Christie Reconsiders Run For Presidency
City Hall News Picks “Winners and Losers” After Turner Victory
City Hall News listed it’s ranks of “Winners and Losers” recenty, and we thought a couple of names were worth sharing.
One notable familiar face is Brooklyn Conservative Party Chieftain Jerry Kassar, who is mentioned for his involvement in the Bob Turner race. City Hall News notes that the win for Turner might provide a buffer of GOP support for Republican regular Marty Golden. Both men have not always been the subject of adoring pieces on this blog (and we have been treated in kind).
Diverting Resources from Turner, Brooklyn GOP Hunted Fellow Republicans in Primaries–With More “Atlas Hate Mailers”
"The Duke"
It’s amazing how much the focus of the Brooklyn GOP has been in eating its young and attacking its own.
We were amazed to see the gusto with which the county brazenly assailed and ultimately failed to quash a variety of local GOP candidates in the primary this month, presumably in the hope of delivering death blows to those who have refused to take orders from them. But compromising major races at the expense of exacting revenge against fellow Republicans, in the estimation of many, goes too far.
Now, we’ve recently learned from a local Brooklyn GOP source that the GOP leadership diverted resources from Bob Turner’s 9th Congressional campaign to aim their cannons at their enemies. Meanwhile, we also were told that another Atlas hate mailer was seen before the primaries.
Despite Establishment’s “Atlas Hate Mailer,” Regina-Potter Retains Leadership As GOP Cabal Candidates Flop
Former Assemblyman Arnaldo Ferraro, Lucretia Regina-Potter and Michael Bennette
So much for mud-slinging.
Lucretia Regina-Potter won Tuesday’s primary in the 49th Assembly District for the Republican leadership, and her running mate, Michael Bennette, is claiming victory, as well.
This came after a targeted attack against her and Bennette using this blog and stunning lies in a “September surprise” mailer that was too ridiculous to be believed.
Victory for Turner, NY1 Reports
NY1 is calling the race for Turner in the 9th Congressional. We can’t wait to see if he won in Brooklyn, Queens, or both…
Media–And Voters–Await 9th Congressional Results
Everyone’s watching and waiting–but the media are especially.
Amidst rumors of absenteeism on the part of the Brooklyn GOP establishment, Republican Bob Turner awaits the results of an election that has caught the attention of the nation.
Meanwhile, The Brooklyn Politics reported earlier today that the courts had “[impounded] the [absentee & provisiona ballots] because of ‘gross incompetence’ on behalf of the Board of Elections, citing ‘absentee ballots being mailed to dead people.’”
BREAKING NEWS: BROOKLYN GOP LEADERS USE LIES, ATLAS SHRUGS IN 49TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT HATE MAILER
If you were looking for evidence that the Brooklyn GOP was engaged in a bellicose frenzy in the 49th Assembly District, look no further than the local mailboxes of Republican voters.
In Tuesday’s primary, veteran State Committeewoman Lucretia Regina-Potter (along with her running mate, Michael Bennette) is running to keep her position against two unknown hacks the party has put up in a desperate puppet power play to unsettle the district and “reign” over it once and for all. That seems to be the idea…
More stunning than the lies and hateful slime thrown in a recent frantic mailing is the use of Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn as a major political talking point.
The Life And Times of Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
These days, we all have reasons to look back at the past. For some, those reasons stem from resurfaced sorrows, loss, and tragedy. For others, it’s the memories of things that could have been, but were not.
But sometimes, when you look back, despite a lack of complete satisfaction, you cannot help but be intrigued, if not astonished, by what you’ve witnessed and by the lessons you’ve learned as a result.
I know I feel that way about my fellow writers and Brooklyn Republicans in the past few years.
On the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11, Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn Remembers the Sacrifice and Heroism of That Day
NEWSFLASH: Atlas Shrugs Not Written By Judge
Who is John Galt?
Having to say something over and over again can get tiresome.
Recently, Room 8′s Gatemouth released a lengthy manifesto in reply to the antics of an entirely irrelevant hate blog regarding Mr. Judge. He, we are sure, had his reasons for doing so…
Regardless, after gauging the political chatter out there, I thought this an appropriate time to issue our own simple statement about Jonathan Judge: he is not and has not been a writer of this blog.
UPDATE: More Secrecy From The Bay Ridge Cabal
For Your Eyes Only, Sheena Easton (no relation to Brooklyn GOP Chairman “Craig Easton”) once sang.
Days after the wriggling Brooklyn GOP “leadership” was exposed for trying to subvert the reform-minded Brooklyn Young Republican Organization, they are now taking affirmative steps to hide their actions from plain view.
We were prompted by a fellow emailer who told us that the Facebook group The Bay Ridge Cabal was using to recruit new members for a “counter-organization” to the Young Republicans has suddenly become a private group, hidden from view.
I guess we rained on their parade. 
The establishment must be so irked by how poorly they are performing in the race to convince fellow Republicans of their political primacy.
And this summer has been particularly terrible for them.
The Saga continues…
A strongly-worded statement just came via email to us here at Atlas regarding the recent Craigslist embarrassment of “Bay Ridge GOP” Duke Craig Eaton.
As you already know, Eaton previously issued a letter to the 49th AD Republicans telling them to forgo their allegiance to their own district leaders, abandon the district’s Fiorello LaGuardia Club, and enticing them with these very same patronage jobs. Then, after he had no apparent takers for his patronage offers, resorted to advertising on Craigslist to fill positions that he denied to experienced 49th AD poll workers.
In their statement, 49th Assembly District Leaders Lucretia Regina-Potter and Frederick Martorell condemn Eaton’s advertisement as “another senseless attempt and embarrassing move” in “maintaining the self-perpetuating status quo” of GOP politics in our borough.
Bay Ridge Journal recently posted a well-reasoned and quite amusing assessment of the state of affairs in the Brooklyn GOP. To do this, they navigated the [sometimes murky] waters of the blogosphere and drew a line between the two major factions they see within our party: the incumbents and the insurgents.
Whether you agree with their terminology or not, if you follow the political blogs of Brooklyn, this is definitely a piece worth reading on this hot summer weekend.
I’m beginning to wonder if Michael Allegretti (Dede II) suffers from the same symptoms of political irrelevance our illustrious Chairman ______ “The Duke of Bay Ridge” ______ does.
Both men seemed determined to establish their relevance by unnecessary means.
A recent YouTube video from Allegretti’s campaign is evidence of that.
Conservative Commissar Kassar Lashes Out at Regina-Potter, Admits GOP’s Plan of Attack is “Payback” Against Her
Kassar (right) with a Vito Lopez lackey. During the 44th City Council Race, Jerry Kassar was actively supporting Vito Lopez-backed candidate David Greenfield, a liberal Democrat.
If you were to follow the Brooklyn GOP’s actions and statements against her, you would think them crazed or frenzied.
In a recent column in a local newspaper, Conservative Party Commissar Jerry Kassar, who (in one of the more elaborate yet obvious forms of political chicanery) is employed by embattled State Senator Marty Golden, lashed out against 49th AD reform candidate Lucretia Regina-Potter, who has been the subject of merciless attacks against her by Bay Ridge GOP surrogates.
He also admits that the GOP is pursuing a vendetta against her, using the term “payback” to describe the GOP’s actions.
Controversial Strategist/Democrat Jeffrey Kraus Received Over Eight Thousand Dollars from Golden Over Past Six Months
Golden's political consultant, Dr. Jeffrey Kraus, a Democrat
Many of you remember him as the man who cursed out our party’s citywide candidate for Public Advocate.
Dr. Jeffrey Kraus– who is the Chair of the New York City Voter Assistant Commission, a professor, and a political consultant–was the receiver of numerous donations from State Senator Marty Golden amounting to thousands of dollars–just over $8,600 to be more precise.
This was done despite the call of this blog and numerous constituent Republicans of the 22nd State Senate district and Brooklyn to investigate the childish and inappropriate acts of him and other political consultants.
GOP Warrior Grimm Takes Huge Lead Over Allegretti, As McMahon Makes First Major Screw-Up
Mike Grimm
It’s official: Mike Grimm is the leading GOP candidate in the 13th CD primary.
And given the land mine his opponent Michael McMahon recently stepped in, he might just be on track to win this November. McMahon, a Democrat pretending to be a conservative in a district that leans Republican, had a massive campaign explosion this week, as a member of his posse indicated that they had performed a segregated “Jewish Money” accounting of Mike Grimm fundraising, apparently in their furor over Grimm receiving lots of money from fine Jewish donors.
Also this week, Grimm received endorsements from John McCain and Sarah Palin.
I guess the Brooklyn GOP will just have to sit and spin, as their boy Michael Allegretti’s campaign begins to nosedive.
A kind emailer forwarded this story to us regarding the Brooklyn Young Republicans and their ongoing battle against hostile GOP tyrant Craig Eaton, “The Irrelevant One” (also known as “The Duke of Bay Ridge”).
Eaton, as you already know, has attempted to thwart and replace the reform-oriented organization, using a proxy satellite of the party structure to recruit new young GOPers rather than build bridges with the current leadership.
Young Republican President Jonathan Judge is heavily quoted in this piece by Henry Stewart.
Mike Grimm Wins Atlas Poll, Considered Mostly Likely To Win 13th Congressional GOP Primary
Over 2,260 voters cast their votes this past week to decide who was most likely to win the 13th Congressional GOP Primary.
You decided.
Despite a fairly strong showing from the supporters of Brooklyn and Staten Island GOP-backed Michael Allegretti, Conservative GOP candidate Mike Grimm ultimately took the prize in our poll, beating Mr. Allegretti by slightly over 10% of the votes cast. All of us here at Atlas congratulate him for his strong showing and also thank Mr. Allegretti’s supporters for making their voices heard as well.
Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn Calls On Brooklyn GOP and Fellow Republicans to Denounce Dr. John Press of The Brooklyn Tea Party
Controversial Activist John Kenneth Press
I have spoken with all of my writers, and they all agree: the Brooklyn GOP’s connections with controversial activist Dr. John Kenneth Press are too shocking to be ignored.
His online activities, writings and statements to the press are indicative of a man who clearly does not value or respect the rights and privileges our country and our party has stood for.
Given this inappropriate behavior, we call on all GOP candidates, fellow Republicans, libertarians and Tea Party activists to immediately disassociate with a man who has, among other things, encouraged hate against Muslims and defended ignorance and bigotry against a host of ethnic and religious groups.
Bay Ridge Interpol Reports Merlin of Malice O’Brien Working for 60th A.D. Democratic District Leader Candidate
In one of the best pieces of blogging I have read in some time, our reformer friends on the other side of the aisle take on controversial political consultant Gerry O’Brien (aka The Merlin of Malice). To not read Bay Ridge Interpol’s latest piece would truly be a crime. Thus, I have posted it here:
He’s baaaaaaaaaack.
Inside sources close to The Kevin Peter Carroll Experience have told this highly respected and universally read blog that Team Carroll has in fact hired none other than the Merlin of Meatballs, Gerry “The Hitman” O’Brien, to run a smear campaign against Mr. Carroll’s opponent, 60th A.D. Male District Leader incumbent Ralph Perfetto.
Mr. O’Brien, a paid political contortionist who once allegedly assaulted a young Republican gadfly over brunch, has been known to whip up a mean smear campaign for his Republican cronies (at least the ones he isn’t busy physically attacking inside a local diner). However, when his cupboards are bare, Mr. O’Brien has been known to work for a liberal progressive Democrat or two. Hey, times are tough and daddy needs new shoes.
In Latest Campaign Episode, Paladino Says He Likes Queens and Staten Island–But Not Brooklyn
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Carl Paladino (Van Buren/Times Union)
Newsflash: Carl Paladino’s campaign is in damage control mode yet again.
And this time, it’s personal.
When I didn’t think it was possible to make Rick Lazio look any better, his eccentric gubernatorial opponent, who previously sent out emails featuring bestiality, porn and racism via his email account, dissed Brooklyn and two other NYC boroughs during a campaign stop, giving preference to Staten Island and Queens.
Lopez’s “Non-Profit” Kingdom of Fraud Highlights Other Politically Connected Charities and Scandals
Vito Lopez, Democratic Party Boss of Brooklyn (Egan-Chin/News)
Many of you are familiar with this story already, I’m sure.
It describes the unbridled corruption of Sen. Marty Golden and Brooklyn GOP Chairman Craig “The Duke of Bay Ridge” Eaton‘s Catholic Citizens Committee colleague Vito Lopez.
As many of you are aware, Lopez is not alone when it comes to controversy involving non-profit organizations. Mr. Eaton and Sen. Golden have also had alleged corrupt dealings with their various connected groups, including Eaton’s MHE Foundation and HeartShare Human Services of New York.
Jonathan Judge to Establishment: “Meet The Dodo, Your New Neighbor”
Mr. Judge asks: "Is the GOP establishment going the way of the dodo bird?"
Former 44th City Council candidate Jonathan Judge is back with a new blog post about the GOP primary results, what they mean for the party and how the results reflect our borough. The article was posted on the Brooklyn Young Republicans’ website, the organization in which Mr. Judge serves as President.
As we continue our post-primary coverage and discussion of the aftermath of last Tuesday’s elections, I thought this piece was a very good portrayal of the local, statewide and even national trends facing our party.
But Mr. Judge’s major emphasis–and my foremost reason for posting his commentary–is his discussion of the local Brooklyn GOP’s doings on Primary Day, including their minions’ disgraceful conduct. For his honest assessment, I applaud Mr. Judge.
In Fit of Hysteria, Crazed Brooklyn Tea Party Skipper John Press Embraces… Well… Himself
Our favorite fake Tea Partier Dr. John Kenneth Press has been making videos of himself, and the results are…well…scary:
Oh my God. Did Dr. Press just do his best Howard Dean impression?
Ladies and Gentleman: I give you the classic Brooklyn GOP “anti-campaign.”
47th AD District Leader and old hand Phyllis Carbo's poorly designed "campaign literature"
This poor example of a website is apparently the first step in a “phased non-deployment” of assets on the part of the Bay Ridge GOP in the upcoming elections. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more embarrassing, it does.
As Manhattanite John Kenneth Press Spews More Hate, New Secrets Revealed About Faux “Brooklyn Tea Party”
The asylum inmates hosted a gathering recently–oh, wait. I meant to say the so-called “Brooklyn Tea Party.” Oops…
One of our commentators alerted us to this video floating around the YouTube universe of the intensely irritating John Kenneth Press engaging in his battle royale against local mosques:
Don’t be fooled. As our blog has assessed in the past, individuals like John Press are only Tea Party activists in name only. And new details have come to light that establish that fact even more.
After Statewide Rebuke on Primary Day, Establishment Leader Cox Rolls into Brooklyn “Spinning”
Political spinmasters: genuflect. Just a little bit.
Those reading the Daily Eagle’s coverage of New York GOP Chairman Ed Cox‘s arrival in Brooklyn this week, must have felt as though they were in an alternate reality. After seeing his first gubernatorial pick excoriated by Republicans and his second gubernatorial pick trounced in the primary (along with nearly every other major establishment candidate), Cox has the audacity to roll into the five boroughs and tell us how he plans to “take back New York.”
That’s meant to be a joke, right?
At this point, the only thing that I wish Ed Cox would take back is the slew of bad decisions and failures he has made during his tenure.
During Vigorous Debate, DiSanto Throws Sharp Darts at Golden’s Hind
"The Golden Prince" (Sen. Marty Golden)
Marty didn’t get it easy the other night.
The headline of The Brooklyn Paper’s story covering the 22nd Senate debate read “DiSanto’s Golden Moment Against Sen. Marty.” The photo online (at left, by Tom Callan) shows a jowly, red-eyed Marty Golden staring out from a pale face. Golden was reportedly quite calm during the debate, only to be outshone by insurgent Democratic candidate Mike DiSanto.
DiSanto is running against Golden (in contravention to the armistice between Democratic Boss Vito Lopez and his ally Golden) with no support from the Democratic establishment.
DiSanto to Voters: Golden Responsible For Status Quo After Nearly a Decade in Albany
Golden & DiSanto (Photo by Tom Callan, The Brooklyn Paper)
We reached out, and only DiSanto reached back.
Insurgent Democratic candidate for State Senate Mike DiSanto is waging an uphill battle against his Republican opponent in the 22nd State Senate district, Atlas pal Marty Golden. DiSanto recently made headlines for his performance in a debate the other night, and we immediately reached out for comment. DiSanto was quick to respond.
Meanwhile, no word yet from Republican Sen. Marty Golden.
Upon seeing this photo, one GOP Activist says "George Washington is currently rolling in his own grave."
Our email bag was full from this weekend.
Readers from across the city and state have been commenting about our coverage of the so called Brooklyn Tea Party and its controversial overlord John Press, a Manhattanite who has allegedly expressed his views on White Nationalist websites.
We here at Atlas have been critical of Dr. Press and his organization in the past. Now, besides our fellow readers and members of the media, another voice can be added to the growing chorus that has been critical of this “dangerous collective.”
It was months ago, but it never goes away.
Now, the infamous 44th City Council Special Election from March of this year is rearing its head in the 13th Congressional race between Democrat Michael McMahon and Republican Michael Grimm.
At the heart of this are three of the very figures who made March’s election so electric: Councilman David Greenfield, Assemblyman Dov Hikind, and Young Republican reformer Jonathan Judge.
DioGuardi on Gillibrand: “She Won, You Lost”
Senate candidate Joe DioGuardi is out with a fairly decent political ad regarding his opponent’s work with HUD, among other things:
Former council candidate and Brooklyn Young Republican President Jonathan Judge
He’s been at the center of one of the hottest City Council races in recent memory.
Now, Jonathan Judge, the former City Council candidate and Brooklyn Young Republican President, is gaining some big media attention this election season.
Specifically this week, The New York Post and the Courier Life conglomerate featured Mr. Judge on their short list of future “Leaders of Tomorrow.”
Brooklyn GOP Allegedly Ceding 49th Assembly District to Democrats As No Name Candidate Vanishes
Two lawn signs in the 49th Assembly District, one of many homes littered with pro-Democratic signs--and Marty Golden's...
Without a trace…
That’s not a CBS drama on television.
It’s what numerous emailers are telling us is the state of the Bay Ridge GOP’s no name candidate Peter Cipriano in the 49th Assembly District. Meanwhile, the image above, in the words of one political insider, “tells the whole story” about what’s going on in the 49th.
As Election Day Arrives, We Ask You To Vote For Reform
Our government–national, state and local levels of it–is truly broken.
Today is our chance to take a stand and make a statement.
BOE Worker Assists Voter (DelMundo/Daily News)
We’ve already received a string of emails from voters claiming serious fraud on the part of local Democrats at polling sites.
On top of that, fundamental issues about the ballots themselves are looming large.
Starting this week, I will be exploring the various tactics, methods and incidents that led up to the most recent election. I will concentrate on local Brooklyn races, but some of my colleagues will be joining me in analyzing the statewide picture of politics.
Sen. Kevin Parker Convicted of Misdemeanor Charges
Yet another Senator in hot water, and one that we all know and love. (Sarcasm)
Today, the big local news in Brooklyn was the conviction of Kevin Parker, a man referred to as a “thug” by prosecutors. Here’s the story from the Times:
State Senator Kevin S. Parker was convicted of misdemeanor charges on Tuesday stemming from a confrontation with a photographer for The New York Post, but he was cleared of more serious felony assault charges.
“Delusional” Brooklyn GOP Bloviators Hail “Very Good Year” for Faltering Party Establishment
All aboard the Kool-Aid Express!
The Bay Ridge Cabal has this winter’s talking points, and guess what? Failure’s back in style!
According to their notes, 2010 was not just a good year for the local party. It was a great year for the Brooklyn GOP!
Excuse me while I laugh myself into a coma!
What Theodore Roosevelt Republican Club?
Yoo Hoo?! Gerry O’Brien!
It’s been a long time since we heard from the so-called “Merlin of Malice,” but a recent blip on the radar just registered with his mysterious Theodore Roosevelt Republican Club, which has had little to no online presence or other kind of presence in Brooklyn.
Indeed, their website still claims their next meeting is on June 7th.
Is that from this year, Gerry, or 2011..?
Holiday Memories: Bay Ridge GOP Wishes Everyone a Merry Christmas
Ah, memories!
As the spirit of the season fills the radios, store fronts, and even the political discourse (how many Senators and congressmen have used the terms “grinch” and “Scrooge” lately?), I recalled this video that popped up as a comment on our blog just about a year ago.
So what happened to The Kettle Black story?
You know. Those cases against five defendants (many of which are relatives of State Senator Martin Golden) for the brawl on April 10, 2010 at the Kettle Black in Bay Ridge?
Well, one emailer brought some new details to light regarding this situation, and it involves things the media’s not telling us.
What Were They Thinking? – Part 1: The Allegretti Question
He was a young, wealthy and promising prospect for a party establishment desperate to be relevant.
Brooklyn GOP Chairman Craig “The Duke” Eaton once referred to him as “our own horse in this race,” referring to the 13th Congressional election that just played out last month.
But amid rumors of friendly relations with the incumbent Democratic congressman, and for a party leader that so boldly promised supporting the fledgling politico Michael Allegretti, little to nothing visible was ever done for him in the run-up to the GOP primary.
It is with this story that I begin my multi-part series on the 2010 Brooklyn GOP: “What Were They Thinking?”
Reform Republicans to John Press: You Do Not Represent Our Values
Attempt not to laugh uncontrollably:
Oh, well. I’m sure you tried.
It’s that scary Manhattanite Dr. John Press, the purveyor of the misnamed “Brooklyn Tea Party,” a shadow establishment GOP group that has instituted a holy war against local muslims and immigrants.
Shocking Readers, The Brooklyn Paper Website Continues Linking To Defamatory GOP Hate Blog
We do our best not to acknowledge the loopy Bay Ridge GOP-sanctioned hate blogs.
After all, they are poorly written and only market in hate and lies. Frankly, if we weren’t absolutely sure that leaders in the party were writing for them, we would have assumed they were authored by disgruntled elementary school drop-outs.
But now The Brooklyn Paper, a local news outlet, is publicizing one such minor Bay Ridge Cabal blog on its website.
Craig Eaton’s Nemesis Arnaldo Ferraro Says “Brooklyn GOP Can Do Better”
Spy vs. Spy or Eaton vs. Ferraro?
GOP Chairman Craig Eaton “hates him,” one insider told us, and did so even before this man ran for chairman of the GOP just over a year ago.
But former Assemblyman Arnaldo Ferraro is no fan of Eaton either.
That much was evident in a recent interview piece highlighted by Harold Egeln of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
“Grimm News” For Michael: Another Blog Monitoring Him
It’s blog mania in Brooklyn, it would seem.
And at the heart of so much blogging this year (and in the years to come) is newly elected Congressman Michael Grimm of the 13th congressional district.
Having been discussed at length online in the past, Mr. Grimm now has something else to think about: a new blog is monitoring him,
As we reported a few days ago, a variety of emailers informed us that The Brooklyn Paper was linking to one of the Brooklyn GOP leadership’s (aka the Bay Ridge GOP) hate blogs on its website.
These are blogs that use racial, ethnic, religious slurs–well, pretty much every malicious thing imaginable–to attack politically active and average Republicans alike.
We’ve been in communication with the editor of The Brooklyn Paper, and the time has come for an update.
Merry Christmas To All From Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn
Reform makes us all very merry and bright,
Merry Christmas to all, and long live the fight!
- John Galt and the Atlas Reformers
RNC Shares Holiday Wishes With Young Republicans… But What About Brooklyn GOP “Leadership”?
- This card was apparently sent to the Brooklyn Young Republicans…but did the RNC forget Craig Eaton?
Have a holly, jolly Christmas, Brooklyn Young Republicans!
That, in effect, was what GOP Chairman Michael Steele said to the local GOP power base of youths by sending a personalized card this year.
But oddly enough, the Brooklyn GOP “leadership” neglected to highlight receipt of a similar card, something local GOP Duke Craig Eaton would almost certainly do given his notorious ego. But he did not, which begs the question: did the RNC forget the Bay Ridge Cabal this year?
Atlas Celebrates 500 Posts For Reform
It seems like only yesterday we began Atlas.
As we reach a milestone of 500 posts on Atlas, we take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to read our blog and support the reform movement to change politics in our borough and our Republican Party for the better.
This is all for you
The Kool Aid Express is going full steam ahead.
You recall last week I discussed how Brooklyn GOP Talk Radio, a pathetic online outlet for the “grunting heads” of the Bay Ridge Cabal, is misrepresenting the”successes” of the party, essentially acting as a kind of talking points for the party.
On their most recent broadcast, the GOP Bloviators (who refer to themselves coloquially as Moron #1 and Moron #2) confirmed their long-term obsession with our blog.
Faux Democratic “Reformer” Carroll Now Pinocchio to Lopez’s Geppetto
Odd-looking District Leader Kevin Peter Carroll in an oversized suit. Weird...
The blogs are all a-Twitter about it.
It’s the recent patronage job taken by creepy-looking Democratic “reformer” (please!) Kevin Peter Carroll from Brooklyn Democratic Party Boss Vito Lopez.
“Twas the night after Christmas, and then the snow came. But three days thereafter, it all looks the same.”
That could be the chorus running through many New Yorkers’ minds lately about the pathetic job being done by the Mayor to clean up the city and get the outer-boroughs back on track.
The haughty aristocrat-cum-mayor is failing miserably at solving this post-blizzard mess, and local Brooklynites have had enough of it.
Has the Kettle been cursed?
That must a suspicion shared by Thomas Casatelli, owner of the conspicuous Kettle Black Bar, which has been the source of tremendous controversy this year.
Yesterday, Mr. Casatelli pleaded guilty to scamming the government out of $1 Million in taxes. This came just shortly after the Mayor himself made a somewhat curious appearance at the Bay Ridge haunt.
While this might have been the year of Scott Brown and the Tea Party, the GOP in Brooklyn is atrophying at a sad rate.
Since he became chairman, Craig “The Duke of Bay Ridge” Eaton has seen thousands of active Republicans disappear from the party’s ranks, confirming much of the criticism the writers of Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn have directed at the failed “leader.”
We have some new numbers, and we thought we’d share them with you.
The Best of Atlas: Our Favorite Posts of 2010 – Midas Mulligan
As we all pause to rest and recollect on the past year, your fellow Atlas writers would like to share with you our favorite posts of 2010.
For last year’s pick, I extolled my colleague Dagny Taggart for her brilliant piece on the Brooklyn GOP’s garish holiday party.
This year, I will take a page from my colleague Midas Mulligan to choose one of John Galt’s pieces of the year, which I believe was one of the most defining events of 2010.
It was the beginning of the fabled 44th City Council District Special Election.
What Were They Thinking – Part II: “Operation Regime Change”
A term used by The Duke of Bay Ridge's chief stooge Russell Gallo, who made threats against the 49th AD.
It was the cause célèbre of the summer and stunned the entire party–reformer and status quoer alike.
The 49th Assembly District debacle was one of the most talked about issues in the year 2010 in local GOP politics. Including a battle between two old foes, GOP Chairman ________ “The Duke of Bay Ridge” ________ (I do not refer to the Brooklyn GOP Chairman by name) and former Assemblyman Arnaldo Ferraro, the race centered on two GOP candidates, District Leader Lucretia Regina-Potter and unknown Peter Cipriano.
In the end, both Ferraro and The Duke came out of the race wounded, and today, the district can expect another two years of Democratic representation in Albany. The results left many scratching their heads, but one question about all characters involved stands above the rest: just what were they all thinking?
The Best of Atlas: Our Favorite Posts of 2010 – Hank Rearden
I’m back for my first contribution in a while.
I make it a point to read all my colleagues’ postings, and I believe the most fascinating story of 2010 was the intricate story of the connections surrounding the Cathedral Club of Brooklyn.
Those connections led to my colleague Francisco D’Anconia to refer to the organization as “the Brooklyn GOP, Catholic Church and Vito Lopez united.”
All twaddle and no teeth.
That’s right: I’m talking about the Brooklyn GOP’s insipid blog radio program, which has increasingly become the mouthpiece of the wounded party establishment. No more photo ops with Chairman Craig Eaton. No more YouTube clips of Marty Golden. Blog Talk Radio is now the means by which the party communicates to their paltry base of two or three listeners.
Recently, that pathetic GOP-sanctioned institution, which never misses an opportunity to mention this blog, has delivered the highest honor to us: the honor of an insult. And our response is this: Thank You.
Fiorello LaGuardia Organization: Brooklyn GOP Is Even Weaker After “Pyrrhic Victory” in 49th
After my second installment in the What Were They Thinking? series was released, we contacted the Fiorello LaGuardia Club–which is the central organization of the 49th Assembly District GOP leadership–to discuss last year’s elections in their district.
They were cooperative and submitted a response.
Now, I will share it with all of you.
Periodically, I like to give you an assessment of the scope of readers we’re reaching.
Well, I’ve reviewed the numbers and have a very positive update to report.
Last Sunday’s Oath Ceremony, Absence of Input on Staff Picks, Highlights Eaton’s Lack of Influence With Grimm
Recently, Brooklyn GOP Chairman Craig Eaton has tried to make it appear as though he and newly minted Congressman Michael Grimm are the best of pals.
But many Republican insiders we have spoken with have suspected that nothing could be further from the truth.
Now, one major source familiar with the matter says that Eaton’s decison last year to back lobbyist Michael Allegretti over Mr. Grimm and “his ego” have poisoned any chance for a genuine relationship.
Local Democratic Reform Blog Ushers In New Year By Skewering Golden
Bay Ridge Interpol mocks Sen. Golden's "Fire Escape" phone calls preventing him from voting on major issues
State Sen. Marty Golden’s foes are back on watch this year.
Local Democratic reform blog Bay Ridge Interpol, which has received press attention for their pithy, clever torpedoes at the GOP establishment, is back to business this year.
Target #1? The Golden Hind.
Rasmussen: 68% Prefer A Government With Fewer Services, Lower Taxes
For Republicans nationally, this poll should give us all something to think about:
House Republicans are proposing to follow their repeal of the national health care bill with billions in spending cuts, and most voters continue to favor a government that offers fewer services and lower taxes.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of Likely Voters prefer a government with fewer services and lower taxes rather than a more active one with more services and higher taxes. This is virtually identical to last month and consistent with findings since September.
Amid Spectre of Controversy, Eaton Poised to Hire Failed Campaign Outsider as New Executive Director
Eaton's hack-bodyguard? Embattled GOP Chairman turns to inexperienced, non-Brooklynite outsider to "herd the cats" as party divide deepens.
Circle the wagons!
Just when insiders didn’t think things could get any worse for the Brooklyn GOP establishment, its embattled monarch stepped on a huge land mine.
Infuriating even his own loyal acolytes, GOP Chairman Craig “The Duke” Eaton is poised to announce unknown non-Brooklynite Karen Fischer, manager of a failed local Assembly campaign, as the GOP Executive Director. This comes after the party has once again failed to file its campaign disclosures timely.
The strength of the American press has always been in its ability to inform the citizenry of newsworthy information while simultaneously impacting public discourse.
But occasionally we have reason to question whether this strength does in fact exist or has atrophied beyond recognition.
We see that with the Kettle Black scandal that arose last year and that the media has all but ignored in the recent months.
With No Other Donations, Brooklyn GOP’s Only Fundraising Comes From Bloomberg in 2011
Still the one! In a parade setting, the look on Eaton's face says it all: pride--and arrogance. Yet, Bloomberg is still footing his bill.
$50,000.
That number would be somewhat impressive for a county GOP fundraising in a short, non-election period. But what if that $50,000 was a single contribution and it was not earned by any other means than a political deal?
With the embarrassingly late (and just plain embarrassing) campaign disclosures of the Brooklyn GOP, we find this to be the case, as they show one sole donation from none other than Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
In Desperation, Brooklyn GOP Chairman Personally Finances Rogue Young Republican Club to Counter Reform
GOP Chairman or paranoid, fascistic Duke? This image was made by one GOP activist fed up with the Eaton-style of politics.
“Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
Shakespeare’s MacBeth could have been talking about Brooklyn GOP Chairman Craig Eaton, who has lately been on a paranoia binge, expressing suspicion by allegedly maintaining a small, tight knit group of three or four confidantes.
But in his most brazen and fascistic move yet, the beleaguered GOP Duke of Bay Ridge has finally fired a Fort Sumter shot at one of his most hated perceived rivals, the Brooklyn Young Republican Club, by personally financing an opposing splinter club answerable only to him.
UPDATE: “Authentic” Brooklyn Young Republican Club Moves Swiftly Responding to Eaton’s “Misleading Announcement”
The story of the day has a new update.
Catching the Bay Ridge GOP off guard, the Brooklyn Young Republican Club issued a poignant and direct response to GOP Chairman Craig Eaton’s announcement of a fake “re-launch” of the Young Republicans in a rash attempt to confuse young Republicans and undermine the real YR Organization from enlisting members.
Tracing their history to 1880, the Brooklyn YRs contrasted their activism and history with Eaton’s “all-talk, no-action status quo.”
Shakespearian Tragedy? Craig Eaton's most recent paranoid attacks are so epic in nature they threaten to rip the party into shreds of Birnam wood.
The center cannot hold. Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.
GOP Macbeth Craig Eaton (aka The Duke of Bay Ridge) must be brushing up on his Yeats lately. His most recent brazen act to personally finance a cloned young Republican group to “counter” the authentic Brooklyn Young Republican Club did not go unnoticed the past two days.
The local media, both online and in print, have taken notice of this crisis that threatens to tear the party asunder.
Brooklyn's Nikita? Some Brooklyn GOP insiders liken Eaton's tactics to those of the Soviets.
“We will bury you!” (“Мы вас похороним!)
Those words, spoken by one-time erratic Soviet Premier Khrushchev, could have easily been spoken by GOP Chairman Craig Eaton, whose recent attempt to muzzle the reform-minded Brooklyn Young Republicans is already being compared by some insiders to the Russian leader himself.
Indeed, some insiders are already calling Eaton’s would-be replacement of the YR’s a Brooklyn Young Apparatchik Club.
But these tactics are not new for Brooklyn’s own 21st century Nikita.
It’s not just the blogs now.
Brooklyn GOP Chairman Craig “The Duke of Bay Ridge” Eaton and his small band of minions are facing a literal blitzkrieg of bad press following Mr. Eaton’s audaciously brazen move to attack the Brooklyn Young Republican Club and “replace it” with a bootleg “official” one.
As of now, The Daily News, The L Magazine, The Brooklyn Paper, and The Brooklyn Daily Eagle have all reported on this event that has brought about complete party “chaos” and has pitted old establishment figures against young vibrant reformers.
Grimm Staff Pick Highlights Rift With Eaton, Deference to Conservative Chieftain Kassar
"All By Myself"? That could be the theme song for the GOP Chairman, sources say.
We all know that Chairman Eaton was heard talking up his special “relationship” with Congressman Grimm last month, which was revealed to be mere puffery and nothing more.
In a follow-up to that story I covered last month, a trusted Brooklyn Republican source has disclosed some interesting facts and observations about Mr. Eaton’s continued irrelevance in the scheme of GOP politics, particularly involving Rep. Grimm.
What we are beginning to see is the influence of the Brooklyn Conservatives (and by extension Sen. Marty Golden) and the increasingly diminishing role of the GOP Chairman in affecting the decisions of local Republican elected officials.
Upsetting GOP Libertarians, Eaton’s “Bootleg Young Republicans” Trash Talk Ron Paul
You might as well have trash talked Mother Theresa to Catholics.
You see, for many libertarians, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas is a kind of idol–indeed, he is even more than that to most. While not all Republicans like him, there are many individuals who associate with the Republican Party because they believe in the principles espoused or associated with Congressman Paul.
Which is why GOP Chairman Craig Eaton‘s newly formed “Bootleg Young Republicans” (a description used by the original Brooklyn Young Republican Club, led by recent Eaton target Jonathan Judge) are in some hot water this week. While attending CPAC (a fact which was not noticed or reported in any precincts besides Mr. Eaton’s affiliated blogs), members of Eaton’s newly formed political goon squad disparaged Ron Paul mercilessly on Twitter.
Angry Abbate Bashes Black & Bloomberg For “Robbing” Innocent Schools
Fiorello LaGuardia Club nemesis and 49th AD “union poodle” Assemblyman Peter Abbate, who earned an easy win over unknown GOP neophyte Peter Cipriano last November, is out loudly attacking Cathie Black, accusing her of robbing innocent schools that are just seeking fiscal responsibility.
Atlas Poll: 75% Believe GOP Chairman’s Assault on Young Republicans is “Outside Authority,” Benefiting Democrats
With nearly 550 votes cast in our Atlas Poll, the word for Brooklyn GOP Chairman Eaton is Grimm–I mean, grim.
Of those voting on the issue of Mr. Eaton’s decision to attack the Young Republicans of Brooklyn and replace them with an organization loyal only to him personally, 3/4 disapprove of his actions.
This comes after a slew of bad press stories hit the local media and blogosphere, which we ourselves covered.
Controversial Faux Tea Party Leader Exits Stage as Former Candidate Hayon Quietly Takes Reigns
Brooklyn Tea Party "Mad Hatter" John Press no longer leader of controversial coven of extremists.
Sayonara, John Press.
The controversial zealot who forced himself into the public arena by issuing a fatwa against the formation of mosques in both Brooklyn and Manhattan–including the so-called Ground Zero Mosque–has stepped down as chieftain of the divisive “Tea Party” group he formed in Brooklyn.
You will recall our blog had some strong sentiments regarding Mr. Press’s views on a variety of subjects…
In Wake of Eaton’s Duplicity, Local and Update Insiders Fail to Stifle Resolve of “Proudly Independent” Young Republicans
They’re not going away anytime soon.
That was the overall message of a strongly-worded and effective response of the Young Republicans of Brooklyn via their President, former City Council candidate Jonathan Judge, this week. It came in response to the decision of the Association of New York State Young Republican Clubs, Inc. to unilaterally admit Brooklyn GOP Chairman Craig Eaton’s youth club into the statewide organization, the Young Republicans’ statement indicated.
It follows the deceitful move of Eaton to quietly finance his own young Republican group to challenge the Young Republican Club that has existed in Brooklyn since 1880.
With Kruger in Hot Water, Is Eaton Losing Control Over His Own Frankenstein’s Monster?
Craig Eaton's Frankenstein's monster? Are those loyal to the GOP Chairman acting outside his authority?
The recent self-surrender of Carl Kruger to the authorities really struck me and my colleagues. Why? because it actually might become a source of even further division in an already fractured GOP establishment that is currently in the midst of a war against the non-bootleg Brooklyn Young Republicans.
Not many of you may recall this, but Carl Kruger was the state Senator who put forth a “resolution” to commend GOP Chairman Craig Eaton for his community service award given to him last year. That alone raised questions about the relationship between the two men.
Now, with Duke Eaton so fearful and paranoid over the potential loss of his chairmanship, it seems more and more like forces loyal to him are acting outside of his authority, making moves to challenge Kruger without the apparent consent of the Chairman.
The Karen Fischer Problem: Divisive Figure Remains Hidden As Establishment Figures Express Discontent
Where did she go?
That’s the question a number of reformers and readers are asking us about the mysterious Karen Fischer, the failed campaign manager whom Craig Eaton was poised to raise to a position of “Executive Director,” with unknown duties and for an undisclosed salary.
Now, amidst controversy among GOP establishment loyalists, Ms. Fischer’s appointment has, apparently, been permanently put on hiatus.
When The Honeymoon Ends: Grimm Divorces Himself From “The Extreme Right of the Tea Party”
It seems the honeymoon is over.
Michael Grimm, considered by some to be a “conservative warrior” during his successful campaign to oust Democrat Michael McMahon from the 13th Congressional district, has divorced himself from what he called “the extreme right wing of the Tea Party” this week.
The statement doing so was both poorly worded and poorly received from those ordinarily considered Grimm’s base–conservatives and Tea Partiers–who have expressed anger over the remarks. The move also suggests (to some) Mr. Grimm’s attempts to moderate himself politically in advance of a presidential election year in a district that was just as willing to vote Republican as it was Democrat in the past four years.
How Quickly We Forget November: Michael Grimm, the victorious Republican Congressman, is being unfairly attacked by some on his own side
The honeymoon might be over, but the offending party here is not Mr. Grimm.
That was my response when reading my colleague’s piece about the recent debacle between Congressman Michael Grimm and various Tea Partiers, who took offense to a statement made by Rep. Grimm about keeping the government from shutting down.
The fact is Mr. Grimm’s remarks were not targeted to the Tea Party movement as a whole, and much of this angst toward him is unnecessary.
You’re fired?
That’s the word coming in from our sources regarding the non-hiring of wannabe GOP Executive Director Karen Fischer, whose claim to fame remains a botched 49th Assembly campaign that witnessed the loss of Republican teenage newbie Peter Cipriano.
Apparently, GOP big man Craig Eaton is supposedly fearful of hell that could be raised by elevating the political diva.
For reasons not fully known to us, we have learned that Brooklyn Young Republican President Jonathan Judge will not be continuing on as leader of the Young Republicans.
The withdrawal would mark the end of a multi-year period of activism within the organization, which witnessed many changes, fundraisers, and accolades as it continues to weather the storms produced by the irate and irrelevant Chairman of the Brooklyn GOP, Craig Eaton.
The move could also potentially mark the beginning of a new project or political aim for the young GOP leader. Meanwhile, establishment figures can only watch with concern (given their own failures) as a Young Republican organization that owes no allegiance to the weak old hands of politics moves forward.
The man the GOP gave the Wilson Pakula to so that he could run for an illegitimate third term remains as unpopular as ever.
Indeed, his poll numbers now rival the worst of President Obama’s numbers.
Mayor Bloomberg, an enemy of reform and a deep-pocketed egotist, has long been disliked by the writers of this blog. Indeed, when we started Atlas Shrugs in Brooklyn, one of our first critiques was of Mr. Bloomberg’s pursuit of a third term.
Last week, we were the first to report the fact that Young Republican President Jonathan Judge would be stepping down in his role as leader of the GOP club that traces its roots back to the 19th century.
Recently, Mr. Judge issued a statement explaining his decision, his hopes for his organization and the cancer that has metastasized within the ranks of the GOP establishment in Brooklyn.
Last week marked one of the most crippling political defeats in the tenure of one of New York’s worst mayors, Michael Bloomberg.
It was tremendously satisfying to watch this arrogant, nasty billionaire’s mayoralty crash into the ocean of failure, a destination it had flirted with for years. From the loss of the Olympics to the loss of a West Side stadium to the raising of property taxes and the proposal of congestion taxes, Mr. Bloomberg has been consistently one of the most unsuccessful executives this city has ever had.
But with the loss of Bloomberg’s Harriet Miers came a more obvious and satisfying realization about the state of the Third Term Bloomberg: it’s politically deceased.
