MoJo: Can Spitzer stay progressive?
A great article in Mother Jones argues that Spitzer had a lot more latitude to pursue a progressive agenda on multiple fronts as Attorney General, but may have to compromise a lot more as Governor.
The state’s progressive advocacy community is thrilled that Spitzer has ended 12 years of Republican control under Governor George Pataki. But on some issues—-especially housing, welfare reform, and development–Spitzer’s exact positions remain unknown. Hopes are high, but most progressives say they have a healthy sense of realism about what Spitzer will be able to accomplish in New York’s difficult statewide political arena, especially in light of his campaign pledge not to raise taxes.
Lord knows, he’ll have his challenges, with an entrenched, incumbent-rich state lej. What can we do to help him?
The main thing we can I think is highlight all the craziness with the Assembly and Senate. As you pointed out in an earlier post, Bruno may be his main boogeyman but Shelly Silver’s no ally either most likely.
We run against Shelly in the primary…I know I know, but you can always dream
Ironically I actually went to college in Bruno’s district and voted there in ‘04. I was so excited to go down to the church and vote out Joe Bruno that I was pissed when I found out no one ran against him. It’s a shame since Troy is a heavily Democratic city.