Some impatient people are betting that New York governor Eliot Spitzer will disappoint his many fans, who were so optimistic for his political agenda, after his landslide victory last fall. They are saying that given Spitzer’s rocky start as governor, it is imperative that the democrats control the Senate in two years. They are saying that Joe Bruno and Sheldon Silver may batter Spitzer into submission unless he pulls this off. They are also saying that the powers behind the leaders of the Senate and Assembly are so entrenched that Eliot has bitten off more than he could chew. They are suggesting that he change his approach since most of the members of the two legislative bodies are spineless. I hope like hell that he continues the good fight for political reform and the like. I hope like hell that he stands strong, stands his ground and stays the course.

Something I wrote in my last column has gotten me some choice phone calls since, and appears to have angered a few; c’est la vie. I wrote something to this effect: as a collective (not individually), black elected officials in New York should be called “New York’s dumbest”. Whoop-dee-damn–doo. I went on to further amplify my reasoning within the column and later in the thread of said blog. If you want to, you can apply the same reasoning (and sobriquet) to the collective members of both legislative houses in Albany. Sure there are many bright and successful individuals there, but collectively, both houses have been dysfunctional for years; as such, one can make a collective judgment. I am not afraid to make that call.

Another thing that seems to have gotten me in hot water is my early morning response to a comment on the thread of said column; the issue was: homosexuality. Now, I guess I will have to tackle something I have been warned to stay away from; something that I have been avoiding: a column on gay marriage/ gay issues. Given the current debate in Albany, maybe the time is right. Or maybe I have been suckered in by those who over the years seem to resent my positions and harbor fears that I may be homophobic. No matter how much I state that I am not, there will always be gays on these blogs, who see me as an enemy (I guess). Geeze; there is so much to write about, but so little time to do it/lol.

Back to the governor (Spitzer); okay, so he has dropped a few rounds, but this is a title fight kids; and title fights go fifteen. Buckle in now; don’t do like New Jersey governor John Corzine, otherwise you will be battered, bruised and bloodied: the best is yet to come. Reactionaries will always push back against political reform; so too will all those special interest types. Eliot is finding out what Tom Suozzi knew all along: reform will only come with a big fight.

Dem. State Senate leader Malcolm Smith (Queens) sure looked bad with his recent flip-flop, didn’t he? He surrendered ground to Joe Bruno (of all people), in the area of credibility. I am sure that after a decade with no wage increase, the average person will expect that a raise is due for both judges and elected officials. It is obvious that there was a “failure to communicate” between Spitzer and Smith, which has made this all look worse than it probably is really. Smith came off looking like he is Spitzer’s puppet on a string. One militant black activist said: “Malcolm is back on the plantation”. OUCH!!!

It is easy to sympathize with Smith’s situation since he is caught up in an area of divided loyalties (Spitzer-Patterson vs. Dem. State Senators). When he made his grand statement in January (that a person’s word should matter in Albany), many of us said: right on Malcolm. He is carrying a high-powered first name, and I could only hope he lives up to the expectations of it. Catching Spitzer’s back- in the fight for reform- is the right thing; but being castrated in front of 21 million people is another. This should be an interesting year in Albany folks.

Speaking of the state senate, Tony Herbert is intent on unseating Senator Velmanette Montgomery (Brooklyn/18th district). Tony is quite pumped up for his challenge next year folks. He has a lot of ambitious plans on the drawing board and is speaking like a man possessed. For those of us looking for new blood in Albany, it might be worthwhile to take another look at Herbert’s campaign. At this stage, I am sure he could use a helping hand; also, some cash from the other hand too. I want to believe that Herbert knows that this is an uphill struggle all the way; in the past, I thought he sounded like someone who felt that winning was a stroll through the park. I want to believe that he now knows that unseating these incumbents is a ninety-eight per cent, non-winning proposition. But then, as a chairman of IBM once said: if you ever want to succeed eventually, then you have to increase your failure rate.

I interviewed Herbert recently, finding him to be very concerned with the problems facing the youths in this district. He seemed quite concerned about their employability and viability in this changing economy. He thinks that compared to youngsters overseas (with whom they will be competing), black young men here are ill-prepared for the challenges of a changing global economy. He has many ideas for turning around the public-education conundrum. Amongst the many issues we discussed, Tony seems focused on youth-development and economic-development more so than on other issues. He said he will put out a platform of his positions on most issues soon. We also talked about health and housing issues facing those in this district; he offered tangible ideas/ solutions. He is a rather energetic young man. I wish him well. If you believe that it’s time for change in Brooklyn, then give Tony some help. This is not an endorsement; let’s see how his campaign goes first before that decision is made.

Behind all of NYC councilmember Charles Barron’s political maneuvers lately, are some hard decisions that must be made soon. Charles- who will be term limited in 2 years- is looking at all of his options, before deciding where to run next. Presently, he is leaning toward running for Brooklyn’s borough presidency; however, many of his supporters are now suggesting that he run for Diane Gordon’s assembly seat, which they anticipate will be opening up, after her September court date. Some of Barron’s advisors are also telling him not to rule out a rematch with Ed Towns (congress) next year; and/or, to win the assembly seat, then tackle the Public Advocate race in 2009. Barron says that he would rather stay in the city than go to Washington or Albany, but he is keeping an open mind to all his options. He hopes to make a final decision within the next few months as to where he runs next. One thing he is certainly not doing in 2009 is: running for mayor. Did I just hear Billy Thompson heave a sigh of relief?

What many of Barron’s detractors want to doubt is his incredible popularity within certain segments of the black and Hispanic communities; no matter how much I tell them this, they seem to stay in denial. Remember last year when I predicted that he would give Ed Towns a run for his money in the congressional (10th) race? Some people thought that I was smoking crack after I made that prediction. In the end, Barron got 38% of the vote in a three way race, after spending less than $150,000. Towns spent over one million dollars folks. Do the math.

Paul Washington, the former chief of staff of the councilman (Barron) has been posturing like a runner lately. Paul, who wants to follow his old boss in representing the 42nd council district, is looking for a warm-up race. Don’t be surprised if you see him show up running somewhere next year; he needs to. It is known that Barron has been actively recruiting runners for upcoming races in the city; he claims that he wants to build a black-led progressive movement citywide. Charles may have a problem on his hands soon enough though, since one of his protégés Gerry Hopkins, is considering (I am told) a run at assemblyman Camara (43rdAD). Barron and Camara are tight as political buddies, so Charles may have to sit that one out. While we are in the 43rd district, let me advise my friend Geoffrey Davis that the time for running for public office has passed him by, for the moment (and probably for good). Geoffrey needs to focus on building his brother’s beautiful legacy of “Stop the Violence”. I first marched with James and Geoffrey and others, eleven years ago or so; time has sure flown. Geoffrey is a very likeable kid, but he has made a few mistakes along the way which will continue to haunt him if he ever tries to run again.

A lot of what happens politically in East New York hinges on the outcome of Diane Gordon’s corruption trial in September; many folks are holding their cards close to their vest here. It is said that Winchester Keyes, Earl Williams (district leader), Andre Mitchell, Keith Kinch, Carlos Bristol, Mr. Bradley (Gordon’s chief of staff), Mr. Muhammad, Albert Scott and Kenneth Evans, are among the many looking to run, once the seat opens up. If such an event takes place and Charles Barron decides to step in, then the field will clear I am sure. Talking about Earl Williams, he was recently dethroned from chairing the community board- a position he had held since Methuzaler was a baby. It is said that he and Diane Gordon (female district leader/ assemblywoman) aren’t as chummy chummy as they were before.

Do you ever notice that there are very few primaries in the white areas of Brooklyn anymore? Do you ever wonder why? Could white electeds be doing such a good job that no one challenges them? What do you think? Tell Cousin Rocky, okay.

Speaking of white politicians; word is that David Yassky will not run for Boro Prez, but will run for District Attorney instead. I am being told that Afro-American/Caribbean (adopted) state senator John Sampson, is also running in that race. I don’t know if Paul Wooten is still going; given the Mathieu Eugene fiasco, I have my doubts. Meanwhile, the incumbent DA Joe Hynes has been publicly visible in this term. One local reporter confided that he has a different message for each of the different ethnic, racial, religious and nationalistic group that he appears in front of. That person ought to know; that person covers these things for a newspaper.

Staying with white pols; am I the only one anticipating a problem for Lew Fidler soon? Biggie Lew (oops, let me take that back/lol); NYC councilmember Fidler may find that two of his favorite fellow council members (Charles Barron and Bill DiBlasio) are running for Boro Prez. Given the “love” Lew has for this duo, I am predicting that Lew will either support Carl Krueger (if he goes), or run himself–if his health permits. I know Lew keeps insisting that he won’t run for Boro Prez, but did you read his angry response earlier this week, to an anonymous commenter, on the thread of my last blog piece on Room8? The piece is partially titled: “One insurgent and three elected officials in Brooklyn” / (www.r8ny.com).

The response made me think long and hard. Lew raised the issue of term limits again; so, my thinking is that Lew and others in the council, have not given up their fight to have term limits extended to 12 years. Am I right Lew? I have felt all along that NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn promised to extend term limits as a bargaining chip in her speakership fight with Bill DiBlasio. She now lacks the balls to do it, especially since the voters have spoken on this issue twice, and also since her political-loverboy Mayor Bloomberg refuses to go along. The answer Ms. Quinn, lies in letting the mayor put it up for referendum (again), in an off year like this year 2007. You guys may get lucky; but I doubt it.

Over the years, in conversations with a few council member and staffers, I have ascertained that a vast majority of the council’s members want term limits extended. I feel that rigor-mortis hasn’t set in for this issue as yet. Expect that before this term expires in 2009, this issue will be back on the front burner. Surprisingly enough-for those who knew how active I was, in working hard twice to beat back beating back this thing- I feel that they should get another referendum. You see, it is generally accepted, that after three strikes, you are out; gone; finished; done. Otherwise, we the people will always have this friggin threat over our heads here in this city. New council members will again want to overturn term-limits by legislation in a future go-around. Wait; you will see.

Barack Obama’s presidential campaign is quietly going deep folks. If Al Gore doesn’t get into this race before Labor Day, I am predicting that Obama will have a ton load of delegates come convention time; more than any non-white in the history of the presidential politics. The Obama campaign has been quietly spreading across the country in a semi-clandestine way. There is an underground network of supporters who are working hard to spread the word so to speak. They are doing well. Cousin Rocky knows what he is talking about here folks; I have some inside info. If Hilary Clinton doesn’t hit this guy soon (and real hard), then she will have a big problem next February. Don’t be surprised if the “race” card is played against Obama. Don’t be surprised if you see more questions popping up about whether or not this country is ready to elect a non-white male; especially one mulatto who claims that he is “black”. Don’t be surprised if you see direct negative appeals to base racial instincts. This tepid race is going to heat up real soon folks. Keep your eyes on the polls: Obama’s numbers will continue to rise in the short term. Don’t say Cousin Rocky didn’t tell you. But then: what do I know, huh?

The more I think of the presidential race, the more I like the sound of that Gore- Obama ticket, that’s been making its way up the internet charts. If Gore heads the ticket, it will be a potent one. Some skeptics are predicting a Howard Dean–like meltdown for Obama; I doubt it. He is smooth this guy; real smooth. And he oozes charm. We all know that charisma is a big draw in national politics. I am yet to finish the last of my three part series on Obama; will get to it eventually.

Speaking of the first presidential debate amongst democrats; didn’t you enjoy former Alaskan senator Mike Gravel as he tried so hard to be Denis Kucinich? Fact is: he succeeded. And Joe Biden is a trip isn’t he? Joe is definitely one of the more cerebral members of Congress, but brevity isn’t his strong suit. I don’t see a Hispanic “thing” happening for Bill Richardson; do you? Barack and Hilary both held their own, in a debate with no pronounced winner (in my estimation); and John Edwards was as usual: calm, cool and smooth. If Edwards wasn’t such a successful high-priced lawyer, I think he would have been doing even better in the polls. Trust me when I say those four hundred dollar haircuts will hurt him badly come next year. In fact: they have already started to hurt him; he just doesn’t know it yet. As good as the chances look for Dems-in their hopes of recapturing the White house next year- this race isn’t a lock at all. It all hinges on who the candidates are from both parties. Don’t kid yourself because we live in New York; this is hardly a wrap for the democrats: it’s a long way to Tipperary.

Well, I know many of you are thinking that we have heard the last of the 40th council district race; you are wrong. It is never over “until the fat lady sings”, and right now the fat lady isn’t even in the building. It seems as though both Harry Schiffman and Wellington Sharpe are considering another crack at Mathieu Eugene, given that petitions start circulating exactly five weeks from today, for the democratic primary in September. From the first race in February to the second in April, Schiffman’s numbers went up over 100 percent; Sharpe’s votes increased by about 33 percent, and Eugene only got about a 10 percent bump. Of these two potential challengers, Schiffman seems to be at a big demographic disadvantage (less than 15% white/Jewish voters), leaving many to feel that he has maxed out, since he was the only candidate to mail to the voters last time out (twice). Sharpe on the other hand has to convince voters that he is a better fit in the city council than Eugene. A challenging task that is doable.

Also considering the race in September are Zenobia McNally and Leithland Tulloch (I am told), from those who ran in either February and/ or April. People are suggesting that Jennifer James is not returning for the September go-around, and that her run was a one-shot-deal. I am sure that we will all know soon enough. Some people have approached me again about a “draft”, and again I refused to be drafted. I have no interest in this race whatsoever- at this time. Let me be unequivocal here: if I am elected, I will not serve. I hope that puts an end to all the “Rock07” speculation. I wouldn’t be surprised if a newcomer joins the field for the upcoming race though; especially now that I am officially out (just kidding/lol).

One thing I feel confident about in my analysis is that Eugene will win again, if there is another crowd of challengers. However, if there are only one or two challengers, I do feel that he can be taken out. If some of those who ran against him coalesce behind one challenger, Eugene will have a rough road no matter how much 1199 or the Clarkes carry his jock. He is that weak. It would be worse for Eugene if another Haitian-American enters the race. Word on the street is that Ferdinand Zizi (who received the consensus nod from Haitian-American activists, over Eugene) received many death threats, and that was the reason why he abandoned his campaign of last February. If this is true, it should be investigated by district attorney Charles Hynes. Haitian-American glamour girl Gina Marie Faustin told me that she has an apartment in the district, and that she is still looking at possibly running in September.

My friend Patrick Gaspard (1199), the various elected officials who endorsed Eugene, and the Clarkes (Yvette and Una), cannot with straight face (and looking people in the eye), tell us that he was the best candidate they could find to represent this district; if they do, then such a statement will eventually become a classic in mendacity. The Clarkes initially claimed that they would interview aspirants and come up with the best qualified person to represent this district; in case you don’t know: there are over one hundred and fifty thousand residents in the 40th council district. Eugene was living outside the district at that point. I rest my case.

The young attorney Terry Hinds called in after my last article, to say that he has made no decisions as to what race he will be running for next. Hinds- who comes from a winning political family- said that I was correct in my report that many people have been pushing him into a run. He seemed to allude that his young wife is the brain behind the operation, and that he has to sit her down and get her input/decision. Peeps, behind every great man there is a greater woman. Remember Cousin Rocky told you this. Hinds said to expect a public announcement by the end of summer or fall. Recent calls to yours truly (from people who want to remain nameless and faceless) suggest that many want Hinds to tackle Nick Perry. Interesting! Nick isn’t easy folks. If Hinds goes at Nick, it will get bloody. It may even end up in the muddy pig sty. Is Terry strong enough for this? Is he ready for this? What do you people think in out-there-land?

My last article brought many phone calls my way; this made me consider doing an article about the story behind Kevin Parker’s initial win in 2002, since it relates to that article in many ways. Now, there is a story longing to be told. If I find the time soon then you guys could expect some fireworks after it is done.

Also, many people have been calling up asking if I am running for office soon, well; let me put it this way: the only thing I am running soon is my big mouth, and my typing fingers. If I decide to do congress next year, I will surely let you all know in time. Right now I would say my chances of doing that is about 20-80 against. Running for public office isn’t something I find ‘sexy’ any more. Plus, my daughter makes my political calls now and she said forget 2008. I know I can always over rule her with my presidential veto, but is it worth it?

In quiet pockets of the 11th Congressional district, some folks who supported Yvette Clarke last year and also in 2004, are quite disappointed about the Mathieu Eugene fiasco. They are now saying that Chris Owens should challenge her next time around. They are talking about “credibility” and “integrity”. Do not let Eugene’s two thousand votes fool you; the Clarkes are at their nadir in this district nowadays. If the Clarke’s support, plus 1199, plus other unions and other elected officials who endorsed Eugene, plus the Haitian-American energy (given the historic nature of his victory), could only garner this low number of votes in a three way race, then the future isn’t as rosy as some wants you to believe. When Una went to work for the republican governor George Pataki, her star started losing luster in the Caribbean-American community; Yvette’s umbilical attachment to her mother will eventually be her downfall. We shall see.

Here is a question for you people in out-there-land; is Junior Boyland still intent on running for city comptroller? And while you are checking that out for me, can you tell me if Tracey Boyland is coming back to challenge Darlene Mealy in two years? I know that there is a reverend in the district who is intent on challenging Junior next year, for the assembly seat that his daddy handed down to him. This person will remain nameless for now, but he is for real. I know some of the operatives with whom he has been speaking. And speaking of the comptroller race; it is said that assemblyman Jim Brennan from the 44th AD will be running. It is also said that if he were to win, then Harry Schiffman and Lori Knipel are in good positions to make runs at that vacancy.

Rumors are that state senator Kevin Parker stopped Jennifer James from supporting Wellington Sharpe in the last week’s race for the 40th council district (special election). It is alleged that Parker explained to her that that empowering Sharpe will be akin to empowering Kendall Stewart (one of Sharpe’s key supporters). Now remember that Stewart is threatening to run against Parker next year folks. There could be truth to this, no?

While still on that race (40th), people are asking if Frances Purcell will now re-emerge to challenge Mathieu Eugene in September. Purcell once ran a strong second to Yvette Clarke, in a seven candidate field (2001). She beat Wellington Sharpe in that race, but has been out of the political loop lately. The last time she ran for public office was in 2002. That year she garnered an incredible 25% of the vote in a special election held to replace Marty Markowitz (senate # 20). Carl Andrews won that race, running on the democratic line. Purcell ran on the Republican line, which is as dead as a doorknob in this district. I want to believe that Purcell is one candidate that Sharpe will step out of the race for.

Stay tuned-in folks.