Spitzer Picks Republican as His Chief of Security

[habitual]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/27/nyregion/27albany.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin

ALBANY, Dec. 26 — Governor-elect Eliot Spitzer on Tuesday named State Senator Michael A. L. Balboni, a Nassau County Republican, to be his top homeland security official, a move that not only gives his Democratic-dominated cabinet some bipartisan luster but also weakens the Republicans’ control over their last bastion of statewide power, the Senate.

Having lost a Westchester County seat in November, the Republicans now hold 34 of the Senate’s 62 seats, and that will fall to 33 after Mr. Balboni joins Mr. Spitzer’s cabinet. Many political analysts believe it will be difficult for the Republicans to retain his seat because Democrats have surpassed the Republicans in registration in Mr. Balboni’s district in the last half decade while gaining political ascendancy across Nassau County.

Under New York law, a governor can call for a special election, which then takes place at least 30 days but no more than 40 days after such a call is made. Mr. Spitzer said he was undecided about when he would make that call.

Senate Republicans have already been in turmoil since their majority leader, Joseph L. Bruno, disclosed this month that federal authorities were investigating his outside consulting business.

[Kagemusha]

1. Assuming the guy'll be a good homeland security man, nice move

Looks like it's excellently timed to take advantage of the Republicans when they're in disarray. Wow, a Democrat who will kick the other side when it's down and look more bipartisan in the process. :)

[wavesofeuphoria]

2. We are expected really good things from Gov Spitzer here ... n/m

[davepc]

3. He may have good reasons, but Democrats shouldn't reinforce the MYTH that (R) are better at security

and national defence.

[bigworld]

4. But if there is an attack on NY during the next few years

He can shovel some blame blame toward the Republican official. Genius.

[RProser]

6. That's pure BS. When you're in charge, it's your responsibility - not

some flunky.

By your logic, 9/11 should have been stopped by then Transportation Secretary Norm Minetta, the only Democrat (and holdover from Clinton Administration where he was Commerce Secretary) in Bush's cabinet.

[lovuian]

5. Love the Spitzer

I just hope he chooses wisely