Posted on 09/06/2002 8:38:59 AM PDT by Tumbleweed_Connection
Combining two familiar campaign themes yesterday, state Controller Carl McCall charged that Gov. Pataki has spent too much of the state's money on TV ads promoting New York and himself - and not enough on education. Pataki "spent about $100 million last year on television promoting George Pataki," said McCall, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. "Well we're not going to do that. We're going to put that money into the education budget."
Pataki aides have justified the ads by calling the governor an effective spokesman for state programs and tourism. But in May, the Republican incumbent cut off state-financed ads in which he appeared, citing the upcoming election.
His campaign also sought to focus on McCall's record as president of the city Board of Education, noting that under his leadership, "test scores went down, the number of students receiving Regents diplomas went down and class size went up."
Meanwhile, McCall refused to comment on a published report quoting Andrew Cuomo - who quit the race Tuesday - as saying his bid for the Democratic nomination crumbled partly because he is white and McCall is black.
"Andrew Cuomo graciously exited this race. He's committed to support me," McCall said. "And I look forward to working with him to continue to unite the Democratic Party."
Pataki got good some news in court, where judges tossed out state and federal suits filed by the Thomas Golisano camp alleging voter fraud by the Pataki campaign.
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