Well I am just shocked. He's probably readng/memorizing all the newspapers and pie charts he can get his hands on so he can perform well/sound smart in that one debate A really slick politician spends his life memorizing all those things Clearly not congress material At least he's honest in his ads

Any reports from Alan Bedenko should be taken with a grain of salt. He runs a leftist website and is a failed political candidate from Erie County. He seems to be a Democrat with an ax to grind. While he is entitled to his opinion, he is hardly unbiased.

Any reports from Jerome Grasso should be taken with a grain of salt. No one knows who the hell he is.

Alan: Getting a little cranky? Way to stay positve there, Alan! Maybe if I get my own website, people will know me. Nah, people are to busy to read these sites. I do not come on here to be known. Is that why you are here? All that matters is that my family knows me. My constituants know me pretty well also. I work hard for both. Alan, you have to win to have constituants.

Jerome Grasso said: "Alan: Getting a little cranky? Way to stay positve there, Alan! Maybe if I get my own website, people will know me. Nah, people are to busy to read these sites. I do not come on here to be known. Is that why you are here? All that matters is that my family knows me. My constituants know me pretty well also. I work hard for both. Alan, you have to win to have constituants." For someone who prides himself on being a great legislator, you could at least learn how to spell constituents. You know, those people that you supposedly represent. You think Alan is getting cranky? You had this to say about him: "Any reports from Alan Bedenko should be taken with a grain of salt. He runs a leftist website and is a failed political candidate from Erie County. He seems to be a Democrat with an ax to grind. While he is entitled to his opinion, he is hardly unbiased." First off, Alan is a progressive. When you call someone a "leftist", that means that they are far, far left. Progressives don't go that far. We aren't far, far left. We are left-of-center, but we don't adhere to Socialist principles or anything, as leftist insinuates. And yes, he lost to your buddy "Ranz" for Legislature last year. He was running against a long-time incumbent in a difficult district. But he isn't a "failed" candidate. Alan has quite a following and past that, he is a very smart man. If he wanted, I'm sure he could run for office again. He just ran into a tough candidate who was entrenched. With all of that out of the way, where is your defense for why Lee is dodging debates? I cover this state from Long Island to Buffalo and Republicans running for all offices are dodging debates. Come on Grasso, don't avoid the subject because it wasn't written by a conservative blogger. Lee is avoiding debates. This isn't an elected official we are talking about. This is a guy who hasn't served in office and who voters need to hear from. If he isn't willing to debate, there is a problem with that. We need debates. We don't need more Republican cowardice. Listen Jerome, don't insult people and then go back to playing angel and say "Getting a little cranky?" You wanted to make this personal by questioning Alan's coverage and then calling him a "failed political candidate." Don't be so shocked when he responds the way he did. Look Grasso, you are rather unimportant. I have told you that before. You tout yourself as a bi-partisan worker and then toss around partisan rhetoric. If I were you, I would be working really, REALLY hard for your buddy "Ranz." He needs it, especially in Genesee County. In the mean time, learn how to spell people you represent (constituents) and learn what a leftist is compared to a progressive or liberal. Once we get past English 101 and Political Science 101, we can have an adult conversation here.

j, who's the one getting cranky now? Follow your own rules and stay positive, attacking Alan Bedenko really doesn't bode well for keeping discussion here on the upswing. Furthermore, its just fact that Chris Lee hasn't agreed to any debates, facts are facts, I know that your not too big on facts and all. The term progressive is a better description of my ideology, to me its more having an open mind to new ideas while holding onto the ideal of protecting the little guy.

It is not right to pick on J's spelling. Besides he has enough trouble defending that unvetted candidate, who was hand picked by the party establishment instead of the voters.

Actually you are wrong Howard. Why would we dodge the word "liberal" when progressive is a synonym for "progressive"? It's not a dodge at all. It's called framing Howard. We are liberals. No one will deny that on our side. But we say progressives because not only do we associate ourselves with an ideology, but we also strive for progress and moving our agenda forward. And it's all about framing for the Republicans too. I don't think they have done a good job doing anything. All they have done is taken advantage of an uninformed electorate. They have made liberal seem like a dirty word (i.e. Lee's ad against Kryzan calling her a "liberal trial lawyer") when it really isn't. However, imagine if the Republicans used the word "progressive." No one is against progress, right? So trying to use "progressive" against someone in the uninformed electorate would not be effective.

I knew you guys would all come to Bedenkos's defense. Big shock. I never claimed to be important. Guys, I go to your other sites, they drip with self indulgence and self importance. Sadly, you are not always the smartest kids in the classroom, although you think you are. You just do not like other opinions. Intolerant of them, actually. Sorry about the spelling. Was typing in a hurry. I do not have time to sit in front of the computer all day. I forgot, the party of tolerance is perfect. You guys would never have a typo! Nice Charlie, real nice. Big surprise! Liberal, progressive, all the same. Besides it is quite fun to fire all you guys up. Does not take much. It is quite fun.

"Guys, I go to your other sites," Good for you! "Sadly, you are not always the smartest kids in the classroom, although you think you are. " Oakie Dokie Professor, lets not get too perturbed when your 'students' find some time to read up on whats going on and you don't, the facts are still the facts, Chris Lee is still refusing to debate. "You guys would never have a typo! Nice Charlie, real nice. Big surprise! Liberal, progressive, all the same. Besides it is quite fun to fire all you guys up. Does not take much. It is quite fun." Don't get so cranky j, we all have the right to express our opinions, don't we?

"Personal animosity" is a pretty strong term, I don't see it from my end, j gets all worked up because he doesn't like what he's reading. Although, I would challenge the 8 other Republican county legislators to come out and make the same case that he is, if he is so firmly in the right, then where are they?

Jay, Get over yourself. You came here and attacked Bedenko and then acted like "What did I do?" when you were called on it. If you can't defend what you say, you shouldn't say it at all. What you need to know Grasso is that I got my start in blogging on a libertarian blog called Free New York. I blogged with mostly libertarian Republicans with a few conservatives mixed in. I was the ONLY liberal. So I learned tolerance very quickly. I respect all opinions. Just because I happen to blog on a progressive blog about New York now doesn't mean that tolerance goes away. We debate with each other on The Albany Project and you will see on Alan's blog the same kind of debate, only a little more intense. When you act like a fool, you will be called out on your errors because they make you look more like a fool. I'm not the spelling or grammar police. You will see typos from me too. But like I said, you are acting like a fool you will be treated like one. And don't go back to your comedy. Saying that you came on here to fire us up is like saying I came here to have an intelligent conversation with you. I didn't. I came here because you decided that you would take shots at a friend of mine who challenged your buddy "Ranz" in Erie County.

Lee’s spot calling Alice a liberal doesn’t work. Much like Lee’s former employees who got their jobs shipped out of New York. How’s that one J?

Partisanship breeds a team mentality, not personal animosity. Barack Obama showed that at the debate on Friday. You could tell who the hyper-partisan was on the stage (McCain) and who was the candidate willing to work with all sides (Obama). We are debating here because someone (who happens to be a Genesee County legislator) called Alan Bedenko a "failed political candidate" and claimed he "seems to be a Democrat with an ax to grind." Why? Because he dare question why Chris Lee is not answering calls for debates? This thread was started to start debate about, well, debates (I think). Instead it turned into claims about Alan Bedenko. It's not my fault (or anyone else's) that Chris Lee's main defender here is apparently Jay Grasso and Jay can't provide a solid response to the post except for attacking the messenger - Alan. If Jay wants to come here and promote his candidates, he shouldn't act so shocked when someone raises questions about them. When that happens, he should step up to the plate and defend his candidates instead of hiding behind partisan attacks and being a political coward.

Like I said, all fired up!

j, you really think that this is us fired up don't you? Come on man..... Now THIS is what my proud progressive friends and I call 'fired up'

I actually take huge umbrage at the epithet "leftist", so any ad hominem attacks that took place in this thread were started by Mr. Grasso. I am actually extremely proud of being a "failed political candidate" because it means I have yet to make a dime off the public teat, preferring instead to make my living in the dreaded private sector.

"When you call someone a "leftist", that means that they are far, far left. Progressives don't go that far. We aren't far, far left. We are left-of-center, but we don't adhere to Socialist principles or anything, as leftist insinuates" That is a big pile of BS Where is the center? Is a progressive a dude that flopped off the fence but got stuck in the mud? A progressive is someone wanting progress but doesn't quite know how to go about getting it? What is this BS? We are neither here nor there we are just around in here somewhere where no one can find us "imagine if the Republicans used the word "progressive." No one is against progress, right? So trying to use "progressive" against someone in the uninformed electorate would not be effective" Hey, that's smart So a progressive is a coward pure and simple. OK Don't see how you did anything but high5 Howard here How will we ever progress with bullshit terms running our decisions Leftists are not Socialists "Once we get past English 101 and Political Science 101, we can have an adult conversation here" What a load of crap! Replace ADULT with ELITIST and you have a stronger argument "For someone who prides himself on being a great legislator, you could at least learn how to spell constituents. You know, those people that you supposedly represent." That is logical. That is not weak in the slightest "Look Grasso, you are rather unimportant. I have told you that before. You tout yourself as a bi-partisan worker and then toss around partisan rhetoric." I doubt I have ever heard of alan bedenko or jerome grasso outside of this site Both are rather unimportant I guess this is how it works. "Any reports from Jerome Grasso should be taken with a grain of salt. No one knows who the hell he is." I vote Ashton Kutcher! THAT throws salt on someones game *bi-partisan worker who tosses around partisan rhetoric How does Jerome not win everything? People eat that shit up "Sorry about the spelling. Was typing in a hurry." I don't buy this pile of crap, either. Possible I've misspelled things and then a day later in the shower it would dawn on me for some reason It happens BUT nobody TRULY cares so if you didn't know how to spell it Just own up to not knowing how to spell it You probably know now that is whats important Seems some people forget that other people CAN STILL learn things after they themselves have stopped learning I bet you're right that those same people use spell checks "...right to express our opinions" Opinion here is being stretched verythin "How is this personal back and forth helping fix what ails us?" It's been working. "I was the ONLY liberal. So I learned tolerance very quickly" Most of my ni friends are black "political coward" This keeps popping up everywhere must be some thing to it Never heard Umbrage used like that before Good word New usage of that word for me "huge umbrage" doesn't sound quite right, though. Not saying it's not correct Just sounds odd ..and dirty epithet? "I am actually extremely proud of being a "failed political candidate" because it means I have yet to make a dime off the public teat, preferring instead to make my living in the dreaded private sector." I don't believe this load of crap, either How refreshing it would be to hear this in some concession speech! Don't know how you could ever win anything after saying that, though preferring No other choice, really such a martyr This thread is full of suck

It seems that Ladou has run out of intelligent ideas or ability to express them. When you have to resort to profanity to attempt to get noticed or pretend you know what you’re saying, you have shown that you just enjoy babbling. Try whole sentences, maybe even a whole paragraph. Maybe stay on subject and retake English 101. You may or may not agree with the others on this site, but most do try to make their case in an intelligent manner. You still write the way you must think, shallow and disorganized. Of course you can prove me wrong; write intelligently, and try to express yourself without profanity (save that for your friends in person).

Most of this thread is garbage. Your post says nothing. I don't need to take anything over again I wouldn't have been able to pass 4th grade if this is "all" I'm capable of I can write This is a stream of consciousness I continue to use it because it has always been -IMO- a good test I can make myself look great Perhaps better than you But it's only greatness in the eyes of confused people so I refuse How does your paragraph say anything great about you? Profanity? You never swear? You never say fizzlesticks or whatever other nerdy elitist do-gooders without common sense say? Give me a break, dude For your friends in person? Are you saying that we are only allowed to swear in front of our friends As in Put on a show when out in the community Or are you saying all my friends are idiots Either way you're a joke Maybe I swear in front of the Batavian because I treat all as friends Now what do you have to say? ...I cannot swear to my friends over the internet or newspaper any form of print? Why? Tell me why. Tell me why/how these codes make for a better society opinions don't count Stay on subject tell me where I have veered first I refuse to be just like you in order to earn your respect Too many are you, IMO I think this is one of the major problems in this country if not THE Read this thread again and tell me where I come off WORSE than the major players in it Go ahead

Hey Mr. "Stream of Consciousness", we're trying to have a serious discussion here, I've told you before that these kinds of antics results in no one taking your comments as anything more than pointless heckling. I've read the thread over a few times now, and I've come to the conclusion that there has been some spirited debate here. Perhaps its because your injecting yourself in the conversation over and over again with your "streams" that are ignored by everyone else...so you result to profanities. We're trying to have a debate here, not a blabber fest.

Seriously? Relax, Larazio. No need to swear at other members of this site. Also, stop pressing enter after every sentence. We don't want to scroll down an entire page to read a paragraph's worth of words. Stop making it your mission on this site just to anger as many people as possible. I hold primarily Republican views, but by no means despise democrats. However, people like you cause people like me to dislike Democrats as a whole. To the rest of the users on here, I found a book at Barnes & Noble you may enjoy. It's titled, "How to Speak to a Democrat (If you must)." Thank you. Larazio, don't flame this post, use your time to contribute to society, rather than complaining about it.

you've got to be joking, Daniel serious discussion here? Really I guess 8th grade was serious discussion zone, too It wasn't even till post 7 that someone asked for evidence of any kind to support someones claim That's cool But where is the evidence to refute his claim of it being biased It's a O-O tie. all opinions and reciprocal name calling up to this point The only one here who has tried to keep to the "debate" as you call it is Howard And he's taking the role of moderator "I cover this state from Long Island to Buffalo and Republicans running for all offices are dodging debates." that's a claim and a half but not proof of anything what is it's usefulness here? "Follow your own rules and stay positive, attacking Alan Bedenko really doesn't bode well for keeping discussion here on the upswing" Captain obvious, again. Still, you're post does nothing to quell the situation you are at fault as much as anyone else You should be honest about your intentions here with this line ..hitting and quitting is "cowardly" "I don't see it from my end, j gets all worked up because he doesn't like what he's reading." what a huge surprise NO NOT ME ALL JJJJJJ trying real hard to further the serious discussion, Daniel "I would challenge the 8 other Republican county legislators to come out and make the same case that he is, if he is so firmly in the right, then where are they" You will be a great lawyer ..in the 1500's once we get around to time travel. You can defend the church against copernicus, or something "progressive is a better description of my ideology, to me its more having an open mind to new ideas while holding onto the ideal of protecting the little guy." Progresives have a lock on this do they? Anyone could claim this type of stance empty "It's not a dodge at all." "However, ... No one is against progress, right? So trying to use "progressive" against someone in the uninformed electorate would not be effective." what? "Oakie Dokie Professor, lets not get too perturbed when your 'students' find some time to read up on whats going on and you don't, the facts are still the facts, Chris Lee is still refusing to debate." Serious stuff there, Daniel Oakie Dokie Professor I'm with you all the way ..ALL THE WAY read up? you mean like memorize everything that other people are saying sounds like my first post. I hope I misunderstand "If you can't defend what you say, you shouldn't say it at all. " Opinions don't need to be defended "...So I learned tolerance very quickly" As in You hadn't learned tolerance before becoming a "blogger" how pitiful I really didn't think I'd need to highlight one but I guess I do "When you act like a fool, you will be called out on your errors because they make you look more like a fool. I'm not the spelling or grammar police. You will see typos from me too. But like I said, you are acting like a fool you will be treated like one." Sounds more like a horrible, holier-than-thou step-parent railroading a kid. If someone is a fool Everyone not a fool will know No need to call out a fool on anything Who needs to call out a homelss man? HEY, You're BROKE! ? I make mistakes I make the same mistakes that you make the mistakes you make are further evidence of you're being a fool while my mistakes ..the same mistakes proving you a fool only prove me to be a ... perfectly wise and good mistake maker? "...I came here to have an intelligent conversation with you. I didn't." ? "we're trying.." Serious dis ... Ummm I'm crying now "This thread was started to start debate about, well, debates (I think)." I don't think. Almost, not quite. It's about why LEE isn't "seemingly" debating Lee need not be mentioned if were solely on -importance of- debates "It's not my fault (or anyone else's) that Chris Lee's main defender here is apparently Jay Grasso and Jay can't provide a solid response to the post except for attacking the messenger - Alan" Who is to say the post is correct? Alan. Opinion. another opinion followed ..one of Alan himself O-0 tie "...When that happens, he should step up to the plate and defend his candidates" Then who is going to be the one to limit how many accusations can be made? This is pure crap. railroading. pointless heckling this implies all heckling is pointless Sometimes the hecklers are more poignant/funny than the comedian Not saying I am Just saying ..not so pointless I don't "result to profanities" I swear it loud and I swear it proud. I begin with profanity! Maybe the Batavian would like to keep it clean That's their right Until everyone abides not just i nterms of profanity but everything they call for I'll challenge it.

Wow Lazario, your attacks on me, man am I honored here. Your still not talking about any of the issues here, your just talking about everyone else within the context of how much of "pure crap" everyone is full of. I still haven't heard you mention the original point of the article, and that is that Chris Lee is dodging debates, but of course you have nothing to say on the matter. In fact, that's what you usually have to say, nothing.

Ben listen to what everyone is saying about each other and then tell me I'm worse for calling someone a "However, people like you cause people like me to dislike Democrats as a whole." You better internalize this statement for a minute, Ben. I've had to pause myself for a while just to catch my breath I hope you receive some good guidance from the republican side of this site Just keep reading that, Ben "How to Speak to a Democrat (If you must)." Ben, I don't care whether you're a republican or a democrat or consider yourself a member of any party at all but don't fall into that garbage. that's just toxic humor being used to make money ... problem is we ALL get poisoned How can you tell me not to flame your post when you flame me? this doesn't work. Can I not contribute something to society right here? Does a newspaper not contribute? Do people not contribute by being themselves I am contributing You don't have to clean an animal shelter to contribute to society that's not a solution to anything but a dirty shelter taking care of your pet is the solution/example for others to model

You do your best to stay above everything yet you cannot resist to slide in a little seemingly harmless "attack" of your own You never see it a politican in waiting, i fear Perhaps I don't see these as real issues. I see you as someone who likes MAKING everything into an issue so that you can be viewed as the better politician ..one who knows whats going on everywhere and with everyone ..like a nosy neighbor Face it The only way you will respect me is if I play your games I validate your games in doing so I don't care to I'm all about shutting these games down You HAVE to dismiss me I fully expect it I gave my opinion on the post. 1st post here.

Lazario, thats nice, I'm glad that I've been elevated by you in importance.

POOL RULES CONTINUED: 7)Dont hit enter or return more than once on paragraph or sentence breaks. 8)Dont disagree directly with any staff member, posting politician, or advertising client. 9)If you do make it in general and dont use names. 10)Just read the articles on the batavian website and dont post if you disagree with anything or the political point of views. 11)Tell everyone how wonderful they are and how your mindless drivel would just clog up this website.

Ladou just doesn’t get it. He still thinks he is the all wise one, speaking down to us from the mountain. If we would just listen to his babble we would all see the light and be saved! Sad thing is, we fell for his need to be an idiot. We respond asking him to join in the debate in a manner that could be read and considered. I don’t think too many people would agree with him anyway on almost any subject, but he could get some great debates going on a range of subjects. Instead, by being the fool, we concentrate on him and his inability to put a paragraph together instead of the original issue. He got us talking about him and off subject. The original issue was the merits (or lack of them) of candidates for public office. Instead of debating the candidates, we got sidetracked by a guy who doesn’t know how to make a point on the issues of the day in a manner that can be at least considered.

Dont feed the Trolls

GeeDave: An absolutely outstanding post. Seriously, Ladou doesn't do anything besides cause trouble on this site.

Your methods aren't saving anyone, either. 0-0 tie ..if indeed you are right about me not being wise Not sure I've ever heard you start a paragraph by saying "I know this to be incorrect but I'm going to stick to it, anyway" We're both on the mountain 0-0 tie Character assassination prove me wrong don't say that I just am "I don’t think too many people would agree with him anyway on almost any subject" I take this as a compliment, man. The original issue was the merits (or lack of them) of candidates for public office. Tell me what is needed. I'm asking people to tell me what is needed If you cannot tell me what is needed and why those "qualities" are needed how to go about assessing those qualities correctly You pretty much lose Simply being in the debate makes you worthy? You don't know the candidates You aren't going to know them by listening to any debate 7 is the magic number? What is this ..maybe 1 hour of total speaking time on numerous subjects each worthy of hours It's nearly worthless

cause trouble lol What am I doing that shouldn't be allowed Did you read that earlier post of yours a few times this morning, Ben? Take it to school with you

Dont feed the Troll ;)

I don't know if Laz still reads this website, if he's alive or dead, or just who he really was, but nearly a decade later I realize that he had a point.