November 15, 2012
A report out today identifies Jim Seward as the Senator who got the highest percentage of his donations from corporations, 75% ($416,390). This is not how we should be electing representatives.See the article here and the study here
November 8, 2012
We didn't win this round, but no one really thought we would. 2012 was about beginning a process. The 51st Senatorial District, and Central New York in general, can no longer allow career politicians to run for office unchallenged. We will never get the representation we need, the representation we deserve, if we do not put forward candidates who share our goals and values. In this campaign we had about 3% of the money and we got over 30% of the vote. Next time, whether it is me or someone else, we will do better on both fronts. Senate seats belong to the people, not to special interest groups and the career politicians who are in their pockets. My deep thanks to all who voted for me, to all who sent words of encouragement, to all who volunteered and to all who donated. The fight is not over. Stay tuned, there is much more to come.
November 6, 2012
You can follow the results asthey come in at http://auburnpub.com/2012elections/results
November 5, 2012
Less than 35 hours until the polls close. Now it is about outreach and turn out. If you are in, or know people in Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkiner, Otsego, Schoharie, Tompkins or Ulster Counties, tell them about the campaign, and urge them to tell people. Tell anyone who may be interested. Follow us on Twitter (HL4NY) and like us on Facebook (HL4NY) and retweet and repost our information. We need word of mouth to battle the other side’s huge financial advantage
I will post a link here where people can see results as they come in.
November 4, 2012
I am very proud to have been endorsed by the Auburn Citizen this morning. In their endorsement, the Citizen stated “(Leib) demonstrates that he will stand up for what he believes is right despite party policy...” They took my opponent to task for breaking prior pledges and called me “a highly competent and thoroughly engaged Democratic challenger.” See the entire endorsement here.
It is an honor to be endorsed and I am looking forward to Tuesday.
November 3, 2012
Auburn Citizen runs another article on the 51st. They have been great on this race. Read it here
November 1, 2012
Such a busy day. Started with the final debate at 8AM on WHCU. You can hear it at www.WHCU870.com. Interviews with three newspapers, our next voter email hits today. There is so much excitement about the campaign. Hard to believe the election is in 5 days.
November 1, 2012
Yesterday’s biggest news, I was endorsed by legendary Congressman Maurice Hinchey. The Congressman, who is retiring this year, said about me:
I'm delighted to endorse and offer my support to Howard Leib in his race for New York State Senate. Howard has already been a voice for fair and independent government and has been a fierce voting rights advocate for all voters, of all parties, in New York and across the nation. Howard has been willing to take stands based on what is right, not what is expedient. He has challenged leaders of his own party in order to support real people. His will be an new voice for the public good in the State Senate."
I couldn’t be prouder and can only hope to live up to the Congressman’s example. See Pic Here
October 31, 2012
Big day of coverage for me in the Auburn Citizen. They ran my letter on why I am the best choice for Senate, a great article on yesterday’s debate and you can see the debate itself on their website, AuburnPub.com. Read, watch, listen. 6 Days To Go. Happy Halloween to all.
October 30, 2012
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to those who have suffered in Sandy's wake. We will clean up, dry out and rebuild where needed. Wherever you are in the State, you are not alone and will not be forgotten about.
October 30, 2012
With the storm passed, it's another busy campaign day. Newspaper interview this morning and a debate in Auburn this evening. In between, a meeting with the Editorial Board at the Auburn Citizen I hope everyone is safe and dry.
October 28, 2012
Great anti-fracking rally in Norwich yesterday. Met wonderful people and supported a very important cause. Thanks to all for the support & encouragement. Stay safe from Sandy
October 27, 2012
Join us today in Norwich for the Chenango ‘Rally to Protect our Towns.’ I'm speaking, as part of my fight to protect my district and state from fracking. The rally starts at 3 in East Park. Dan Lamb is speaking too. Join us and join our effort to protect our communities.
October 26, 2012
Debate No. 3 was great. I hope you will watch it. You can see it, in 4 parts, on the WKTV website, http://www.wktv.com.
October 26, 2012
Lots of interviews today. Neil Benjamin at The Cortland Standard this morning, on The Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter at 11:30 and a return engagement on The David Feldman show this afternoon. Yes, it is Election Time..
October 25, 2012
Debate No. 3 is tonight at 5:00 on WKTV, Utica. You will be able to watch it streamed live at http://www.wktv.com at 5:00. Look for the red banner they put up when their newscast is on.
October 25, 2012
WBNG posted an article about their profile of me. You can view it here or in our news section. I will let you knowwhen the video is posted.
October 23, 2012
Another busy week. Newspaper interview with the Cobleskill Times-Journal (Today), a story about me on WBNG's 5:00 newscast (Wednesday) a debate in Utica (Thursday), an interview with Susan Arbetter on the CapitolPressroom (Friday), and a Chenango rally against fracking (Saturday). Invigorating. Two weeks to go.
October 21, 2012
We had a terrific dinner with the Cortland Democrats last night. Dan Lamb, Barbara Lifton, Mark Suben and I all spoke to the large group that came out to support our Democratic candidates.This group is fired up and ready to win on November 6th. Thanks to Sandy Price, Cortland chair, for inviting me,
October 20, 2012
An amazing day yesterday. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with one of the great presidents, and great Democrats, of our time. I will share the experience tonight at the Cortland County Democratic Dinner. Waiting for the official photo. I will post it when it arrives.
October 19, 2012
I am headed to Syracuse today to meet with President Bill Clinton. He doesn't endorse in State races, but was willing to make a little time for me. What an honor. More later.
October 18, 2012
Great debate last night. Wegot to respondto eachotherthistime, and Idid not let my opponent get away with his usual BS. Clear distinctions between Seward's failed policies of 26 years & my vision for growth & jobs. You can watch debate coverage here and read it here or look in our News Sections.
October 19, 2012
I am headed to Syracuse today to meet with President Bill Clinton. He doesn't endorse in State races, but was willing to make a little time for me. What an honor. More later.
October 17, 2012
We have a busy schedule today - Meeting with the Daily Star Editorial Board, interview with WBNG and a debate at SUNY Oneonta. You can watch the debate live tonight at 8:20, at this link. Less than 500 hours until election day.
October 17, 2012
We have a busy schedule today - Meeting with the Daily Star Editorial Board, interview with WBNG and a debate at SUNY Oneonta. You can watch the debate live tonight at 8:20, at this link. Less than 500 hours until election day.
October 16, 2012
Debate #2 is Wednesday, October 17th, 8PM at the Craven Lounge in Morris Hall, on the SUNY Oneonta campus. IF you can't make it in person, it will be streamed live at http://www.oneonta.edu/academics/irc/qt.asp. Tune in.
October 15, 2012
Debate #2 is Wednesday, October 17th, 8PM at the Craven Lounge in Morris Hall, on the SUNY Oneonta campus. The first debate was fun for me (maybe not so much for Seward). Come join us!!
October 13, 2012
First debate done. Seward sounded like the career politician he is. It was good sharing the state with Barbara Lifton. We discussed issues and how to make this state work for real people. Next debate Wednesday at SUNY Oneonta. Join us!
October 13, 2012
First debate done. Seward sounded like the career politician he is. It was good sharing the state with Barbara Lifton. We discussed issues and how to make this state work for real people. Next debate Wednesday at SUNY Oneonta. Join us!
October 12, 2012
My first debate against Seward is tomorrow (Saturday 10/13), 10 am - noon, at the Elks Lodge, 9 Groton Ave, Cortland, NY. I have been prepping with Joe Biden,so expect some fireworks. Really looking forward to the chance to call Seward out on the issues, and his lack of leadership. It should be fun. Join us!!!
October 8, 2012
The Auburn Citizen comes out for public campaign financing, citing our raceas an example. We agree. You can see it here or in our news section.
October 8, 2012
Good article by Teri Weaver in today's Albany Post Standard comparing Seward and I. It shows I'm for regular people, he isn't.. You can see it here or in our news section.
October 6, 2012
Listen for me tomorrow (Sunday 10/7) at 7:30PM on Ithaca Now on WICB, 92 FM Ithaca. Also streaming at http://www.wicb.org/listenLive.php. We discuss both the race and the issues. A good discussion. Tune in!
October 5, 2012
My opponent's voting record gets him the third lowest score on the EPL/Environmental Advocates Senate Scorecard. I'll do better. Our environment is too important, to our State and our district. We must protect and defend it, not sacrifice it to special interests. Support your planet, support our campaign.
October 3, 2012
It was great to be interviewed by my old friend and terrific comedian and comedy writer David Feldman for his webshow. We covered a lot of background on New York State government as well as on my race. You can listen in our News section or here.
October 2, 2012
There are debates scheduled through the month of October. I am looking forward to being face to face with my opponent and to forcing him to take some actual positions. I hope you can attend listen or watch. The first debate will be Saturday October 13 at 10 AM in Cortland. We will post more details shortly.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2012
I had a great discussion with Lee Rayburn on WHCU this morning. We talked about debates, fracking and single payer insurance among other things. You'll find it on ourNews section or click here.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2012
Good article on the race by Joe Mahoney of The Daily Star in Oneonta. You can read it here or in our Press section. Seward is starting to get scared. His press spokesman is responding to our charges. He says " 'Sen Seward certainly has no trouble in debating' Leib on the full range of issues" IF Seward has no trouble, why hasn't he accepted the League of WomenVoters' invitation to debate me?
SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
Robert Harding of the Auburn Citizen reports on my call for Seward to discuss issues and debate. You can read it here or in our Press section.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
Today is the GOP primary from Noon to 9PM. I look forward to finding out who my opponent, or opponents, will be in November.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2012
A nice blog entry by Rob Harding of the Auburn Citizen on my endorsement by the Public Employees Foundation (complete with picture) I am proud to be the only Democrat,and the only non-incumbent in in a Cayuga area State race endorsed by the PEF. Read the article here.
SEPTEMBER 6, 2012
Marcie and I spent last evening with the men and women of the Service Employees International Union. This is a union that understands the need to protect voter rights, raise in the minimum wage and bring single payer insurance to New York. I support them and look forward to their supporting me.
AUGUST 30, 2012
Chenango County's hometown paper, the Evening Sun, ran our letter on The Auburn Citizen ran our Letter to the Editor on the need For calm, moderate discussion of ways to improve our gun laws. You can see it here or in our Press section.
August 27, 2012
The Auburn Citizen ran our Letter to the Editor on Jim Seward's use of public funds to support his political campaign. You can see it here or in our Press section.
August 25, 2012
WHCU, which has been covering our race with interest, posted about our UAW endorsement. You can see it here or in our Press section.
August 19, 2012
The Auburn Citizen has also published our Letter to the Editor on why Seward and the GOP are wrong to refuse discuss new ways to protect our citizens from illegal guns. Talking points are not aa substitute for leadership. You can read it on our Press page or here: http://auburnpub.com/news/opinion/mailbag/seward-s-gun-comments-miss-target/article_d5db7f20-6730-50f3-a6c5-28a4554d714c.html
August 17, 2012
The Albany Post-Standard published our Letter to the Editor on why Seward and the GOP are wrong to cling to the same old talking points and refuse to even discuss new ways to protect our citizens. you can read it on our Press page or here: http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2012/08/gun_issues_trapped_in_tired_ol.html
August 10, 2012
Another nice article by Rob Harding in the Auburn Citizen today. You can read it here: Blake and Leib will be on the ballot in the 51st Senate District
August 10, 2012
Another nice article by Rob Harding in the Auburn Citizen today. You can read it here: Blake and Leib will be on the ballot in the 51st Senate District
August 10, 2012
Another nice article by Rob Harding in the Auburn Citizen today. You can read it here: Blake and Leib will be on the ballot in the 51st Senate District
August 10, 2012
Another nice article by Rob Harding in the Auburn Citizen today. You can read it here: Blake and Leib will be on the ballot in the 51st Senate District
August 10, 2012
Another nice article by Rob Harding in the Auburn Citizen today. You can read it here: Blake and Leib will be on the ballot in the 51st Senate District
August 10, 2012
Another nice article by Rob Harding in the Auburn Citizen today. You can read it here: Blake and Leib will be on the ballot in the 51st Senate District
August 8, 2012
Oldies 101.5, WHXC - Cortland has a great news feed. They posted an article about our court victory on the petition challenge. You can read it here http://www.wxhc.com/local-news.php?id=1010&cat_id=1&p=.
August 8, 2012
Met with the United Auto Workers this morning seeking their endorsement. Talking to a lot of unions,but this one is special, because this is my union. I am a proud member of the UAW and it was good to meet with them.
August 7, 2012
Nice article today in the Cortland Standard. They do not put their articles on-line, but you can read it in our Press section.
August 7, 2012
Started the day on the Lee Rayburn Showon WHCU. Nice discussion of both the politics and the issues. Listen here http://whcu870.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=5973684 .
August 6, 2012
Spoke to Neil Benjamin at the Corland Standard who is doing a story on the race.Welcome to Cortland Neil. Also, I will be on the Lee Rayburn Show on WHCU tomorrow at 7:45 AM. Listen live or check in here when we post the interview.
August 5, 2012
Today is my birthday and, as I do each year, I went to look at the "Your Birthday Today" horoscope for the coming year. No, I don't believe in astrology, but it is fun to do. One I found in the Columbus Dispatch (LINK) states "November brings professional advancement." Hmmm, wonder what that could mean? :)
August 4, 2012
I will be on the November ballot for New York State Senate from the 51st Senatorial District. On August 1, 2012, Justice Joseph Teresi threw out the objections to our petitions, filed by Seward’s surrogates. Justice Teresi found that the objections failed to comply with applicable law and, therefore, could not be considered by the Board of Elections. As a result, I will be on the November ballot on both the Democratic and Working Families Party lines. The race is on..
August 1, 2012
Yesterday we were on The Democratic Voice, a web radio show hosted by Cynthia Pooler. It was a pleasure to spend a half hour actually talking about the issues facing my district and the state. Please listen and let me know your thoughts as well. You will find the link in our News Section.
JuLY 30, 2012
The Utica Observer Dispatch picked up our letter as well.. It sets out the cowardliness of my opponent in his challenges not only of my petitions, but those of his primary challenger as well. Seward should be ashamed. A link to the letter is in the News section.
JuLY 30, 2012
Our attorneys were in court this morning submitting our response to Seward's attempt to keep us off the ballot. Decision expected Wednesday. In the meantime, the campaign goes on
JuLY 29, 2012
Tomorrow is the court date for Seward’s Order to Show Cause trying to kick us off the ballot. Our lawyers say we should win. We will update when we have more news.
JuLY 28, 2012
That is the title of my letter to the editor published in today’s Oneonta Daily Star. It sets out the cowardliness of my opponent in his challenges not only of my petitions, but of his primary challenger as well. Seward should be ashamed. A link to the letter is in the News section.
JuLY 27, 2012
We had a hearing yesterday afternoon before the State Board of Elections in Albany. Our lawyers report that about half the panel believed that all the challenges filed against us should have been thrown out then and there. The other(GOP) members of the panel opted to send the matter to the Commissioners, though they cited no basis for not throwing the challenges out at once. Our lawyers believe that we will triumph.
My thanks to the many election law experts who have given of their time and expertise to help us with these issues. It is good to have such knowledgeable friends and colleagues.
JuLY 26, 2012
Thank you to all those who have donated to our campaign, especially to help fund our fight to stay on the ballot. While I expect to be on the ballot in November, the incumbent’s challenge too our petitions is costing us money we can ill afford. Please help us support democracy in Upstate New York. Make a donation today. Thank you.
JuLY 25, 2012
My listing is up on the Democracy for America website. Please go to my page and vote to support me. High levels of support lead to endorsements and resources. Click to Vote!
JuLY 24, 2012
Today is the first anniversary of marriage equality in New York State. I am proud that our state is a leader on this issue. I want to recognize the four GOP state senators who crossed party lines and voted to pass this law in New York. It is an embarrassment that my opponent was not one of them.
JuLY 23, 2012
Teri Weaver of the Albany Post-Standard is another reporter who is following our race closely. She has a story this morning on the incumbent’s challenge to our petitions. You can read it in our News section.
JuLY 22, 2012
We will be on Lee Rayburn’s morning show on WCHU in Ithaca tomorrow morning. WCHU is a conservative talk station, but Lee supports democracy over party label. We will be discussing the challenge to our petitions. We thank Lee for bringing us to his listeners again. We will post a link to the interview in our News section.
JuLY 20, 2012
Not content to just challenge our petitions, the Seward campaign has filed an Order to Show Cause in Albany County Supreme Court asking the Judge to declare our petitions invalid. The level of fear in the Seward campaign is almost a compliment. The problem is that we will need to spend time, money and resources on fighting this baseless attack on our right to be on the November ballot. Please help us by clicking on the “Donate” button and giving what you can.
JuLY 16, 2012
Seward’s cronies have filed objections to our petitions. While legal, this is rarely done in up state New York. These are the general objections, they have until next Monday to file what they specifically object to. This is proof of how scared Seward is of having to discuss and debate the issues and of voters having a choice. Keep reading these up-dates for more information.
JuLY 15, 2012
Rob Harding of the Auburn Citizen has another article on the campaign. Rob is one of the few reporters paying close attention to the State Senate races. You can see the article in our News section.
JuLY 13, 2012
My listing is up on the Democracy for America website. Please go to my page and vote to support me. High levels of support lead to endorsements and resources. Click to Vote!
JuLY 12, 2012
Our petitions were filed in Albany today. The race is on.
JuLY 11, 2012
After months of meetings, talking to people and having dozens of volunteers carry petitions with my name on them, we today FedExed up to Albany to be filed tomorrow. I am greatly appreciative of all the time and effort that volunteers, of many parties, have put into this campaign so far ,and I will do my best to carry their efforts forward. This, however, is just the beginning.
JuLY 10, 2012
Spoke to the New York League of Conservation Voters last night. They ore one of many groups that send surveys and questionnaires to candidates looking to see who best matches their beliefs. I am proud to say that my views line up best with friends of the environment and groups supporting working people. Let the other guy have the insurance companies, the energy companies and the PACs. We will stand for what is right.
JuLY 9, 2012
Our petitions are being signed across the district and are starting to come in. It is exciting to see democracy in action, as dedicated people talk to their friends and neighbors about a new voice and new choice this year. Thank you all.
JuLY 7, 2012
The Auburn Citizen also picked up our fracking letter. You can read it there today, or link to it in our News section.
JuLY 6, 2012
Our letter was picked up by the Daily Mail. You can read it there today, or in our News section.
JuLY 4, 2012
Today is not just about hot dogs and fireworks, it is a day to reflect on this country, on the freedoms we all have, and largely take for granted. It is a day to remember that whatever party we may belong to, whatever our political leanings, we live in a country that lets us each express our views, that lets us run for office, that lets us try to change things.
But our democracy only works if we make it work. Get involved this election season. Whether it is with my campaign or another, don’t just sit on the sidelines. Make a contribution, put in time, talk to your friends and neighbors about the issues. This country, this democracy, belongs to all of us, and it is the responsibility of all to keep it.
JuLY 3, 2012
Hard though it may be to believe, my opponent went on the radio and declared that he is willing to let 5 counties try fracking to see if it is safe. Unbelievable. I will not let any county serve as a guinea pig for the big energy companies. You can read our Letter to the Editor today in the Ithaca Journal or the Star Gazette. You can also see it posted in our News section.
June 27, 2012
Nate Shinagawa won the primary and will be the Democratic candidate for Congress in the newly redistricted 23rd Congressional District. Congrats to Nate.
June 26, 2012
Don’t forget to vote today. Primaries are being held in Congressional races across the state. Turnout will be low, so your vote counts even more.
June 20, 2012
Teri Weaver’s story ran today in the Syracuse Post Dispatch. We are mentioned as one of the few races in upstate New York where the incumbent is facing a challenger. Also mentioned is the fact that my opponent raised over a half a million dollars in the two years leading up to this election. Help balance t he scales. Click the Donate button and make a donation.
June 19, 2012
Met with the Dryden Resource Awareness Coalition today. They are a group of dedicated and involved people fighting for all of us to protect our environment, our communities and our local economies from the devastation that fracking would bring. I thank them for their work and for their support.
June 18, 2012
Had a call today from Teri Weaver, State Government Reporter at the Syracuse Post-Standard. They are also doing a story on all the incumbents running unopposed. Seems I am the go-to guy for stories like this. The article should run Tuesday or Wednesday, watch for it.
June 17, 2012
Article in today's Auburn Citizen entitled "Challengers missing: Most area state legislators may go unchallenged this year." According to the article, I am the only person challenging an incumbent State legislator in Cayuga County. So if you are in Cayuga County, even if you aren't in the 51st Senatorial District, throw me some support. Let's show them that incumbents are not unbeatable. You can see the article in our "News" section.
June 16, 2012
Spent last night helping out at American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. My wife's massage studio, Deeply Devoted Massage, ran the VIP tent for the event. Marcie and her team gave free massages to cancer survivors, some of those who raised funds and even the folks who planned the event. I manned the registration table and helped keep things moving on time. What a rewarding experience.
You can see pictures at the Deeply Devoted facebook page www.facebook.com/DeeplyDevotedMassage
June 13, 2012
Two business lobbyists sent in their own letter in response to mine on the minimum wage. Today, the Auburn Citizen posted my reply, titled "Minimum wage is about real people." You can read it in our News section or online here.
June 8, 2012
Officially endorsed by the Working Families Party. We need 450 signatures, but would love to get 900 - 1,400. If you can help, please sign up through the "Volunteer" link on our front page. Any registered Working Families Party member, or notary public can gather signatures.
June 7, 2012
My listing is up on the Democracy for America website. Please go to my page and vote to support me. High levels of support lead to endorsements and resources. Click to Vote!
<June 7, 2012
The article about the campaign ran in the Dryden Courier today. Thanks to Emmet Nino for spending so much time talking to me. The article is in our News section.
June 5, 2012
Today is the opening of the five week petitioning cycle. We need 1,000 signatures to get on the ballot as a Democrat, but would love to get 2-3,000. If you can help, please sign up through the "Volunteer" link on our front page. Any registered Democrat or notary public can gather signatures.
June 4, 2012
Met with the Cortland County Democrats tonight. Full room, lots of energy and excitement. It was nice to talk to a county that is entirely in the 51st Senatorial District. This district was hand drawn by my opponent to ensure his reelection. It has only three full districts and parts of six others. Gerrymandering is alive and well in upstate New York.
June 1, 2012
Was surprised today with a mention by Chris Bragg in his "The Notebook" blog at www.CityandStateNY.com. Bragg quoted heavily from the Times profile of me from January, about my suing Cuomo, Skelos and Silver to get fair and independently drawn election districts. Both articles will be in our News section.
May 31, 2012
The Ithaca Journal ran my letter supporting raising the minimum wage. We'll post in the News section. My opponent thinks $15,080 a year is enough to live on. I disagree. Also was interviewed by Emmet Nino at the Dryden Courier. That article should run next week. Also was interviewed by the Working Families Party. It is important that we remember the purpose of government is to help people, flesh and blood people, not paper people created by an edict of the Supreme Court.
May 30, 2012
Busy campaign day. Started on the air with Erik Sorensen at Fingerlakes Radio Group, ended talking to the Chenango Democratic Committee. Talked to Erik about issues such as the need to raise the minimum wage and how medical marijuana could benefit the farmers of our district. Was thrilled with the support offered by the Chenango Democrats. There are a lot of people out there who believe that 26 years is enough and that now is the time for change.
May 28, 2012
On this Memorial Day, please take a moment to think of all those who have given their lives so that we could have the freedom to live as we do. One way to pay tribute to them is to register to vote. You can register to vote online here.
May 25, 2012
Spoke to Erik Sorensen at the Fingerlakes Radio Group. Set up a live interview for May 30th. Hope you can tune in - live or on the web.
May 22, 2012
Interviewed this morning on WHCU News radio Ithaca. Conservative station but the host, Lee Rayburn, played it down the middle. After listening to some of my views, Rayburn called me a fiscal conservative and rightly called my opponent a career politician. Well post the audio in the "News" section. Looking forward to returning soon.
May 19, 2012
Story about the campaign today in the Auburn Citizen. Rob Harding wrote a great piece that captures many of the reasons I am running. Here is the link to the article.
May 18, 2012
Was endorsed last night by the Tompkins County Democrats. It is an honor to carry the banner for this great progressive organization.
