Editor's note: This column was not available Monday, its usual publication day, because of technical problems.
As David Paterson takes over for Eliot Spitzer as governor of New York, he has wasted no time promoting his goals and even hinted at a 2010 bid.
But where does this leave the Democratic Party? Beset with controversy, initiatives failed to gain momentum under Spitzer, leaving Paterson to face a tough road ahead.
It's hard to pick up a mislaid torch; especially if your politics are not in line with your constituents.
Paterson has traditionally supported a more liberal agenda, a fact he has skillfully downplayed as he transitions. But slightly left of center may be entirely too left for many, especially the predominately conservative upstate New York.
For many, being associated with stem-cell research is every bit as vile as being associated with prostitution, and Paterson has political rivals within the party. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, is considered by many to be the golden boy.
The choices that Paterson makes during his tenure will either bring the party back to life or deflate Cuomo's, or any other candidate's, hopes of resurrecting statewide faith in the Democratic Party.
Consider how progress in Albany came to a screeching halt for nearly six months amidst Spitzer's ongoing battles with Republican Senate majority leader Joseph Bruno. Though Paterson and Bruno have expressed mutual admiration for one another, Paterson needs to be aggressive if the Democrats are to have any chance in winning the state Senate, overthrowing Bruno as majority leader.
Gaining control of the Senate has become even more crucial as, somewhat ironically, Spitzer's resignation has only increased Bruno's influence. As acting lieutenant governor, Bruno is now empowered to cast the deciding vote in the event of a draw.
The game plan? For starters, keeping to the straight and narrow and avoiding controversy.
Heading into a recession, Paterson has asserted that the economy, job growth and education will become his priorities.
As long as Paterson's closet remains more skeleton-free than Spitzer's, the future for the Democrats may be rosier than I predict.
Estabrook's column normally appears Mondays and she can be reached
at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
But where does this leave the Democratic Party? Beset with controversy, initiatives failed to gain momentum under Spitzer, leaving Paterson to face a tough road ahead.
It's hard to pick up a mislaid torch; especially if your politics are not in line with your constituents.
Paterson has traditionally supported a more liberal agenda, a fact he has skillfully downplayed as he transitions. But slightly left of center may be entirely too left for many, especially the predominately conservative upstate New York.
For many, being associated with stem-cell research is every bit as vile as being associated with prostitution, and Paterson has political rivals within the party. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, is considered by many to be the golden boy.
The choices that Paterson makes during his tenure will either bring the party back to life or deflate Cuomo's, or any other candidate's, hopes of resurrecting statewide faith in the Democratic Party.
Consider how progress in Albany came to a screeching halt for nearly six months amidst Spitzer's ongoing battles with Republican Senate majority leader Joseph Bruno. Though Paterson and Bruno have expressed mutual admiration for one another, Paterson needs to be aggressive if the Democrats are to have any chance in winning the state Senate, overthrowing Bruno as majority leader.
Gaining control of the Senate has become even more crucial as, somewhat ironically, Spitzer's resignation has only increased Bruno's influence. As acting lieutenant governor, Bruno is now empowered to cast the deciding vote in the event of a draw.
The game plan? For starters, keeping to the straight and narrow and avoiding controversy.
Heading into a recession, Paterson has asserted that the economy, job growth and education will become his priorities.
As long as Paterson's closet remains more skeleton-free than Spitzer's, the future for the Democrats may be rosier than I predict.
Estabrook's column normally appears Mondays and she can be reached
at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
The Citizens' Say
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mjmanning wrote on Mar 21, 2008 11:11 AM: