Ace of Spades HQ

February 22, 2011

Fantastic: Another Insiders Vs. Outsiders Fight In Upstate NY
— DrewM

(See update below)

The fight for the GOP nomination to replace Chris "Shirts Optional" Lee in NY-26 is starting to look uncomfortably like the fight in NY-23 between Scozzafavaasasa and Doug Hoffman.

Once again, it's up to county GOP chairs in the district to name the party's candidate (I don't think there's a provision in the law that would allow a primary even if they wanted to hold one). And once again, they appear to be going with an insider over a slate of outsiders, including Iraq War hero, David Bellavia.

Rus Thompson of Grand Island, a tea party figure who was active in Carl P. PaladinoÂ’s GOP campaign for governor, said Sunday he and others disapprove of the way Republican leaders are rushing toward the nomination of Assemblywoman Jane L. Corwin of Clarence. She remains the GOP front-runner for an anticipated special election stemming from LeeÂ’s Feb. 9 resignation from Congress.
Thompson strongly hinted that the movement might coalesce behind a third-party candidacy by David Bellavia, an Iraq War veteran who mounted a strong effort for the 2008 GOP nomination eventually won by Lee.
Â“David Bellavia is bound and determined to run a third-party line,Â” Thompson said Sunday. Â“Because of the way Republicans have been treating this, people are talking about a third-party line.Â”
Bellavia would not go that far Sunday, though he questioned the rush to support a Â“self-funding millionaire.Â”
Â“I definitely have a lot in common with the tea party people,Â” Bellavia said. Â“But there is a process, and IÂ’m going to be a good soldier for now.Â”

If you don't know who David Bellavia is, get thee to Blackfive immediately.

I don't know anything about Bellavia's politics but his service, his book and the recommendation of a lot of milbloggers I respect was good enough for me. A district where the Republican won with like 76% of the vote in November seems a pretty safe place to run a guy, for all his impressive accomplishments, is a neophyte when it comes to electoral politics.

But of course, the insiders seem pretty well committed to picking one of their own.

From a purely Republican Party perspective, the upside is it looks like the Conservative Party will cross-endorse the Republican nominee, so we may not see the NY-23 scenario where the Democrat sneaks in.

Any western NY morons around? You might want to call your local GOP and let them know who you'd like to see get the nomination.

Update: Er, never mind about letting them know who you want, they already picked Corwin.

Thanks to "Curious" in the comments.

Posted by: DrewM at 10:08 AM | Comments (70)
Post contains 450 words, total size 3 kb.

1 I'll endorse the RINOest option as soon as I get my fat ass off this couch with Nancy P. Callista, bring the shoe horn!

Posted by: Newt Gingrich at February 22, 2011 10:14 AM (F+Y9Z)

2 Bellavia was in Fallujah when the balloon went up. Read his book and you'll see he suffers from an acute allergic reaction to bullshit of any kind. I'm not too well-read on Corwin, other than she's easy on the eyes, but I would support Sgt. "Bell" over whatever the establishment offered.

Posted by: EC at February 22, 2011 10:15 AM (mAhn3)

3 Wanna know who I endorse...

Posted by: Newt Gingrich at February 22, 2011 10:15 AM (N+1N/)

4 Did I mention that I was born in NY, and then moved to Delaware? Political stupidity isn't just my current scenery; it's in my blood.

Posted by: Blue Hen © at February 22, 2011 10:15 AM (R2fpr)

5 http://bit.ly/f2tgNu

Christie's Budget speech

Posted by: The Robot Devil at February 22, 2011 10:16 AM (LdYLm)

6 Wanna know who I endorse...

Posted by: Newt Gingrich at February 22, 2011 02:15 PM (N+1N/)

Fuck you.

Posted by: Dick Cheney at February 22, 2011 10:16 AM (YxGud)

7 But it's her time, she's a good little trooper, etc etc

Posted by: Lemmenkainen from somewhere in dar al-Harb at February 22, 2011 10:17 AM (Iw4dM)

I don't think you need a law to hold a primary; you need a law to force people to hold primaries. If they want to have an election, they can fund it themselves or set up another way to let the district select its candidate.

But that would take the fun away from the party leaders. They're so dreamy when they select liberals in conservative districts over the opposition of the people. They're the ginchiest!

Posted by: Ella at February 22, 2011 10:17 AM (M6HwK)

9 Wanna know who I endorse...

Posted by: Newt Gingrich

You shared a couch with Nancy Pelosi, and there's no indication that it was at gunpoint. Sod off.

Posted by: Blue Hen © at February 22, 2011 10:18 AM (R2fpr)

You know who'd make a great GOP congressman? Me!

Posted by: Barry O. at February 22, 2011 10:19 AM (F+Y9Z)

11 Oh, this is easy. The GOP county chairs will pick the person most likely to lose in the NY-26 general.

Posted by: George Orwell at February 22, 2011 10:19 AM (AZGON)

Whoever gets the nomination, I feel it's my sacred duty to tell you that I had a sexual relationship with them.

Posted by: Will Folks at February 22, 2011 10:20 AM (F+Y9Z)

13 I'm in this district, but even if they were to have a primary, I couldn't vote in it (Registered Conservative). Good to know who to vote for in the Special Election, though. Thx!

Posted by: Tim the Enchanter at February 22, 2011 10:21 AM (izA2D)

14 I'm from (more or less) that district. Rus Thompson is a local rabble-rouser, and in this case he's even gone a bridge too far for Carl Paladino, who's backing Corwin.

Bellavia would be nice, but let's get real here. Even an Iraq war hero can't raise enough money and stature to win a congressional race in that short a time. I'd go with Corwin after all's said and done.

My suggestion to Bellavia would be to move to the neighboring 27th and wage a campaign against Brian Higgins. Until then, patience is called for.

Posted by: Lou at February 22, 2011 10:21 AM (awiDb)

15 Love this:

"Why'd you two join the infantry?"

I reply first, "Stephen Sondheim."

"What?"

Both Fitts and Sims stare at me.

"Stephen fucking Sondheim."

"You mean the composer?" asked Sims.

"What the fuck are you talking about, bro?" says Fitts. So there's one thing about me the guy doesn't know.

"I was a theater major," I begin to explain.

Lol.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at February 22, 2011 10:22 AM (UOM48)

You know who'd make a great GOP congressman? Me!

Posted by: Barry O. at February 22, 2011 02:19 PM (F+Y9Z)

You'd do fine here -- voting present running and hiding.

Posted by: Wisconsin Democratic Party at February 22, 2011 10:23 AM (N+1N/)

17 Which candidate is the biggest RINO squish? That's the person we need to run for President next year!

Posted by: Kensington at February 22, 2011 10:24 AM (mEyVv)

18 If the vote was 75-25 republican, i think we could win on the conservative ticket this time. So if they pick an insider, a conservative should run against him

Posted by: Ben at February 22, 2011 10:24 AM (wuv1c)

19 this feels so like the Kristen Gillibrand thing. so many dems have told me "she has to be a senator as she is going to be our first female president, it's her destiny". It always creeps me out when they say stuff like that and they think I should be happy cause "it would be historic and she's from NY" as if that is all that matters.

Posted by: curious at February 22, 2011 10:26 AM (p302b)

20 "And, if elected, do you promise to serve to the best of your ability, unless the Republicans have a majority?"

Posted by: t-bird at February 22, 2011 10:27 AM (FcR7P)

21 If palladino is backing Corwin then she's a closet dem, just like him.

Posted by: curious at February 22, 2011 10:28 AM (p302b)

22 Just how bad is the "insider"? If she is really an unacceptable candidate, there must be a better reason than just being an "insider."

Posted by: logprof at February 22, 2011 10:31 AM (UCfWt)

23 19 this feels so like the Kristen Gillibrand thing. so many dems have told me "she has to be a senator as she is going to be our first female president, it's her destiny". It always creeps me out when they say stuff like that and they think I should be happy cause "it would be historic and she's from NY" as if that is all that matters.

Posted by: curious at February 22, 2011 02:26 PM (p302b)

the only people who accuse NY dems of being intelligent, are other NY dems.

Posted by: Unclefacts, Confuse A Cat, Ltd at February 22, 2011 10:32 AM (eCAn3)

24 The motherless fucks want to get one of their golfing buddies in.

Posted by: fluffy at February 22, 2011 10:32 AM (4Kl5M)

25 O/T: "U.S. Sen. Harry Reid urges Nevada lawmakers to ban brothels - Reno Gazette"

Posted by: curious at February 22, 2011 10:33 AM (p302b)

the only people who accuse NY dems of being intelligent, are other NY dems.

Posted by: Unclefacts, Confuse A Cat, Ltd at February 22, 2011 02:32 PM (eCAn3)

HILLARY! The musical coming to a stage near you!

Posted by: The Robot Devil at February 22, 2011 10:33 AM (LdYLm)

HILLARY! The musical coming to a stage near you!

Posted by: The Robot Devil at February 22, 2011 02:33 PM (LdYLm)

who are they going to get to play H.M.S. Cankles?

Posted by: Unclefacts, Confuse A Cat, Ltd at February 22, 2011 10:35 AM (eCAn3)

Bellavia turned me into a newt.

Posted by: dananjcon at February 22, 2011 10:37 AM (pr+up)

29 so many dems have told me "she has to be a senator as she is going to be our first female president, it's her destiny".

She's about as sharp as a sack of wet mice...who the hell picked her as their puppet figure?

Political stupidity isn't just my current scenery; it's in my blood.

My passport says "Illinois." Which is bad enough, but today someone who looks nothing like me is going to cast a vote for Rahm Emmanuel using my name and the address of the trailer park my parents brought me home to when I was born. *weep*

Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 22, 2011 10:37 AM (nAOMZ)

30 OMG I LOVE DAVID BELLAVIA.

I even have a pic of him from when I went to the launch of the Vets For Freedom tour at the Midway Museum. I'm so cool.

Posted by: arhooley at February 22, 2011 10:37 AM (D45hw)

31 I am ashamed to admit I used to live in upstate NY. WTF is wrong with the NY Republican Party?

Posted by: Vic at February 22, 2011 10:39 AM (M9Ie6)

32 So He seems like a good guy, other than the fact that he hasn't made friends with the internal machine?

and what has the internal machine done for us lately?

Posted by: Douglas at February 22, 2011 10:40 AM (YKOnu)

33 Posted by: Vic at February 22, 2011 02:39 PM (M9Ie6)

Stockholm Syndrome?

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 22, 2011 10:40 AM (8y9MW)

34 Can't we just sell NY to Canada? Or hold a lottery for it or some kind of fund raiser? I believe we could get more for New York than we could raise in a whole mess of bake sales.

Posted by: Dax at February 22, 2011 10:40 AM (nSCNN)

35 Posted by: Dax at February 22, 2011 02:40 PM (nSCNN)

Naaa. Remember, Real Estate types consider market value and ROI and all of those kinds of things. So you'd maybe get $0.50.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 22, 2011 10:41 AM (8y9MW)

36
It's always the cocksucking moderate Republicans who are more interested in fighting other Republicans than they are in fighting the Democrats.

Posted by: Soothsayer, Republican Whip at February 22, 2011 10:43 AM (uFokq)

37 I'm sure the New York Republican Party will do the right thing.

Posted by: Dr Spank at February 22, 2011 10:45 AM (1fB+3)

38 37
It's always the cocksucking moderate Republicans who are more interested in fighting other Republicans than they are in fighting the Democrats.

Who's instigating the fight here? The Tea Party, that's who. If they're so concerned about dictating who the Republicans nominate, maybe they ought to run for a few party committees.

Posted by: Lou at February 22, 2011 10:46 AM (awiDb)

39 Someone put me some knowledge about why there isn't a primary in a Special Election in NY.

Posted by: Quilly Mammoth at February 22, 2011 10:48 AM (uloio)

40
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the establishment NY Repubs screw Bellavia once before when he tried to run for office? I seem to remember some serious behind the scenes rat-fucking.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 22, 2011 10:49 AM (yf5H9)

41 Anyone hear that last caller on Rush?? Gee, talk about the "good ol boys". That was disappointing.

Posted by: jewells45 at February 22, 2011 10:50 AM (l/N7H)

I just want to go on record and say that I have no idea who David Bellavia is. But my unsaleable integridity compels me to find out! IYKWIMAITYD.

Posted by: Will Folks at February 22, 2011 10:50 AM (pr+up)

43 Someone put me some knowledge about why there isn't a primary in a Special Election in NY.

Posted by: Quilly Mammoth at February 22, 2011 02:48 PM (uloio)

Yeah; isn't this the same setup that got us Skeezerfatass last time?

Posted by: Captain Hate at February 22, 2011 10:51 AM (MAC3t)

44 Posted by: Quilly Mammoth at February 22, 2011 02:48 PM (uloio)

My guess (and it's just that)...timing and expense.

They want to get someone in the seat as soon as possible, having a primary would add another month/month and a half to the process.

Plus, the cost of running two elections would be pretty high. You have all the fixed costs and the number of actual voters who would come out for a special election primary would be so small.

Posted by: DrewM. at February 22, 2011 10:52 AM (HicGG)

45 Just when I think the MA GOP is the most f---ed-up political party in the history of ever along comes the NY state version of same to make me feel better about living in the district next to Bawney Fwank.

Posted by: DocJ at February 22, 2011 10:53 AM (AWzOz)

46 So in upstate ny, and probably downstate too but not so obvious, if the party feels they can control you and dictate how you vote then you get the nod and if they don't feel that, you don't. Is that about right?

Posted by: curious at February 22, 2011 10:53 AM (p302b)

A skosh off subject but I want to say it anyways and here it is: I have been out of town and travelling and learned of Cali's issue late last night while waiting at the airport. I then got home and brought myself up to speed around midnight.

Tears streaming down my face of combined emotions but over come with joy for Cali and his family on the road to recovery. And our humanity strengthened through kindness, driven through an unabated attempt to reach out and help a soul that felt the world was closing in on him.

I like the fact I am getting older, gray hair and all - because wisdom and grace through age become in tune.

God Bless all of you.

There, now carry on.

Posted by: journolist at February 22, 2011 10:54 AM (iHfo1)

48 at least one contender for the GOP nod, industrialist Jack Davis of Amherst, said he is not convinced the process is over. Because election law does not provide for a primary in the case of a special election, Davis said Monday he will ask the GOP chairmen to reconsider their vote.

Barring that unlikely event, Davis said he has offered his services to Democrats, on whose line he ran for the office three times. Davis re-affiliated with the Republicans last year and has even been helping the party financially, but Monday said he still prefers the Democratic approach to issues like free trade.

"I think I can get the Democratic endorsement," he said. "I still have connections there."

Like cockroaches, but without the redeeming qualities....

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at February 22, 2011 10:55 AM (bOKG+)

49 Folks, NY like CA is a lost cause. Give it up. Even if you get a Pubbie, he/she is worse that Olympia Snowe.

Posted by: Not A Lawyer at February 22, 2011 10:56 AM (Q5+Og)

50 Posted by: journolist at February 22, 2011 02:54 PM (iHfo1)

Nice.

Posted by: MissTammy at February 22, 2011 10:59 AM (BebB7)

51 "On February 21, 2011, Corwin was selected as the Republican Party nominee in the special election to fill the seat in New York's 26th congressional districtChris Lee. left vacant by the resignation of ^"
"NY-26 GOP Leaders Pick Corwin (Updated)"

"Assembly Member Jane L. Corwin (NY)

Current Office: State Assembly
Current District: 142
Party: Conservative"

Posted by: curious at February 22, 2011 11:00 AM (p302b)

52 BTW: Chris Christie knocked it out of the park.

Posted by: Quilly Mammoth at February 22, 2011 11:01 AM (uloio)

53 Posted by: Not A Lawyer at February 22, 2011 02:56 PM (Q5+Og)

So are you saying NY should also go on the "Nuke the site from orbit" list?

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 22, 2011 11:01 AM (8y9MW)

I like the fact I am getting older, gray hair and all - because wisdom and grace through age become in tune.

God Bless all of you.

There, now carry on.

Posted by: journolist at February 22, 2011 02:54 PM (iHfo1)

That was beautiful...now blow me.

Posted by: Mel Gibson in true moron fashion at February 22, 2011 11:02 AM (pr+up)

55 Corwin also has made it clear she will spend whatever is necessary from her personal funds to obtain the seat. And since a short campaign period of 30 to 40 days after Cuomo calls a special election is expected, most observers believe a seven-figure sum will be necessary in a district that encompasses both Rochester and Buffalo media markets.

Corwin hails from the family that once owned the Talking Phone Book, and promised to spend up to $500,000 if necessary when she first ran for the Assembly in 2008.

Uh, anybody notice how badly Republican women did this cycle running checkbook campaigns?

Also, her husband is some bank industry lawyer/lobbyist, which gives the Dems something else to pound her on.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at February 22, 2011 11:02 AM (bOKG+)

56 The big lefty states have been lefty for generations, it's gonna be hard to drag them back from the brink - Illinois, California, New York..........decent people have been fleeing for decades now, so the people left are left.

Posted by: Boots at February 22, 2011 11:02 AM (neKzn)

"So are you saying NY should also go on the "Nuke the site from orbit" list?"

No, the problem with nukes is the radiation afterlife. I think an ebola enema placed in NYC would do alot to balance the State's appetite for other peoples money.

Posted by: Not A Lawyer at February 22, 2011 11:04 AM (Q5+Og)

58
what's her record?

does NARAL love her or hate her?

Posted by: Soothsayer, Republican Whip at February 22, 2011 11:04 AM (uFokq)

59 Decent people shouldn't live in NY.

Posted by: Jack Napier at February 22, 2011 11:06 AM (M9Ie6)

60 As long as Corwin will pucker up and give me a big wet kiss, I'm good.

Posted by: Harry Baals at February 22, 2011 11:08 AM (T1boi)

61 her voting record

Posted by: curious at February 22, 2011 11:08 AM (p302b)

62 Posted by: Not A Lawyer at February 22, 2011 03:04 PM (Q5+Og)

No. Some of them might get across the border. I've seen (and read) The Stand. I'm not interested.

Surgically implant a device to shock them any time they get money from a government source?

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 22, 2011 11:09 AM (8y9MW)

63

Ah, she's fairly conservative from what her bio shows as positions

http://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=110467

She's only bad (mildly) on abortion, and even more mildly on guns.

I say this as a pro life gun nut.

Posted by: s'moron at February 22, 2011 11:12 AM (UaxA0)

64 50 Folks, NY like CA is a lost cause. Give it up. Even if you get a Pubbie, he/she is worse that Olympia Snowe.

Not A Lawyer, what state do you live in?

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 22, 2011 11:23 AM (fjoLg)

65 A 5710 Prohibiting Gender Identity Discrimination

Issues: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Date: 03/02/2010

Bill Passed(House) (100 - 43)

Assembly Member Corwin voted NO

Project Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that extends anti-discrimination laws to include transgender people.

Hmmmm....second look at Corwin.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at February 22, 2011 11:34 AM (bOKG+)

66 Pretty strong social-con record here:

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

07/01/2010    Allowing Unmarried Partners to Adopt a Child S 1523
N
Bill Passed - House (95 - 44)

03/02/2010    Prohibiting Gender Identity Discrimination A 5710
N
Bill Passed - House (100 - 43)

12/02/2009    Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage A 40003
N
Bill Passed - House (88 - 51)

05/12/2009    Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage A 7732
N
Bill Passed - House (89 - 52)

Also, frankly New York -- you are more than a bit fruity.....

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at February 22, 2011 11:39 AM (bOKG+)

67

At this stage, she's a fairly good pick. Not too much of a maverick, and not given to many public utterances.

Note, I said fair, in light of my state's political status.If it came right down to it, I believe she'd squish out before making waves.

But Bellavia would be a FAR better long term, dependable.

Posted by: irongrampa at February 22, 2011 12:08 PM (ud5dN)

68 Jane Corwin is no Dede Scozzafava. She's the second most conservative member of the New York State Assembly. I can't imagine the Conservative Party won't cross-endorse her, leaving the tea party with the daunting task of having to quickly get a ton of signatures to get Bellavia on the ballot.

Posted by: cinyc at February 22, 2011 01:37 PM (Rrh52)

69 I like how it took sixty odd comments until somebody figured out that Corwen is pretty conservative.

So the NYGOP gives you the second most conservative person in the state assembly (according to the conservative party), and people threaten a third party candidate? Good grief...

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Posted by: peteryang at May 20, 2011 09:06 PM (MbSM8)

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