Friday, August 19, 2022

POLITICO New York Playbook: ‘Crazy Carl’ tones it down, sort of

Presented by Con Edison: Erin Durkin and Anna Gronewold's must-read briefing informing the daily conversation among knowledgeable New Yorkers
Aug 19, 2022 View in browser
 
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By Erin Durkin, Anna Gronewold and Julian Shen-Berro

Presented by Con Edison

Carl Paladino has spent more than 12 years offending both Democrats and Republicans, each remark exponentially more absurd than the last.

So it's odd  — to those who witnessed Donald Trump's transition team condemn his 2016 comments after Paladino said he wanted Barack Obama to die from having sex with a cow and Michelle Obama to "return to being a male" and start living with a gorilla in Zimbabwe — that Paladino is nearing 12 weeks of his congressional campaign with only a handful of inflammatory headlines. Paladino, by Paladino standards, has been quiet and on-message.

It's telling, Bill Mahoney reports , that Paladino is well-positioned in the Aug. 23 primary against state GOP chair Nick Langworthy. The winner will become a favorite in the general election to succeed recently-retired GOP Rep. Tom Reed in NY-23.

Though he's never won an office higher than Buffalo's school board, Paladino has the backing and brand association of officials like Rep. Elise Stefanik. So professional staffers "are running this and running it in a professional manner — and that includes not letting him say crazy things," Buffalo Democratic consultant Jack O'Donnell told Bill.

Paladino's mostly been dodging debates and reporters, embracing his longstanding Trump relationship, blasting Biden for inflation rates and blasting Langworthy for campaign ties to "RINOs" like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

It's not great for his opponents or Democrats , who were counting on more Crazy Carl to criticize. So they jumped on the opportunity this week after it was reported Paladino suggested to a radio interviewer that Attorney General Merrick Garland "probably should be executed." State Democratic party chair Jay Jacobs yesterday called on GOP gubernatorial candidate Rep. Lee Zeldin to condemn the remarks, part of a larger strategy to link Gov. Kathy Hochul's opponent with far-right extremism. Zeldin has not commented thus far.

Paladino, for his part, responded later in the interview that he was just being "facetious." And his campaign says no more comments are needed. That's just Carl.

IT'S FRIDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know ... By email: EDurkin@politico.com and agronewold@politico.com, or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold

WHERE'S KATHY? Holding a briefing on hurricane preparedness and storm resiliency.

WHERE'S ERIC? Attending the 25th Anniversary of NYC Black Pride Heritage Awards Ceremony and speaking at the Hare Krishna Temple in celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

"It's kind of a slap at older women in office… I can't figure out why she would say that." — Ossining Democrat Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, 82, to the Daily Beast about Alessandra Biaggi's recent tweets about elder congressmembers.

FROM THE DELEGATION

Maloney kicks NY-12 campaign into overdrive. But will it be enough? by POLITICO's Sally Goldenberg and Georgia Rosenberg: A Democratic New York political institution, who defeated a Republican congressman in an upscale Manhattan district 30 years ago and went on to secure health benefits for 9/11 responders, is facing an existential crisis. Rep. Carolyn Maloney's (D-N.Y.) chances at reelection are diminishing, as her strongest opponent surges on a pair of coveted endorsements and an evergreen challenger half her age peppers her with attacks — all in the final days before her Tuesday primary. In the Democratic contest for the newly drawn 12th Congressional District, Maloney is in the unenviable position of going up against Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) — himself a Democratic establishment who in recent days snagged endorsements from the New York Times editorial board and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

"Nadler pulls away in NY-12 days before primary, exclusive PIX11 poll finds," by Pix 11's Henry Rossoff: "In a poll conducted just days before New York's primary election, Congressman Jerry Nadler is pulling well ahead in the race for the redrawn 12th Congressional District in Manhattan. The survey by PIX11/Emerson College Polling/The Hill 43% of likely Democratic voters support Nadler, including some who voted early. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney received the support of 24% of those surveyed, and Suraj Patel got 14% of respondents."

" Maloney floods NYC district with taxpayer-funded mailers ahead of primary, raising ethical questions," by WNYC's Brigid Bergin: "Incumbency is an advantage in any election and it comes with certain privileges. But a deluge of mailers from Rep. Carolyn Maloney's government office leading up to Tuesday's primary has election watchers questioning whether she has crossed an ethical boundary. In the fierce battle for Manhattan's 12th congressional district, Maloney — who is facing off against Rep. Jerrold Nadler and attorney Suraj Patel — sent nearly 26,000 letters to constituents that some voters say read like campaign ads. Those letters, sent on her official House of Representatives stationery, tout her achievements on various legislation or issues, and were paid in full by taxpayers, not her campaign."

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — Three progressive groups are calling for Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney to participate in a debate against his primary opponent, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Democracy for America, Sunrise Movement New York – all of whom have endorsed Biaggi – sent a letter to Maloney pushing him to "immediately make yourself available for a public debate hosted by the media." "As the Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, you understand the duty candidates have to participate in a free and open exchange of ideas with their opponents," the letter says. According to the groups, NY1 attempted to host a televised debate but was unable to meet Maloney's demands about its location and he declined to participate in a debate a local newspaper offered to host. — Erin Durkin

Latino PAC drops $500,000 in last-minute ad buy to boost New York congressional candidate, by POLITICO's Marissa Martinez : In its largest-ever independent expenditure, a Latino-focused super PAC announced a $500,000 digital and TV ad buy today for Carlina Rivera, a progressive Democratic candidate in the crowded race for New York's open 10th Congressional District seat. Nuestro PAC, which is dedicated to mobilizing Latino Democratic voters, released the ads five days before Tuesday's primary — a 15-second digital ad in Spanish and English, and a 30-second TV spot in English.

— " Congressional Race in Its Base a Big Test for Working Families Party," by Gotham Gazette's Samar Khurshid. 

— Dan Goldman put an additiona l $2 million of his own money into the race.

"Outside Money Floods New York Congressional Races," by the New York Times' Dana Rubinstein.

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — An internal poll by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee finds Democrat Jackie Gordon neck and neck with Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino for a Long Island congressional seat. The race is a rematch of a 2020 contest, where Garbarino defeated Gordon for the then-vacant seat. According to the DCCC poll, Garbarino gets 49 percent of likely general election voters to 48 percent for Gordon, an Army veteran. Three percent are undecided. — Erin Durkin

 

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What City Hall's reading

"New NYPD watchdog loses job over series of sexual harassment allegations," by New York Post's Gabrielle Fonrouge: "The newly appointed NYPD inspector general 'notoriously' sexually harassed women colleagues for more than a decade, The Post has learned — prompting his ouster from the plum position Thursday. Charles Guria sexually harassed at least seven current and former prosecutors and interns during his tenure at the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, according to nine former and current prosecutors who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Just two weeks ago, Guria was tapped to take over the $170,000-a-year watchdog post starting Sept. 12 — but the city Department of Investigation said Thursday it was rescinding that offer, shortly after it was made aware of The Post's investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment."

"Mayor Adams Vows to Clean Up NYC's Outdoor-Dining Scene," by Bloomberg's Marie-Rose Sheinerman: "Mayor Eric Adams is promising New Yorkers that the city's outdoor dining program is here to stay -- it just needs to be cleaned up. 'As long as I have something to say about it, this initiative will be here, but we're going to get it right,' Adams said at a Thursday press conference, in front of an abandoned dining shed in Manhattan. He called on the city's residents to report any unused or unsafe outdoor dining sheds, because they 'can't be a safe haven for rats' or illegal behavior."

" A Repeat of Covid: Data Show Racial Disparities in Monkeypox Response," by the New York Times' Sharon Otterman, Joseph Goldstein and Liam Stack: "New York City released new data on Thursday showing racial disparities in monkeypox vaccine access, with far fewer Black people receiving doses of the scarce vaccine. White New Yorkers represent about 45 percent of people at heightened risk of monkeypox infection, and received 46 percent of vaccine doses. Black New Yorkers, who make up 31 percent of the at-risk population, received only 12 percent of doses administered so far, according to data from the city's Health Department. Hispanic residents were overrepresented among vaccine recipients. They made up 16 percent of the at-risk population, but received 23 percent of shots. Hispanic men so far represent the largest share of monkeypox patients."

"NYC Social Services Commissioner Gary Jenkins denies shelter crisis coverup, claims ex-spokeswoman got fired for 'unprofessional' behavior," by New York Daily News' Chris Sommerfeldt : "Gary Jenkins, Mayor Adams' Social Services commissioner, pushed back Thursday against allegations that he withheld information about overcrowding conditions in city homeless shelters and also denied that his former spokeswoman was fired for blowing the whistle on the alleged coverup. Marking his first public comments since coming under a Department of Investigation probe over the matter, Jenkins said in an interview with CBS2 that 'it's false' to suggest he was trying to hide the fact that his agency broke a city law by failing to shelter four Latin American families in a timely manner in the early morning hours of July 19."

 

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WHAT ALBANY'S READING

"Abortion coverage is required in New York. But some health plans still skirt those rules," by WNYC's Caroline Lewis: "But some residents are now learning those reproductive benefits may not be covered if their employer is headquartered out of state — or if their health plan falls under federal jurisdiction rather than New York's rules. … While recently examining her employee health plan, Rachael, a nonprofit worker living in Brooklyn, noticed her plan explicitly states abortions are not covered, except in extreme circumstances — such as an ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus, or a situation that 'places the woman in danger of death or a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function.' 'How can I be living in Brooklyn and have health insurance that doesn't cover an abortion unless the life of the mother is at risk?' Rachael wondered. 'I would have never expected that to be something that I would deal with in New York City.'"

"Preakness-winning trainer charged in domestic violence case," by Associated Press' Maysoon Khan: "A prominent New York-based horse trainer whose Early Voting won this year's Preakness Stakes is facing a domestic violence charge for allegedly pushing a woman down a flight of stairs and trying to choke her, authorities said Thursday. Chad Brown, 43, was arraigned Thursday morning in Saratoga Springs on a charge of obstruction of breathing, a misdemeanor. … Assistant District Attorney Kayla Potter told the judge that Brown pushed the woman down the stairs, pinned her to the floor and tried to choke her before throwing her out of the house."

— Saratoga police used a search warrant in the backstretch area of the race course and arrested two licensed grooms on cocaine charges.

"'I'm Done With Him': A Mother's Anger Over Rushdie Attack ," by the New York Times' Chelsia Rose Marcius, Tracey Tully and Ana Facio-Krajcer: "Hadi Matar had resented being pushed to pursue schoolwork. At 24, he worked a low-level job at a discount store, made clumsy attempts at boxing and became increasingly focused on religion. Now, accused of trying to kill a pre-eminent figure of free expression, Mr. Matar has lost even the support of his mother. 'I'm done with him,' Silvana Fardos said in a brief interview, disavowing Mr. Matar, who is accused of repeatedly stabbing the author Salman Rushdie in a brazen daytime attack at an intellectual retreat in western New York. This week, a portrait of Mr. Matar as a troubled recluse began to emerge. Ms. Fardos said that she had not talked to him since he was charged with attempting to kill Mr. Rushdie on Friday."

— HOCHUL OP-ED: "Attack on Salman Rushdie reminds us that the pen is mightier than the knife"

#UpstateAmerica: A mountain biker in Lewis County required ranger assistance after he hit a maple syrup line and was launched from his bike.

 

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TRUMP'S NEW YORK

Top Trump executive pleads guilty to fraud in New York, by POLITICO's Erin Durkin: A former top executive at the Trump Organization directly implicated the company Thursday as he pleaded guilty in New York Supreme Court to a yearslong tax fraud scheme. Allen Weisselberg, who was Chief Financial Officer at former President Donald Trump's company, entered the guilty plea in a criminal case brought by the Manhattan district attorney. … The Trump Organization itself was also charged in the case. The company did not plead guilty and will continue to face prosecution. Weisselberg agreed to testify when the case goes to trial. But his plea deal did not include an agreement to cooperate in broader ongoing investigations against Trump.

AROUND NEW YORK

— The closure of the Trader Joe's Union Square wine shop came as employees were attempting to unionize, and the union calls it retaliation.

— A long-vacant MTA parking lot in Hell's Kitchen will become affordable housing under a plan approved by the City Council.

— Alan Dershowitz is wading into the fight over Brooklyn's Maimonides Hospital.

— A state audit found that city public schools are not equipped to care for students' mental health.

— Amtrak might boost its Albany to Boston service.

— Two Jewish students have accused the SUNY New Paltz of discrimination, saying they were excluded from a sex abuse survivors group because of their personal views of Israel.

— With housing options shrinking, employers in the Catskills are trying to help — some even opening their own homes.

SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: former President Bill ClintonMolly Jong-Fast of The Atlantic … NYT's Joe Kahn and Farhad ManjooJulius Genachowski of the Carlyle Group … WSJ's Brody Mullins and Madeline Marshall … CNN's Paula ReidKevin Minoli … Daily Mail's Emily Goodin … McKinsey's Neil Grace Neil Patel of the Daily Caller and Bluebird Asset Management … Elizabeth Bibi of the Human Rights Campaign … Sara Durkin Andrew Vlasaty of FGS Global

MEDIAWATCH — " Daily News union rips owner over work conditions, staff 'quitting in droves,'" by New York Post's Alexandra Steigrad: "The New York Daily News union slammed the vulture hedge fund that owns the 102-year-old newspaper for unsustainable work conditions that have left the remaining staff 'hanging by a thread.' The union, which represents the skeleton staff at the paper, called out Alden Global Capital for causing burned-out workers to 'quit in droves,' in a series of tweets Thursday."

— Brian Stelter is departing CNN as the network canceled his show Reliable Sources. … Ken Bensinger will be a NYT reporter covering right-wing media on the politics' desk democracy team. He most recently was an investigative reporter at BuzzFeed.

MAKING MOVES — Jeff Holmes has started as the new VP of public affairs at the New York City Economic Development Corporation. He most recently was an associate at the Brunswick Group and is a Bill de Blasio administration and SKDK alum.

WEDDING — Barrett Williams, who works in developer and technical product marketing for Scale AI, married Haley Carpenter, a licensed marriage and family therapist. The couple met on The League, and their first date was a consciousness hacking meetup. Pic ... Another pic

Real Estate

"Treading Water: New York City remains vulnerable a decade after Sandy as initiatives to combat the threat of flooding plod along," by Crain's Caroline Spivack: "The memory of Superstorm Sandy looms large for Jim Tampakis. He remembers how some 6 feet of seawater transformed the streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn, into rivers and decimated his maritime equipment shop, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Since then, Tampakis has made upgrades to brace his business for severe floods. Despite a patchwork of temporary 4-foot-high barriers and inflatable dams the city plans to deploy 48 hours ahead of a storm, however, Tampakis said today he feels just as vulnerable to a powerful storm surge. Nearly a decade after Sandy, critical climate resiliency projects remain stuck in a web of bureaucracy."

"For Ida-Flooded Homeowners Denied City Payouts, Legal Options and Political Promises," by The City's Katie Honan and Samantha Maldonado: "In the wake of THE CITY reporting the comptroller denied every single claim filed for damages from Hurricane Ida flooding, local elected officials and legal experts are considering how to fix a problem rooted in a legal precedent that's over a hundred years old. Thousands of New Yorkers whose houses and apartments suffered water damage from the storm on Sept. 1, 2021 had applied for financial compensation from the city, and all 4,703 received denial letters this week from the comptroller's office."

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