By Colin Campbell 11/15/12 3:15pm

challenges

(Photo: Facebook)

Lew Fidler Unloads Further on Simcha Felder

Tells us how you really feel, Councilman Lew Fidler.

Mr. Fidler, who yesterday criticized Senator-elect Simcha Felder for vowing to cross party lines and caucus with the Republicans, took another pass this afternoon in a lengthy statement where he demanded Mr. Felder himself answer questions about the decision.

“Simcha is correct that the parties are not a religion, nor should they be,” Mr. Fidler wrote. “But being open and honest with the voters should be.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 10/17/12 2:56pm

Forecasts

George Pataki (Photo: Getty)

George Pataki Discusses the GOP’s Prospects in the 2013 Mayoral Election

Former Republican New York Governor George Pataki was one of the surrogates backing Mitt Romney on “spin alley” after last night’s presidential debate at Hofstra. Politicker used the opportunity to ask Mr. Pataki which GOP candidates he thought might emerge to challenger the crowded field of Democrats who are likely to run for mayor in next year’s election. So far two political newcomers, Manhattan Media CEO Tom Allon and Doe Fund boss George McDonald, are the only ones who have declared their intentions to run on the Republican line, but Mr. Pataki indicated there may be other Republicans mulling a mayoral bid.

“There are a number of people who are talking about running,” said Mr. Pataki. “I’m hopeful that we’ll have a strong candidate.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 9/25/12 10:51am

bipartisan love

Governor Cuomo in 2011's Pride Parade (Photo: Getty)

Cuomo ‘Elated’ That Some Pro-Gay Marriage GOP’ers Won Their Primaries

After Election Day earlier this month, Republicans who supported New York’s same sex marriage legislation received mixed results against their anti-gay marriage rivals. One GOP senator, Buffalo’s Mark Grisanti, cruised to a comfortable victory, while two other senators, Roy McDonald and Steve Saland faced tough challenges, the result of which was determined by the absentee ballots counted this week. Mr. Saland looks like he ultimately edged out his opponent and declared victory yesterday, but Mr. McDonald appears to have gone down in defeat.

And, asked about these Republicans’ respective electoral situations earlier today, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he was more than pleased despite being a Democrat. Read More

By Hunter Walker 6/26/12 7:44pm

Pre-Emptive Strikes

Bob Turner (Photo: Facebook)

Bob Turner Wants The Senate Primary Ballots Impounded

Political candidates generally impound ballots in elections where there is suspected voter fraud, Congressman Bob Turner’s campaign says they want the ballots in today’s three-way Republican Senate primary impounded just to be on the safe side of things. Mr. Turner’s campaign sent out a statement this evening announcing they have ordered the ballots impounded “to ensure the integrity of every vote in what may be shaping up as the lowest turnout in New York primary history.”

“The Turner campaign is committed to ensuring the integrity of every vote and impounding the ballots is the best way to achieve that for the good of all the campaigns,” campaign spokeswoman Jessica Proud said. “In the meantime, we are urging as many Republicans as possible to get to the polls before 9 p.m. to support the candidate of their choice.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 5/04/12 9:05am

Power Gays

10 Photos

Ken Mehlman

Top 10 Power Gay Republicans

Mitt Romney’s only openly gay spokesman, Richard Grenell, left his job with the campaign this week after backlash from social conservatives.

“My ability to speak clearly and forcefully on the issues has been greatly diminished by the hyper-partisan discussion of personal issues that sometimes comes from a presidential campaign,” Mr. Grenell said in Read More

By Hunter Walker 3/22/12 9:08am

NY-6

Dan Halloran (Photo: NYC Council)

Dan Halloran Considering Congressional Campaign

Republican Queens Councilman Dan Halloran is considering throwing his hat into the race for the newly-created District 6 House of Representatives seat. Sources told The Politicker Mr. Halloran was making the rounds looking for volunteers at David Storobin’s election night party on Tuesday and Steven Stites, the Councilman’s spokesman confirmed he’s mulling a Congressional campaign.

“He’s giving the run consideration. There’s a lot of folks in the local Republican party and the community that want him to run and that think he would be a very great fit for the district,” Mr. Stites said. Read More

By Colin Campbell 3/16/12 5:39pm

red vs blue

(Photo: Wikimedia)

State Democrats Dismiss Gillibrand Challengers

Earlier this evening, the State Republicans ultimately decided to place Rep. Bob Turner, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, and attorney Wendy Long all on the ballot where the winner will take on Democratic incumbent Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in November. And, as Republicans move with excitement towards their June 26th primary, the State Democratic Party issued a yawn via press release. Read More

By David Freedlander 3/16/12 1:45pm

State GOP Convention

carl-paladino-fb-400x400

Dean Skelos, Carl Paladino Is Looking For You

The Politicker was a little startled this morning to find no one other than Carl Paladino hanging out in the lobby of the Rochester Convention Center as he made his way in to the New York State Republican Convention.

Mr. Paladino, after all, ran for governor in 2010 bashing the party establishment, including State Chairman Ed Cox.

Still, Mr. Paladino said he was there to cast his vote for Wendy Long, the conservative lawyer vying for a spot on the ballot today. He told us why he’s backing Ms. Long and shared his thoughts on the state of Newt Gingrich, his pick in the Republican presidential primary. Mr. Paladino also let us know he’d like to give Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos a piece of his mind. Read More