October 27, 2006
Spitzer Says Hell No to Hevesi
As expected, Attorney General and gubernatorial front runner Eliot Spitzer withdrew his support of State Comptroller Alan Hevesi. Spitzer acknowledged the State Ethics Commission's findings about Hevesi's use of a state driver to chauffeur his wife, saying it did present "information that compromises Alan Hevesi’s ability to fulfill his responsibilities.” Additionally, Spitzer doesn't think Hevesi should continue as comptroller, even if he is re-elected! But it doesn't mean that Spitzer is endorsing Republican Chris Callaghan.
The NY Times got a copy of the 2003 threat assessment made by the state police about Carol Hevesi's security:
“It is the determination of the executive service detail that Carol L. Hevesi should be classified as a low-threat risk. This determination is based on the fact that there have not been any specific threats made against Mrs. Hevesi.Well, the fact that the wife's driver wasn't even a police officer still makes Hevesi's threat excuse questionable.“This determination, however, does take into consideration that Mrs. Hevesi’s husband has been and continues to be the target of numerous threats and, to that extent, a threat risk is indicated.”
And a new poll shows that Hevesi's once 40-point lead is down to 12 points - and we would guess it may fall even more as election day approaches. Interestingly, the Marist poll found that voters would rather be able to decide on Hevesi' fate at the polls, versus having Governor Pataki remove him. If the State Senate does end up removing him - and then Hevesi resigns - the Legislature will be able to choose a successor. Should be a very interesting few weeks.
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Spitzer let Wall Street off with a slap on the wrist. This guy is the biggest self promoter around today. Spitzer for President in 2016? or 2012 if Democrats don't win the White House in 2008.
"Well, the fact that the wife's driver wasn't even a police officer still makes Hevesi's threat excuse questionable."
Not if you read the Ethics Committee report. He _repeatedly_ asked for actual security. You may disagree with his decision to have a city employee drive his wife around, but to insinuate that he didn't actually care for his wife's security or that this was a last minute excuse is unfair and not based on the Committee or anyone else's fact finding.
From May 2003 (quoting the report):
"The Comptroller wrote:
I would like to arrange to have a member of my security detail and appropriate transportation made available for Carol's well being and protection when she is meeting me for official events, and on those occasions when she must travel without a companion and the need for security is apparent in the judgment of those on my staff assigned to make these determinations.
In those instances where the advisability of security is not apparent, I will of course be prepared to reimburse this Agency for any personnel and transportation costs incurred (E: 12). ...
In 1998, Mr. Hevesi asked New York City's then Corporation Counsel Michael Hess whether it was permissible to provide a driver and security for his wife (Hevesi: 514; Brackman: 744-745)."
They denied his requests.
Go read the report, I'll give you the link again:
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/ethc/NORC/Hevesi.htm
Again, his request for security isn't some last minute excuse for having his wife driven around town. He's been asking for security for her for years.
You keep posting about this story, it would behoove you to go read the report.
After the billions of dollars in corruption that the republicans cost us, and the utter contempt for taxpayers that they show, I'll still vote for Hevesi. His infractions cost us what? About 45 minutes of what Haliburton is taking us for in Iraq?
Public officials have to meet the highest ethical standards. They have to be "squeaky clean" and they have to know that. If Hevesi failed to meet that obligation he deserves to lose his post. It doesn't matter that there are far bigger theives among public office holders, many of whom go uncaught; failure to meet the highest ethical standard is a violation of the public trust.
"I crush your head."