Here's the answer to the second question: In a district where Republicans only outnumber Dems by a slim margin -- 35.7% to 32.1% according to the latest numbers from the state, and Conservatives account for another 2.2%, it's the nearly 25% of the voters who are independents/unaffilated who are going to make the difference in this race. Having a candidate that isn't able to appeal to these people, is a waste of time.
As for the first question, it's hard to believe that Soros would turn over his apartment to 100 people last night, including Steinem and Carl Reiner and former Kennedy speechwriter Ted Sorenson, if he didn't believe that Aydelott was a true progressive. And it's hard to believe that these people would take time out of their presumably busy schedules, just to get a glimpse of Soros' admittedly fabulous apartment if they didn't believe that Judy had a shot at unseating Bush lackey Sue Kelly.
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Strange.
I like John Hall, but it ain't for me to say, as I don't live anywhere near the Hudson Valley.
I'm one of he people here who doesn’t care for Judy too much. I have seen her at several speaking events and she always has a hard time trying not to gaze around the room in search of the thoughts that have just escaped from her head...
Why would these big names and big pocketbooks associate themselves with Judy? Because she is leading in fundraising among the dem candidates. It's a matter of hedging your bet. The thinking goes this way:
Chances are, money will get elected. So if you give money to money, you look like you supported a winner when(if) they win.
Of course, that's old school establishment thinking. As opposed to "progressive" thinking.
Facts:
- Less than 2 months ago, Judy said she supports a military draft.
- Less than 1 month ago, Judy promised, on the spot, unequivocally, that she would find a buyer for the Indian Point power plant. (which is great if she could actually dream up a way to pull it off)
- Less than 1 month ago, Judy said that she could support a military attack in Iran.
Hall and Shuldiner are progressive. I like Shuldiner, as I have said here before. He's younger which means a bigger future horizon. Shuldiner does appeal to independents, greens, republicans. All likes have volunteered to help his campaign.
I do live in NY-19, so it does matter to me who is elected. Sue Kelly must go and we must get a dem majority in the house, but we don't have to trade one for the other.
I remember Mr. Schuldiner stating unequivocally he was the best principal in New York. Frankly, I thought my principal in elementary school was the best. Mr. Schuldiner has said unequivocally that he has lived in the district his whole life. He went to HS in California and he doesn't own a home in the District. Let's not get into who said what and where.
Let's look at the facts of this race and be practical about it so we can pick up a Dem seat.
So far:
Ben Schuldiner, while earnest, has not received the backing of anyone that holds a leadership position in the party or in office, nor has he received the backing of any of the many progressive organizations in the 19th.
John Hall has shown that for all the name dropping and for all the pomp, he can't raise the necessary money for this race. He also shows constantly that he is willing to attack Judy Aydelott whether she is in the room or not.
Darren Rigger has been showing a lot of support. He was endorsed by two committees in the last several weeks, he received the support of Charlie Rangel, he received financial support for public officials.
Judy Aydelott has raised oodles of money for this race from very influential Democrats. She is a former Republican which helps in this district and she is a woman.
Jim Martorano has shown that he would be a great help to any of the other candidates if he would get out there and speak on their behalf.
The sixth guy, who I have not yet seen perform publicly, is in my opinion a non-issue.
I'm hoping its Rigger or Aydelott. But honestly, I'll take any one of them right now, but I want only 1.
There are a few errors with your post Northern Westchester.
You say that Ben Shuldiner went to school in CA, but you fail to mention that he had lived in Crompond, NY for much of his youth - his father's work with disabled ciizens brought him cross-country.
Likewise, you say that Ben does not own a home in the district. I don't know where you got this information from, because it is flat-out wrong. He owns a home in Crompond, which is located in NY-19. I can attest to that as I've been to his home.
Finally, having met Ben, I find it hard to believe that he would unequivocally state that he is the best principal in New York - he is a very humble person who would hardly make such a statement. You are probably thinking about the Jefferson Public Service Award for Individuals 35 Years or Under, which he recently won.
I support Ben because of all the great work he has done in the public sector, his character, and his progressive politics. He is, in my opinion, the best speaker of the bunch, and because of his great grassroots network (as well as good fundraising figures), stands a good chance to beat Sue Kelly.
