Gov. Pataki's Top Adviser Reportedly Slams Pres. Bush, Religious Right In Interview

[NATO AIR]

wow, pataki better hope this is BS, but i think its probably accurate

http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/20393.htm

PATAKI MAN SLAMS BUSH

By FREDRIC U. DICKER & ABBY WISSE

November 10, 2004 -- ALBANY — Gov. Pataki's top political adviser has trashed President Bush, attacked the "Christian right," and said Bush's re-election means Pataki can't become president in 2008.
The shocking comments by Arthur Finkelstein appeared in the Israeli daily newspaper Maariv, which also quoted the nationally known GOP consultant as saying that in the presidential election, "the Republican Party became the Christian right, the most radical in modern history ever."

Finkelstein, the one-time political guru to former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, is also described by Maariv writer Boaz Gaon as "hating" Bush.

In the story, which ran last Friday, Finkelstein accused Bush of trying to "dictate to America how to live and what to believe in."

Finkelstein, who has helped run several Israeli elections, is also described as claiming Bush is more interested in banning abortion than he is in winning the war in Iraq.

And Finkelstein, who told a Boston newspaper several years ago that he is homosexual, described Bush's campaign strategy as being more interested in banning gay marriages than in improving the American economy.

Finkelstein, who is credited with orchestrating Pataki's stunning upset victory over then-Gov. Mario Cuomo in 1994, told the newspaper Bush's victory is bad news for Pataki, a social liberal who supports abortion and gay rights, because it means the "Christian right" is in charge of the GOP.

Asked if Pataki could run for president in 2008, Finkelstein responded:

"Bush's victory not only establishes the power of the American Christian right in this candidacy, but in fact established its power to elect the next Republican president."


Finkelstein did not return calls seeking comment, and Pataki's camp did not return calls.

A prominent Republican familiar with the interview called Finkelstein's comments "a big embarrassment for Pataki.

"Arthur isn't comfortable being a Republican anymore when he's so unhappy with our success and that's why he's so flamboyantly bashing the president."

 

[dilloduck]

wow, pataki better hope this is BS, but i think its probably accurate

It's sad that the religious/secular wars are escalating

 

[NATO AIR]

It's sad that the religious/secular wars are escalating

both sides must be careful not to over play their hands... or the american people will punish them at the polls.

for this guy though, can you say "political suicide?"

 

[theim]

Well there's one name to scratch off the possible GOP '08 list. Pataki will never get the party's nomination after this.