Twin Pataki Stories

The New York Times on Sunday will run an interesting analysis of Governor George Pataki's mixed environmental record, which they correctly see as boiling down to "formidable achievements in land preservation and sometimes-halting steps on regulation and enforcement," coupled with "announ[cements of] bold proposals that then drifted through years of delays." Compared to most national Republicans, of course, George Pataki's record is impressive, and New Yorkers certainly owe him a debt of gratitude for his efforts, particularly in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions and protecting wilderness areas. The Times look at the potential legacy is definitely worthy of perusal.

If political "inside baseball" is more your thing, don't miss Saturday's Patrick Healy report (also in the Times) on the ongoing debate within New York's Republican Party hierarchy over which candidates to field against Democrats Eliot Spitzer in next year's gubernatorial race (should Pataki decide not to run again) and Hillary Clinton when she runs for reelection to the Senate. In typical fashion for the state party, we're seeing all sorts of disorganized chaos, with struggles erupting between state and county party officials, potential candidates, and elected officials. It's really no wonder the convential wisdom currently suggests that Democrats will have a good election day in the Empire State next fall.*

*As an aside, this article features a quote from Tom Morrone, the county chairman from Chenango County in the central part of the state, where I grew up and still vote. I can't remember the last time Chenango was mentioned so prominently in a national publication - it's good to see!