One of the biggest disappointments of the 2006 election cycle was Brian Keeler's (NYBri's) loss in his race for a New York State Senate seat.
That loss, however, was not Brian's alone. It was colossal failure on the part of the New York State Democratic party. Despite overwhelming victories in the Governor, U.S. Senator, and Attorney General races, and despite picking up two U.S. House seats, the New York Democratic party, which has a four seat deficit in the New York State Senate, was only able to pick up ONE measly New York State Senate seat.
And it's not like the State Party tried and failed. It didn't lift a finger to help, keeping millions of dollars in its campaign account unspent.
Which is why NYBri, along with the Falstaffian (only younger and thinner) Lipris, are launching The Albany Project. The Albany Project is aimed at ridding Albany of its incumbent protection racket and allowing reform minded challengers to come in and change the culture.
Did you know that in the last decade more New York State Senators have died or been indicted than have lost an election?
Did you know that the State Senate leader, Joseph Bruno, the Assembly Leader, Sheldon Silver, and the Governor (formerly Pataki), make all State budget and legislation decisions among themselves in a smoky room (ok, it might not be smoky), and then force those decisions down the leigislature's and the people's throats?
Did you know that Bruno and Silver assure incumbent reelections through a steady diet of pork barrel projects, which those incumbents then spend campaign money on to advertise?
It's time for a change, and the Albany Project is the way to do it!
So please come and check it out (especially if you're a New Yorker). And sign up for an account -- you can still get a low UID!
*disclosure -- The Albany Project has asked me to be a guest blogger.