The NY 22 and Goodfelllas - You Serious?

We are a long way away from the NY 22nd Congressional vote, however the first glimpse of Tenney's strategy was an ugly one. So far, the strategy of her campaign is simple. She wants to try to use the national strategy of Donald Trump to divide the NY 22 based on demographics that she feels play into her hands. Otherwise known as, "the Trump Effect."

The problem with the Trump effect is that it divides the electorate by hate. This will not play well in our district due to the Democrats choosing a viable candidate early that represents a wider representation of values. When Anthony Brindisi announced he was running, it was clear from her response how she would run her campaign. Label him as a Progressive, align him with Pelosi and Cuomo and then attack him for being a liberal. Nothing of substance, just try to use fear to divide the NY 22nd.

Tenney has a problem however. Her candidate has a stellar voting record. He can be a centrist, and a fiscal conservative. He also has a high rating from the NRA. He comes from  the Mohawk Valley which is witnessing a resurgence economically, and he is popular among many politicians that are centrist republicans.

Tenney decided to play the ethnicity card to try to discredit Brindisi. Why she did this so early in the campaign makes no sense at all. This kind of logic is something we usually see right before the election to tilt the vote toward the candidate that wants to win using scare tactics. She has shown her hand, which gives Brindisi an advantage. Her mistake gives his campaign insight into her strategy. It also gives the public and secret groups information to combat Tenney's strategy.

One has to wonder how Republican leaders from Italian American roots must feel seeing the race card being played against their heritage. No matter what your party status is, a stereotype like the one Tenney tried to use against Brindisi must bother them, as it is a part of their ancestry. They also have to answer to their Italian American voters.

Anyone supporting Brindisi needs to watch Tenney for mistakes like this one, and education an uninformed electorate they have a choice between a message of hate versus and message of moving the NY 22 forward in a positive direction.

The 22 Is Our Seneca Falls Convention - Part 1 Turning Point

This next election for Congress is without a doubt the most important decision Upstate New York has faced in a very long time. It is a potential Turning Point in history. We will be asked to reverse the poor decisions of Donald Trump as president, along with the legislation that the Republican majority is trying to pass in the House and Senate. All eyes will be on us during this critical time in American History to send a clear message that we will not tolerate the dismantling of Civil Rights that many Americans fought so hard to gain for those most in need. Disavowing the policies of Claudia Tenney, minion of Trump's agenda will send a clear message that Upstate New York rejects the current policies of divisiveness and exclusion of certain groups from basic Civil Rights.

New York State had another similar time in history when a Turning Point was needed. In 1848, delegates met to chart a course of change for Women's Rights. The task has been put upon us once again to reverse the disturbing trends set forth by this administration and Claudia Tenney towards women and other target groups such as LGBTQ, immigrants, and refugees.

Civil Rights has been an evolutionary tale in our nation's history. While never fast enough for those who were disenfranchised, our nation has steadily moved toward a nation of tolerance and inclusion. This current administration along with the Republicans in the House and Senate have tried to reverse the gains from our past. In fact, they have proposed legislation to weaken those who need help the most. From the 22 million that risk losing insurance, to the reproductive rights of women, and finally the rights of LGBTQ communities, this President is moving quickly to weaken the civil rights of individuals most neediest in our nation.

The carnage does not stop there. This legislative majority and the President have weakened environmental laws and caused the United States to isolate itself from the rest of the world. Our partners in peace internationally were once solid in defense of a common cause, have decided to go it alone without the United States. It is a dangerous path and we have a responsibility to say "No, enough is enough."

Electing Anthony Brindisi to the 22nd seat of Congress sends a clear message. That message is that Upstate New York will not tolerate the current trends of legislation that creates inequalities for many while funneling more funds and power to the rich. We are a nation of shared values that include a message of equality and hope for all. Anthony Brindisi is the shining light that can turn the course of history. This election, the nation has called upon Upstate New York once again, to send a clear message that intolerance and hate are unacceptable. If we keep our message concise and clear, we will rise about the c
urrent situation of fear and intolerance that is present in our legislative district and the nation.