We at monroerising.com have written about all the good things Tom Golisano has done for the Rochester region.  Donating to hundreds of worthwhile causes. 

Mr. Golisano’s record in politics is less distinguished.  Take his three failed runs for Governor.

These efforts led to the creation of the Independence Party of New York State.  It is a great name for a political party, but  unfortunately, most people registered in it don’t even realize they are enrolled in a political party. After his unsuccessful campaigns he abandoned politics and the Independence Party and let the chips fall where they may.

Well, take a look at the Buffalo News’ story (again Jill Terreri and the folks at the D&C are asleep at the wheel) detailing what appears to be political corruption in the Independence Party on a level unmatched by either of the major parties.

According to the Buffalo News:

Jack Davis has paid $5,000 each to the wives of the two men who will determine the Independence Party nomination for the 26th Congressional District.

The two women are his “consultants,” says Davis, a wealthy Democratic businessman who seeks the often crucial Independence line in his bid to succeed Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds in Congress.

(snip)

Davis paid $5,000 to Costal Consulting South of Venice, Fla., for “campaign consulting,” according to Federal Elections Commission records. The company is based in the mobile home owned by Orsini and is headed by his wife, Judith A. Orsini, public data base records indicate.

Davis also paid $5,000 to Blanca Semidey, of 2 Loring Ave., Rochester, also for being a “campaign consultant,” the FEC records indicate.

Blanca S. Colon is registered as a member of the Independence Party at that address, as is Rafael Colon, Monroe County Independence chairman, according to the Monroe County Board of Elections.

Rafael Colon did not return a call to comment. But Anthony Orsini said his wife’s company, incorporated in Florida earlier this year, has earned the money by providing names of friendly Democrats to the Davis campaign.

(snip)

The Independence Party has nominated Kenmore attorney Anthony A. Fumerelle, Orsini’s godson, as the candidate.

But the chairman has previously acknowledged that Fumerelle could end up “holding the line” until September, when he could receive an Independence nomination for State Supreme Court and be replaced with a major party candidate.

(snip)

Judith Orsini has attracted scrutiny in the past in connection with business activities tied to local candidates.

Michael W. Mullins, a major contributor to former West Seneca Supervisor Paul T. Clark’s 2007 campaign for county executive, hired her in March of that year to work for his nursing care company.

Three weeks later, Anthony Orsini bestowed the party’s endorsement on Clark. Both Mullins and Anthony Orsini then denied any connection between the endorsement for Clark and Judith Orsini’s job, which was described as recruiting in-home nursing personnel and lasted only a few weeks.

Judith Orsini also formerly worked part time in the local office of former Assembly Majority Leader Paul A. Tokasz, DCheektowaga, during a period when the Independence Party was closely allied with local Democrats. She is also the former deputy clerk of the Town of Concord.

(snip)

And in 2004, he and then-vice chairman Thomas W. Pecoraro sold ads for a publication with the official-sounding name of Erie County Independence Party Newsletter. It actually was a private venture launched by a company called T&T Publications owned by Orsini and Pecoraro. In 2006, Orsini was appointed by the Democratic County Legislature to the board of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., where he is eligible for up to $4,000 per year for attending meetings, plus expenses such as mileage or meals. He also receives full health insurance.

Boy, talk about smoking guns.  This is what happens when political neophytes with huge amounts of cash try to influence politics, are unsuccessful and then move on to other interests. 

This is the legacy of Tom Golisano’s last venture into politics.  For the sake of our state, let’s all hope he stay out of politics this year and save some of his money so he can buy the Buffalo Bills in a few years!