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Upstate Billionaire Tom Golisano may aid Dems

July 2, 2008

Rochester billionaire Tom Golisano plans to make a “major announcement” next week about his involvement in this year’s elections, an aide said Tuesday, and a published report said it’s going to be good news for Democrats trying to win control of the state Senate.

Golisano, who has run unsuccessfully for governor three times and owns the Buffalo Sabres, may spend $1 million on behalf of each of several Democrats seeking to capture seats now held by Republicans, according to The Capitol, a magazine that covers state government.

Golisano aide Stephen Pigeon said Tuesday the announcement will be next Tuesday in Albany involving “New York State government and politics.” He wouldn’t comment further and Golisano didn’t return a call seeking comment.

Republicans now hold a slim 32-30 advantage in the chamber, which they have controlled every year but one (1965) since 1938.

Sen. Thomas W. Libous, R-Binghamton, who recently was selected deputy majority leader of the Senate, could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Golisano has for years pushed a reform agenda for the state, but never got much traction as a candidate for governor, despite spending more than $70 million of his own money on his last try, in 2002.

Two years ago, Golisano switched his enrollment from the Independence Party to Republican and flirted with the idea of running for the Republican nomination for governor, but in the end backed away. He supported continued Republican control of the Senate in 2006, citing the need for “political balance in state government.” But he didn’t give the Republicans any money.

There is no limit on how much an individual can spend on behalf of candidates as long as it’s done independently of the candidates, said Stanley Zalen, co-executive director of the state Board of Elections.

Source: Pressconnects

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Written by NY Politics · Filed Under News 

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