GOP “leaders” are starting to play the blame game to explain why, unlike the rest of the country, there wasn’t exactly a Republican wave in the state.
From Capitol Confidential, “Skelos: Paladino cost us statewide“:
“… [Fred] Dicker asked if Carl Paladino’s position at the top of the GOP ticket did damage to Senate races as well as other GOP losses. “He definitely hurt us,” said Skelos. ” … When you have somebody losing in, let’s say, Queens by 70-30 if not more, it hurts you.” Skelos said that Paladino could also be blamed for Harry Wilson’s loss in the Comptroller’s race …”
For all his faults, Paladino was the only statewide candidate that generated any sort of grassroots enthusiasm which is why he defeated Rick Lazio in the primary. I actually saw Paladino’s campaign roadsigns. I saw exactly one each for Joe DioGuardi and Jay Townsend in the same yard and none for Dan Donovan or Harry Wilson anywhere. Whose fault is that?
George Marlin’s commentary to the Post hits the nail on the head, “Party establishment doomed NY GOP“:
“… Because the Pataki-era GOP lost its way and deliberately failed to nurture a new generation of viable candidates, state-party conventions in recent years designated three wannabes who were previously rejected by the voters and made their livings feeding off the government trough as lobbyists … Yesterday’s smattering of GOP victories had nothing to do with the party leadership. Republicans had just hit bottom — they hold so few elected offices in New York that in this Tea Party, “Don’t tread on me” political environment they were bound to win a few races …”
I would go so far as to say that the few Republican victories were in spite of party leadership.
“… To restore the party’s credibility with the voters so it can again become a viable political force in the state, Ed Cox and longtime county bosses like Nassau’s Joe Mondello should resign and turn the party over to younger, energetic people … They should also invite Tea Party activists to join the GOP’s ranks and build a base-vote-driven, grass-roots party structure …”
Including gun owners.
Republicans in NY have the cards stacked against them from the get go. Two to one Democratic enrollment due to several large cities. The make up of the electorate. Unions dumping money on Democrats.
Republicans can still win of course. But the candidates must be outstanding. Not polarizing.
Good analysis, and a lot like the GOP in California and elsewhere where the Establishment, more concerned with its own stature than the movement, drags its heels and finds relief in losing.
Especially agree with the heel dragging comment.
It’s only a matter of time until an electable Republican appears. However it does us no good and in fact more harm if he’s one who believes that his oath to uphold the Constitution doesn’t include the fundamental right enumerated in the Second Amendment.
Note that it’s a FUNDAMENTAL right as per the US Supreme Court in McDonald.
Update: Paladino won 12 counties.