MEMO

Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:23:31 -0500 (EST)


To: Deb Busch RN, Albany County Legislator
      Elect, 39th District  (The Hill Towns)


Subject: Re: Victory Party Invitation




Deb,   Thank you for the invitation


Interesting to observe your choice of speakers.


The speakers and the political parties they represent face
the same challenge in 2012 as do all of us.....survival.


Election 2012 will determine the fate of America and New
York State, as well as these 3 political parties, their county
chairmen and each and every one of us.


The ultimate determination will be made by those who
participate in the political process and those who vote in
the party primaries and general election.


The overriding need is for a large turnout of voters
who cast informed ballots.


In the local 2011 elections voter apathy was the winner in
most cases, except in your own election, and a few others
like Colonie Supervisor and Schenectady Mayor.


In the two latter races only a handful of votes determined
the outcomes.


In 2012 those who have the vote must use it, wisely, or
facing the prospect of losing it, as our state and nation are
radically transformed.


President Obama was elected on a theme of change and a
promise to radically transform America. His policies and
pronouncements have crippled the American economy
divided the nation, failed to secure our borders and
undermined America's security and status in world affairs.
Obama has circumvented the Constitution and Congress.
He has not lived up to his oath of office.


In New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo has
presented himself as a fiscal Conservative, while pleasing
the more liberal factions of the Democratic Party.


Recently, on the Fred Dicker show, Governor Cuomo
declared " I am the government".


Keep in mind that the Governor has tried to usurp the 
Constitutional role of the state legislature in redistricting
by means of an appointed  "nonpartisan commission"
where the Governor makes a majority of the appointments.
Hardly, nonpartisan.


2012 presents him, and all Democrats, with a defining moment...
do they put party before New York, America and the people?




New York is a blue state. The best that the Republican
Conservative and Independence parties can do is select  the
best , and same, U S Senate and congressional candidates who
can wage vigorous federal campaigns.


The rest of America will determine who the Presidential and
Vice Presidential nominees are. Our New York April Presidential
Primary will provide some interest and a training ground for
congressional and state candidates.




The present GOP contenders all leave something to be desired.
Keep in mind that- anybody but Obama- must be our ultimate
choice.
Hopefully, the rest of America will make the best possible selection.




In New York, given the reality of a large, left oriented politically
dependent electorate we will be fighting what amounts to a rear
guard action.


The congessional primaries will be set sometime betweeen
June and August.
The state office primaries are likely to remain in September.
By that time state elections will be eclipsed by the Presidential
and Congressional races.


Expect that the 2012 state political calendar will be set to benefit
the Governor and Assembly.


Here in Albany County the task is to join together to pick the
best possible candidates for State Senate, Assembly and
Albany County District Attorney.
In most cases this means presenting challengers to incumbents.


Divisive , expensive primaries should be avoided.
United we stand, divided we fall.


Selections must be decided early. Time is of the essence.
The old political calendar can not be followed. Nor, can the
calendar controlled by the Democrats be strictly adhered to.


The candidates must have a clear understanding of the
significance of election 2012, a clear message and work to
inform , educate and motivate voters.


The political parties can provide support and help get out the vote.


But, in the end, it is up to the voters to make the best, informed choices.


Congratulations Deb on your election as  Albany County Legislator
39th District.


You earned it!




You are now a key player in theAlbany County Legislature and election 2012.






                                                                            Joe Sullivan