his age and experience. More candidates get discouraged and drop out of politics by taking on these quixotic quests then if they start small and have reasonable expectations. He will likely have a longer career in politics if he follows my advice instead of rushing into a situation where he finds himself in over his head, with not enough money and no or very little real support.
I don't want to turn anyone away. I have been a loud advocate of the big tent. However, as a party we must stand for SOMETHING. What is that going to be? I think it's a fair questions and a very fair question to ask potential candidates who seek support from the republican party.
And, I'm sorry, but there is a simple test of public credibility here when it comes to running someone for high office who is 26 years old. Maybe he should run for Mayor? Do you think he would be taken seriously in that race?
Nobody starts at a company as a CEO, or even a vice president. But that is essentially what Alex is looking to do. He should start small, run for local office, and I will applaud his candidacy and give him all the support I can.
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written by chancehaywood , February 18, 2009
Paladin
What exactly are you basing the "over-reaching" argument on? Do you know something personally about Alex that you believe disqualifies him as being capable candidate beyond trying to raise funds for local race that wasn't even on anyone's mind during a presidential election cycle? If so share. However stating someone is in over their head without actual evidence to back up that claim is just hogwash.
Also if you are a resident of NYC isn't Publican Advocate a local office?
As I stated earlier it is best for my club to have J.C. as a candidate, in a non-contested primary, so that my club has someone to focus our energy on that is home grown. But if there is a primary I'd be down for that as well. Might give Alex an opportunity to make Paladin eat some crow.
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written by Hennessey , February 18, 2009
Sorry, Jay, I wasn't avoiding your question -- it took me awhile to digest everything that is being said here.
I do not support giving Bloomberg the GOP line and I sincerely hope it doesn't happen. Fool me once, shame on you... and all that stuff. I hope we don't get fooled again.
Paladin - I have worked on campaigns. I do know those feelings. And the frustrations we experience as Repbulicans in New York City are not necessarily related to our lack of effort or our lack of conviction. They are largely structural and require a structural solution. That means growing the party. That means encouraging young candidates.
All of these comments seem to be in good faith, but I still think that Alex has a valid point regarding the original post. You cited unnamed sources in a way that impugned Alex's integrity. You shouldn't do that kind of thing in a forum like this unless you are prepared to share your sources.
Of course you can't simply open the barn door and let anyone run on the GOP line. But some people do start at CEO. At the age of 25, Bobby Jindal was appointed secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. Gifford Miller was speaker of the City Council at 33. There are bright people out there who can break the mold. If you have reason to believe that Alex is not one of them, or is not fit for the job, then I think it only fair to demand more in the way of proof than simply gossip and innuendo.
BTW - Before anyone brings it up, I have never met Alex and do not know him personally in any way.
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written by Paladin , February 18, 2009
Chance are you smoking funny cigarettes today?
"if you are a resident of NYC isn't Publican Advocate a local office? "
Are you serious? I live in NY State, does that make governor a local office? And I live in the USA, does that make President a local office? So what is not local, President of Mexico? Utah state legislator? I would hope you know the distinction between a local office and something larger.
No, I do not know Alex and have never met him. I base the overreaching argument solely on the fact of his age and experience, lack of being elected or even running before, and the fact that voters will see us putting up this 26 year old kid to be first in the line of succession if the mayor were to leave office early as laughable. It's nothing personal about Alex. I would say the same if we put up anyone so young and inexperienced. Sorry if that sounds harsh and if it hurts feelings. But that is a reality that must be faced. If you think I'm being harsh, just wait to see what the mainstream press will say.
A primary would not be suited to this campaign. In general I support the idea, but this race is too big and will be difficult enough to raise money for. Likely neither candidate will be qualified for matching funds by Sept, so it really doesn't serve the interests of party building.
"Might give Alex an opportunity to make Paladin eat some crow. "
Many have tried, none have yet succeeded. But I look forward to the day I am proven wrong.
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written by Paladin , February 18, 2009
Hennessey, glad to hear you have joined with the majority of republicans that want nothing to do with Mayor Mike any longer. Your "burn me once" mantra is exactly on the mark, except we've already been shamed and are risking coming back to be burned a third time.
"the frustrations we experience as Repbulicans in New York City are not necessarily related to our lack of effort or our lack of conviction. They are largely structural and require a structural solution. That means growing the party. That means encouraging young candidates. "
I mostly agree with that, and as I said before, I do not want to discourage Alex or anyone else from running for office. He just make a dry run for something smaller where can make a difference. You work up to the big ones.
Of course just saying the problem is structural and calling for party building avoids the more complicated analysis. What about the structure is broken? and how to we grow the Party?
I could go an about this, but one of the reasons it is broken is that we encourage people to run for offices they not only have no chance of winning, but of even gaining any traction with our very pragmatic volunteer/donor base. I see it ever cycle. Good people (and I'm sure Alex is a good person) running and getting no support because they don't really understand the bigger picture or their role in the process. They want to win, but they can't win and everyone knows it. They have no secondary goals and just want to win.
Maybe Polanco can't win either but he will go out and campaign in minority communities across the city and begin the outreach process we so desperately need. That would be a huge win in my opinion.
"You cited unnamed sources in a way that impugned Alex's integrity. You shouldn't do that kind of thing in a forum like this unless you are prepared to share your sources."
Everyone cites unnamed sources. If they were to be named they would not be sources. That is a standard practice of reporting of this type. Read the politicker or daily politics. They do it all the time. So does the Post, Daily News, etc. So get over that. I also did not impugn Alex's integrity in any way. How do you come to that conclusion? My point was only that Polanco was the Party leaders first choice, and Alex was not. Also that he had ruffled some feathers in SI political circles. That is what some people are saying, and it was clearly reported as such.
The rest came in response to specific protestations of other bloggers here. That's what makes this site unique and interesting, the discussions that follow the initial posts.
"At the age of 25, Bobby Jindal was appointed secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. Gifford Miller was speaker of the City Council at 33."
Do you really want to use Giff as an example? He was considered one of the most ineffective Speakers the council ever had. Sorry to make that unsubstantiated innuendo about someone so young, but I think people generally agree. That's why his career tanked after he left office. But at least he began in the Council, not running for Mayor. And he didn't run for council looking to be the next speaker. That just worked out, dumb luck for him being in the right place at the right time.
Jindal is another story, but he was given a policy job at 25, not the governorship. These are both good lessons for how to get ahead, and Alex doesn't seem to be following either of these.
In the end I am not attacking Alex, just questioning (maybe harshly) his decision to run for this particular office at this time. I'm sure he is an outstanding young man with a bright future ahead of him He has a great resume for someone of his age. I hate to use this word, but he does not have the gravitas to run for an office at this level.
However, if we do not find a more qualified candidate and Alex is our guy, I hope he runs a smart campaign that has sound party building goals and gets out to communities all around the city, and not just campaign in SI, Bay Ridge, Bayside and the few other places where Republicans already do well.
That is a loser on every level and not an effort I can really get behind. But if he stands for something that helps define the republican party and helps to spread that message in minority neighborhoods, thereby growing the party, I will be 100% behind him and will be there on the ground with him.
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written by Jay Golub , February 18, 2009
"I do not support giving Bloomberg the GOP line and I sincerely hope it doesn't happen. Fool me once, shame on you... and all that stuff. I hope we don't get fooled again."
I'm glad you feel that way, Hennessy. I hope everyone in the party feels the same as well.
"There are bright people out there who can break the mold."
I tend to agree with you on that one as well. Either way, I'm glad that this discussion has started for both Alex's and the Party's sake. I HAVE spoken with Alex and was very impressed with what he had to say. UE looks forward to hearing more from him as Election Day draws closer...
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written by Jay Golub , February 18, 2009
"They want to win, but they can't win and everyone knows it."
What should "they" want to do, Paladin? Lose?
I don't think we can fault candidates for "wanting to win," even though I think I understand your convoluted point that there should be fall-back goals considering the uphill task these races are at this point in the NYC's GOP history.
Also, it is important to note the fact that Republican Leadership itself is not commonly willing to support candidates like Alex. You may say this is because "they know he can't win," but I tend to think that if the Party DID help, guys like Alex COULD potentially win.
"I hope he runs a smart campaign that has sound party building goals and gets out to communities all around the city, and not just campaign in SI, Bay Ridge, Bayside and the few other places where Republicans already do well."
I do agree with that sentiment, Paladin. It is critical for the GOP's candidates, especially the city-wide ones, to be effective campaigners in minority communities, less-affluent neighborhoods and areas where GOP support is less than the city's norm. If we do not do this as a Party, we will never grow...
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written by Paladin , February 18, 2009
Jay, there is nothing convoluted about my point. Candidates shouldn't want to lose, but there are other reasons to run besides winning 51% of the vote. You ran for Council on the lower east side, did you think you were going to win? Did you consider your race a success?
We have a message we need to get out and a Party to build. I submit that any candidates that focus on those goals will be in a better position to win than those who run just to win. Not to mention that when they lose at the ballot box, they still have made enormous gains.
That doesn't make those goals fall back goals, but primary goals. If a candidate does not achieve those goals, they will not win. Of course help from Party higher ups would be nice, and may help push some of our more competitive candidates over the top. And they should help the candidates with no chance in the effort to build the Party.
But candidates focused solely on winning and do not take these other primary goals into consideration really do not deserve help because they will be going nowhere fast.
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written by Jay Golub , February 18, 2009
"You ran for Council on the lower east side, did you think you were going to win? Did you consider your race a success?"
Are you investigating me, Paladin?...
And, you are correct in that I didn't "expect" to win my races for Council or Public Advocate. I did "try" to win, but also did try to make sure that the campaigns were "successful" even if victory wasn't had. Your advice to many NYC GOP candidates should be listened to, but I still think we should Mr. Zablocki some time to impress this upon us...
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written by Paladin , February 18, 2009
"Are you investigating me, Paladin?"
How pithy of you Golub. Yes, I want to know all about you. You fascinate me. :-)
"Your advice to many NYC GOP candidates should be listened to, but I still think we should Mr. Zablocki some time to impress this upon us."
Thank you. It is unfortunate that some people saw these comments as some attempt to attack or ridicule Alex. That was not the intent. He is clearly an impressive young man.
However, look at Eric Ulrich in Queens. He is also a talented young man with political ambitions. He is running for city council. That's how you do it. Alex's only mistake in my opinion is a tactical one.
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