More Broken Promises from John Sweeney

Maybe Sweeney thought that the police noticed he was giving them a secret wink-wink nudge nudge when he called on them to release the "real" report. He is in another pickle like he was when his claims that he'd debate Gillibrand after the primary and after Labor Day, eventually he just can't deliver on his promises. He can't do what he said he was going to do - he can't win if people see him in a debate. He can't win when they figure out that his press conference was just another one of his elaborate lies to convince the voters that Sweeney is someone he is not.

Sweeney 911 call report still secret

Nov. 3, 2006, Newsday ALBANY, N.Y. -- Rep. John Sweeney has so far failed to follow through on a promise to authorize the release of police records he claimed would refute reports that he physically abused his wife last December.

Sweeney claimed Wednesday that a widely reported state police document showing that his wife called 911 on Dec. 2, 2005 to say he was "knocking her around the house" was fabricated. Neither Sweeney nor his wife, Gaia, denied there was an emergency call placed from their suburban Albany home on that date.

"I call on the state police to release the true report," Sweeney said.

Sweeney's office had yet to release any documents by Friday morning. State police have said the couple needs to sign a notarized letter to obtain the police files. The couple could then release them.

Sweeney spokeswoman Melissa Carlson had said the congressman and his wife would send a notarized letter to the state police Thursday. But there was no indication from Sweeney's office that the letter was sent and state police would not say if they received one.

Sweeney's office has declined offers of assistance in preparing release waivers from The Associated Press, the Times Union of Albany and New York Daily News.

There was no immediate comment from Sweeney's office Friday.

According to the documents, Gaia Sweeney called 911 after midnight on Dec. 2 to make the complaint. She told a trooper sent to the couple's home that they got into an argument that "turned a little physical by her being grabbed by the neck and pushed around the house." The pair appeared calm when the trooper arrived, though John Sweeney had scratches on his face, according to the electronic police report.

No one was arrested in the incident.

The 51-year-old Republican is facing a heated challenge from Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand. Sweeney accused his opponent of trying to slander his family. ...

Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.