Monday, September 15, 2014

'Draft Mark McGrath' signs were funny, but they weren't a prank


In what is one of the funniest political gags in a long time someone, or a group of people, littered the landscape with campaign signs for a candidate that has been nothing but coy about his future ambitions.
Black and white “Draft Mark McGrath” signs were put up hours before the Uncle Sam Parade stepped off and minutes before speculation over who was actually responsible for putting them up hit social media and the telephone lines.
Without even reaching out to him, McGrath, the former councilman in District 2 who has not really given a straight answer whether he will run for mayor next year, sent a text saying he had nothing to do with it.
Some believe that’s the case. Others aren’t so sure.
Still others swear Kevin McCashion, the Twitter animal who coined #troycrazy, was behind the entire plot. I don’t know if he is or is not, but I know he did Tweet a photo of a “Draft McGrath” sign that was placed in front of what he claimed to be the home of Councilwoman Anastasia Roberston, D-District 2. You have to admit that’s pretty funny.
MCGRATH
But, since now is the time when the jockeying starts for any mayoral hopeful, the signs can’t be discounted as a simple prank. In the very least, it has people talking. If it was a prank, it was hysterical. If it wasn’t, it’s a pretty clever maneuver.
McGrath along with Councilman Jim Gordon, R-District 1, are the two credible names bantered about with the most regularity as Republican candidates.
Gordon, I think, wants it more than McGrath and Gordon probably has more support among the Republican Party proper than McGrath. But, Gordon would also have to give up his Council seat to run for mayor and he has a full time job. McGrath is retired from the state Comptroller’s Office and really has nothing to lose with all the time in the world to try
GORDON
McGrath, appearing on Talk 1300, said he isn’t liked by the mainstream of either party. And while that much is true, it is common knowledge being a political outsider plays well with voters and he just recently started making it a bigger issue that it is. He was elected to four terms with Republican support, after all.
His shoot from the hip style is endearing to those who agree and infuriating to those who don’t. I think though, that style plays well with the voters – if not the insiders - of both parties too. That said, he is an enrolled Conservative adding another dimension to the mix should there be a primary.
Gordon, on the other hand, works in a political job and is a Republican through and through. While he has, in his first nine months on the Council, played nice with the Democratic majority, the Democrats are split so his vote and the vote of his GOP colleague, Councilman Dean Bodnar, R-District 3, are needed by Council President Rodney Wiltshire. And for those votes the Republicans got committee chairmanships and appointments. It wasn’t done on the count of any ideology outside of partisan politics.
ROSAMILIA
That said, Gordon has worked his way up the ranks doing a host volunteer work for the party and his Lansingburgh neighborhood. Something McGrath can’t really put on his resume.   
To make a long story short. I don’t think the signs were a prank at all. I think they were a well-planned - and well-played - move to force the Republican hand and come court him to run for mayor. McGrath may or may not have known about it, but there are some in the GOP who think he is their best shot at beating Mayor Lou Rosamilia should he run for re-election next November - or any other candidate for that matter.
(As an aside, I was talking to someone who was postulating on the possibility of a Wiltshire vs. McGrath race next year. He said, and I paraphrase: “It would be a macho kind of race … you know, who can bench the most weight, who can run up The Approach faster and who can win a stare-down contest.”)          


100 comments:

  1. Yes Jim, that is THE race that most likely be next year.

    Lou is outta here, and Gordon is not ready fir prime time yet.

    I don't know if Rodney can compete with Marks chest hair.

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  2. I'd move back to Troy just to vote for McGrath. The other to are low-rent political hacks.

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    Replies
    1. Notice how small the "Mark" is on the sign. Because he has to run on the other McGrath name to have any kind of a chance.

      He won't run. He's too busy cruising around the burgh in his post midlife crisis convertible leering at young chicks while they laugh behind his wrinkly hairy back

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    2. Hillary little hard on Mark no?

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    3. Absolute truth written right there. He is nasty. Isn't he married? Mid life crisis in full effect - nearly broke his neck trying to catch a look.

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  3. Silly boys, McCashion can take credit for #TroyCrazy but he can't take credit for this stunt. Y'all need an ego check and the GOP needs to wake up, they can't take the city with just Little Jimmy Gordon, his bike still has the training wheels attached.

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    Replies
    1. McCashion is a joke. Tweeting in his underwear in a shithole apartment. Actually that sounds like most of the county workers Jimino hired.

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    2. Peeking in McCashion's windows are ya 8:25, you wanna find out if he has enough #troycrazy eh **wink, wink**

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  4. Gordon, I think, wants it more than McGrath
    Sorry Jim it ain't gonna happen

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    Replies
    1. Well put ice cream king. How's the vette.

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    2. I don't know, I think Gordon has a better chance than Rosamilia

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    3. PLEEEEEEEASE run Jim Gordon.

      -Troy Democrats

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  5. You think we need mark know? Wait till this budget and another year with dumb and dumber. We will be begging him to run. These deems are killing us all. Mark will run as an independent that will buck up to the democratic and republican suits and he will work for us. What a concept.

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  6. Can some actually tell me what Mark did to improve his district during 8 years on the council? Not a damn thing.

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    Replies
    1. No kidding. It's still a shithole

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    2. It's worse. He started much of the unrest, too.

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    3. Willie started the unrest, Anastasia is just continuing it.

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    4. Marks Case was Sealed only a Judge can unseal it any takers

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  7. Shows the Reps are every bit as split as the Dems.

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    Replies
    1. And about twenty times more clueless.

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  8. Mark is a straight shooter. If the taxpayers of Troy don't wake up all they will have is wonderful memories of a once beautiful City. Crime, violence, failing schools, taxes not worth paying, blighted neighborhoods, it will be a tough job to take on. Mark is a conservative, tough individual, a no nonsense kinda guy. That is what its going to take to get things back on track.

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like Mark's old district. Tell me, what did he do for Burgh? Nadafugging thing.

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  9. If you call desperation funny, then it's fucking hilarious!

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  10. Top 3 sergeant scores

    strock 90
    barker 85
    rockwell 75

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  11. Would love to see McGrath run. Gloves off this time. Will talk about drug use, drug dealing, ethics conflict of interest while on Council over sons. Bring it on Mark! Franco, do you have the balls to actually print this? We will see!

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    Replies
    1. Hey Mark why don't you fess up and show the people your record arrest record
      Throw your self on the mercy of the voters
      Remember Mark I know who you really are

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    2. Don't really know the McGrath fellow but if the town clown is against him I'm for him.

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    3. This is why your family doesn't get shit in this city. Keep spewing insults because when you're gone, the family reign comes to an end.

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    4. Why don't you reveal your last and why you had to leave Florida uncle lugg nutt

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  12. Despite his bravado , Mark has too many skeletons to run.

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  13. Draft Vito! He's the King of the Burgh

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  14. As the city deteriorates Lou's disposition grows sunnier he seems not to have a care in the world. I on the other hand watch as everything deteriorates this is the first time I dislike everything Troy. Something has to give.

    Someone told me Troy's equipment dpw, dpu, police, fire, returning to the 80's/90's broken. Not only are we in for a property tax surprise wait until more equipment is purchased. Going to bond 20+ mil every couple years?

    McGrath- Has the personality but can he pull a rabbit out his hat? Telling it like it is won't matter when the city doesn't have a pot to piss in...

    Rodney- Buddy your like 1/2 Fredo and 1/2 Sunny Corleone on the council.

    Gordon- Agree with others he should watch hbo series the wire and see how carcetti aka omailey becomes mayor of Baltimore if Gordon was schooled and worked on public speaking he'd be one to watch.

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  15. Amy O'Connor, Kevin McGrath and Carmella will derail this foolhardy Mark McGrath for mayor crap. It doesn't matter what's good for the residents, it's what's good for them. Go take back.

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    Replies
    1. of course they will. they have an expert fraudster amongst them. no better way to win then to steal votes!

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  16. Ask Mark about how his kids got jobs with city and see how straight shooting he is.

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  17. Nice guys finish last. Dead last. Everybody wanted Lou. Well guess what? The city is falling apart from the accounting professor who can't run a city.

    We need someone like Mark to tell it like it is and get it done. He's street smart and he's always voted for US. Don't care about skeletons, don't care about the kiddos. Just get him in there. All that stuff is history.

    DRAFT MCGRATH!

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    Replies
    1. Does being the last one alive from his old crew who hasn't died from liver failure count as ( Street Smart )

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    2. Ohhhhhh I forgot. We don't care about past crimes or skeletons when it's a Republican or a Conservative running. LOL

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    3. Hey Mark remember Jim Capola,Ronnie Smith,Lorenzo,Smith ?

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    4. Draft which McGrath? Forget campaigns, lets just have a felony face off.

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    5. Now Mark these are real skeletons
      let me know how I am doing OK

      Delete
  18. Where's Mark Pattison when you need him........

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  19. As I previously stated in other forums, this is what happens when we have a college professor as Mayor and a used furniture salesman as a Deputy Mayor. Both inexperienced.

    Carmella would have won against Lou only if she didn't go door to door with John Mainello. People thought twice about voting for her once they "thought" , maybe she would have chosen Mainello as her Deputy Mayor.

    Hopefully Carmella runs again for Mayor. Please be careful next time who you go to door to door with. Good luck !!!

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    Replies
    1. Carmella can't do shit for this city she doesn't have a spine strong enough to survive. She's about as useful as Lou.

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    2. Franco for mayor.

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    3. Carmella is the best choice the GOP has. Of course that's not saying much.

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  20. So true 11:31. Mr Mainello always rubbed people the wrong way. He always thought and currently still thinks he is better than everyone else.

    I remember speaking to many people who refused to vote for Ms. Mantello because of Mr. Mainello. Nothing personal against her, just didn't want to see John continuing to act like a big shot if Carmella won and chose loud mouth John Mainello as Deputy Mayor.

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    Replies
    1. Carmella lost because she wasn't a good candidate. Nothing more than another phoney.

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  21. Looking forward to Jim Gordon's family photo on the palm card.

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    Replies
    1. that is funny shit right there. hahahaha. which one?

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    2. Comment from the law firm of , Cox, Cooper, and McGrath Esq. Felonies are our specialty!!!!

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  22. Dont you mean Carmella would have won if she left Jack Cox Alone is more like it

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    Replies
    1. Head always in books right bob? Little bug like man

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    2. Uncle jack was only good for 100 votes or so --just like elda. Carmella was just, and is a bad candidate.

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  23. Marjorie DerGurahian for Mayor

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    Replies
    1. Kevin McCashen for mayor.

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    2. Only if Chuck comes back. Then we all share the doughnuts.

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    3. heard he's pretty handy with a computer too!

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    4. Wife's a dumpster late to city hall each day

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    5. Does he know about rabbit?

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  24. Hearing the Mark McGrath signs were produced and planted by the medical company McInerney and McGrath run. Birds of a feather.

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  25. And now we have Ed McGrath. Dear God when will it end

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  26. McGrath is desperate for attention. He misses his little spotlight.

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    Replies
    1. Which one, Mark, Kevin or Ed?

      Troy is doomed.

      Delete
    2. Which one? I think they all do. Must be in the name!

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  27. Ed McGrath Burghs own Alec Baldwin.

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  28. I am a Republican and I would vote for Lou before McGrath, he is too negative to too many people. Including some friends of the Republican party he stuck it to when he was there. These politicians all go bad once they get in office. You can count on one hand how many aren't considered dirt bags once they get the hang of living on the tit. Parasites!

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    Replies
    1. and, you are part of the problem. what has Lou done for this city?

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  29. Mark wants to dance on my Grave
    Thank you Mark just like the old days Rite !~~!

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  30. Boy Mark scares you people a lot. Sheesh. Especially Bobby Cox. He beat you up in school or something?

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    Replies
    1. Who hasn't beat up on bobby. Even Vito won te war against cox when he had to turn himself in and then acted like the judge was afreind and was scolded

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  31. To Bob Doherty, stop trying to pressure people to support Keith Gorman..Most democrats know what a creep he is ..give it up and get some help, you need it

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  32. Bob and Lou say they don't read the blog. So does Lou attend the city hall let's combat social media meeting every Monday at 9. We hear dunne moderates it

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    Replies
    1. OMG So True and that Jack Ass Harry with his alter Ego on the blogs
      The Real reason Harry and Bill Dunn clashed so hard is that there Actually Identical twins who were separated at birth I must say that Bill & Lenny Welcome did actually do useful things for the City
      I am getting the full picture to on Mark now also
      When Harry was mayor Mark was seen all over town dining with him and as soon as Lou got in office Mark could not get any thing out of Lou so he latches on to Pete like a lamp ray.

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    2. One more thing while I am still fresh as a daisy
      I listened to Franco today on his show and its was really enjoyable
      What I did learn is I went to the meeting in the RPI Chapel a while ago and Dean Bodner spoke to one of the Citizens about the Trucks that bring the raw materials down to the barges on the Hudson
      He had the actual exact loop speech on Franco's show he wants to blame the road conditions on the Trucks and want's the State to you guessed it ( Force the Trucking Companies to pay) for new roads
      That's rite Dean lets put another businessman out of business Dean that's the answer

      Delete
  33. Lou is out of touch. Overheard saying isn't the tak back troy guy my old doctor?

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  34. Lou and Pete made a absolute mess out of the City of Troy!

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    Replies
    1. I do not believe Lou and Peter are making the decisions. They are being held responsible but I really think they are just being given bad advice.

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    2. Bad advice or not still their names in fine print!

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  35. If Mark runs for mayor and WINS, he must be aware that his daily OTB-stop, in the Burgh, will have to be put on hold! And they are off!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Why does the mayor not get lunch?

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    2. Lunch at OTB? Yeah thats really professional

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    3. They serve a nice salad.

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    4. Is that where mark gets his toss salad toss

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  36. If you look carefully, Peter Ryan has been in the middle of all that has gone wrong in this administration. Get rid of him, Lou..I smell a rat.

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    Replies
    1. If you look carefully, all the GOP choices to run this city suck a lot more than Lou and Pete. Don't waste your energy.

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    2. thanks bill dunne

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  37. John Betz in get for mayor!!!

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  38. John Betzinger for mayor!!!

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  39. Bob cox for mayor of.......whatever town in Florida he was kicked out of
    Vito for mayor of troy for protecting burgh from towing

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  40. Carmella could do a big fat favor for Troy
    Instead of going door to door trying to get votes put all that energy to good use
    Put her on a treadmill that creates electricity in our rented city hall and get her to peddle her great looking ass off and help pay the electric bill


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  41. How about code employees shaking down investors for fast track zoning for there CO for cash was the going price 2000 $
    Under Harry's 8 years of misery any thing goes

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  42. Hey Jim how come you have censored me for the Skinny on Mark McGrath,Vito Ciccarelli and Neil Kelleher
    Its time you really did your job as a real journalist and not protect your friends your on an upswing so let me tell the real truth.
    Is ant that what you really want ?

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