Judging by online traffic numbers, and the volume of reader comments, the exploits of Sen. Antoine Thompson are a hot topic, so I'm going with the flow today. That's Thompson pictured on the left above, with his longtime ally, Byron Brown.
For starters, I did a radio appearance Wednesday afternoon on The Shredd & Ragan Show (103.3 The Edge, WEDG-FM). The subject was Thompson, his trip to Jamaica, campaign contributions and the people who make them.
Give a listen if you like. The interview lasts 14:22. I'd like to think I add some insight to the outrage.
Shredd & Ragan have a pretty funny post on their web site about what it takes to run against Thompson or anyone else in the State Senate or Assembly.
Among the advice:
All you have to do is run for office. Not sure how? Of course they don't make it easy, but a gig this sweet always requires a bit of work. Stop your whining and get cracking. Get in and you're almost set for life.
My story about the trip to Jamaica, and two follow-up blog posts, have generated a lot of reader comments. As usual, you've got to sift through a fair amount of babble, but there some real gems to be found.
Among my favorites:
robert14219 said: we should target the contributors - BOYCOTT their businesses and tell they WHY....cut off the funding and he is G O N E from Albany.
Tomm: According to the list of contributors of $1,000 or more, 49% of those contributions are from areas OUTSIDE OF WESTERN NEW YORK!
Does anyone really believe he can best represent us western New Yorkers when his financial allegiance is to people outside this area?
No wonder he conducts fund raisers in Albany!
chipsahoy: I swear this guy really bugs me! He just leaves right in the middle of session! This is the time when he is suppose to be working on the budget, and fixing New York State! BUT NO, let's go take a vacation. When 2/3's of his district, can't even afford to go on vacation let alone just leave there job to go do it! We would be fired, but not Senator Thompson. This is pathetic, and if he is re-elected after all the stuff he has messed up then I feel sorry for those who vote for him, because you will be just as much to blame for the districts fall as much as Senator Thompson.
artgeffenbaum: Where is Lenny Lenihan? The Erie County Democratic Party should be actively seeking a primary challenge to this guy. At least give the voters a choice.
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tagged
Politics | State government
http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A21685+p_e_year=2010+p_freport_id=J+p_transaction_code=A
Just a couple quick examples.
Why does Kevin B Macleod from Bay Shore, NY feel its necessary to donate $500 to Thompson? Because he owns KPS Solar on Long Island! Not only that, be brags about his Legislative Accomplishments right on his website! Its easy to pass legislation promoting your business when youre buying off politicians!!!
Why does Richard Jurasek, who is the PRESIDENT of Medaille College feel its necessary to donate $800 to Antoine??? Looking at every post on here it seems EVERYONE knows how bad Antoine is for New York State! Does Richard know something we dont know? Or is he just involved in the pay to play game of politics?
Remember Robert Knoerr? Hes the environmental attorney whos fighting the casino project in Buffalo. Why in the world does he feel its necessary to give Antoine $1,000? I guess Robert knows whats best for Buffalo better than we do?
Does Harold Hibbard, the owner of Metro Contracting in Niagara Falls know better than we do? He donated $1,000 to Antoine in January He must be smarter than we are!
Why does Earl V. Wells III of Clarence Center think its necessary to contribute to the demise of New York by giving Antoine $1,000? Because he owns E3 Communications of course! Hes financially gaining while YOU ARE LOSING!
If you feel government needs to be completely reinvented why do you donate to Antoine and why did you donate a total of $35,800 to politicians in 2008 alone????