John's recent post and link to the DailyKOS effort for Gillibrand illuminates something very important. The best and brightest are naturally attracted to candidates and parties which have all the money. The nascent candidacies of myself, Mr. Pell and Mr. Walters suggest a disatisfaction with the idea that a NYC lawyer can move into town and suddenly represent our interests.
The Kos Krew would suggest that one go into the econimically depressed North country and preach a message of economic populism, as if job training and Bush bashing will repair the deleterious effects of government policy that taxes, taxes and taxes. For every program that a candidate offers, remember that an element of bureaucracy is created that may never go away. Worker compensation rates and payouts in NY are some of the Nation's highest. Promising free heating oil is a handout. Promising reduced healthcare costs is another. It costs somebody somewhere. As a small business person healthcare costs were relevant to my operation, but a vibrant and healthy economy was vital. Some of us here in the back woods actually cut our own fire wood and burn it all winter. Some of us actually exercise and eat well in order to prevent health problems. Most of us choose to live our lives here for one reason or another. We are not seeking the enlightened positions of urban elites come to save us. We have the Internet and cable/satellite TV too. We can think for ourselves and analyze the world around us.
There's not much difference between an insider like Gillibrand and Sweeney. They both go to the Fort Orange Klub. They are both lawyers. They will both cost you money as a taxpayer. Voters ought to consider outside alternatives and not just the moneyed interests. As the two 'front-runners' bicker about who took what for whom, and who will give what to whom, the outsiders will continue to struggle with messages of no war, balanced budgets and participation. Don't believe the hype.