Modern News

Several days ago we attended the Candidate’s Forum at SUNY in Plattsburgh. As I was there in my capacity with the group from 73wire – my job was to manage interactive media, gain coverage, and special access.

After talking to SEIU north country chair Patrick Sullivan, I pulled the campaign staffer, who I can only imagine is the campaign manager as he was also staking out an event in the days following in his sports-car and sun glasses, and asked if I could have 5 minutes with Owens. He asked if I could walk with him so I obliged.

I got a tip a day prior. It was a former employee of CommutAir. Several of those employees have lost their livelihoods because of the acts of Owens, allegedly.

Owens seemed really dodgy on the issue. You decide, here’s the video (which the local media covered like hyenas on fresh meat):

The NRCC touched on this issue in a one sentence jab on a website they created, but it was hardly publicized. It was news to me until I googled it.

My source hasn’t sent me their story, so I can’t tell it now, but I personally feel for those affected in Clinton County. Should Owens somehow stumble into an election win (I hear ACORN is on the way, no, seriously… Clinton County too), I’ll investigate and get the full story. I’ve said all along – this could be the epicenter of the election. With more registered Democrats than Republicans yet a pillar in the Hoffman grassroots operation, one can’t help but be on pins and needles.

Long story short on CommutAir (as I understand it): They had jobs here. They took their shop out of the District and moved it to Ohio. They owed money (among other scandals) to the employees. Bill Owens helped their defense and fought to make sure these employees didn’t receive a dime after the court ordered otherwise. Did I mention Bill Owens also got shares in the company and flies for free (to this day)?

My friend Robert Stacy McCain would call this an “exclusive” to say the least.

We knew this was an election between Owens and Hoffman early on. Yes, 73wire sat on the story. Call it… pay back? Maybe we’re paying it forward for the inevitable hit-jobs that Hoffman’s reputation will ensue on Monday. Hell, they may make this mornings editorial page if the machine is really ready.

Update: For background on this story please see:

Owens Sat on Board of Company That Gave Questionable Stock Offering

and

Out-of-touch lawyer Bill Owens has made a career of defending tax cheats.