Wednesday’s political round-up

August 24, 2005

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:

* Gov. George Pataki (R-N.Y.) is not seeking re-election, so he’s starting to tout his would-be Republican successors. Yesterday, Pataki praised Lt. Gov. Mary Donohue as someone who would make “an excellent candidate” to replace him and “would be an outstanding governor.” Donohue has not said whether she wants to run for governor. Pataki also praised Weld, saying he would be “an outstanding candidate. He’s a proven leader.”

* In California, the field of candidates hoping to replace Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox is finally set, with yesterday’s filing deadline having passed. The ballot will apparently include 20 candidates, though state Sen. John Campbell (R) is considered the favorite in the special election. Voters will head to the polls on Oct. 4, but if no candidate gets 50% support, a runoff will be held on Dec. 6.

* Despite some pressure from party leaders, Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) has decided not to run for governor next year. Salazar reportedly told told his inner circle of trusted advisers and friends recently of his intentions. Colorado Dems are still looking for a top-tier candidate for next year.

* Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) was in Iowa recently where he alluded to the fact that he’s strongly considering the 2008 presidential race. After a rally at the Iowa State Fair on Friday, Brownback said, “I came to meet Iowans and to do warm-up laps while I decide on the 2008 presidential race.”

* The 2004 election cycle finally came to a close last night when state lawmakers in North Carolina selected a new superintendent of public schools. The race had been pending since last November. Democrat June Atkinson was picked to run the state’s 1.4-million student school system by a 93-21 vote during a joint session of the Senate and House. It was the first time since 1835 that North Carolina lawmakers determined the winner of a statewide office.

How many Republican candidates for president in 2008 do we have now? It might be a good time to start hammering on the apparant Republican disunity that represents, since we heard that non-stop during the Democratic primaries. That is not to say that I think that is actually an indicator of disunity, but there are others, and it always feels good to expose right-wing lies and hypocracy.

  • I am not from NY and don’t really follow it’s politics but remembered seeing something that indicated a less that close working relationship between Pataki and Donohue. This interesting comments on the Wikipedia (wich may or may not be completely factual but seem generally OK) on her that makes Pataki’s comments “interesting”

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Donohue

    She is not known to be a powerful lieutenant governor or to enjoy a close relationship with Pataki. She has been loyal to Pataki and has never publicly opposed him, unlike her predecessor.

    snip

    In 2005 it was reported that she was spending less time in Albany, because of her dissatisfaction with Pataki and her hope that he would leave office early and make her governor. Donohue denied these rumors. Donohue is not considered a strong candidate for governor in her own right, and reports say she is seeking a judgeship. She has denied this.

  • Brownback can consider running for president all he wants. Truth be told, I think he is such a loser that he actually makes George Allen look good!

  • Don’t worry, ET. I am from New York and I can assure that nobody cares who Pataki thinks would make a good Governor. He’s not running for re-election for a reason. Meanwhile, why doesn’t Gary Hart run for Gov. of Colorado? He seems to have some conviction but I think he could still pass for a Democrat.

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