Gun Politics New York

GOP Attorney General Candidate Keith Wofford is the best candidate for gun owners to get behind in a statewide race this year.  There’s a few reasons I say this.

First, as the Daily News reports he has access to money:

“In the battle for state attorney general, Republican Keith Wofford and Democrat Letitia James are neck-in-neck when it comes to campaign cash, new filings show. Wofford, a corporate lawyer and first-time candidate, reported late last week having a little more than $400,000 remaining while James has about $384,000. Wofford since mid July spent just under $1.4 million on his campaign, including $1.1 million toward a planned $3.25 million ad campaign … James, who unlike Wofford had to run in a primary, reported since her Sept. 23 post primary filing raising $320,294 and spending $210,379 —including $100,000 on TV ads …”

All serious candidates for public office must have access to adequate financial resources to run a creditable campaign.  Ideas mean nothing without a way to implement them and implementation usually requires cash.

Second, while still behind in the polls it doesn’t look as bad as the gubernatorial race:

“… James holds a 14-point lead, 50-36 percent, over Wofford. Both candidates do well with voters of their own party … She leads by seven points in the downstate suburbs and Wofford leads by seven points upstate …”

14 points is a lot, but both candidates are largely unknown by the public.  At this point anyone who does not think Andrew Cuomo is an asshole will never be convinced to vote for his opponent.

As to Wofford’s position on guns, that is still unknown.  Given that James’ made her intentions clear, his 2A views are secondary to his ability to run a competitive race.

Rep. John Faso stopped by the Kalicoontie Rod & Gun Club this morning to do some politicking along with Columbia County D.A. Paul Czjka.

Using a loaner shotgun he legitimately won 1st place in round one of the turkey shoot, a pork loin.

The Kinderhook Republican Committee held a fundraiser at Tri-Village Rod & Gun Club today.

Assemblyman Jake Ashby was there.

I have harped on this a lot and will continue to:  It is critical that gun owners attend events like this and for clubs to be open to hosting them.  This is how to effectively influence the legislative and political processes, not with rallies or bitching on social media.

Coming on the heels of Everytown’s endorsments, Giffords’ has made some endorsements of their own for the fall elections:

• Kirsten Gillibrand
• CD-1 – Perry Gershon
• CD-3 – Tom Suozzi
• CD-4 – Kathleen Rice
• CD-8 – Hakeen Jeffries
• CD-10 – Jerrold Nadler
• CD-12 – Carolyn Maloney
• CD-16 – Eliot Engel
• CD-17 – Nita Lowey
• CD-19 – Antonio Delgado
• CD-22 – Anthony Brindisi
• CD-24 – Dana Balter
• CD-26 – Brian Higgins
• SD-35 – Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Some thoughts on these:

• Unlike like Bloomberg’s these appear to have been done in-house.  That does not mean they have a legitimate grassroots, just that they have at least one person on staff with some political knowledge.
• The incumbent endorsements are just for prestige, like what NRA does.  Since incumbents usually win this gives them the ability to say later on that 85% (or whatever) of Giffords-endorsed candidates won.
• It is unclear what, if anything, comes with the endorsements.  Money, mailings, etc.

Mayor Bloomberg is back.

Politico reports:

“Everytown for Gun Safety, the pro-gun control group founded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is rolling out a $5 million digital ad campaign targeting 15 House races, as the group continues heavy investment in the midterm elections … The group is also going after seven open, Republican-controlled seats representing districts that include suburbs in metro areas from Seattle to New York City …”

Who are they targeting?  According to Slate:

“… All 15 of its targets are on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “Red to Blue” list, districts with strong Democratic candidates with potential to defeat the incumbent Republican or keep their seats in a contentious race …”

That gives us this list:

• CD-1 – Perry Gershon
• CD-11 – Max Rose
• CD-19 – Antonio Delgado
• CD-22 – Anthony Brindisi
• CD-24 – Dana Balter

A few thoughts:

First, this isn’t a grassroots effort.  It’s just Mayor Mike funneling his cash through Everytown.  More astroturf.

Second, this is just plain lazy.  I know from experience that surveying candidates and trying to figure out where to put resources is a big effort that takes a long prep time.  Everytown clearly didn’t do any of that if they admit to using DCC’s list.

Third, they are targeting antigun Republican Dan Donovan in CD-11.  Giving the finger to your supporters is not smart.

Fourth, in CD-19 Delgado is largely avoiding gun control with only a vague statement about treating “gun violence” as a public health issue on his campaign website.  With it being a 4-way race the campaign does not seem to believe going hard for gun control would be good for them.