Bill Owens Willing to Take Paterson’s Handouts, But Would He Have Supported His Budget?

Bill Owens Willing to Take Paterson’s Handouts, But Would He Have Supported His Budget?

Owens Accepts Fundraising Help from NY Governor, But Remains Mum On His Unpopular and Irresponsible Fiscal Plans

Washington– Last night, Gov. David Paterson headlined a fundraising dinner held by the St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee and attended by Democratic candidate Bill Owens. While Owens is getting financial help from Paterson, the Governor has come under fire in recent weeks for his reckless spending plan that has led to record-low approval ratings and pressure from the White House not to run again.

Although he has no problem accepting money from him, would Bill Owens have supported Gov. Paterson’s budget, which has drawn constant criticism from New Yorkers?

“The hesitancy of the Legislature to propose unpopular cuts to programs and services has drawn criticism from watchdog groups and editorial pages across the state. For Paterson’s part, his unconventional decision to not lay out his own plan has also been knocked…

“Paterson in recent days has recognized that his strategy may not work and that he will have to present his own budget-cutting plan. He said when he presented a mid-year proposal to cut the budget last year, he was attacked in ads by special-interest groups, which helped lead to his record-low approval ratings.” (Joseph Spector, “Paterson finds no budget answers from legislature,” Press & Sun-Bulletin, 10/12/09)

“Bill Owens has had no problem providing financial support for the Spitzer-Paterson ticket in the past, and now it’s clear that the Governor is returning the favor,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Owens’ campaign contributions and recent public appearances with Governor Paterson leave voters no other choice but to conclude that he must be in support of his irresponsible fiscal policies as well.  It is clear that Owens cares more about his own political well being than that of taxpayers in central and northern New York who are still feeling the effects of Paterson’s economic agenda.”

If he is so willing to take fundraising help from Paterson, despite his historically low poll numbers, would Bill Owens have supported his unpopular budget?