FLASHBACK–RETIREMENT WATCH:Gary Ackerman

June 25, 2012

Last night Gary Ackerman admitted what we’ve all known for awhile – he’s retiring. Despite all his denials, the question was always “not if, but when” he would admit as much. Looks like that “Republican rumor mill” Ackerman blamed was actually right.

THE SECOND DAY STORY:

New York Democrats were successful at getting Ackerman to delay his announcement for political gain in the redistricting process. But at what cost to voters?

As you cover Ackerman’s retirement yet and another New York Democrat pulling the “I’m running until I’m not running” routine, consider the following quote:

NRCC Comment: “The New York Democrat machine delayed Gary Ackerman’s announcement for pure political gain and it’s the voters who have been robbed in the process.” –NRCC Spokesman Nat Sillin

BLAST FROM THE PAST:

Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Subject: RETIREMENT WATCH: Gary Ackerman

Good afternoon,

The question is not if but when Gary Ackerman is going to retire. Rumors have been swirling around fueled by two key telltales.

Exhibit A) The possibility that his district and that of Carolyn McCarthy would be drawn together – potentially forcing a Member vs. Member primary matchup.
Exhibit B) His lackluster fundraising – $55k and a 275% burn rate in the 4th quarter of last year.

This past weekend the chatter got so intense,Ackerman tweeted on Saturday that he was still planning to run. Straight forward denial, rumors must be wrong… right? Or is it possible all that persistent chatter is true and NY Democrats are trying to delay the announcement for political gain? This Capital New York story seems to elude to that possibility.

Is this another NY Democrat doing the old “I’m running until I’m not running” routine?? Sounds AWFULLY familiar.

December 31st: Hinchey spokesman denies rampant retirement rumors: “It’s baseless inside Washington speculation…Congressman Hinchey has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of retiring and he will seek reelection.” (Hinchey denies considering retirement, Daily Freeman, 12/31/11)

January 18th: Hinchey Announces Retirement (Democratic Rep. Maurice Hinchey to retire, Washington Post, 1/18/12)

As the Ackerman retirement watch continues, consider the following NRCC quote:

NRCC Comment: “Are New York Democrats trying to delay Gary Ackerman’s retirement for political gain? Despite his defensive response, all the signs are there that Ackerman is prepared to throw in the towel.” –NRCC Spokesman Nat Sillin