Sampson Consolidates Power Through Committees

Convicted NY State Senator Loses 1 Leader Post
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York state Sen. Kevin Parker, who was convicted of a Misdemeanor in a confrontation with a press photographer, has lost one of his leadership posts but keeps another one worth $9,000. The Brooklyn Democrat was acquitted of Felony Assault in the 2009 scuffle in which prosecutors said a New York Post photographer’s finger was broken after Parker grabbed his camera. Parker at the time was facing Foreclosure of his home. The photographer’s car was also damag...

Breslin tapped deputy leader
ALBANY -- Sen. Neil Breslin has been tapped as deputy leader of the 26-member Democratic Conference, a post that requires him to coordinate the legislative flow on the chamber floor and serve as the second-in-command to Minority Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn. "I think it brings honor to the County of Albany that I have been selected as deputy minority leader, but it also means that I will have a great deal of work to do to make sure that we get out of the $10 billion Deficit while at the same ...

Political Courage in Albany
As Governor Andrew Cuomo is about to find out, it takes guts to break the mold in Albany. That's why a recent move by four Democratic state senators deserves admiration and congratulations. Last week state senators Jeffrey D. Klein of The Bronx, Diane Savino of Staten Island, David Carlucci of Rockland County and David Valesky of upstate Oneida County announced the formation of their own mini-caucus in the Legislature's upper house. That means they have seceded from the Democratic Senate conf...

Sampson, In Minority, Calls For Ethics Reform
Senate Minority Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn, called on the Senate to pass a variety of Reform Bills today, including measures that would ban those with business before the state to donate to political campaigns, have an independent commission draw the lines of legislative districts and have require lawmakers who are also lawyers reveal their clients. Sampson, who is leading a minority conference of 28 Democrats (four Democrats are conferencing in an independent conference), pointed to the ...

To The State Senate Renegade Go The (Bigger Office) Spoils, At Least For Now
In what appears to be the most public perk of telling Senate Minority Leader John Sampson to take his leadership and shove it, Dissident Sen. Jeff Klein has some new official digs: The office space formerly occupied by Sen. Tom Libous when he was deputy minority leader. The head of the new four-person Independent Democratic Caucus, who was formerly Sampson's deputy Majority Leader, has moved into 413 Cap, as LoHud noted today. "It's clear that independence for Jeff Klein comes with...

A.M. Roundup: How much do Cuomos aides make?
Good morning! One day of session down, six more months to go. Including today. Expect more negotiations between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders, or at least among their Staffers. And expect lawmakers to leave town tonight ahead of a coming Snow Storm. Here are the day’s headlines… Larry Schwartz is paid more than everyone in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s inner circle — including the Governor himself. (TU) The legislative session began “with a whimper,” Rick writ...

Klavinuccilesky still waiting for TPPP
Sen. Jeff Klein’s breakaway klatch of Independent Democratic senators announced proposals for saving money in government — which stemmed from the work of a Task Force Klein was involved in while still a member of the regular Democratic conference — and insisted that governing was their focus, not a larger staff allocation or other perks. “At this point, we announced the formation of the Independent Democratic Conference last week, and we were very clear: it’s about govern...

New Senate caucus could become a force for reform
Corruption in the in Brooklyn Democratic party is a central problem for progressive groups in the borough, but the emergence of a new Caucus in the state Senate may provide a unique opportunity for reform. Infighting and self interests have paralyzed Democratic initiatives since the party took the senate majority two years ago. Republicans took back the majority last week. In response Senator Jeffery Klein has lead a defection followed by three other Senators, Diane Savino, David Valesky, and Da...

Document Drop: Senate Dems Committee Assignments
In the interest of equal time, we bring you Senate Minority Leader John Sampson's list of committee assignments after having reported earlier today on the picks of Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who as of yet, hasn't given any of those IDC renegades a lulu. Grab a ringside seat for the blazing battles stirring up City Hall, Albany and Washington. Throw your hat in the ring – get involved and send me your tips! Subscribe to the The Daily Politics's feed. For more NYDailyNews.com fee...

Sources: Breslin on tap to be deputy leader
Two Senate sources told the Times Union that Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Bethlehem, is on tap to be named deputy Minority Leader. An announcement is expected later today or Tuesday. The post was previously held by Sen. Jeff Klein, D-Bronx, but he resigned last year before leading a breakaway foursome to create an Independent Democratic Conference. Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan, had been in the mix for the post, many sources said, but apparently fell short. Elizabeth wrote last week that Sampson had &...

Transit riders left 'stranded' when fares increase and services decrease
While a large “subsidy” for transit is often cited by opponents of funding public transit in North Carolina, and the fares truly do not cover the full costs of the system:  What is a “fair fare?”  Furthermore, what is “fair” in terms of Federal Funding for highways and roads as opposed to Mass Transit? Read this important report which documents the devastation of transit cuts and fare increases on communities across the country. Existing federal pol...

Mom charged in boyfriend's beating of her child
A woman who authorities say failed to prevent her boyfriend from severely beating her toddler daughter and then lied about it to police has been criminally charged, Kane County State's Atty. Joe McMahon said Tuesday. A Kane County Grand Jury has indicted Cathleen Koch, 28, for Aggravated Battery to a child and six counts of obstructing justice stemming from the October beating of her daughter in a St. Charles motel room. Her boyfriend, James C. Cooper, 27, formerly of Elburn, was charged follo...

WaPo Favors the 'Undocumented' Alien
Most Journalists use "Illegal Immigrant" despite pressure from Hispanic Activists, both inside and outside the media. (They often avoid the term "Illegal Alien.") Alexander argued the Post "would be wise to join the discussion over the best vocabulary, even if it ended up reinforcing its current directives." He acknowledged that choosing terms can be choosing sides: "Those that abandoned 'illegal immigrant,' for example, surely would be accused of softe...

WaPo Favors the 'Undocumented' Alien
Most Journalists use "Illegal Immigrant" despite pressure from Hispanic Activists, both inside and outside the media. (They often avoid the term "Illegal Alien.") Alexander argued the Post "would be wise to join the discussion over the best vocabulary, even if it ended up reinforcing its current directives." He acknowledged that choosing terms can be choosing sides: "Those that abandoned 'illegal immigrant,' for example, surely would be accused of softe...

AZ Lawmakers Vote To Ban Funeral Protests
(Chron.com) — Arizona legislators quickly approved emergency Legislation Tuesday to head off picketing by a Topeka, Kan., church near the Funeral service for a 9-year-old girl who was killed in the Tucson shootings. Unanimous votes by the House and Senate sent the bill to Gov. Jan Brewer for her expected signature. It would take effect immediately. Without specifically mentioning the Tucson shooting, the proposed law prohibits Protests at or near Funeral sites. Dozens of lawmakers co-spons...

Obama's war on fossil fuels--gasoline 55 percent higher since he took office
No electricity? No problem! The Obama Administration is at war with Fossil Fuels. Unless you live in a cabin without electricity, grow your own food, and walk everywhere you go, you are a Victim. Fortunately, House Republicans are fighting back, as the Wall Street Journal tells us. Republican lawmakers and Oil Industry Lobbyists say the administration's moves are contributing to higher Oil and Gas Prices. "The American people will look to Congress and the administration to foster more American ...

Sampson places new urgency on redistricting reform
The new-minted Senate Minority Democrats got religion on Monday, hours before the start of the 2011 session, and called for the chamber’s majority Republicans — including the members who signed Ed Koch’s pledge supporting redistricting reform — to stick to their promise. “Keep your promise. Pass the pledge,” said Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson, backed by about a dozen members of the conference, including several freshman. During the Q&A, Sampso...

Sampson Elevates Latino Members
Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. this afternoon issued a statement praising Senate Minority Leader John Sampson for appointing fellow Hispanic lawmakers to “high-ranking positions” within the (Read more...) ...

Ind. Democrats say jobs should be top priority
The top Democrats in the Indiana Legislature say Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels misplaced the priorities in his State of the State Speech by not talking more about Job Creation. House Minority Leader Patrick Bauer says the state's Unemployment problems need to be the Legislature's top priority at a time when the state has nearly 300,000 people out of work. Daniels used much of Tuesday's Speech to promote changes to the state's education system, but Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson said the bigge...

Voters elect Republicans to fill two vacancies in General Assembly
The General Assembly will welcome two new Republican legislators Wednesday on the first day of its annual session. Greg Habeeb, a Salem lawyer and former Salem Republican chairman, defeated Democrat Ginger Mumpower in a Special Election held Tuesday to replace U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R) in the largely Republican-leaning district that includes Salem and part of Roanoke County. "This election was about jobs, leadership and families,'' Habeeb said. "I think the people of the 8th District underst...

Arizona legislature expected to block Westboro protest
We picket the Funerals to make these vital points to the living! If you heed, it is life and health and peace and God sent the shooter! Praise God for ALL his works, and BE YE THANKFUL! Before your blood reaches the boiling point, take some solace in the fact that the Arizona legislature is sending a message of its own. The body is expected to vote today to make it a Misdemeanor to Protest within 300 feet of a funeral from one hour before until one hour after the services have ended. Jeff Rogers...

Morning Read: More Political and Neurological Than Meteorological
The Bloomberg administration on Monday admitted to a host of errors in its handling of the paralyzing snowstorm last month, describing a lack of preparation, confused lines of authority and an ignorance of on-the-ground conditions. Stephen Goldsmith unveiled a 15-point plan to deal with future snowstorms, but, as Clyde Haberman notes, none of the 15 points recommends that the mayor not suggest to New Yorkers next time that they are whiners when they complain about things not going right. Since...

Early Addition
Onesevenone's Flickr Remember to follow Gothamist on Twitter and like us on Facebook. From the Gothamist Newsmap: A car vs. building on Flatbush Avenue, a car-jacking in Highland Park, and a shooting on Staten Island. Pornography is coming at you in 3D. Wave of the future, Dude. Here's a rat hoarding video to accompany your lunch hour. Scientists say that if you've got a cold you shouldn't be laughing or whistling. Of course, you shouldn't be whistling anyway; that's annoying. Unless you're An...

Arizona Shooting: Photo Of Possible Second Suspect Released
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has released a photograph of a man they believe may be associated with Jared Lee Loughner: “He is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 40-50 years old, dark hair and was last seen wearing Blue Jeans and a dark blue jacket.” TUCSON, Ariz. — Rep. Gabrielle Giffords remained hospitalized Sunday as investigators sought to understand what motivated a gunman to carry out an Assassination attempt on the Democratic lawmaker in a rampag...

Arrests made in 'disguised' passenger case
HONG KONG, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Eight people have been arrested for allegedly helping sneak people onto flights from Hong Kong to Canada, an official says. A spokeswoman for Hong Kong's Immigration Department says the suspects, all current or former airport employees, were responsible for getting at least nine people into Canada illegally and could be linked to a boarding passes Smuggling Ring, PostMedia News reported Monday. In one instance, the suspects allegedly helped a young Asian man, believed...