Bruno: Time For All of New York to "Move Forward"

State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno spoke to reporters around 11 a.m. The Spitzer rival appeared to take no pleasure in the governor's fall and invoked the importance of governing and helping the overtaxed residents of New York. Here are some of his remarks via Cityroom:

For the last several days New York has faced a crisis unlike any other ever faced in state history. But it is now time to move on. At times like this is is imperative that we join together and do what is best for the 19 million people of this state. We in the Senate, especially in the majority, are committed to that goal and to deal, not only with an orderly transition of government, but to address our most pressing need, which is the economic crisis before us. As for Eliot Spitzer, my heart goes out to his wife and his family at this time. He must deal with his own problems in his own way, but it is now time for us and all New Yorkers to move forward.

Bruno emphasized that a major piece of business is the state budget, which needs to be passed soon. He said he had not spoken to Governor Spitzer, but that he had spoken to Lieutenant Governor David Paterson, Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver, and State Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith numerous times. He also emphasized his good relationship with Paterson.

Bruno said of the Spitzer family, "I have them in my prayers and I hope that all the people in New York will pray for this individual as he goes forward, his wife, and his family."

There are rumors that State Democrats are worried because once Paterson becomes governor, Bruno will assume Lieutenant Governor duties (per the State Constitution). Which means that when Paterson is out of state, Bruno is acting governor. So some Dems may want Paterson to remain in state all the time, effectively held hostage in the Empire State.

Photograph of Bruno on Monday by Tim Roske/AP

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By Jen Chung in News on March 12, 2008 11:28 AM

Comments [rss]

Goomba

This Bruno strunz always looks like he is giving someone the malokya. Bruno is a disgraziato.

yolatengo

Talk about hilariously bad timing: I just finished reading the recent NY Mag story about how Spitzer has basically backed Bruno into a corner and will finish him off. It's in the Best of NY issue. Probably not going to make it into the Best of NY Mag collection ;)

kristiancee

God, I hate having to watching this crooked prick gloat.

babyhitler

You have to admire Bruno's restraint in not gloating over this publicly. Privately he's probably pirrouetting.

eyekantspel

Bruno, you know, for a spring of pure evil, you're really not aging that well. Time to hit the Oil of Olay.

Actually, Bruno is almost 80, seems to be holding up pretty well. Pure evil wins!

Tgirl

[8] hell yeah, hope he's next to go

Jen Chung

Bruno's dealings with a consulting company has been under investigation since 2006.

And note that Bruno will still be Majority Leader (if the Senate holds onto its majority) AND assume Lt. Governor duties.

ANGRYGOD11

To quote Nelson Muntz: "HA!HA!"

MFer

Bruno being Lt. Gov. is good news. It's a less powerful position than even being the State Senate Minority leader, which he was certain to be after the elections.

JacqueMehoff

according to dominick carter, bruno's under investigation by the FBI.

Toby von Meistersinger

Hopefully Joe is next on the resignation due to scandal parade.

ANGRYGOD11

The Spitzer family is very wealthy because they own a lot of prime NYC real estate, including prime Manhattan apartment buildings. Elliot Spitzer and his family don't need gifts from anyone. He can offer gifts, if he wants. But, that how he got into this mess in the first place.

MT

Isn't Bruno under investigation himself?

zodak

what kind of people vote for this guy?

Elderta

that should be sad news...

Elderta

Nony, do you realize that Spitzer lives on Fifth Avenue for free?

Anyhoo, what said news that Bruno will be Lt. Gov. now. I think I'm going to be sick.

nony

The best news in Harlem & New York? David Patterson, the GOVERNOR of NEW YORK lives in a Rent Stabilized Apartment at Lenox Terrace in Harlem! Woo Hoo. The Governor of New York has a rent stabilized apartment, landlord is Olnick Organization on 59th St. Gotta love it! Rent Stabilized? Have no fear going forward, a benefactor of it is our GOVERNOR! Patterson will always have his rent stabilized apartment at Lenox Terrace, as has and does Congressman Charles Rangel to this day, and former Manhattan B President Percy Sutton.