Monday, April 16, 2007

LI Pol in Newsday's Back Room 12/18/03




Jacobs' Internet Battle

Last week, some of Nassau County's political gossip-mongers started a message thread on the Web site LiPolitics.com titled, "Where is Jay Jacobs." They derided the leadership of Jacobs, the county's Democratic chairman, and the party's star, County Executive Thomas Suozzi, who has been embroiled in controversy over the spending habits and management failings of his former deputy for economic development.

"Jay Jacobs is the empty suit that occupies the chairmanship of the Nassau County Democratic Party," went one of the postings. "He was placed there by Herr Suozzi, and is Herr Suozzi's proxy."

Then Tuesday morning, a user under the name "quilmrt" castigated the anonymous writers as a "collection of malcontents" spouting "rumor, innuendo and half-truths." He signed off by saying, "I'm not afraid to let you know who this is: I'm Jay Jacobs. Now let's see how brave you all are."

In an interview yesterday, Jacobs acknowledged making the posting through the account of an employee at the summer camps he runs. His staffers advised him to ignore the criticism, but Jacobs said he had to respond.

"I just could not help myself. Sometimes there is such ridiculous stuff on there," Jacobs said.