Jon Cooper is amazing - he has business experience, GUTS, an incredible legislative/leadership record and is truly committed to LGBT rights. He has a Facebook page - go to it! He has a website - go to it! Fellow NYers... we have had so much disappointment with Spitzer, Hevisi, Paterson, and the worse Legislature in the country by every standard/survey.... Can you imagine in November, 2010 if we elect a truly qualified, proud, and dynamic openly gay man to the US Senate! We can be the EMPIRE STATE AGAIN! It's within our grasp. Thanks David for posting this and makiing everyone aware! Kristen Gillbrand is a lightweight, a fair weathered friend (wow, wasn't it convenient for her to change her positions when she got the appointment for statewide seat????) Jon Cooper stands MILES above her in capability, accomplishments, and stature! Be sure to emai and call Joe Solmonese at HRC and Alan Van Capelle at avc@prideagenda.org and make sure they don't WIMP out to Democratic political hacks!

Posted by: Bruce Miller | Sep 4, 2009 9:03:03 AM

Anybody who would claim that Kirsten Gillibrand had anything to do with Caroline Kennedy's debacle isn't playing with a full deck of cards. When Caroline crashed and burned, Gillibrand was not even in the room. Unlike some of her rivals, she had not even hired a "consultant" to lobby Paterson to give the job to her.

As for Cooper, he is nothing but a rich, overreaching oik, pole-vaulting on a business he inherited from his parents to try to shove his way into a job he has not earned. In his foolish statements about Gillibrand's supposed relationship with Al D'Amato, he has shown his willingness to try to advance himself by distorting Gillibrand's history. Disgraceful.

Posted by: jeannespivey | Sep 4, 2009 9:09:49 AM

Jeanne, if you think an accomplished man like Jon Cooper used "family wealth" I guess you were celebrating Ted Kennedy's death - let's focus on accomplishments. As for D'Amato - he was NEXT to her at the announcement for her appointment. And.... "During college, Ms. Gillibrand was a summer intern in Mr. D’Amato’s Albany office. Her father, Douglas P. Rutnik, is a politically connected Albany lawyer who is close to Mr. D’Amato and to former members of the Pataki administration." NY Times, January 23, 2009. Those of you trying to deny us NYers a choice - go back to your closet and get the facts. Pathetic.

Posted by: Bruce Miller | Sep 4, 2009 9:57:18 AM

"Jeanne, if you think an accomplished man like Jon Cooper used "family wealth""

Cooper inherited the family business. So he's not exactly a charter member of the "I Made It On Talent Alone Club."

"I guess you were celebrating Ted Kennedy's death"

This has nothing to do with Ted Kennedy, although few people admire the way he won HIS place in the US Senate.

' - let's focus on accomplishments.'

Big frog, very small pond.

"As for D'Amato - he was NEXT to her at the announcement for her appointment."

So what? He was invited by the Governor. People who were in the room said that D'Amato shoved his way into the position next to Gillibrand, displacing Gillibrand's husband.

"And.... "During college, Ms. Gillibrand was a summer intern in Mr. D’Amato’s Albany office."

Gillibrand says she has met Mr. D'Amato exactly twice in her entire life.

"Her father, Douglas P. Rutnik, is a politically connected Albany lawyer who is close to Mr. D’Amato and to former members of the Pataki administration." NY Times, January 23, 2009."

Ted Kennedy's father was closely connected to Joe McCarthy. Ted's brother RFK worked for McCarthy's witchhunts as an aide. My father's closest friend was a Communist spy. That stuff means squat. Tell your friend Cooper not to piss in our ears with it.

"Those of you trying to deny us NYers a choice"

New Yorkers always get a choice on election day. Trying to replace Gillibrand with another downstate, Jewish male with an unimpressive resume who is unelectable in the name of "choice" is nonsense.

"- go back to your closet and get the facts. Pathetic."

Don't YOU lecture ME about "closets", ok?

Posted by: jeannespivey | Sep 4, 2009 11:25:49 AM

Jeanne, so now you're taking a jab at Ted Kennedy too? Talk about pathetic - have you no shame?

I'd take Cooper over Gillibrand any day of the week. He's got a great legislative record and real-world business expertise. He's smart, knows how to think out of the box, and has never been afraid to take on the special interests. Plus, Cooper has a long and consistent record as a true progressive. He's got my vote!

Posted by: True Blue Dem | Sep 4, 2009 12:27:54 PM

Jeanne, YOU really are pathetic. Forget the closet - go into a hole. We are talking about giving NYers a CHOICE for our Senator - ok? Democrat Party bosses choosing candidates in back rooms - those days are over. So leave your weak, untrue, distorted, and YES, pathetic remarks for another blog. Cooper should run - and the Democratic voters decide who should be the candidate. Let's see if Kristen wins a statewide primary. BTW, if you're going to comment on blogs - get ready for hardball - I WILL GLADLY LECTURE YOU WHEN YOU POST STUPID, UNINTELLIGENT, HYPOCRITICAL COMMENTS like your two above. Have a great day.

Posted by: Bruce Miller | Sep 4, 2009 12:45:30 PM

I am thrilled we will have a choice over the ill-appointed Gillibrand!

Posted by: StephenDEM | Sep 4, 2009 12:47:48 PM

Jeanne, btw, just realized: Are you saying something about Jewish people? "Another downstate Jewish male?" As a Jewish person, I find that anti-semitic. I wonder if someone said we should vote Paterson out so we don't have another "Black man" OR not vote for Bill Thompson for NYC Mayor because we would have a Black President, Governor, and Mayor how that would go over? You need help. More than I first realized. I'm done chatting with you - you don't deserve my time - nor any fair-minded persons. To quote you: DISGRACEFUL

Posted by: Bruce Miller | Sep 4, 2009 12:55:20 PM

Bruce, I can't agree more.

Posted by: James Doren | Sep 4, 2009 1:25:24 PM

Bruce, I could not agree more.

Posted by: John Goene | Sep 4, 2009 1:32:54 PM

Brucie! Don't worry about that Spivey nutcase - she is a political hack who took down on blogs Steve Israel, Carolyn Maloney, and Carolyn Mahoney. Here is a posting this idiot once did on another blog: "It's not weird at all when you consider that Maloney, Mahoney and Israel are the three wannabes who fancied themselves Senators and were extremely miffed when Paterson chose Gillibrand instead.'

Posted by: HillarySupporter2012 | Sep 4, 2009 1:43:32 PM

"Jeanne, YOU really are pathetic. Forget the closet - go into a hole."

You brought up the closet. That's part of your diction set, apparently.

Calling me "pathetic" because I don't share your enthusiasm for Mister Nobody is a poor rhetorical ploy.

"We are talking about giving NYers a CHOICE for our Senator - ok?"

Mister Nobody's Nothing vs. Senator Gillibrand is hardly a choice -- or even a CHOICE. Forcing a contest like that is merely a waste of time and money.

"Democrat Party bosses choosing candidates in back rooms - those days are over."

Gillibrand was the choice of the Clintons and Cuomo, both of whom she shares a long professional history with. If they're "Democrat Party bosses" as far as you're concerned, then I guess it's too bad about you.

"So leave your weak, untrue, distorted,"

Don't get me confused with the Scooper please. Weak untrue and distorted are part of the territory he's claimed, which also includes "pumped up" and "over reaching."

"and YES, pathetic remarks for another blog."

And it's not reassuring to see that his main supporters on the blogs are name-calling, hair-pulling hysterics. Or should I say "main supporter?"

"Cooper should run - and the Democratic voters decide who should be the candidate."

Waste of time and money. If it were just his money, nobody would care.

"Let's see if Kristen wins a statewide primary."

If she's running against Cooper, she can't lose. Her name is Kirsten, by the way -- not "Kristen."

"BTW, if you're going to comment on blogs - get ready for hardball"

Hardball?? From YOU???

"I WILL GLADLY LECTURE YOU WHEN YOU POST STUPID, UNINTELLIGENT, HYPOCRITICAL COMMENTS like your two above."

L O L.

Posted by: jeannespivey | Sep 4, 2009 1:53:36 PM

"Jeanne, btw, just realized: Are you saying something about Jewish people?"

Nope. I'm talking about running a balanced ticket, which means we don't have two people from downstate in the Senate, we don't have to males in the Senate and we don't have two Jews in the Senate.

"Another downstate Jewish male?" As a Jewish person, I find that anti-semitic."

Well, Tootsie, as another Jewish person, I don't.

I think it's okay to discuss Jews visavis balanced tickets, if Democrats are serious about holding on to that seat. Only self-hating Jews find anti-semitism where it doesn't exist.

"I wonder if someone said we should vote Paterson out so we don't have another "Black man" OR not vote for Bill Thompson for NYC Mayor because we would have a Black President, Governor, and Mayor how that would go over?"

If all of our candidates for state office were black, it would bear serious examination. I don't care how it would go over with grievance-collecting pyoiks, however.

"You need help. More than I first realized."

Go tear you hair out, Honey.

"I'm done chatting with you - you don't deserve my time - nor any fair-minded persons. To quote you: DISGRACEFUL"

Good. I like having the last word. I hope your sock puppets follow suit.

Posted by: jeannespivey | Sep 4, 2009 1:59:24 PM

"Jeanne, so now you're taking a jab at Ted Kennedy too?"

I guess I'm taking a jab at people who think they're entitled to be a Senator because their last name is Kennedy. Is Ted Kennedy one of your sacred cows?

"Talk about pathetic - have you no shame?"

You and "Bruce" share the exact same vocabulary it seems. As for being critical of Ted, it's a free country and lots of Democrats don't belong to that particular cult. The Kennedys are not heroes of mine.

"I'd take Cooper over Gillibrand any day of the week."

Are you his significant other, or are you one of his children?

"He's got a great legislative record"

...in the Suffolk County Legislature. That's about one step up from the local PTA.

"and real-world business expertise."

He inherited a business from his parents. BFD.

"He's smart, knows how to think out of the box, and has never been afraid to take on the special interests."

Same rhetoric, word-for-word, that's on his web page.

"Plus, Cooper has a long and consistent record as a true progressive. He's got my vote!"

That's nice, Dear.

Posted by: jeannespivey | Sep 4, 2009 2:05:04 PM

Jeanne, You keep embarrassing yourself. You have "blogged" too much on this subject and any "google search" will show any reader that you are not about "choice" and "democracy" - or progressive values. And btw, I don't live in Suffolk County, but I don't think many people think it's a "small pond." We want an open debate and a choice. for who the candidate will be - it's not up to the Clintons and the Cuomos. Boy are you just plain old DUMB! Time to shut up and go into your hole. Dig it deep so you don't come back up -mabye if you dig all weekend you can reach North Korea where your style of politics are in vogue. This will be my last post. Enjoy your Labor Day Jeanne.

Posted by: Erik | Sep 4, 2009 2:08:48 PM

Right on, Erik. It's all about giving Democratic voters in NY a choice. An open, healthy debate on the issues is a good thing...not just for the Democratic Party, but for our state and nation. If Jeanne doesn't understand that, I feel sorry for her.

Posted by: True Blue Dem | Sep 4, 2009 2:23:01 PM

While I have no doubt that some incumbents and their supporters consider primaries a waste of time (trying not to laugh here), I think choice is always a positive thing -- especially with a grassroots candidate such as Mr. Cooper, who is building momentum daily. My feeling is that this will be an informative and exciting primary season!

Posted by: Maggie Eastwood | Sep 4, 2009 4:11:23 PM

I know I said I wouldn't post again, but since I took the day off.....I googled this Spivey moron: She truly is SICK and DISTURBED. When you google her, you get tons of blogs where she comments on Kristen Gillibrand and the 2010 primary race for the Democratic nomination. All vicious, evil, mean spirted, vile, hateful words. In fact she says the most sickening thing in one entry about Rep Carolyn McCarthy whose husband was tragically shot to death in a train:

Jeanne Spivey
June 29th, 2009 at 3:44 am
One of the things the Quinnipiac poll didn’t take into account is the name confusion between Carolyn Maloney and Carolyn McCarthy. McCarthy — because of her family tragedy — is a lot better known than Maloney. Unfortunately, having a family tragedy is enough to get a person elected to Congress."

Looking at a few more blogs, when Steve Israel was thinking of running for this Senate seat she used the "Jewish" anti-Semitic argument again. This lady is a sicko - and truly needs psychiatric care. She is an embarrassment to all NY Democrats - and sadly Senator Kristen Gillibrand herself.

Erik, you're right - lets hope the hole Jeanne Spivey digs and lives in is so deep it goes right to Pyongyang - where she belongs. FYI: I faxed a print-out of her blogs to her campaign office for comment. I will follow up Tuesday and I bet they will disassociate themselves with this moron. Spivey - to quote Rep Barney Frank: " What planet are you from?" Democrats want a choice for our candidate for US Senate in 2010. Now go back to your hole.

Posted by: Bruce Miller | Sep 4, 2009 4:44:40 PM

If you folks really wanted the open debate that you claim, the owner of this blog wouldn't have blocked my access to it. You pretend to be progressive Democrats, but your behavior is that of fascists.

Your accusations of anti-semitism are not only ludicrous and symptomatic of hysteria, but they are also incredibly ignorant. All of you need to look at the article on balanced tickets at Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ticket_balance

For a Jewish person to be wrongly accused of anti-semitism -- or for a person posting to a thread about politics to be libeled as mentally ill -- is probably actionable, so those of you posting under your real names should watch your mailboxes.

Instead of censoring people who don't approve of Jon Cooper's candidacy out of discussions, you should be encouraging debate -- because nobody has even heard of your candidate. Even on this thread, all of the comments are being posted by one person and his sock puppets.

Posted by: j.s. | Sep 5, 2009 7:46:44 AM

Jeanne, J.S,

Fascists? I really think you need to look in the mirror - and take a step back. At the beach, but you are a relentless debater - so I will try to debate with you one more time, in a constructive manner. I hope you weren't cut off from the blog - b/c I do think you have a right to speak - as we all do. Here are my final thoughts:

(1) YOU brought the debate on this blog down in your first posting by (A) claiming that David Mixner (owner of the blog) and one of the most heralded civil rights, LGBT, and Democratic actiivists wasn't "playing with a full deck of cards"? You were questioning his mental state? (B) Then you call the openly gay Democratic Majority Leader of Suffolk County, NY (population 1.5MM), an "oik" - which I had Zero clue meant (I'll give you that too- you're very good at original insults). For those of you curious: "an obnoxious or unpleasant person; in weakened senses, a 'nit-wit', a 'clot'. Hence 'oikish a., unpleasant, crude; 'oickman" - The Urban Dictionary. So let's start there. Rather than respond to the posting talking up the accomplishments of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand or challenging Jon Cooper on his record - you slam down anyone exploring a primary challenge which is one of the hallmarks and best examples of our democracy. Why? Why not give us some REASON to support and vote for Senator Gillenbrand? Or a real reason not to support Jon Cooper?

(2) You love the word "sock puppets" -but I know no other posters here. I do know David well - and his contributions to our country and party are beyond reproach. Show some respect in your comments - even if you disagree. I disagree with David alot -- but in a respectfully way when I do. Why are all you comments on blogs trying to tear people down?

(3) You love to make accusations. I attended a fundraiser for Gillenbrand and listened and politely asked her questions? That's part of democracy - I didn't tear her down. Was I wildly impressed?? NO. Will I vote for her vs. a right wing opponenet? YES. Do I think it's fair for Mr. Cooper (or Ms McCarthy, Maloney, or Mr. Israel) to explore a run without being threatened or torn down by the party establishment? Yes. You are the one bringing hysteria to blogging - by name calling and your tactic of being a bulldog.

(3) "Balanced Ticket": OK, I pulled up your link: "balancing the ticket is when a political candidate chooses a running mate with the goal of bringing more widespread appeal to the campaign. It is most prominently used to describe the selection of the U.S. Vice Presidential candidate.
There are several means by which the ticket may be balanced. Someone who is from a different region than the candidate may be chosen as a running mate to provide geographic balance to the ticket. If the candidate is associated with a specific faction of the party, a running mate from a competing faction may be chosen so as to unify the party. Similarly, running mates may be chosen to provide ideological, age, or demographic balance." In general Wikipedia (which is not policed by experts) does not mention gender or religon as "balancing a ticket" - it talks about ideology and geography. Downstate/Upstate is fair - but Cooper is from LI - and in NY politics many people consider balanced NYC vs non - NYC. Finally, we have zero openly LGBT candidates on the statewide ticket -ever. So Jon Cooper is the ULTIMATE balance. Finally, I didn't see any notion of "balancing" when it comes to unrelated offices or two distinct US Senators from the same state. But I can see a point there. But Jon Cooper is the ULTIMATE balance - right? First LGBT Senator or statewide candidate?

(4) I have met Jon Cooper once - and Gillenbrand twice. I found Jon to be very impressive - with a long track record in enviromental, health, fiscal, and financial issues. I thought Senator Gillenbrand was "kind and knowledgable" - not blown away - but I will watch and see how things unfold.

(5) When you cut down people in such a fierce and ugly manner - it's simply rude and unproductive. Why do you do that? If you feel it's necessary, it's good to tell the whole story. For example, I spoke to Jon about his business. Yes, it is a family business that both his father and son work at - but since he joined the business it has grown from approx 25 employees to over 175 employees - creating over 150 jobs. Why would you knock someone like that? You called him an oik? Why? Have you met him? Again- why bring the debate to that?

(6) I googled you yesterday, and you are a fierce supporter of Senator Kirsten Gillenbrand. That's great and I respect you for that. However, I notice a Lee Atwater "style" of cutting down potential opponents which I find mean-spirited and nasty. It brings the debate on blogs and other places down. Why do you do that?

(7) I'd love to have you end this blog stream with giving the readers of davidmixner.com REASONS we should support Senator Gillenbrand and her record - acccomplishments - and try- try hard - not to viscously tear down anyone - including Jon Cooper or other writers (or me). Would/Can you post a entry like that? That might be helpful and constructive.

I look forward to your next post.

Posted by: Bruce Miller | Sep 5, 2009 9:32:33 AM

well this is not pretty and kind of vicious all around...btw, the Pride Agenda is a statewide organization and does not endorse national candidates

Posted by: frank | Sep 5, 2009 11:54:46 AM

Jeanne, J.S,

"Fascists?"

That's a word that describes people who pretend to conduct a dialog but forcefully exclude others.

"I hope you weren't cut off from the blog -"

I was. And I think a lot less of David Mixner now because of that. Not accepting my data, which he did after that is not so great either. Mixner is not much of a civil libertarian.

"b/c I do think you have a right to speak - as we all do."

Maybe not, if you also contacted Senator Gillibrand's office with the object of silencing me.

"(1) YOU brought the debate on this blog down in your first posting by (A) claiming that David Mixner ...."

I know who David Mixner is. That only makes his assertion that Gillibrand had a role in Caroline Kennedy's debacle more shocking. And did he personally write this blog? The Google entry for it suggests it was written by somebody else.

"You were questioning his mental state?"

"We're sorry, we cannot accept this data."

What he wrote was complete nonsense, unsupported by anything that has been printed elsewhere. No thinking person has ever suggested that Senator Gillibrand had any role whatsoever in Caroline Kennedy's withdrawal.

"(B) Then you call the openly gay Democratic Majority Leader of Suffolk County, NY (population 1.5MM), an "oik" "

Being an oik has nothing to do with being gay. I hope you're not suggesting that because a person is gay, he is thereby exempt from harsh criticisms that have nothing to do with his gayness.

He is an oik because he has foolishly chosen this moment -- when the Democratic party needs to salvage every Senate seat that we can -- to mount a vanity candidacy. And -- in the larger world out there -- that's what it amounts to. And he is an oik for claiming that Gillibrand and D'Amato are likethis -- because they once appeared together in a group picture.

"you slam down anyone exploring a primary challenge which is one of the hallmarks and best examples of our democracy. Why?"

I have explained it countless times. We cannot afford to lose this seat. This is not the time to be nattering about "choice for choice's sake." It's comparable to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic."

"... Or a real reason not to support Jon Cooper?"

I've given my reasons. To summarize: lack of broader experience, balanced ticket, inappropriateness of this sort of candidacy at the present time. To that I'll add, willingness to distort Gillibrnad's record by playing the McCarthyite "guilt-by-association" game.

"You love the word "sock puppets" -but I know no other posters here."

The diction and rhetoric used by all the pro-Cooper posters is similar enough to suggest that at least one person is posting under different names.

"Why are all you comments on blogs trying to tear people down?"

My purpose in posting comments to this -- or any other -- blog is to correct misinformation. Your purpose seems to be to pour gasoline on the discussion.

(3) You love to make accusations. I attended a fundraiser for Gillenbrand

Gillibrand -- not Gillenbrand.

"and listened and politely asked her questions?"

Aren't you good. And then you turn around and write in support of a blogger who suggests Gillibrand was responsible for Caroline Kennedy's mess. You support a candidate who thinks it's valid to make a fuss over the fact that Gillibrand once stood next to Al D'Amato in a group picture. I'd be willing to be that Jon Cooper is far better acquainted with D'Amato than Gillibrand, since they are both Long Islanders and have inhabited the same political turf.

"Do I think it's fair for Mr. Cooper (or Ms McCarthy, Maloney, or Mr. Israel) to explore a run without being threatened or torn down by the party establishment?"

Nobody has been "threatened" by the party establishment. They were merely warned that the Obama administration will support Senator Gillibrand.

"You are the one bringing hysteria to blogging - by name calling and your tactic of being a bulldog."

Sorry, but the hand-wringing, the wild, hysterical accusations of anti-semitism, the questioning of my sanity, and calling me "pathetic" all came from you.

"(3) "Balanced Ticket" (snip)
In general Wikipedia (which is not policed by experts) does not mention gender or religon as "balancing a ticket"

Religion is often invoked in discussions about balanced tickets. This post is already too long, so if you want cites, you can Google for them yourself. And gender and location were specifically invoked by Governor Paterson during the selection process. He said that he wanted to appoint a woman from upstate.

"Finally, we have zero openly LGBT candidates on the statewide ticket -ever."

It seems to me that this is the only distinguishing selling point for Jon Cooper's candidacy. And in the present political climate, it is not enough.

" But Jon Cooper is the ULTIMATE balance - right? "

No. Do you think that New York State will elect a person to the Senate whose main -- and distinguishing -- selling point is that he's gay? I don't. As far as the rest of his qualifications are concerned, those Congress members who were passed over by Governor Paterson were, in my opinion, more qualified than Cooper. If Paterson had appointed one of them instead of Gillibrand, I'd have supported him or her.

I would not under any circumstances have supported Caroline Kennedy, who was simply underqualified.

"(5) When you cut down people in such a fierce and ugly manner - it's simply rude and unproductive."

Do not talk to me about "fierce and ugly" when you have accused me of being anti-Semitic because I say that it's unwise for the party to offer only Jewish males from downstate -- Tweedledum and Tweedledee -- as Senate candidates. Or when you have called me "pathetic" when I don't fall into lockstep with your apparent adoration of the late Senator Kennedy -- and the mode in which he first became a member of the Senate.

I don't really care that he -- or his parents -- expanded his business. So did Bernie Madoff and his relative expand theirs. I've already explained why I called him an oik.

"Why would you knock someone like that? You called him an oik?"

You keep repeating that. Next time, I'll call him a git. I don't need to meet him. All I need to do is read news stories where he tries to pole-vault on the notion -- which is entirely false -- that Kirsten Gillibrand and Al D'Amato are close allies. "Liar" would have been a more accurate epithet, but it is overused to the point where it is almost meaningless.

(6) I googled you yesterday, and you are a fierce supporter of Senator Kirsten Gillenbrand.

Gillibrand -- not "Gillenbrand" You need to keep up.

"That's great and I respect you for that. However, I notice a Lee Atwater "style" of cutting down potential opponents"

Some of them deserve to be cut down.

"which I find mean-spirited and nasty."

Well, you also find it "pathetic" if somebody fails to adore Ted Kennedy. So your opinion is not of much value to me.

(7) I'd love to have you end this blog stream with giving the readers of davidmixner.com REASONS we should support Senator Gillenbrand and her record - acccomplishments -"

Gillibrand's record can be found on her webpage and in the newspapers. But if your real agenda is to run the first openly LGBT candidate for the Senate, you will remain unconvinced.

So I'll just stick to correcting lies and distortions of Senator Gillibrand's record in as forceful and attention-getting a manner as I can muster.

Posted by: Jeannie | Sep 5, 2009 12:21:12 PM

Jeannie, You have drawn some wrong conclusions as you let your anger take you to places.

- The "gay" issue for me is WAY down the list. I want to evaluate all our Democratic choices - gay or straight. However, it would be great to have a FIRST LGBT Senator - can you understand that - Jon Cooper aside? -

- FYI: I brought up Ted Kennedy when you smacked Jon Cooper for having family wealth, which I think is no crime. Personally, I disliked Ted Kennedy as a US Senator as I thought he was a limousine liberal, self-righteous, and frankly the entire "Chappaquiddick" episode and his non - prosecution was too much entitlement for my taste. I have posted on davidmixner.com blog many times about my feelings for Ted Kennedy.

- FYI: I was the FIRST person to write on THIS blog that Caroline Kennedy was unqualified compared to all the other contenders (yes, I respectfully disagreed with David Mixner) and her Kennedy name should not get her the Senate seat. I was very vocal.

- I think your choice of words and style is harsh on blogs- and unnecessarily so - and it brings down the conversation. In retrospect, I should have ignored your posts or asked you to be more "polite" , but I placed myself into a pissing match - and for that I'm sorry to the readers of davidmixner.com. Maybe you can use this exchange for some introspection as well? Maybe we both could have "toned it down a bit" when faced with different opinion? Can you see that?

- I have ZERO dislike of Senator Gillenbrand, but I have questions about her change in positions several positions over the years. I am very familiar with her Dartmouth education, prestigious law firm experiences (I think the tobacco charges are garbage), and work with Clinton Administration. And very honestly.... I appreciate it that she won a House seat in a traditionally Republican district! I have not said one vile or hateful thing about our Senator.

- I can't grasp at all your total dislike (almost hateful dislike) of Jon Cooper He is a good accomplished gay man with many qualifications both in the private and public sectors -and we have right, as Democrats to look at our field and make a choice. An unelected Governor appointed a US Senator - the Democratic members of the party should have a chance to weigh in.

- Do you honestly believe a Republican is going to win in NYS - or are you using scare tactics? Honestly..? Besides, Primary Elections often make the winner "stronger". The demographics and 'era" have changed since your D'Amato example you state over and over again.

- Here I will say you're 100% right: I will give you this: I did think about faxing you posts to the Senator's campaign office last night - to get their comment, but thought it was unfair as the blogosphere is a place of open dialog. So, you are right there. And I did not fax them. Let's end this exchange by each trying to learn from this exchange - maybe we can argue our points in a more effective manner? Can we both do that? I will.

- Finally, what's ironic is that chances are we both have ALOT more in common with each others political beliefs than "not in common" - so why are we wasting all these efforts and insults on each other and take on Right Wing Nuts???

- Let's agree to disagree: I think Jon Cooper should run in a Primary and you don't. I'd like to be given a choice and see a spirited debate. Maybe Kirsten Gillenbrand will be my choice. She clearly will be in November if she is the Democratic candidate.

Have a nice weekend. Bruce

Posted by: Bruce Miller | Sep 5, 2009 1:13:39 PM

Jeanne, I hope you'll respect my decision to support Cooper over Gillibrand because of her positions on issues of concern to me.

I'll never forgive Gillibrand for spending nearly 10 years advocating for Big Tobacco when she agreed to represent Philip Morris as their corporate attorney. I don't like the fact that Gillibrand had a 100% rating from the NRA when she was in Congress and was on record as opposing restrictions on the sale of armor-piercing bullets and assault weapons. I don't respect her past stance in opposition to efforts to enact fair immigration reform. I don't like the fact that Gillibrand appears to be wavering in her support for the public option -- she's already raising the white flag by saying she'll consider alternatives like health insurance co-ops.

In short, I have what I think are legitimate reasons to want a more progressive candidate that I can support. Jon Cooper is my choice.

Posted by: True Blue Dem | Sep 5, 2009 1:29:14 PM

Jeannie, You have drawn some wrong conclusions as you let your anger take you to places.

- The "gay" issue for me is WAY down the list. I want to evaluate all our Democratic choices - gay or straight. However, it would be great to have a FIRST LGBT Senator - can you understand that - Jon Cooper aside? -

I agree that it would be great. And if you think Cooper's the one, perhaps you should recommend that he try for an office that would more appropriately position him for a later Senate run. I think that -- in this instance -- the timing is very bad.

- FYI: I brought up Ted Kennedy when you smacked Jon Cooper for having family wealth, which I think is no crime.

A person with inherited family wealth or a family business probably should not position himself as a "self-made" man. That's not the only issue I have with Ted Kennedy, however.

--Personally, I disliked Ted Kennedy as a US Senator as I thought he was a limousine liberal, self-righteous, and frankly the entire "Chappaquiddick" episode and his non - prosecution was too much entitlement for my taste. I have posted on davidmixner.com blog many times about my feelings for Ted Kennedy.

IMO, Ted Kennedy often misused the very considerable power he had -- both as a Senator and as heir to the so-called Kennedy Dynasty. Many of the abuses came early in his career and are now mostly forgotten.

- FYI: I was the FIRST person to write on THIS blog that Caroline Kennedy was unqualified compared to all the other contenders (yes, I respectfully disagreed with David Mixner) and her Kennedy name should not get her the Senate seat. I was very vocal.

I'm glad to know that. Sadly, any criticism at all of Kennedy family members often elicits an extreme response. That -- in and of itself -- is unhealthy IMO.

- I think your choice of words and style is harsh on blogs- and unnecessarily so - and it brings down the conversation.

I think my early posts show annoyance. Once I am called "pathetic" or "anti-semitic" or "sick," that annoyance morphs into anger.

-- In retrospect, I should have ignored your posts or asked you to be more "polite" , but I placed myself into a pissing match - and for that I'm sorry to the readers of davidmixner.com. Maybe you can use this exchange for some introspection as well?

I will try to use less emotive language -- at least, in the beginning.

--Maybe we both could have "toned it down a bit" when faced with different opinion? Can you see that?

Yes I can. That's what I meant about pouring gasoline on the discussion.

- I have ZERO dislike of Senator Gillenbrand, but I have questions about her change in positions several positions over the years. I am very familiar with her Dartmouth education, prestigious law firm experiences (I think the tobacco charges are garbage), and work with Clinton Administration. And very honestly.... I appreciate it that she won a House seat in a traditionally Republican district! I have not said one vile or hateful thing about our Senator.

And our Senator has not said anything vile or hateful or the least bit adversarial about any of her potential challengers. She has responded to a considerable amount of abuse, distortions and lies by simply doing her job, and hoping people will notice her good works.

- I can't grasp at all your total dislike (almost hateful dislike) of Jon Cooper He is a good accomplished gay man with many qualifications both in the private and public sectors -and we have right, as Democrats to look at our field and make a choice.

It's nothing personal. It's driven by genuine apprehension that the Democrats might lose this seat if there is a primary. And the fact that Cooper's first shot over Gillibrand's bow was that baloney about Al D'Amato suggests that he will be slinging all kinds of dirt, with cavalier disregard for its accuracy. And on the off-chance that the GOP can muster a well-known candidate to oppose Gillibrand, the general election will be very expensive and we need to save our resources for that.

--An unelected Governor appointed a US Senator - the Democratic members of the party should have a chance to weigh in.

Under ideal circumstances, I'd agree with that. But if we're to get crucial legislation passed -- such as healthcare or DADT or anything having to do with the recovery -- we need to keep the Senate seats we have, and not put any of them at risk by nominating anybody who is not well-known, and who probably would have little appeal to upstate voters.

- Do you honestly believe a Republican is going to win in NYS - or are you using scare tactics?

I think that people who believe that NY is a reliably Democratic state need to review our electoral history. Before we had Eliot Spitzer in the State House, we had many many years of Republican Governors. It is only comparatively recently that we finally rid ourselves of Al D'Amato. In fact, we wouldn't have been troubled with D'Amato in the first place -- or the second place -- if liberal Divas in the Democratic party hadn't insisted on duking it out to the bitter end.

--Honestly..? Besides, Primary Elections often make the winner "stronger".

They make the winner "more broke" and less able to pay for TV commercials in the general election.

--The demographics and 'era" have changed since your D'Amato example you state over and over again.

I don't think they have. A Republican -- especially one who is well known -- can still win, if the liberal vote is split.

- Here I will say you're 100% right: I will give you this: I did think about faxing you posts to the Senator's campaign office last night - to get their comment, but thought it was unfair as the blogosphere is a place of open dialog.

Some blog owners don't seem to think so.

--So, you are right there. And I did not fax them. Let's end this exchange by each trying to learn from this exchange - maybe we can argue our points in a more effective manner? Can we both do that? I will.

Okay.

- Finally, what's ironic is that chances are we both have ALOT more in common with each others political beliefs than "not in common" - so why are we wasting all these efforts and insults on each other and take on Right Wing Nuts???

- Let's agree to disagree: I think Jon Cooper should run in a Primary and you don't. I'd like to be given a choice and see a spirited debate. Maybe Kirsten Gillenbrand will be my choice. She clearly will be in November if she is the Democratic candidate.

I'm certain she will be. I wouldn't like to see her lose to a strong Republican candidate because her reputation has been blackened by distortions, or because she lacks the money to fight a winning campaign.

-- Have a nice weekend. Bruce
Posted by: Bruce Miller | Sep 5, 2009 1:13:39 PM

Posted by: jeanni | Sep 5, 2009 2:13:30 PM

I first met Jon Cooper and his wonderful parent Robert at a gay parenting conference in the late 90's. My partner and I have two sons. Our sons got along very well with Jon and Robert's family. Jon is one of the kindest people I know. When he entered politics, I was so happy that Long Island had a new voice to represent them.

I didn't even know that Jon was running for the US senate seat until the Manhattan Gay Pride march last June. He definitely will have my vote and full support.

I have known and interacted with many elected officials over the years. Jon will represent our state very well. I urge all readers who don't know him to look at his record.

Doug Robinson

Posted by: Doug Robinson | Sep 8, 2009 11:56:47 PM

I first met Jon Cooper and his wonderful parent Robert at a gay parenting conference in the late 90's. My partner and I have two sons. Our sons got along very well with Jon and Robert's family. Jon is one of the kindest people I know. When he entered politics, I was so happy that Long Island had a new voice to represent them.

I didn't even know that Jon was running for the US senate seat until the Manhattan Gay Pride march last June. He definitely will have my vote and full support.

I have known and interacted with many elected officials over the years. Jon will represent our state very well. I urge all readers who don't know him to look at his record.

Doug Robinson

Posted by: Doug Robinson | Sep 8, 2009 11:56:47 PM

I first met Jon Cooper and his wonderful parent Robert at a gay parenting conference in the late 90's. My partner and I have two sons. Our sons got along very well with Jon and Robert's family. Jon is one of the kindest people I know. When he entered politics, I was so happy that Long Island had a new voice to represent them.

I didn't even know that Jon was running for the US senate seat until the Manhattan Gay Pride march last June. He definitely will have my vote and full support.

I have known and interacted with many elected officials over the years. Jon will represent our state very well. I urge all readers who don't know him to look at his record.

Doug Robinson

Posted by: Doug Robinson | Sep 8, 2009 11:56:48 PM

Gee maybe it's an improvement when the debate is about Jon Cooper's ethnicity (jew) and not his sexuality, but wait shouldn't the discussion be about what a senator from New York can do for New Yorkers.

So far what Gillebrand has backed off introducing legislation to overturn Don't Ask Just Kick the Gays Out & Replace them with Felons and Fascists. She said she is for marriage equality for same-sex couples but has done nothing about this either pandering for gay dollars but that's about it.

Now what has Jon Cooper done for his constituents? Here's his list
http://www.legislatorcooper.com/accomplishments.html

And here's some of what Gillebrand has done so far
http://aboutpolitics.com/politicians/New%20York-NY/Gillibrand

So who would be better as a senator for New York is the real issue here? Obviously in this climate of tyranny and supremacy, instead of judging these politicians by the content of their character, some people would rather decide they are NOT qualified if they are member of the ethnic group whose relatives were murdered in pogroms, inquisitions and by nazis.

Posted by: planetspinz | Sep 9, 2009 12:02:05 AM