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Paterson suspends ACORN contracts in New York

posted at 10:45 am on September 19, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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Well, what does he care?  David Paterson has as much chance of winning re-election in New York as George W Bush has of becoming governor of California, even with ACORN at his side.  Suspending their contracts won’t do any damage, and even ACORN publicly supports the idea for now:

In another blow to ACORN, Gov. Paterson put a hold Friday on all state contracts with the embattled anti-poverty agency.

Paterson’s budget director and director of state operations ordered agencies not to move forward on contracts with the group.

The hold will stay in place during a 30-day review of $400,000 worth of state contracts with ACORN and its parent, New York Agency for Community Affairs.

While the national spokesperson, Bertha “Baghdad Bob” Lewis, fulminates over the latent racism of suspending federal funds to an organization caught on tape in numerous locations offering advice on tax evasion, the New York ACORN office appears to be playing long ball:

NY ACORN President Pat Boone said he has no problem with Paterson’s move.

“We welcome the governor’s review and are confident he will find that every state dollar we’ve received went directly to combating New York’s foreclosure crisis and helping tens of thousands of low-income New Yorkers access the Earned Income Tax Credit,” Boone said.

Boone has grasped the mood more clearly than Lewis and is strategizing for the next round of Survivor: Community Organizer.  Lewis has made herself into a national joke with bold assertions of ACORN offices that sniffed out the hoax, only to get humiliated as offices she named — New York City and San Diego among them — got burned on video.  Boone will play along for a while to see how bad the damage gets, and leave his credibility intact when the time is right to pressure Paterson to restore funding.

ACORN should consider giving Lewis the boot and promoting Boone to the top spot.  If more of Lewis’ predictions blow up in her face, I don’t doubt they will.  If they want to get the funding spigot reopened, ACORN will have to make some public changes, and that would be the first place a rational organization would choose.

Eventually, though, New York will reinstate the contracts regardless.  The Democrats need ACORN too badly to let them starve for funds, and Democrats control the state purse.  However, it’s a mark of how far ACORN has fallen that Paterson would cut the funds off even temporarily — and ACORN would support the decision.


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and is strategizing for the next round of Survivor: Community Organizer

Ha. That’s perfect, Ed.

Spirit of 1776 on September 19, 2009 at 10:47 AM

Don’t. Let. Up.

Until everything is shut down and those responsible are in orange jumpsuits, we are not safe from this menace.

Fallen Sparrow on September 19, 2009 at 10:48 AM

Eventually, though, New York will reinstate the contracts regardless.

So, it’s really just a non story. All for show.
Great.

bridgetown on September 19, 2009 at 10:48 AM

Even Paterson couldn’t turn a blind eye toward ACORN’s misdeeds….

Some diversion meant to draw attention away from ACORN will be coming from Osama Obama’s pet shills in 5…4…3…2….

MrScribbler on September 19, 2009 at 10:49 AM

It’s amazing that they have gotten so many contracts in the first place given the damage they do.

AllahPunditFan on September 19, 2009 at 10:50 AM

George W Bush has of becoming governor of California, even with ACORN at his side.

I am sure they could pull it off.

rob verdi on September 19, 2009 at 10:52 AM

My understanding is that there are many more incriminating tapes to come. If that is correct, I think ACORN is going to have a very tough time surviving in many states. There is too much public awareness at this point, people are sick of it and finally responding.

mimi1220 on September 19, 2009 at 10:54 AM

Where is RICO?

TN Mom on September 19, 2009 at 10:55 AM

They’re losing money and influence ,hopefully more Acorn leeks will follow.

the_nile on September 19, 2009 at 10:55 AM

Charlie Rangel will punch his eyes out for that

bluegrass on September 19, 2009 at 10:57 AM

Do the NY (D)s really need them back?

ACORN=Leprosy

cmsinaz on September 19, 2009 at 10:58 AM

with the embattled anti-poverty anti-capitalist agency.

what the hell does it mean to be an “anti-poverty” agency, and is anyone “FOR” poverty?

(Well, we all know anti-capitalist liberals act to bring everyone to poverty… but no one claims to be pro-poverty)

knob on September 19, 2009 at 10:59 AM

The only question I have left is how many vids of bigGov’t have up its sleeve? So far it seems like every time ACORN has the bleeding stopped, a new video or two comes out to put a new hole in them.

Spc Steve on September 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM

cmsinaz on September 19, 2009 at 10:58 AM

how about trying to win an election fairly by hard work and perseverance

cmsinaz on September 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Burn it down to the ground! Force them to at least reform under a different name which would be easier to track than the present multiple viper nests.

a capella on September 19, 2009 at 11:01 AM

Keep an eye on “Community Organizations International” – Since June of this year, that’s the current name of ACORN.

There’s over 300 registered corporate names for this group of absolute evil anti-freedom “Americans”.

I’ll bet anyone the proverbial dollars to donuts, one of the C.O.I. subsidiaries gets the contract for the 2010 Census.

Kenny Solomon
Locked, loaded, safeties off…… Molon Labe.

E T Cartman on September 19, 2009 at 11:02 AM

how about trying to win an election fairly by hard work and perseverance

cmsinaz on September 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Did you manage to write that without giggling?? Jes’ curious.

E9RET on September 19, 2009 at 11:05 AM

When does the FBI investigations begin!!

canopfor on September 19, 2009 at 11:06 AM

Where is RICO?

TN Mom on September 19, 2009 at 10:55 AM

Reminds me of Edward G. Robinson at the end of “Little Ceasar” Is this the end of RIICCOOOO???!!

With Eric Holder, there won’t be a RICO. But the kids who did the investigating will have the fury of the Justice Dept. and IRS turned on them, no doubt.

J.J. Sefton on September 19, 2009 at 11:07 AM

If ACORN stays out of the voter registration drive and census business then I’m a lot happier… their reputation has been bruised and they’ll have to reform a bit to get it back…

ninjapirate on September 19, 2009 at 11:10 AM

The “settlements ” are dried up. When ACORN threatened and attacked a bank for example to make more loans to ghetto deadbeats, the banks would “settle” and give lumps to ACORN to stop harrassment. That is now gone. Banks can say take a hike.

seven on September 19, 2009 at 11:12 AM

With Eric Holder, there won’t be a RICO. But the kids who did the investigating will have the fury of the Justice Dept. and IRS turned on them, no doubt.

J.J. Sefton on September 19, 2009 at 11:07 AM

If so, Eric Holder is a nation of cowards.

nyx on September 19, 2009 at 11:12 AM

It’s too bad the Justice Department & the FBI are corrupt.
An honest thorough investigation of ACORN would make someones career. It would make heroes too.

Jeff from WI on September 19, 2009 at 11:12 AM

Even Paterson couldn’t turn a blind eye toward ACORN’s
MrScribbler on September 19, 2009 at 10:49 AM

Blindist!!

angryed on September 19, 2009 at 11:13 AM

With Eric Holder, there won’t be a RICO. But the kids who did the investigating will have the fury of the Justice Dept. and IRS turned on them, no doubt.

J.J. Sefton on September 19, 2009 at 11:07 AM

Those kids have nothing. They never started a non profit. They didn’t have jobs that are steady. All they have is video in their cell phones and no nudity.

seven on September 19, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Did you manage to write that without giggling?? Jes’ curious.

E9RET on September 19, 2009 at 11:05 AM

just a little one :-)

cmsinaz on September 19, 2009 at 11:15 AM

Wow, right after the election ACORN stock would have been the one to buy, now…not so much.

And I know ACORN is supposedly “non-profit” business, but now it really is non profit! The end is near!

Mr. Joe on September 19, 2009 at 11:15 AM

Holder is part of the problem he shielded the black panthers and won’t touch this. These people are Obama family.

seven on September 19, 2009 at 11:16 AM

Good thing there are more videos.

It’s a shame that sincere people have been fooled by ACORN. Hopefully they find some other way to help the poor and gain a bit of knowledge about doing so in ways that don’t encourage partisan dependence on the govt.

aikidoka on September 19, 2009 at 11:17 AM

Actually soros, Obama, Podesta and others funneling cash into ACORN and writing it off may become disallowed deductions.

seven on September 19, 2009 at 11:17 AM

Kicking dirt after them, after the cowards run, don’t let up the pressure!

thebrokenrattle on September 19, 2009 at 11:21 AM

Dear dear, how will APORN house the hos if they are liquidated?

BL@KBIRD on September 19, 2009 at 11:24 AM

test

ted c on September 19, 2009 at 11:24 AM

Lewis has made herself into a national joke with bold assertions of ACORN offices that sniffed out the hoax, only to get humiliated as offices she named — New York City and San Diego among them — got burned on video.

LMAO

Denial!

BigMike252 on September 19, 2009 at 11:25 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFgKXAphIlc

I just could not help myself. Any ex-lgfer will die laughing.

VegasRick on September 19, 2009 at 11:25 AM

Just smoke and mirrors here folks.
Because this lieberal’s in political trouble, New York Governor David Paterson is just posturing for reelection purposes. It’s just a frivolous thirty day delay, then ACORN will be back to business as usual.

byteshredder on September 19, 2009 at 11:30 AM

(Well, we all know anti-capitalist liberals act to bring everyone to poverty… but no one claims to be pro-poverty)

knob on September 19, 2009 at 10:59 AM

I think you’re being too generous in your characterization of the anti-capitalist libs. If everyone ’shares’ the poverty, then everyone can be equal. President Obrawndo wants to redistribute the poverty (not the wealth, as Joe the Plumber pointed out). His claims were somewhat explicit, and I think I’ve heard him discuss this as an alternative to ‘reparations,’ because mere reparations don’t go far enough.

From Glenn Beck

Tom_OC on September 19, 2009 at 11:32 AM

SUE, BERTHA, SUE! Come on babe, call ‘em out!

GarandFan on September 19, 2009 at 11:53 AM

All these suspensions and blocking money from ACORN is just temporary political correct gaming going on. Wait a few months and it will all be restored, no problem.

albill on September 19, 2009 at 11:55 AM

The hold will stay in place during a 30-day review of $400,000 worth of state contracts with ACORN and its parent, New York Agency for Community Affairs.

And it wouldn’t surprise me that after thirty days and once enough Liberal white wash to paint the Titanic has been applied Governor Patterson will quite happily restore ACORN’s NY state funding.

Hellrider on September 19, 2009 at 11:57 AM

The dems dont need ACORN it is expendible. They will just create another front company and moveon.

William Amos on September 19, 2009 at 12:18 PM

The only question I have left is how many vids of bigGov’t have up its sleeve? So far it seems like every time ACORN has the bleeding stopped, a new video or two comes out to put a new hole in them.

Spc Steve on September 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Maybe Monday after the Chris Wallace interview with Bertha tomorrow?

Knucklehead on September 19, 2009 at 12:26 PM

You know, back when I was dirt poor, I did my own taxes without help from anyone and could very well figure if I got th EIC or not. Why do people need help doing that?

I tell my students over and over again that they need to be their own best advocate for their education, but so few of them do. It’s frustrating as heck, but I guess it comes from this sort of mentality, and translates to an inability to do the most basic adult things down the road.

Bob's Kid on September 19, 2009 at 12:43 PM

Paterson better look out; He might be labeled a RACIST!
Oh; He’s black? I couldn’t tell!

Cybergeezer on September 19, 2009 at 1:35 PM

Paterson needs ACORN too much to sever ties, as do most other liberal NY pols. The dependance and collusion here is primordial liberalism. Paterson will wait the perfunctory month, and then resume funding through one of ACORN’s subsidiaries.

anXdem on September 19, 2009 at 1:49 PM

Gov. Paterson

even Paterson could SEE the videos showed malfeasance.
That is BAD!!!

seven on September 19, 2009 at 1:57 PM

Paterson will wait the perfunctory month, and then resume funding through one of ACORN’s subsidiaries.

anXdem on September 19, 2009 at 1:49 PM

Nope. I think he cut them now and gives himself 30 days to back up a decision he had no choice over. He will have enough time to get dirt and evidence.

seven on September 19, 2009 at 1:58 PM

I am hoping Lewis keeps her job for another year, and keeps opening her mouth as wide as possible. ACORN will bleed for it and that is a good thing.

Harry Schell on September 19, 2009 at 2:37 PM

ACORN for the first time faces the prospect of recieving it’s just desserts. The fat lady may be on TV but she ain’t singing yet, and these people are practiced in the art of covering their tracks.

While the investigation on ACORN (and acording to Breitbart on Savage yesterday possibly SEIU) has got the ball rolling, we can only hope that DOJ will follow this trail with due diligence to the big dogs. With holder in that top slot I am something less than confident in the enthusiasm he will pursue this with. However, despite that prosecutorial reluctance these things can take on a life of their own and a perfect storm manufactures its own momentum. Whatever the case, the debt owed to Giles and O’Keefe for their intrepid crusade by this country cannot be overstated.

In football there is a crunch point in ever great comeback (The ‘93 Bills over the Oilers in their erasure of a 32pt deficit come to mind.) there is a turning point upon which one can point to where the tide changed. Having Obama in office, the House and the Senate could reasonably be compared to a 32pt lead. The ACORN/child prostitution tapes may be that point at which the progressives, being cocky coming out after half-time, have gotten a tad too sloppy and Giles and O’Keefe just scored two quick TD’s.

As we have seen by the vitriol and intensity of the push-back by the progressives, they have by no means gone into a complacent “prevent-defense”. The conservatives may have seized upon the Alinskyite’s playbook and taken them by surprise by running their own plays against them.

Hmmmmn, I have seemed to have gotten of on another rambling rant, sorry guys.

I think this is starting to develop a cohesive line of thinking (perish the thought!) that might have the makings of my next piece.

If it turns into something I’ll let you know. Wish I could throw it up in the grenn room, but I have difficulties making that work.

Archimedes on September 19, 2009 at 2:58 PM

Use the IRS. It falls under the Department of Treasury, and that means conservatives can scream to Americans about Obama’s tax cheat Secretary of the Treasury (Geithner) is covering for another tax cheat. Few Americans have contact with the DOJ, the FBI, and the like. But virtually everyone–expect Obama’s non-income-tax-paying supporters–has direct contact with the IRS. And for once, they’d probably like to see the IRS going after some legiitimately bad guys.

As everyone knows, Capone got taken down on a income-tax charge. Why not ACORN?

BuckeyeSam on September 19, 2009 at 4:12 PM

“The only question I have left is how many vids of bigGov’t have up its sleeve?”
Spc Steve on September 19,

Oddly enough that’s what all the Dems in Congress want to know along with the President.

Did bigGov’t inherit Imelda Marcos shoe closet?

Tic tock tick tock

DSchoen on September 19, 2009 at 4:25 PM

Gee, only a few days ago the troll crr6 was defending Lewis and ACORN, saying that the Meth Woman in San Berdoo MUST have been fooled and intimidated into Making Stuff Up.

trolls are ‘reverse indicators’: Whatever they say IS, is….not. You can set your watch or compass by them, in reverse: night is day, up is down……..

exit question: Was the Demo Party trying to send us a message by nominating a mentally as well as visually challenged Black man as Lt. Gov? Paterson was an ‘in your face’ obviously flawed person tossed out into the uppermost levels of public office in one of the most populous states to dare any of us to object?

and when he becomes Gov because of Client # 9, the Dems doubled down on the dare? Sort of, “Here’s our blatantly unqualified clown, but you can’t touch him because of race, handicap”, etc?

They’re trolling him………..

Janos Hunyadi on September 19, 2009 at 5:18 PM

Acorn gets state money too? Anyone know how to find out if a state gives $ to them?

njpat on September 19, 2009 at 6:27 PM

Can’t wait for Baghdad Bobbette to be on Fox News Sunday…

5 minutes!!

MUST SEE TV = FNC

Khun Joe on September 20, 2009 at 8:55 AM

Glad to see gender roles have been restored in NY. Paterson grew some nad, and Gillibrand exposed the boob.

rhodeymark on September 20, 2009 at 9:12 AM

It’s becoming “PERFECTLY CLEAR” that the people Obama has in his employ that have not paid their taxes and are currently withholding tax payments and concealing other income, have been judged by Obama himself, to be exempt from the “REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH PROGRAM” being enforced.

Cybergeezer on September 20, 2009 at 10:48 AM

Makes me wonder if they already had a plan in place for something like this. After all…it was no secret conservative media was gunning for them. So it wouldn’t suprise me if they have a way around the rules in place already.

lwssdd on September 20, 2009 at 11:49 PM

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