At state party convention, LI Dems own Buffalo
Photo credit: File / Audrey C. Tiernan | Nassau County Democratic party chairman Jay Jacobs (June 08, 2009)
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Thomas Suozzi through the years
BUFFALO
Members of Nassau's Democratic committee returned Wednesday to the same hotel where, at a state party convention in 2006, they formed an island of Thomas Suozzi supporters in a sea of Eliot Spitzer backers.
Spitzer crushed Suozzi, won election as governor, took office, got in trouble, and resigned, making David Paterson the governor.
Governors get to pick the leaders of their state parties. Paterson has turned to Jay Jacobs, 54, of Laurel Hollow, who served as Suozzi's campaign chief three years ago.
It may have been a twisted journey getting there, but at least this time the delegation, with 19 of 22 members on hand, could celebrate and cheer one of their own. After Jacobs was voted chairman by voice vote, Paterson focused his praise on Jacobs' overall successes as Nassau chairman - including the milestone of Democratic enrollment surpassing that of Republicans in the county.
"We're going to bring [your] tutelage and leadership to all of New York State," Paterson said. Others noted the chairman's role in the 2007 election of State Sen. Craig Johnson and efforts for Hillary Clinton in last year's presidential primaries.
Introducing the poll-vexed Paterson as "our great governor," Jacobs said "the finest steel goes through the hottest fire. There's been some pretty hot fire in the last few months."
Paterson's main role was to rev up his case for re-election. He told reporters he thinks he could beat ex-mayor Rudy Giuliani - saying that while publicly critical, the ex-mayor hasn't presented new ideas for solving fiscal problems.
Defying President Barack Obama's message to not seek re-election, Paterson opened with: "So - How was YOUR week? . . . I don't think I see the elephant in the room. . . . I don't think any elephants or donkeys should be telling voters who to vote for in the state of New York."
In 2006, Suozzi was the poll-vexed pol. Running what amounted to a protest candidacy, he boycotted the convention here. But during this fall business meeting of the state party, the county executive, now running for re-election, has been a chipper presence, while speaking of hard times.
"The economy is a wreck," he said. "The state budget is in bad shape. And while all these different scandals have fostered changes for elected officials, they've made people like government less than ever. The good news is, people are more open to listening to a reform message."
The message was not far off from that delivered by Suozzi before - or by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who sponsored a low-key breakfast for about 100 here with the job-unspecific banner "Andrew Cuomo 2010."
His presence promised an unspoken tension and drama. In his speech, he was critical of Albany's ways and suggested no further tax increases.
But while leaving the ballroom - he wasn't hanging around - Cuomo met Paterson and his entourage. The two chatted and laughed close-up for a couple of minutes.
Cuomo patted the current governor and said, "OK, buddy, go get 'em."
Earlier, Cuomo also embraced Jacobs.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, also of Nassau, hailed Jacobs - whom he preceded as Nassau chairman between 1999 and 2001.
"Jay Jacobs is a fierce competitor. I know that from being on opposite sides from him and from being on the same side as him. We've turned Nassau County around," said DiNapoli, who faces statewide election next year.
For the moment, Long Island owned Buffalo.
