Mike Whittemore
Mike is a Senior Video Journalist and Producer for Capital Tonight, New York's only nightly statewide political television program.
Homepage: http://capitaltonightny.ynn.com/stateofpolitics
AIM: rockharmonica
Posts by Mike Whittemore
Mahoney On Cuomo’s Bipartisan Transition
Nov 17th - 9:00 pm
Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo refuses to say whether he’d prefer to do business with a Republican or Democratic-controlled state Senate. But, he has gone to great lengths to demonstrate his willingness to play ball across the aisle. A key member of his transition team is living proof of that.
Republican Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney was a guest on Capital Tonight back in October after she endorsed Cuomo for governor. She is now co-chairs his transition team and sits on the state and local government reform committee.
She joined Liz Benjamin from our Syracuse newsroom Wednesday.
New Faces – Senator-elect Pat Gallivan
Nov 16th - 9:00 pm
Pat Gallivan guest faced a grueling primary battle back in September against two well-known Republicans in Western New York, including the party’s choice to run for the 59th senate district, former Erie County GOP Chair Jim Domagalski.
However, despite Domagalski’s party backing, the former Erie County Sheriff Gallivan had an ace up his sleeve–the backing of the current representative from that district, Senator Dale Volker, who will retire at the end of the year.
After winning the primary, Gallivan was able to cruise to victory in the general election thanks in part to a Republican enrollment edge and Volker’s revered 40-year career in the state legislature.
Senator-elect Pat Gallivan joined Liz Benjamin from our Buffalo studio Tuesday for the latest installment of our series, “New Faces.”
PEF Hits The Airwaves To Fight Layoffs
Nov 16th - 9:00 pm
Yesterday we learned that state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office believes the current year budget gap has ballooned to almost $1 billion – far more than the $315 million estimated by the Paterson administration. And that’s nothing compared to the deficit of some $9 billion looming to greet Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo when he takes office.
Cuomo has been clear difficult decisions lie ahead, with cuts likely in the once sacred cows of education and health care spending. And once again, state worker layoffs are also on the table. Governor Paterson is already getting the ball rolling on this.. Proposing close 900 workers be cut before he departs.
As you can imagine, the unions representing these workers are not pleased with this plan. In fact the Public Employees Federation released this ad Monday.
Joe Fox, Vice President of the Public Employees Federation, joined Liz Benjamin in studio Tuesday to talk more about the campaign.
Mayor Brown Explains His Role In Cuomo Transition
Nov 16th - 9:00 pm
The governor-elect went made a stop in Buffalo today where he took questions from the media alongside that city’s mayor
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown joined Cuomo’s transition team last week as a member of the newly formed Council of Economic and Fiscal Advisors. He joined Liz Benjamin Tuesday to talk more about the transition and the issues facing upstate New York.
The Insiders
Nov 16th - 9:00 pm
The counting continues in five local races, one of New York’s most powerful politicians is in hot water as a former Albany heavy weight may soon be off the hook. All of it fodder for “The Insiders”–two guys who have been around New York politics for longer than they’d probably care to admit.
Brendan Quinn is the former executive director of the New York State Republican party. He now works as a consultant. He joined Liz from from Syracuse Tuesday. Richie Fife is the former campaign manager for Governor David Paterson. He’s now the president of R-J-F Communications and joined the conversation from New York City.
New Faces – Congressman-elect Richard Hanna
Nov 16th - 4:50 pm
Republican Richard Hanna is one of many new members of the New York Congressional delegation in Washington for freshman orientation.
He beat out democratic incumbent Michael Arcuri for the 24th Congressional District seat. YNN’s Casey Bortnick caught up with the Congressman-elect in DC to get his thoughts on the orientation.
BREAKING: Rangel Guilty of Violating Ethics Rules
Nov 16th - 11:58 am
A House panel has found Rep. Rangel guilty of violating ethics rules. Of the 13 counts against him, he was found guilty of 11.
The panel has recessed to executive session to discuss possible sanctions against the Harlem Congressman. The committee will then make a recommendation for punishment to the entire House. Possible sanctions include a House vote deploring Rangel’s conduct, a fine and denial of privileges.
Rangel refused to comment on the ruling to NY1′s Grace Rauh outside of his Washington, DC office.
Skelos Announces New Communications Director
Nov 16th - 11:43 am
Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos has elevated Kelly Cummings to the position of Communications Director for the conference.
The announcement comes a day after John McArdle announced he’d be retiring from that post in about two weeks.
“Kelly Cummings has been a valuable member of our team and I am pleased to announce her appointment as our new Communications Director,” Senator Skelos said in a statement released this morning.
“In this position, Kelly will be responsible for leading our communication efforts at a very exciting time. As part of the new Senate Republican majority, we look forward to working with the new Governor-elect and all the members of the Legislature to find solutions to the challenges facing taxpayers and their families. Kelly will assist the members of our conference in bringing their ideas and their solutions to the public.”
According to the statement, Cummings’s prior positions include Senate Majority Press Office under Senator Marino, press secretary for several Republican Senators, as well as former Assembly Minority Leader Charles Nesbitt. Most recently, she served as Director of Policy Development for the Senate Republican Conference.
Meanwhile, Sen. Skelos also announced a reassignment for press aides Scott Reif and Mark Hansen. Reif will now serve as Press Secretary for the Senator and the Senate Republican Conference while Hansen will serve as Deputy Communications Director.
Assemblyman Wright On Rangel’s Ethics Trial
Nov 15th - 9:00 pm
Harlem Congressman Charlie Rangel – known as the Dean of New York’s Congressional delegation – is facing numerous ethics violations. Monday, he had the chance to defend himself before the House Ethics committee, but instead he delivered a defiant speech claiming his right to due process was being violated and stormed out of the hearing room.
Assemblyman Keith Wright is a loyal friend and ally to Congressman Rangel. He also represents Harlem. He joined Liz Benjamin from our New York City studio.
Siena Poll: NYers Optimistic Cuomo Will Succeed
Nov 15th - 9:00 pm
The new Siena poll out this morning finds New Yorkers have high hopes for Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo and his ability to get things done in Albany… specifically aiding job creation and balancing the budget.
Meanwhile the poll also suggests voters want Cuomo to focus on those immediate issues and keep those pesky politicos and pundits from speculating that the governor-elect is already setting his sights on the White House.
Siena Pollster Steve Greenberg joined Liz Benjamin Monday to discuss the latest survey.
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