Zeroing in on Sais

From Queens-Politics:

Both male district leaders in AD 26, Evan Stavisky and Michael Sais, have been absent from participating in community functions for as long as they’ve been elected. But who exactly are they? Michael Sais, who once worked for the Parkside Group, is presently the chief-of-staff for Senator Michael Gianaris of Astoria, who is also a client of the Parkside Group and a former Albany roommate to Stavisky who founded the firm.

Evan Stavisky does not live in Queens, he lives in Rockland County and Michael Sais has moved around Queens chasing rumors of open seats more times than someone in witness protection.

This is not breaking news. For a long time it has always been a topic of interest in political circles, a running joke of epic proportion. Outside analysts and commentators have even accused community members of being silent, until now. Sais has been registered to vote in College Point, Bayside, Bell Blvd. even Auburndale. Landlords loved him. He was never home.

Hey, I agree wholeheartedly with your analysis, but several firms do the same thing with regards to lobbying the people they represent during campaigns. Until the law changes, that aspect of politics won't. And we all know it's in everyone's best interest to maintain the status quo.

Carrozza may be faced with challengers

From City Hall:

...rumors are swirling that some within the party would prefer to see Carrozza take a pass on a re-election bid. Already, a number of potential challengers are lining up to take on the scandal-scarred incumbent.

Democrat Steve Behar, who recently finished a distant fourth in a six-person Democratic primary to replace Council Member Tony Avella, said he is strongly considering running for the Assembly seat whether Carrozza stays in the race or not.

Behar, an attorney, is not closely associated with the Queens Democratic Party and would have few qualms about running a primary against an establishment-backed incumbent.

Meanwhile, political insiders on both sides of the aisle believe that if Carrozza does not run, Michael Sais, the chief of staff for Assembly Member Michael Gianaris, is lined up as the county party’s pick to the replace her. Sais has also worked as a lobbyist for the Parkside Group, the consulting firm typically used by Queens Democratic Party candidates.

Also, Matthew Silverstein, president of the New York State Young Democrats, said that if Carrozza chooses not to run for re-election, he will definitely run for the seat.

Queens Republicans, meanwhile, are coalescing behind Vincent Tabone, executive vice-president of the Queens Republican Party.

Tabone, an attorney who has worked in both the Giuliani and Bloomberg administrations, said he would also decide whether to run sometime early next year.

Photo from the Daily News