Let the 2010 games begin
Anybody who doesn't think the 2010 statewide elections are not under way was not making the rounds around Buffalo on Saturday.
Not only did Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand make the traditional visit required of all politicians to the Broadway Market, she was joined by Rep. Steve Israel of Long Island, a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee and a potential primary opponent to Gillibrand next year.
And to top it all off, former Rep. Rick Lazio of Long Island was also in town, speaking to top Republican leaders from around the area as he explores a potential run for governor in 2010.
There was nothing definite in the actions of any of the visiting politicians on Saturday. None were very anxious to talk about politics. In fact, it just was not a topic of discussion for anyone at this early juncture.
But they were here, and at least in semi-political mode. Gillibrand met with the Democratic chairmen of the eight Western New York counties and benefited from a $1,000-per-person fundraiser in the Saturn Club organized by Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples, D-Buffalo.
Israel, meanwhile, had lunch on Friday with Erie County Democratic Chairman Leonard R. Lenihan.
And Lazio was busy at the Leonard Post in Cheektowaga rekindling long relationships with upstate Republicans.
It all points to the political fact that while the 2009 campaign has not even begun, preparations for any statewide effort in 2010 have to start now. A campaign across New York is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars, and most observers expect the field to have some clarity by this fall.
The pols themselves may not be ready to declare the campaign under way yet, but just about all political observers say the starting gun sounded long ago.
As far as 2010 is concerned, let the games begin.
-- Robert J. McCarthy
