New York – Gov. David Paterson, who has made it very clear he plans to run in 2010 for the post to which he accidentally ascended, is reaching out to the Jewish community in at least one way his predecessor did not.
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Almost a full month in advance, Paterson has already sent out an invitation to a Dec. 9 event that will celebrate both the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel and the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.
Among co-hosts for the event are uber-PR man Howard Rubenstein and Janice Shorenstein, of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, who is a big Democratic donor and also the mother of the governor’s deputy communications director Marissa Shorenstein.
Rubenstein is also a Paterson contributor, having ponied up at least $17,500 to the governor’s campaign committees since 2006.
Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer – New York’s first Jewish governor since Herbert Lehman, raised eyebrows in the Jewish community last winter when he failed to host the traditional gubernatorial Chanukah party. Former Gov. George Pataki, a Republican was particularly keen on maintaining contact with conservative Jews, made certain to always put on the annual event, as well as a mock Seder.
Despite some last-minute scrambling, the Spitzer administration never did manage to get its act together on Chanukah, but the former governor did make it to the Met Council’s menorah lighting event on the eighth – and last – night of the holiday.
Who pays for these parties
I think its really nice, and while they are at it why dont they also take out a Megilleh and read it and let them Chulileh not forget to light a Chrismas tree as well!
The governor’s deputy communications director’s mother? Just a wild guess.
No wonder Gov.Palin’s speech at the anti-Iran rally was scuttled – the organized was a full fledged Democrat funder and supporter.
Politics uber-alles – disgusting.
paterson is also being honored at this years big chanukah dinner at YU
Bloomberg also has a chanuka party. Basically the sponsoring organizations usually donate a small amount for the food and other services like the hall, wine and bands are donated. Not such a big deal.
Spitzer never wore a yarmulka at any jewish event including the met counsel chanukah party last year.
Obviouslu Spritzer wanted to forget as much as he can that hes jewish, but Hashem has his ways “YOU CAN’T ESCAPE”