Category: New York

Why do people make political contributions?

Why do people contribute?  That’s the question behind this Times story this morning. The donors’ motivations vary widely, from a desire to protect their business interests to ideological allegiance to personal loyalty to concern over foreign policy. And they enjoy a level of access to the government that is unavailable to most people.

Chances of Albany ethics reform

The Times once again endorses ethics reform in Albany. Governor Paterson needs to negotiate with the Legislature to quickly come up with a stronger ethics reform package. Any law must have a requirement that all lawmakers — lawyers included — tell the public exactly how they earn their outside income.