Spitzer and Hevesi
Eliot Spitzer, as far as we know, has not yet said whether the findings of the state Ethics Commission affect his endorsement of Alan Hevesi. And, of course, there are all kinds of political temptations for him to say he still thinks Hevesi is a great comptroller -- party loyalty for one thing, and for another the advantage of having a Dem in his debt looking over his shoulder for the next four years instead of a potentially hostile Republican.
But, really, doesn't endorsing Hevesi make a joke of his bring-back-integrity stance before he even gets started? What would the argument be? That he agrees with Hevesi and not the commission, even though Spitzer's appointee joined in the decision? Maybe he argues the violations were somehow minimal. But the Commission has made that harder, by finding not only that Hevesi violated the law, but that he INTENDED to ignore its advice and pay nothing until he was caught.
In a sense, this is Day One. Spitzer's first decision as governor. Party or principle. Will things change, or not?
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Comments (4)
John, I think we already know the answer to your question: it appears that, for Spitzer at least, party politics trumps governmental ethics. It's now clear that we can't expect a great deal of house-cleaning from our "next governor."
The fix is in. Just stall baby. All the dems will help Hevesi get to the finish line knowing he'll have to go once he's elected and they can put their own dem in there because they control the votes. They also know the NYS GOP has no money and can't take advantage of the Hevesi situation.
Why anyone thinks Spitzer is anything more than a typical NY political hack is beyond me. He wants power. He wants to win. He'll do whatever it takes to promote HIS career. This is NOT the definition of a leader or a reformer. A leader or a reformer puts the needs of the people FIRST. Clearly by supporting Hevesi, Mr. Spitzer has shown his true colors.
Too bad Faso wasn't running for Comptroller this time!
Hey republicans lighten up...like Riley you guys act like Elliot has been elected govenor already..he has not..Day 1 has not begun yet..look at your calander..Elliot promised to investigate Hevesi at the appropriate time..which his office is now doing...and speaking of party politics..Faso is oddly quiet on Pirro..I wonder why??? you guys have any ideas???? andy
Because Pirro has only been accused, Hevesi has been found to have violated the Public Officers law. BIG difference.