Quoted from DemocraticVoiceOfReason

The good thing about the cold weather --- the flies go either die or go away.

Quoted Text

Businessman undaunted by uphill political fight
By Lauren Stanforth Staff Writer
Published: 12:00 a.m., Sunday, October 24, 2010

ALBANY -- Ted Danz decided about six years ago he needed a gun in his North Pearl Street office for protection.

He ran his own business, sometimes dealt in small cash transactions and worried when he left work at night.

The founder of Family Danz Heating and Cooling thought he could obtain a pistol permit after he jumped through the legal hoops required, like FBI background checks and a safety course, which he thinks are appropriate to protect the public.

But after a state Supreme Court justice in Albany County refused to change his permit reason from hunting and target practice to one needed for self-defense, Danz said, it got his blood boiling about what he saw as too much government oversight.

The seeds of a political future were sown. The Republican Danz is challenging Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-Amsterdam, for the 21st Congressional District seat.

"It started opening my eyes up to all the other stuff going on," said Danz, who recounted the story sitting in the office where he is sales manager. His three sons run the company he started 34 years ago with a tool belt and a used truck.

Danz, 63, had been Guilderland Republican chairman and vice chairman of the Albany County GOP for less than two years when he and others struggled to find a qualified candidate to challenge Tonko, who won election to his first term in 2008 against another Republican who owns a heating business, Jim Buhrmaster. Danz volunteered for the job himself.

"(Danz) is actually what he appears to be -- an honest, straightforward businessman who doesn't think government should play the role it does in taking our money and spending it on things that are not productive to our society," said Albany County GOP Chairman John Graziano..................>>>>..................>>>>................http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Businessman-undaunted-by-uphill-political-fight-720649.php

Quoted Text

Tonko presents jobs plan in his bid for second term
By STEPHANIE LEE Staff Writer
Published: 12:00 a.m., Sunday, October 24, 2010

U.S. Rep. Paul D. Tonko is seeking a second term in his 21st Congressional District seat, a position that Democrats have locked down for more than 50 years.

Tonko, who previously served as a state assemblyman for 24 years, is facing off against Republican challenger Ted Danz in the race to represent the district, which comprises Albany, Schoharie, Schenectady and Montgomery counties, and parts of Fulton, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.

Tonko said that if he is re-elected, he will focus on creating jobs by way of investing in local manufacturers, wind power and energy efficiency at large.

To those ends, Tonko sponsored two pieces of legislation in 2009 that would develop programs to improve the efficiency of wind and gas turbines. Both have stalled in the Senate since December.

"People say you can't do it all with energy," Tonko acknowledged, "but we need to make certain we're doing it with energy."

In addition, Tonko said he supports increased funding to public schools, cuts to property taxes, gay marriage and the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.....................>>>>....................>>>>..............http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Tonko-presents-jobs-plan-in-his-bid-for-second-720652.php

Quoted Text

Thank You



Thank you for visiting my congressional website. The 2010 elections was a historic opportunity to restore the American ideal and the American promise. My campaign was about the people of New York's Twenty-First District - and I am proud of how well we have done.


In a district where Democrats have a 60,000 enrollment advantage over Republicans, where my opponent, career politician Paul Tonko spent over $600,000 to my $40,000, I was fortunate to receive over 80,000 votes. Forty-one percent of the district agreed with me that we needed to change the course of how we are being represented. I want to thank each and everyone of you who helped my campaign, who offered support and who voted for me.



This election was a wonderful experience for me. I met thousands of people and learned so much during the last 5 months. I hope that Congressman Paul Tonko heard the message we sent and will change the way he represents us.



He will face new challenges as he enters a new Congressional session under Republican control. I hope Paul has the ability to work across party lines to do what is best for us here in the 21st district. He has never been in the minority party before so he will face new challenges. I wish him  the best of luck and hope he helps change the economy, brings jobs to the region and helps reduce our taxes as well as our governments spending as he promised during this campaign.



                                                                                                                Thank You,

                                                                                                                 Ted Danz

Quoted from bumblethru

A class act for sure!