Nassau’s Suozzi Set To Take On Spitzer

[Renew Deal]

Tom Suozzi thinks he’s ready for Broadway—or so it would seem by his performance on the Long Beach boardwalk after an early-November political rally.

The Nassau County Executive, clad in the standard politician’s uniform of blue suit, red tie and American-flag pin, riffed buoyantly for a scrum of reporters and supporters, showing the trademark brio with which he’s conquered the county’s fiscal problems—and which he’s about to take on the road in a bid to win the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

A reporter asked why Mr. Suozzi had helped a certain store locate in the business district of Glen Cove.

“When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go—downtown!” Mr. Suozzi sang, channeling Petula Clark on the importance of a vibrant town center.
<snip>

http://www.observer.com/politics_wiseguys.asp

[Ignacio Upton]

1. Is there any way we can start a "Don't Run Tom" movement?

He is going to make 2006 a repeat of 2002's Cuomo-McCall primary.

[sabbat hunter]

2. suozzi

definitely has higher office aspirations and we need to find an outlet for him.
any alternatives or ideas for him?

btw i think either spitzer or suozzi would make a great Governor.

[Ignacio Upton]

3. He's going to divide the party

We can't have a repeat of 2002 when it was Andrew Cuomo versus Carl McCall. Both Senate seats are blue, so that is out. He could be Lieutenant Governor but I am not sure if he wants to play second fiddle to Spitzer.

[sabbat hunter]

4. loss in 2002

we lost in 2002 because mccall ran an awful campaign. he didnt come across real well. his only platform seemed to be that 'its my time'.
cuomo tried to just run on his name.

with spitzer and suozzi as long as they keep the campaign postive and what they will do for the state, a primary can be good, bringing new ideas to the table.

in 2002 pataki was still popular, and the democratic candidate was not a good campaigner.

[Ignacio Upton]

5. Here's a reason why having a divisive primary is dangerous

Suozzi's talkingpoints and statements in the last few months have been "I know how the middle class works" and I've read quotes from at least two rank and file Suozzi supporters who imply the "Spitzer is anti-business" talkingpoint that the GOP will use. What Suozzi (or Spitzer says) to the other candidate could be used against them should they get the nomination. Also, William Weld and Tom Golisano will not go without funding. Weld will likely get money from Wall Street backers who don't want an "anti-business" Democrat, and Golisano will be able to self-finance his campaign with his billions.

[sabbat hunter]

6. spitzer

has some issues of his own.
snip

"State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer's office has quietly handed out millions of dollars to politically connected organizations that could boost his campaign for governor in 2006"

http://www.amhersttimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=350&Itemid=27

[Renew Deal]

7. Word on the street is

Suozzi is running beginning January.

[Ignacio Upton]

8. State Dems need to assemble a team to stop him

Silver and other party leaders should take him into a dark room and wack him on the head. If he wants to undermine Spitzer and help Weld or Golisano, then he can go fuck himself.