We've all seen opinions expressed as fact, often with little or no connection to reality, but Bill Samuels' commentary on May 10 takes the cake.
Does Mr. Samuels even read the newspapers he submits his opinion pieces to? Had he taken the time to do so he might find it more difficult to ignore the Democratic scandals right in front of his face. Even a partisan like him must know the Senate Democratic Conference is a conference in crisis right now, with no fewer than four members under arrest, indictment or investigation.
Mr. Samuels portrays himself as an activist and a reformer, but the truth is he's neither. He is a political operative who has a cozy relationship with far too many of the same Senate Democrats who were recently busted.
Mr. Samuels once served as the finance chairman for the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, the fundraising arm of their political committee. With friends like that in the conference of corruption, it's surprising that Samuels hasn't been questioned by federal authorities or approached by the FBI about wearing a wire.
And the New York City public finance system that he and other misguided advocates cite as a solution to recent scandals? It's widely known for encouraging candidates to game the system and waste taxpayer money.
Mr. Samuels' job as chairman of the New Roosevelt Initiative must have Teddy, Franklin and Eleanor rolling in their graves.
Kelly Cummings
Communicaions
director, state Senate
Republicans
Albany