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| Joseph L. Bruno | |
| |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 1995 | |
| Preceded by | Ralph J. Marino |
Member of the New York State Senate | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office 1976 | |
| Born | April 8 1929 Glens Falls, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Barbara Frasier |
| Children | Joseph, Susan, Kenneth, and Catherine |
| Residence | Brunswick, New York |
| Alma mater | Skidmore College |
| Website | http://www.senatorbruno.com/ |
Joseph L. Bruno (born April 8, 1929) is an American businessman and politician. He will start performing the duties of the Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York on March 17 2008, while keeping his role as the majority leader of the New York State Senate, because he also serves as the "temporary president of the senate."Joseph Bruno\'s BiographyArticle IV, Section 6, Clause 4 of the New York State Constitution states: In case of vacancy in the office of lieutenant-governor alone, or if the lieutenant-governor shall be impeached, absent from the state or otherwise unable to discharge the duties of office, the temporary president of the senate shall perform all the duties of lieutenant-governor during such vacancy or inability. [Scroll down and click "CNS"] He was elected to the Senate from the 43rd District and is a member of the Republican Party.
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Bruno was born in Glens Falls, New York, and graduated from of St. Mary\'s Academy. He has a B.A. degree in Business Administration from Skidmore College and served in the Korean War as an infantry sergeant. Bruno served as president of the New York State Jaycees and in 1964 was named by them as one of the five "Outstanding Young Men of the State."[citation needed]
Bruno and his wife Barbara Frasier (deceased) have four children: Joseph, Susan, Kenneth and Catherine, and live in Brunswick in Rensselaer County, New York.
There is at least one building named for Bruno in each of the fourteen towns and two cities that comprise Rensselaer County, New York. In addition, the Houston Astros A short-season affiliate "Tri-City ValleyCats" play in Joseph L. Bruno Stadium situated on the Troy-North Greenbush Border.
Bruno was first elected to the New York State Senate in 1976 from a district composed of the counties of Rensselaer and Saratoga. He was first elected Temporary President of the New York State Senate in January 1995 and re-elected to that position in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005.
In 1966, Bruno was on the campaign staff of Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and from 1969 to 1974 he served as Special Assistant to Speaker of the Assembly Perry B. Duryea. From 1968 to 1969, he was President of the New York State Association of Young Republicans. He also served as Chairman of the Rensselaer County Republican Committee from 1974 to 1977.
Bruno, along with Governor George Pataki and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, was instrumental in bringing the return of the death penalty to New York State in 1995. The bill they passed was ruled unconstitutional by the New York State Court of Appeals (analogous to the Supreme Court in other states) when it turned out that the law gave jurors deadlocked between life without parole and execution no choice but to give eligibility for parole after 25 years. When faced between this possibility, the Court of Appeals feared that execution would seem unfairly preferable. In the 10 years since the law was passed, New York\'s crime rate plummeted without ever seeing an execution, perhaps weakening the public support for the death penalty. Silver let the law die in 2005 without much debate. According to an editorial in The Buffalo News, Bruno forced a bill through the Senate on June 27, 1995 that would have forced girls under 16 to get consent from both parents for an abortion. It never passed the New York State Assembly.
In 2005, Bruno proposed research into high speed rail development in New York State as part of a plan to boost Upstate New York\'s economy.
As the Temporary President of the Senate, Bruno is Chairman of the Rules Committee and an ex officio member of all Senate standing committees and statutory commissions.
A minor league baseball stadium in Troy, New York, the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, is named after the Senator.
Bruno has dominated politics in the County, as well as the state, experiencing only two major defeats; when Democratic Judge Patrick McGrath won re-election as County Court Judge by 69 percent in 2003, and when East Greenbush Town Justice Bob Jacon defeated District Attorney Patricia DeAngelis for an additional County Judgeship that was created by the State Senate specifically for DeAngelis in 2005.
Bruno, in early February 2005, stated that America, instead of battling insurgents in Iraq, should declare victory and "get the troops out of there."Bruno: \'Get the Troops Out of There\' - February 3, 2006 - The New York Sun
At the start of the 2007 session, it appeared the highly popular incoming Governor Eliot Spitzer would be able to enact an ambitious reform agenda over the opposition of a weakened Bruno. However, the 2007 state budget was deemed by many as similar to the budgets approved during the Pataki years, which some dubbed a victory for Bruno.
In April Bruno also appeared to hold veto power over two other Spitzer initiatives: gay marriagehttp://www.wstm.com/Global/story.asp?S=6438366&nav=2aKDJJNz and campaign finance reformNew York Post Article. He challenged Spitzer to restore the state\'s death penalty law.http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070428/NEWS05/704280355 He also has criticised the Governor\'s plan to issue driver\'s licenses to illegal immigrants, claiming it was aimed at stuffing the ballot box with Democratic voters http://www.nypost.com/seven/09262007/news/regionalnews/bruno_warns_of_illegal_vote_dr.htm
On July 23, 2007, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo admonished Governor Eliot Spitzer\'s administration for ordering the State Police to track Bruno\'s travel records, particularly his use of a state helicopter. New York Times, Spitzer’s Staff Misused Police, Report Finds, by DANNY HAKIM, Published: July 23, 2007. At the direction of top officials of the Spitzer administration, the New York State Police created documents meant to cause political damage to Bruno.The Ithaca Journal, Cuomo: Spitzer aides used state police to try to damage Bruno, by CARA MATTHEWS, July 23, 2007. The governor\'s staff had stated they were responding to a Freedom of Information Act request from The Times-Union of Albany in late June.Troy Record, Spitzer aides blamed for leak, by MICHAEL GORMLEY, July 24, 2007. On May 23, Spitzer\'s Communications Director Darren Dopp wrote Rich Baum, a senior Spitzer adviser, that "records exist going way back"Oneida Dispatch, Spitzer aides linked to Bruno leaks, By MICHAEL GORMLEY, July 24, 2007. about Bruno\'s use of state aircraft, and that "Also, I think there is a new and different way to proceed re media. Will explain tomorrow." Dopp later wrote another e-mail to Baum after a story ran in the Times-Union about a federal grand jury investigation of Bruno\'s investments in thoroughbred racing horses, and wrote: "Think travel story would fit nicely in the mix."
A 57-page report issued by the Attorney General\'s office concluded that Spitzer aides attempted to create negative media coverage concerning Bruno\'s travel before any Freedom of Information request was made.The Buffalo News, Cuomo criticizes Spitzer for using State Police to monitor Bruno, by TOM PRECIOUS, July 23, 2007. The investigation looked into both Bruno\'s travel and the senate leader\'s allegation that Spitzer used State Police to spy on him.The Guardian Unlimited, Report: NY Governor\'s Office Leaked Data, By MICHAEL GORMLEY, July 23, 2007. Cuomo concluded that "These e-mails show that persons in the governor\'s office did not merely produce records under a FOIL request, but were instead engaged in planning and producing media coverage concerning Senator Bruno\'s travel on state aircraft before any FOIL request was made."Washington Post, N.Y. Governor Moves to Limit Ethics Scandal, By ANTHONY FAIOLA, July 25, 2007; Page A06. It noted that the Times-Union\'s initial FOIL request didn\'t even ask for the records involving Bruno that the paper was later given by aides to Spitzer.New York Post, SPITZER AIDES DIRTY: CUOMO, by FREDRIC U. DICKER, July 24, 2007. The Times-Union\'s requests sought documents on use of state aircraft by seven officials, including Spitzer, Bruno and Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson, yet Spitzer’s office released only Bruno’s itinerary.The Buffalo News, Spitzer aides faulted for smearing Bruno over use of state aircraft, by TOM PRECIOUS, July 24, 2007. The Spitzer administration and the State Police provided far more details about Bruno than about other officials to the Times-Union, including records to reply to a request under the state’s Freedom of Information laws, though no such request had even been made.Albany Times-Union, Exhaustive effort to \'get Joe\' boomerangs on Spitzer\'s aides, By FRED LEBRUN July 24, 2007. The report noted that the state acted outside the laws in what it released, such as documents that resembled official state travel records, “which they were not" according to Ellen Nachtigall Biben, a former prosecutor in the Manhattan district attorney’s office, who contributed to the report. The report stated that the Times-Union request came after the story about Bruno’s travels was published, and was “not consistent” with Spitzer administration claims that all it did was respond to a FOIA request.Jordan Falls News, Spitzer sanctions top aides over scandal, by SARA KUGLER, July 24, 2007. No other officials were subject to the same scrutiny as Bruno, and in some cases, the reports created by State Police were pieced together long after the trips, based on the sometimes on the memory of the police escorts involved.
The report cleared Bruno of any legal violations in his use of the state\'s air fleet.Spitzer punishes aides after AG report, Newsday, by MELISSA MANSFIELD, July 23, 2007. Spitzer also used the state aircraft during the first six months of his term as governor for political purposes, including a stop in Rochester to attend an event for the Monroe County Democratic Committee on a day in which he had a number of stops related to public business.Albany Times-Union, Spitzer aides on the outs, by JAMES M. ODATO, July 24, 2007. The report criticized Spitzer\'s office for using State Police resources to gather information about Bruno\'s travel and releasing the information to the media.New York Sun, Spitzer Faces Probe in Senate, by JACOB GERSHMAN, July 24, 2007. New York Republican State Committee Chairman Joseph Mondello claimed that "Today’s explosive report by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo validates the frightening charges that Governor Spitzer’s administration abused the New York State Police and New York’s F.O.I.L. laws in an attempt to set up Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno" and that "This disturbing abuse of power by a Governor is unprecedented." The tactics involved have raised questions among some pundits about the tactics Spitzer used as Attorney General.Forbes Online, Spitzer, Spin And Smear Tactics, by NEIL WEINBERG, July 24, 2007. The findings of the report were endorsed by Spitzer’s own Inspector General, Kristine Hamann.
Spitzer responded at a July 23 press conference that "As governor, I am accountable for what goes on in the executive branch and I accept responsibility for the actions of my office" and that his administration had "grossly mishandled" the situation.Staten Island Advance, Report: Governor\'s office compiled, leaked data on Bruno, by SALLY GOLDENBERG, July 23, 2007. Spitzer issued an apology to Bruno and stated that "I apologized to Senator Bruno and I did so personally this morning." He added "In addition, I apologized to the men and women of the State Police, and to acting Superintendent Preston Felton personally for allowing this esteemed institution to be drawn into this matter." Felton claimed in a written statement that "I have never, in my 26-year career with the state police, knowingly undertaken any such action and never would," and that "To the extent that circumstances previously not known to me have now given rise to that appearance, I am particularly saddened."
Spitzer subsequently announced that he would indefinitely suspend his communications director, Darren Dopp, and reassign another top official.AG report faults Spitzer aides in Bruno scheme, Albany Times-Union, by JAY JOCHNOWITZ, July 23, 2007. When questioned about his promise to bring a new dawn of ethical responsibility to state politics, Spitzer responded by saying "I will not tolerate this behavior,", "ethics and accountability must and will remain rigorous in my administration," and that "I have always stated that I want ethics and integrity to be the hallmarks of my administration. That is why I requested that the State Inspector General review the allegations with respect to my office, and that is why we have fully cooperated with both inquiries." As of July 2007, Cuomo\'s office was considering recommending disciplinary action against the Governor\'s office.1010 WINS, Spitzer Shakeup After Report That Office Leaked Data on Bruno, July 23, 2007.
Republican State Senator Dean Skelos stated that the report "leaves many questions open in terms of how far up the chain of command were the acts of — at least the acts of Dopp and Howard — known?".Hakim, Danny. "His Aura Faded Now, Spitzer Faces Bolder Enemies", New York Times, July 23, 2007. Retrieved on July 28, 2007. Skelos added that he believed it would be "totally appropriate" for the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, which has subpoena power and of which Skelos is a member, to review the matter. Skelos called the matter "the makings of a real conspiracy here", and was echoed by Assemblyman Keith Wright, a Harlem Democrat who said the findings of the report sound "very Nixonian." Douglas Muzzio, a Baruch College political scientist, commented that "The Watergate analogy is inescapable."The Journal News, Black eye for Spitzer may harm reform efforts, by JAY GALLAGHER, July 24, 2007.
Skelos notes Cuomo\'s investigators never questioned Spitzer or a top aide mentioned in the report, Secretary to the Governor Rich Baum, who received e-mails related to the plot.Reuters, Spitzer\'s woes in NY probe not over: analysts, By DANIEL TROTTA, July 25, 2007. Cuomo spokesman Jeffrey Lerner said Spitzer\'s counsel provided the e-mails and that Baum and Dopp refused requests to be interviewed, opting instead to provide sworn written statements.NY1 News, Spitzer Tries To Press On In Wake Of Albany Scandal, by JOSH ROBIN, July 24, 2007. He added that speaking to Spitzer would be unnecessary because there was little evidence of criminal or improper activity.Newsday, Senate seeks more investigation of Spitzer scandal, By CAROLYN THOMPSON, July 24, 2007. Dopp and Baum are considered Spitzer’s closest advisers, and no action was taken against Baum.Times Herald-Record, Spitzer suspends two over leaked info about Bruno travels, by BRENDAN SCOTT, July 24, 2007. The Chairman of the State Senate Committee on Investigations stated he would contact Attorney General Cuomo to obtain any documents, e-mail messages, and testimony under oath collected by the Attorney General\'s investigators.New York Times, 2 Spitzer Aides Not Questioned Over Police Use, By DANNY HAKIM and NICHOLAS CONFESSORE, July 25, 2007. Numerous prominent New York Democrats distanced themselves from Spitzer, refusing to come to his defense, including five members of New York\'s Democratic congressional delegation, Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer, the chairman of the Queens Democratic Party, Rep. Joseph Crowley, Rep. Charles Rangel, and mayor candidate Reprenstative Rep. Anthony Weiner.New York Sun, Democrats Deny Governor Cover, By JACOB GERSHMAN, July 25, 2007
Bruno temporarily suspended his legal use of state aircraft for political purposes in July 2007.http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2007/07/brunos-train-encounter.html
Entering 2007 Bruno\'s hold on Senate control appeared more tenuous than in prior years, as the Republicans lost the senate seat formerly held by Nicholas Spano, failed to regain a Republican leaning seat in Syracuse and with a caucus diminished to 33 members had to defend the open seat of Michael Balboni in Nassau County, which was lost to a Democrat in a February 6, 2007 special election.Spitzer\'s Senate choice wins - Page 1 - Times Union - Albany NY Balboni had resigned to take a top post in the incoming Eliot Spitzer administration. The electoral reverses and the ongoing FBI investigation have led some Republicans to suggest Bruno may step down. http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?TstoryID=547032&category=STATE&newsdate=12/22/2006 There have also been rumors some Republican senators may cross the aisle to throw control of the Senate to the Democrats.Spitzer\'s Senate choice wins - Page 1 - Times Union - Albany NY
Bruno\'s position became even more tenuous in February 2008 after another special election loss, that of the heavily Republican 48th District in Watertown formerly held by James Wright. This loss diminished the Republican edge to a single seat and press speculation centered on whether the remaining GOP senate caucus would cause Bruno to step down. http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=667122&category=FRONTPG&BCCode=HOME&newsdate=2/27/2008
As the Senate\'s majority leader, Joseph Bruno is third in line for the position of Governor of New York. With Eliot Spitzer\'s resignation effective March 17, 2008, that would make Bruno acting Governor only if the governor is incapacitated or out of state.http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080312/ap_on_re_us/spitzer_prostitution However, Bruno, in accordance with the New York Constitution, will become the "Acting Lieutenant-Governor" upon Paterson\'s ascension to the governorship and "...shall perform all the duties of lieutenant-governor."http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/pdfs/cons2004.pdf "See Article IV, Section 6, Paragraph 4"
During the budget process in 1995, Bruno, new to the Majority Leader role at the time, made a comment about blacks and Hispanics who "got their hands out" pressuring the legislature to avoid cuts to social services.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE7DD1039F93BA35757C0A963958260&n
According to the Syracuse Post-Standard, "Bruno said he was referring to the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, which is a major force in the Democratic majority in the Assembly." The comments caused a public spat with Al Sharpton and the Democratic leaders of the State Assembly.[citation needed] Sharpton told Bruno he should remove himself from that year\'s budget negotiations.[citation needed] Bruno\'s defense was that he was referring to political caucuses, not all blacks and Hispanics; he offered a blanket apology for offending some people, but refused to take his words back.
Fiscal conservative pundits originally were very supportive of Bruno\'s agenda in the State Senatehttp://www.city-journal.org/html/11_2_new_yorks_rep.html In recent years they have expressed concern over his willingness to cooperate with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on budgets they deem excessive, endorsements he has received from state employee labor unions, including health care union Local 1199, and recruiting former Democrats as Republicans to campaign for swing seats in the Senate, such as districts in Syracuse and the Bronx.http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/?p=2834 http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9501E7DF123AF934A25754C0A9629C8B63&n=Top%2FReference%2FTimes+Topics%2FPeople%2FB%2FBruno%2C+Joseph+L.
In December 2006 Bruno disclosed the Federal Bureau of Investigation had been looking into business associates who had received state grants. The FBI investigation appears to have led to Bruno ending one of his long-time consulting jobs in 2007.http://timesunion.com/AspStories/storyprint.asp?StoryID=649518
Ironically, in early 2008 the FBI initiated an unrelated investigation into Bruno\'s bitter rival, Governor Eliot Spitzer and linked Spitzer to a high priced prostitution ring. A further irony is that while Spitzer attacked Bruno for allegedly improper state travel, Spitzer himself traveled to Washington, D.C. on February 13, 2008 on "state business" when he engaged in a $4300/night tryst.
| Preceded by Douglas Hudson | New York State Senate, 41st District 1977–1983 | Succeeded by Jay Rolison |
| Preceded by Ronald Stafford | New York State Senate, 43rd District 1983 – present | Incumbent |
| Preceded by Ralph J. Marino | Majority Leader of the New York State Senate 1995– | Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Current Government of New York Statewide Elected Officials | ||
|---|---|---|
| Senior United States Senator Junior United States Senator | Chuck Schumer Hillary Rodham Clinton |  |
| Governor of New York Lieutenant Governor of New York New York State Attorney General New York State Comptroller | Eliot Spitzer David A. Paterson Andrew Cuomo Thomas DiNapoli | |
| Senate Majority Leader Senate Minority Leader | Joseph Bruno Malcolm A. Smith | |
| Assembly Speaker Assembly Majority Leader Assembly Minority Leader | Sheldon Silver Ronald Canestrari James Tedisco | |
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