Did NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg Pay Off Reps Who Voted ‘Yes’ on Gay Marriage?
- Posted on July 14, 2011 at 9:53pm by
Billy Hallowell
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It’s no secret that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is an outspoken supporter of gay rights. During the contentious debate that preceded the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York State, he played a key role in attempting to convince Republicans to vote “yes.” Now, after four GOP state senators complied with his request, Bloomberg has donated the maximum amount possible ($10,300) to their campaigns.
The senators — James Alesi, Mark Grisanti, Roy McDonald and Stephen Saland — are all running for re-election and this generous infusion of cash will surely assist them in their campaigns. These generous donations may be only a drop in the bucket for a man who has billions in his own personal coffers, but they serve as something greater — a “thank you” of sorts for the four men who ensured victory in the tight vote (33 to 29) that solidified gay marriage in the state.
These gifts should serve as no surprise. Back in May, Bloomberg threatened to back senators who voiced their support for gay marriage. He also warned that he would potentially withhold his financial support for those who did not. He said, ”I certainly will concentrate and focus more on those that do.” Bloomberg’s own staff members have substantiated the claim that these gifts serve as a reward. The NY Daily News has more:
“The mayor said he would support Senate Republicans who stood up – and he did,” said Micah Lasher, a top Bloomberg aide…
Bloomberg, who traveled twice to the Capitol to lobby for gay weddings, was listed as having made his donation on July 8 – two weeks after the historic vote.
While the aforementioned senators have secured Bloomberg’s financial support, re-election prospects may be tough for some of them. The Daily Caller reports:
New York Conservative Party leader Michael Long said after the vote that each had lost the party’s ballot line for re-election. The senators may also face primary challenges.
Grisanti, a freshman senator from Buffalo, may have a back-up plan. After several members of his party criticized him for his vote, Grisanti told reporters in Albany, “I’m not saying I will rule it out” about switching parties.
Like Bloomberg, Grisanti and his cohorts may need to consider some party maneuvering if they plan to stay in office. Interestingly, Grisanti, who has raised $153,469.19 in the second quarter, has some new streams of revenue coming in from more progressive advocates. The Buffalo News reports:
The donations included…$10,000 from Colorado resident Tim Gill, who heads a group that has promoted gay marriage laws here and in other states.
Other donors to Grisanti who have publicly backed gay marriage rights include $5,000 from Miami-area resident Jonathan Kislak, $2,000 from Carol Master of Massachusetts, $10,000 from Albany-area resident Frank Selvaggi and $5,000 from Manhattan real estate developer Donald Capoccia.
There’s no telling how these four campaigns will shape up. But, without much effort, one can easily see that securing campaign cash from Bloomberg is easy: Simply agree with him and the cash will come rolling in.
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Comments (60)
LukeAppling
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 11:07amBloomberg is New York Soros paying off those who vote as he wishes for policies the rest of us abhor. Remember him next election and dump him for this and the Ground Zero mosque scam.If you need another reason he was a friend of weiner-YIKES!
Report Post »KPEdwards
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 11:19amFirst off, he can’t run for re-election unless NYC Council vote to raise it again. Secondly, him and Wiener were openly rivals. Seriously, just google the two names. They didn’t like each other.
Report Post »KPEdwards
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 10:50amWhat is going on? Bloomberg donated to campaigns of people he wanted to support as a *private citizen* – Is this any different of saying you won’t send money to a candidate if they support some piece of legislation? How is this corruption?
Report Post »encinom
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 11:45amIts corruption because, Bloomberg dare to donate to people not on the Beck approved list.
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 11:49pmwhat we need is campaign finance reform – ONLY INDIVIDUALS to contribute – no corporatations, no unions, no PACs, etc., ONLY INDIVIDUALS.
Report Post »Then, we need a very low limit that almost ANYBODY could afford – say, $100 per office per election cycle.
This gives EVERYONE (almost) the same amount of voice in an election. It SEVERELY restricts the wealthy from ‘buying’ candidates’ favor.
This goes true for both parties.
It is as unbiased as I can imagine possible.
PLUS, we need term limits.
Then, to top it off, we need to ELIMINATE ALL PAC’s.
Oh. My.
That would mean our elected officials would have to communicate with us directly! Oh, no!
elosogrande
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 10:37amBribery is illegal…isn’t it?
Just goes to show you that no matter how much money you have, that money won’t get you out of the sewer. Wealth or not, Bloomberg is just another piece of crap.
Report Post »JOE
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 9:50amDam if this is case Time to get rid of bum………….They want to turn nyc into san fran,,,,but we not having earthquakes or going into the ocean any time soon ……..
Report Post »sweetscience
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 9:49amFor the love of God, when will all of this end? US governing bodies have become irredeamably corrupt at all levels.
Report Post »oldoldtimer
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 10:31amIt will end when the people have had enough and make a change. Until then it will only get worse as the politicians get bolder and flaunt it even mnore. One thing that definately nned to be stopped. Out of state campaign contributions. Out of staters are determining state elections not the states people. This goes for every state. Jut outlaw out of state contributions.
Report Post »buster2
Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:16pmEveryone needs to start writing and calling their representative and tell them that the corruption, fraud, waste will not be tolerated any longer and then follow through and vote them out of office. Money doesn’t make an ethical person. Everyone needs to write or call their senator and House Rep and tell them NO DEAL ON THE ECONOMY DEBT INCREASE – we will get the same thing that Blumberg accomplished if people are not vocal – THE SPENDER IN CHIEF doesn’t plan on cutting his life style or contributing to his supporters.
Report Post »mikenleeds
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 9:04amyes he did , the vote should be overturned and the r.h.i.n.o. that got bought off needs to be threw out of office
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 9:28amYou are correct Mike , and maybe it’s time to look at the correlation between Obama donators and Governement positions.
Report Post »Volsense
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 8:52amBloomberg is just doing what liberals do, the truth be damned. If you live in New York, Illinois or California and you are wondering why your states are bankrupt, look who you put into office to lead. Bloomberg is no better than a street pimp with the morals of an alley cat. Money perverts the soul, Bloomberg proves it.
Report Post »upstateny
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 8:22amNothing will happen to him. Congressman Hinchey payed himself with federal monies but the chuckle heads near me re elected him. You cannot and never will be able to fix stupid. We are out of options.
Report Post »DetritusScreener
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:47amI think everyone needs to send an e-mail to the NY AG asking for an investigation and include a link to this story.
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:41amHey, it’s NY….home to political pimps, perverts and politicians…..we have all come to expect this from the cesspool called New York.
Report Post »ThomasUSA
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:56amAnd Chicago, and San Francisco… and…. and… and…
Report Post »southerngal
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 8:44amRoy McTraitor told the press that he didn’t care what the F*** people thought and could take the job and shove it. He was going to vote HIS conscious. So much for his conscious. Its obvious one conscious can be bought for so little. He voted for ssm because his grand kids were so disenfranchised because they were autistic. Another Crap politician showing how he represents his constituents. Make a copy of your marriage certificate, rip it in half and mail it to him. Their government certification of marriage is now hardly worth the paper it is printed on.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:40amHey Grisanti, go ahead and switch parties. If you’re going to vote like a liberal, then become a Democrat. Who needs you?
Report Post »So
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:40amBloomburg is screwing around.
Breaking laws.
Greasing the corrupt machine.
He should be investigated and held accountable. I won’t hold my breath.
Report Post »palmettopalflorida
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:35amThirty pieces of silver gentlemen, thirty pieces of silver. Did you not recall how Judas left this mortal coil? Good luck in your re-election.
Report Post »YEAHYOURIGHT
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:48amYeah. How can this be legal? How does a Bloomberg get respected, regardless of his party? He’s like mini-Soros. No independe.t should want somebody buying the government off. And those “republicans” should just switch now, for their votes and their corruption.
Report Post »DetritusScreener
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:33amI am very tired of the corruption running rampant amongst our politicians. All three need to be investigated and if warranted, sent to jail. The appearance of corruption alone should be enough for an investigation. They should all be made an example of.
Report Post »DetritusScreener
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:27amPay for play? Scratch my back I’ll scratch yours? Buying votes for your cause? I think an investigation is called for here!
Report Post »tom
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 6:18amAlways thought he was gay, along with Gov Jerry Brown’s and his new requlation for teachers in Cal. to teach “gay history”. Hell, I guess Larry Sinclair will be more in demand then he claims. Sick and twisted, vote them all out.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 6:06amAs long as it’s to their campaign funds, and not to them personally, it’s perfectly legal. He’s a rich guy and a member of the Republican Party.. He would be giving money to some of the candidates in his state in any election year. Of course he gives more to those who take his side in the issue he cares about most. Who wouldn’t? They deserve it. They did the right ting even though they knew that for some of them it could hurt their chances of reelection.
Report Post »Silver Lining
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 8:18amBloomberg flies whichever way the wind blows. He was a Democrat until 2001, when for political expediency he switched parties and became a RINO. He once again switched in 2007, again for political expediency, and became an “independent” – actually what I would call an “IINO” – independent in name only….
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 5:57amWhat’s the difference between this and what News Corp did?
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 6:07amWhat’s the similarity?
Report Post »scoter
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 5:54amWhy is he not in jail !!!
Report Post »scoter
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 5:53amHe should go to JAIL!!!!!!
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 5:43amCan we throw his sorry butt in jail?
Report Post »AR485
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 5:27amBusiness as usual…sickening.
Report Post »Fight for America
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 4:48amGee – this kind of thing is usually common in Illinois – which by the way is is financial disaster and is where our current president and “all the king’s men” supporters who messed stuff up in Washington are from. You know, those people returned to Illinois so they can continue their Educational careers – since what they were doing was making things worse in DC.
Report Post »christianUSA
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 4:46amOpinion: NYC politics: such a long history of graft; theres an old saying the best that money can buy but since I see nothing best about graft which is criminal and it puts the criminals in office I suggest instead: the worst government officials money can buy; may they soon be voted out of office.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 4:09amThis smells illegal to me, but it’s NY, so who knows?
The legalization of gay marriage is inevitable. there’s no real need to force it into existence, let alone with blatant corruption.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 7:44amI guess polygamy is inevitable then. Why stop there even. Let’s legalize incest and any other perversion we can think of.
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on July 15, 2011 at 2:33pmI wonder… the people who see two people getting married while being of the same sex and equate that to three or more people getting married, or immediate blood relations getting married, or an adult marrying a child, or an adult marrying a non-human animal… do you realize how dirt stupid you sound, or do you just not grasp how dirt stupid you sound?
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