Tuesday, June 07, 2011

The City GOP Convention


"Now, I know how Shayne Gall felt "said Rich Cahill on his blog the night after the convention. In a lot of way there are no question similarities between our conventions.

Committee people lying about who they are supporting, a Chairman out front for a specific candidate in hopes the "wealthy" candidate will save the day, ect..

What happened the other night at the GOP Convention is exactly what happened at the Democratic convention.

I give our chairman credit, he, Clement and co. are at least running a whisper campaign against Gallo, and Cardinale did not actually tell people who to vote for as they walked in like Sinagra did for Andi Turko Levin. Both approaches are wrong, Cardinale just happens to be a bit smarter than Sinagra.Regardless, the Chairman of a political party should not be out front for a candidate, it's not their role and it's wrong.

I also want to point out something that Cahill said on his blog that really sums up what is going on the Democratic side, I can't speak on behalf of who Andi's supporters are but I think it's a similar situation (no disrespect to Andi, I don't know)  Cahill said something to the effect that, you can't say you are a fresh face when you are being supported by the same good ol' boy crowd.

That really sums it up, here you have Hayes Clement saying he is this new fresh face..the only thing new about the guy is the amount of time he has lived here, which according to the board of elections is a little over 24 months...can you imagine, are you kidding me?? Putting that aside, he is being propped up by the same old faces: Tom Hoffay, Anne Marie DiBella, Frank Cardinale, David Donaldson...this IS the Good ol' Boys club. They are pulling Hayes' strings, nothing new, nothing fresh. The city electorate will not be hoodwinked into believing otherwise.As my Uncle, former Alderman and County Legislator Tony Crespino said, " the people of Kingston are not as stupid as we think." The people get it, and they know what is going on.

Getting back to the GOP, no question Rich Cahill got screwed. He built the city GOP and like him or hate him, he will probably win the primary. If that happens Chairman Sinagra will have to tender his resignation. As stated previously, it's going to be a long hot summer and I think it's about to get interesting.

41 comments:

friend of the GOP said...

What happened was that COMMON SENSE & GOOD POLITICAL SENSE prevailed.
No one really likes Rich Cahill, not really, respect his intelligence, maybe, but that condescending, holier than thou attitude doesnt cut it with real folks,,
Andi is smart, vivacious, friendly, smart, did i say SMART ??? Ready to rumble right out of the shute,, she will show Kingston how a dignified person can make her points in a non-confrontational way.
She is the future of GOP politics in the City.
Kudos to tony Sinagra & the intelligent GOP City Committee members.
Rich, be quiet, consolidate your losses & be a GOOD PARTY MEMBER !
NO PRIMARY !!

Anonymous said...

Try to be factual and not gossipy.I gather you were not there and have to relay on a secondary source.

Anonymous said...

Run a primary, Rich. You worked your ass off for that party and made Sinagra Chairman. You worked your butt off and Sinagra lied to everyone. Sinagra betrayed you. Don't be a chump and just take it. Take it to the people.

Anonymous said...

Friend of the GOP, pretty sad that you believe that Tony Sinagra and a few others have this all figured out.
What has Rich done except try to better the city?
Maybe you were one of the few useless positions he, and the rest of knew we can do without, thats why the resentment?
Just because a man can articulate, and act professional, shouldnt threaten you so much.

Do you really think Andi has more knowledge of the city budget and its offices, than Rich?
Why are so happy to have a less competent person in charge?
Not knocking Andi she is a very nice hard working woman, but dont you think she needs more experience before sitting across the table from the unions?
Maybe you should go ask Sinagra and the team that question?
Seems to me that the local republicans just threw her to the wolves and conceded the election.
BTW didnt Rich hold his own against lumpy a few years back when no one gave him a shot?
Why not get behind him now and make sure we take back city hall?
Such ignorance and too many personalities involved, and we are losing a strong candidate because of it.

Anonymous said...

The mere fact that Rich does not have enough sense to realize that he can't get elected shows you how out of touch he is. Instead of acting like a grown up and swearing he is the better Republican, he puts himself and his ego ahead of everything else and will cost the City GOP the best chance they've had in decades to have a shot in an election. Blaming the Sinagra for this just proves he can't admit he's wrong.

Anonymous said...

I think Andi will do fine as Mayor and Andi will do just fine at negotiating with the unions as well. She had a good repoire with CSEA and Police unions, the table wont be a problem for her. She is an intelligent, sexy woman with a common sense aproach to local govt. She has her chance, and the other repubs. should come behind her.

Anonymous said...

Polacco, Jacobs and Cahill couldn't muster 34% of the committee people between them. I am sure there is a good reason they chose Turco-Levin.

Just as the Democrats did with front runner Gallo, the Republicans saw something in front runner Cahill that that they did not like.

It used to be the 3rd and 4th line parties waited until after the big boys chose before they did. It made sense to back a candidate who has major party backing. Now they do nothing but dilute the votes for both lines and cause these primaries.

I say each party has to put up their own candidate or none at all. Simple solution to a ridiculous problem.

I KNOW said...

Either those posts are from scared Dems who dont want to see a strong woman beat their City candidate,

OR,

the GOP is in worse shape than I thought !!
If those are truly GOP opinions,, you ought to be ashamed of yrselves or you need to get out of the confines of the City.

Rich is an obnoxious little policy wonk with NO PEOPLE SKILLS !

His Father's video of him giving the FINGER to a listener is enough to sink that Cahill ship.
He needs the "charisma" of the Cahills he rejects,
like Mary -Alice & Kevin Cahill.

It is 2011 folks,, NOT 1980,,,

Anonymous said...

A Mayor's race is not won on smarts and competency alone. You have to have a connection with the people, have a personality that inspires and lead by example. Sadly, Rich does not possess that capability. He would be best suited for corporation counsel with his( "just the facts, ma'am) state of mind.

Andi has the ability to run this city. If people looked more into her background of how she has conducted herself in the business and corporate world they might be reassured of her talents and tenacity.

In my opinion, Jean Jacobs, Ron Polacco along with Rich should bow out gracefully if they truly have the city's best interest at heart. But if they insist on a primary they are going to waste their money and resources. Unfortunately, some individuals have to be hit over the head to realize what is ultimately the public's opinion of them. A wake up call...

Anonymous said...

Rich Cahill has been so loyal to Sinagra over the years. He has done what a committeeman is supposed to do.

In return, Sinagra stabbed him in the back. Sinagra did not have the guts to look Cahill in the eye and tell him man to man that he was pushing for Andi.

There's a word in Sicilian for Sinagra ...SCUMBALI.

Anonymous said...

Sinagra is one good salesman (better than our own salesman: Carpet salesman Hayes Clement!), he even convinced Jean jacobs a Republican committteeman not to vote for herself.

Come on man, how did Jacobs get no votes?? She is a committeeman for crying out loud!!!!

The deal was cut with Sinagra but who did he make it with?? Some say Cardanle.

Can you imagine there two morons are going to tell us who our choice for Mayor is??

I don't think so. Money does not buy influence.

We dont want a wealthy, inexperianced elitist running against a wealthy inexperianced elitist. NO, WE WANT A CHOICE!

Looking forward to watching this summer and I wish Shayne all the best.

Anonymous said...

the GOP is in the habit of eating their own Sinagra is not the only town chair but maybe he was right cahill is rude and levin is a much better candidate but so is Gallo let the races begin

Anonymous said...

I dont think Sinagra stood at the door and lobbied for Andi, he went to all the fundraisers the three GOP candidates had and I think it is sour grapes on Cahill and Polacco's part. Polacco IS NOT GONNA GET PAST PRIMARY and Cahill probably wont either. The guy (Cahill) doesnt have two nickels to rub together to run a successful campaign in a primary much less an election. You have to have SOME money to run,albeit you dont need to be wealthy to win. But, no one attends his fundraisers so how the f*#k is he gonna raise money?? Cahill should also be pissed at Guerin since even the heavy weight repubs. are not in his corner (Guerin attended Gallo's fundraiser). Turco Levin is the front runner in the repub. party and Rich is gonna find that out the hard way.

Anonymous said...

Andi Turco-Levin voted for the budget with a tax increase.

Andi Turco-Levin said on WGHQ that she does not have the ability to prepare a budget.

Is she kidding? In my book, that makes her a joke not a Mayor.

Anonymous said...

I hear the Conservatives will back Gallo if Cahill withdraws. Nice job, Sinagra. You just gave the election away. You're a fool.

Anonymous said...

7:01,

Sexy?? That's a qualification? If she was butt ugly, she would not be qualified?

Anonymous said...

To 701

The fact that you would imply that being "sexy" is somehow relevant to ones ability to negotiate a municipal contract is beyond disgraceful.

Are you living in 1950?

Anonymous said...

Tony Sinagra is dumb as a rock, and as loyal as a snake. Furthermore, chairmen should stay out of the fray, and let the committee people dicide. The only equitible way out is to have a primary, and let the Republican voters, and not the losers on the committee decide for us. I hope we have a choice between all 4 in September, and may the better man or woman win. Meanwhile ,Tony should crawl back in a hole, or the city will wind up in a hole.

Anonymous said...

How did he get screwed? I am not following. Voters, committeeman or otherwise, lie all the time about supporting you. The only ones you can actually trust are the ones who have the gumption to say "no I am not" to your face. It is hard to believe that Sinagra telling people to vote for Truco Levin had any impact whatsoever, whether is should of or not. First, who would listen to him...he has no juice anywhere and there is nothing he can do if you didn't listen to him. What is he going to do if you don't? Second, how would he ever know? I assume the vote was by ballot. How would he or anyone else know who the committee people voted for. Third, Cahill got killed, it wasn't even close. You cannot tell me Sinagra convinced that many people to vote for Levin. I doubt he convinced any. If Rich wants to be angry that he was lied to by certain people, so be it. But he did not get screwed by his committee. They voted and he lost. Why? Because he is a bad candidate and and they thought he had no chance to win the election. He has no support. It is clear any Republican is going to have a difficult time, but Cahill had no chance. He seems like a smart guy, but he is a wack job. That being said, if he thinks they (and me) are wrong, then primary and prove us wrong.

Anonymous said...

Lets predict tonight GOP
Kingston maybe some filler but a free ride Dems 3 seats. Woodstock left mt, Shandaken left mt, saugerties Aiello, fabiano, A fireman Volk, Ulster Maloney of course (catalano) Hurley mt, Rochester Bernado free ride (surprise)Ellenville blank maybe a filler or Jennings(same thing) Rosendale blank or a filler, Esopus Bellfiglio,Highland let felicello and Maio fight it out maybe throw decker in the ring gerentine and Harris free ride they are useless anyway, New Paltz free ride Dener hasn't got the stuff to put his name in, Roberts has an opponent but is everybobies friend, Ronk thinks he has a free ride don't be surprised of a primary a lot of the locals are not happy of the 3 way split, Hayes gets jacobsens nod a deal with the Indy" and then a deal with the dem putting him up assures Baartels a win and they agree to keep her daughter on approved by Savago because her husband is Savago's nephew, Rasco throw a warm body up in walker Valley to look good in the Wawarsing district. Lets see how close we come

Anonymous said...

Sinagra and Cahill are proof that there is no such thing as honesty or loyalty in politics.

Anonymous said...

Rich Cahill has his head up his ass if he thinks he is gonna win a primary. In a way,it is probably good that it occurs so he can see that he does not have the support he would have us all believe.

Anonymous said...

Turco Levin is gaining support and is carrying the momentum in this upcoming primary. Cahill is good guy but wont win and neither will blockhead Polaaco. I think Andi has a good background...what makes Cahill so special? One term on council? Andi has the same. People were talking early on about Noble giving it a shot and he is a f#&king plumber!

Anonymous said...

I agree with 8:40, Rich Cahill cannot fill a room(or half a room)at any fundraiser he puts on which speaks volumes. Turco Levin and Shayne Gallo have been most successful with thier fundraisers so far. The tea leaves say they will be frontrunners when the rubber hits the road in the event of a primary.

Anonymous said...

I was at Ecce Terra for the GOP event. Sinagra was indeed working the crowd for Andi. I heard him. If you think the chair can't carry votes, ask Gallo.

Both parties had their Chairman force a weaker candidate through. Primaries needed for both!!!!

Anonymous said...

Mike Gill???? Really??!! That pompous, drunken, loudmouth has no chance. Why would Sinagra push that bald circus midget??

Anonymous said...

The Conservatives would be complete assholes if they give Gallo the line... he got the WFP line which is opposite of Conservative values, never happened before and wont now. I think Cahill is bluffing. And, furthermore, so fucking what if they do, Andi will run a good campaign, me thinks.

Anonymous said...

Really, do the folks who post here think that others don't know who they are? The comments from 10:13 and 10:14 have been said to others in person and in public. C'mon, we are not that dumb. Get over it and move on.

Anonymous said...

Why doesn't Cahill go for alderman at large and Gill for 7th ward alderman?

Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter whether Cahill wins or loses the primary. He has the conservative line. If he goes the distance to November, Turco-Levin cannot become mayor.

Cahill should kick her butt up one side and down the other. She only won the republican endorsement because Sinagra said one thing and did another. If she needs people to play games for her to win the endorsement, she can't possibly win the general election.

You can manipulate a small room full of people. You can't manipulate an entire city.

No way Andi Turco-Levin ever becomes mayor.

Anonymous said...

With the rep caucus done I guess we got to see what folds like a cheap suit. O' Halloran

Anonymous said...

Andi Turco-Levin does not need to play games. what you see is what you get. Cahill needs to leave the sandbox, take his toys and go home to pout. Don't whine in the public arena. But if he pushes the primary issue he is up for a rude awakening. Maybe that is what he truly needs to realize that he is not really liked. He may be smart but sorely lacking in the personality/charisma dept. He stated he had changed his ways but his abrupt departure and statement after the convention as reported in the Freeman is evidence that the leopard has not changed his spots.

Anonymous said...

It is so obvious that many of these comments are from Gill and Langon. They said nearly the identical things while out getting loaded.

Anonymous said...

Sorry dude, I am not Gill or Langon, and I have commented a couple of times on here about the fact that I support Turco Levin and not Cahill. Furthermore, I will not support Gill for Alderman at Large nor will I vote Noble.

Anonymous said...

3:42,

Who will you support when Turco-Levin gets beat at primary?

Anonymous said...

Andi will not be beat at primary. People now see the true colors of Cahill and his primary against her will be his final undoing. Let it go Rich before your feelings get more hurt. You are more suited for corporation counsel at City Hall. You are smart and pay attention to detail. SO much so that you ignore the socialization/connection aspect of politics. The public does not make/feel a connection to you and you need that to win any race.

Anonymous said...

8:41 Turco levin isnt going to get beat in the primary. The other two guys Cahill and Polacco cant even get more than 15 or 20 people to come to a fundraiser, how the hell are they going to win a primary???

Anonymous said...

11:51,

Cahill likely beats Andi at primary. People know that Andi is a Sinagra puppet. He made her minority leader over Polacco and he pushed her through the convention.

Anonymous said...

Polacco and Cahill EACH had a great deal more than that.

Anonymous said...

Andi was the better alderman to be the Minority Leader. Sometimes I think Polacco is not really aware of what is going on except to stand up and vote No. He offers no solutions to the pressing issues in the City of Kingston

Anonymous said...

The people shoul be the ones chosing candidates anyway. There will be ugly primaries throughout the County this year. I just hope the candidates use their qualifications with no mud slinging and the best representative for the people makes it to November 2011.