The standards of Planet Albany

With most Senate Republicans along with Democrat Sen. Ruben Diaz voting to block the override of Gov. Paterson's ethics veto this evening, there will be no reform without compromise. Sen. Eric Schneiderman appears to be offering new legislation that could be the basis for agreement, although like the Senate and Assembly Democratic leaders he has -- this week on this issue -- made harsh and unproductive attacks on the Democratic governor. Over the weekend, Gov. Paterson also offered to compromise, wisely jettisoning his proposals for public campaign financing and term limits but I think conceding too much regarding necessary disclosure of legislators' private incomes and clients.

It is an open question whether productive lawmaking is possible given the poisoned political atmosphere and the bizarre rumor storm over whatever The New York Times investigative piece is going to reveal about the governor (presumably something along these lines). PlanetAlbany's crack legal team has decided not to make a federal case about this widely reported statement by Paterson spokesman Peter Kauffmann: "This is a new low even by the standards of Planet Albany. The circus of the past week -- entirely fabricated out of thin air and innuendo -- is an embarrassment for all who have played a role in feeding it."

Comments

[Brian]

This is really disgraceful character assassination. No one will specify what the rumors are. No one will attach their name to them. But it's caused near hysteria among the chattering classes. It used to be that until there was a story, there was no story. Now, nothing is said by no one and it's potential cause for resignation. The days of Murrow and Cronkite are long gone.

[Bob Conner]

I basically agree with you, although I suppose the press and public have discovered plenty of reasons to believe bad things about Albany politicians. I do think Paterson has had worse media than he deserves, from the SNL skits to the NYC tabloids.