This is quite sad. New York State has the highest disparity between rich and poor of any state in the nation.

The folks at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Economic Policy Institute put together a study that breaksdown the rankings of income disparity by state.

As the data show, "The five states with the largest income gap between the top and bottom fifths of families are New York, Texas, Tennessee, Arizona, and Florida." Yes, voters, those are the facts.

Friends, this is why we need a revolution across the state. My vision of a new economy will raise our wages, create jobs, and lower our costs of living. We just have to be willing to take on the corporate powers that are draining our society and controlling the political system--and the incumbent is part of that system

I was among those who thought John Kerry blew the 2004 election. But, give credit where credit is due--the man has stepped up.

Casting aside the conventional wisdom and talking heads AND many of the senators in his own party, Kerry has announced that he will attempt to stop the Alito confirmation by mounting a filibuster.

Where is Hillary Clinton on the question of supporting a filibuster? We are facing the harsh reality that Alito will attack a woman's right to choose and have control over her own body, side with corporate interest over workers and undercut the checks and balances of our Constitution by siding with the executive branch--yet my opponent has made no effort to mount any kind of opposition.

Will Senator Clinton not only vote against the nomination but help Kerry keep the rest of the party in line? Or will this be another example of an ineffective senator who melts from view when it comes time for leadership?

A woman's right to choose is at stake. Why won't Hillary Clinton stand by John Kerry and defend a woman's right to choose?

From our friends at Democrats.com

Harry Reid met with progressive lobbyists on Tuesday and told them he has nearly 44 votes against Alito, but there are 8 Democratic Senators who will not support a filibuster.

Only 41 votes are needed for a filibuster. If Reid has nearly 44 votes against Alito, every one of those Senators should support a filibuster or their vote against Alito is meaningless.

So call the Democrats who are leading this battle and demand a united Democratic filibuster:
Harry Reid (NV)
Dick Durbin (IL)
Chuch Schumer (NY)
Debbie Stabenow (MI)
Pat Leahy (VT)

Use these toll free numbers to call the Capitol: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here:

This race is about who will best represent the interests of New Yorkers in the U.S Senate. But, Molly Ivins has just recently written an article that, in discussing the 2008 presidential race, captures the reason why my opponent does not deserve another term in the U.S. Senate:

I will not support Hillary Clinton for president
By Molly Ivins

"AUSTIN, Texas --- I'd like to make it clear to the people who run the Democratic Party that I will not support Hillary Clinton for president.

Enough. Enough triangulation, calculation and equivocation. Enough clever straddling, enough not offending anyone This is not a Dick Morris election. Sen. Clinton is apparently incapable of taking a clear stand on the war in Iraq, and that alone is enough to disqualify her. Her failure to speak out on Terri Schiavo, not to mention that gross pandering on flag-burning, are just contemptible little dodges."

Why is the Democratic Party caving in on the Alito nomination? In the past few days, a number of Democratic Senators have publicly stated that they either do not think a filibuster will be launched or don't think it will succeed.

Unfortunately, we do not know where Hillary Clinton stands on the nomination--and certainly there is no sign that she is prepared to ake any leadership role in defeating the nomination.

I don't believe you can call yourself pro-choice, or pro-worker or pro-civil liberties if, as a Senator, you do not engage in a full-throated, passionate fight to stop the Alito nomination.