Published: August 31, 2008 12:03 am            

POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Football and politics do mix

NIAGARA FALLS — Perhaps all those days discussing the future of the Buffalo Bills with team owner Ralph Wilson are getting into the head of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY.

Hot off of this week’s Democratic convention in Denver, Schumer issued a statement in response to Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s attempt to steal some of the thunder by naming his choice for vice president, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Schumer characterized McCain’s pick as a “Hail Mary pass.”

“Certainly the choice of Palin puts to rest any argument about inexperience on the Democratic team and while Palin is a fine person, her lack of experience makes the thought of her assuming the presidency troubling,” he said.

No love for Bill?

There was a notable omission by Sen. Hillary Rodham-Clinton, D-N.Y., during her remarks at this week’s Democratic convention.

During her time at the microphone, Clinton said she came to Denver as a proud mother, a proud Democrat, a proud senator from New York and a proud supporter of Barack Obama.

Proud wife?

Not so much.

Clinton mentioned her husband only once during her speech, referring to him as “President Clinton.”

Billionaire X-factor

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-Newfane, received an endorsement this week from Responsible New York, Rochester billionaire and Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano’s new political advocacy group.

Other local candidates making the billionaire’s list include Senate Republican Catharine M. Young and Buffalo Democratic state Senate candidate William T. Stachowski. Golisano’s group also endorsed former heavyweight boxer Joe Mesi, who is seeking to replace retiring Republican Sen. Mary Lou Rath.

Maziarz said he did not speak directly to Golisano or any of his aides. He said he didn’t even answer the questionnaire Responsible New York delivered to candidates in anticipation of making its endorsements. Instead, Maziarz said, he decided to send Golisano a letter explaining his positions on various issues because he wasn’t comfortable answering yes and no questions on some of the more complex problems.

Golisano’s group says it is looking for candidates who are committed to responsible state budgeting, government transparency, and improving the business climate in New York.

“Responsible New York and I share a strong commitment to moving our state, particularly upstate, in a positive direction,” Maziarz said.

        

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