Sweeney's Battle

In this must read New York Times Article about the 20th district race and the political battle of John Sweeney's life, we see more of the hypocrisy of the Sweeney spinners. Here are some quotes

And Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York, who has long relied on Mr. Sweeney to advance the city's agenda on the House Appropriations Committee, on which he has a seat, plans to hold a $1,000-a-person fund-raiser for him in the coming weeks at his Upper East Side town house. ...

"John is a totally independent guy," Mr. Bruno, the State Senate majority leader, said. "If there is anybody who has demonstrated his independence from the national Republican agenda, it is him."

Yeah, right. His voting record shows he's a Bush Rubber Stamper. Who's agenda is this? Sweeney's ranked Rated 18% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes. And Rated 10% by NARAL, indicating an anti-choice voting record. Rated 15% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. Rated 69% by the Christian Coalition. He Voted NO on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. Voted NO on allowing importation of prescription drugs. Voted NO on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox. Voted YES on making the Bush tax cuts permanent. (source).

Previously Sweeney even identified himself as part of the Bush campaign saying, "I think it's legitimate for us in the Bush campaign..." (Decision 2000," MSNBC, March 2).

...Mr. Sweeney has long been considered a potential candidate for higher office.

But now he finds himself battered by headlines about his own actions, including his recent attendance at a college fraternity party. He also faces the woes afflicting other Republicans around the country, who — as members of the party controlling the White House and Congress — are potentially vulnerable at a time when polls indicate that Americans are in a dark mood about the future of the nation.

Added to the mix is Mr. Sweeney's Democratic challenger, Kirsten Gillibrand, a lawyer and a tough and disciplined opponent. She has been barnstorming the district, which encompasses all or parts of 10 counties, carrying the same message that she delivered here one day last week during a campaign stop at Skidmore College: that Mr. Sweeney and his Republican allies in Washington are out of touch with average Americans, who are increasingly concerned about fuel costs, college tuition, the war in Iraq and the federal deficit. ...