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Conservative Party Wields More Power Than Their Numbers Merit
To The Editor,
Surprise! Michael Long, perennial chairman of the state's Conservative Party, has found a face-saving way to make nice to Gov. Spitzer after backing his opponent in November.
With Democrats in power, how else can the Conservative Party leader expect a piece of the action like that awarded him by a Republican administration grateful for his party's role in two Pataki victories? As far back as the Pataki race for state Senate, Pataki showed his gratitude by awarding Putnam County Conservative chairwoman Rose Braatz a paid position in his Senate office.
Mr. Long's rewards were closer to home after the Pataki gubernatorial victory, as evidenced by the state payroll.
It is anticipated that Gov. Spitzer, while cordial, will not succumb to paying off to make friends. The Conservative Party has betrayed its noble founders, disintegrating into a party of vote brokers wielding more power than their numbers merit.
There is an antidote for the disproportionate power wielded by minor parties. Most states prohibit cross-endorsement. Candidates are only permitted to run on one line, presumably that of their own party. If Conservatives can't cut the mustard on that basis, they do not belong in business.
Incidentally, the Conservative Party rules anoint Michael Long as "permanent chairman," thwarting reform from within. However, since Democrats have, for the most part, been the losers on minor party endorsements, the new Democrat sweep presents an opportunity to cut off the legs of these power brokers by enacting legislation to prohibit cross-endorsements.
Catherine Portman-Laux
Garrison
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