THE JOHN SHOW

We swear we saw this on an episode of Cops.

Gayle (Gaia) Sweeney, wife of former Congressman John Sweeney, is afraid for her safety.

But, before you jump to conclusions, John Sweeney is also afraid of Gayle. Oh, he also admitted to being a liar which...um...kind of makes you wonder about anything he says.

Sweeney claimed he lied then to protect his wife because, he said, she was intoxicated and had assaulted him. The police report on that incident, which occurred late one night in December 2005, became public days before the November 2006 congressional election.

A State Police report published by the Times Union six days before the election had described both Sweeney and his wife, Gayle, as intoxicated and said she complained he was "knocking her around the house." At the time, Sweeney denounced the report and said the document was a fake.

This would all make more sense if someone named Cletus was involved.

It's never funny when someone's life crashes and burns. Still, we tend to pay more deference to the rich, powerful and formally powerful. For instance, imagine you are watching an episode of Cops and fill in the blanks:

______ claimed he lied then to protect his _______because, he said, she was _____ and had ________ him. The police report on that incident, which occurred late one night in December 2005, became public days before the November 2006 ___________.

Billy Bob
Baby's Momma
Lit
Opened up a can of Momma Whoop-Ass on
Nascar Finals

Would reactions be any different? Would Vandenburgh run to the defense of Billy Bob?

The former Congressman may also seek an Order of Protection against Kirsten Gillibrand for an alleged beat-down that took place in November of '06.

If John Sweeney is serious about these allegations wouldn't it be nice to see him become actively involved in some domestic violence awareness organizations.


NORTH GREENBUSH

It appears that Chairman Spain's lawsuit against County Chair Tom Wade was a big bust. According to unconfirmed reports, the lawsuit will be withdrawn and another notice will be sent out for a meeting on the proposed By-Law changes. Wade has the votes and the By-Law changes will pass.

The changes are, in our opinion, a good move. They would allow the County Chair to call a caucus when a town committee/town chair isn't running candidates. Does it give the County Chair too much power? Not if the local committees are doing their jobs. What's that job? To run Democratic candidates.

LOCAL BLOGGER AWARD

Metroland chose Democracy in Albany as the Best Local Blogger. Congratulations. It's well-deserved. Don't spend the award money all in one place, DIA.