Cuomo scared to call for special elections

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Op-ed from today’s Schenectady Gazette, “Cuomo should call special elections“:

“We’re told we live in a representative democracy.  But that requires political representation, and right now more than 1.8 million New Yorkers, in 11 different legislative districts, don’t have any.  For this they can thank Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has sole discretion to call special elections and shows no inclination to do so … Cuomo hasn’t given any real explanation for not calling special elections … He probably doesn’t want 11 different campaigns that may include criticism of his policies and programs; or controversial actions such as the SAFE Act; or controversial statements such as those regarding “extreme conservatives.” …”

And yet we are repeatedly reminded by media pundits, primarily those from NYC, that there is widespread public support for SAFE.  If that is the case then it should be a non-issue and the Governor has no reason to hold up calling for special elections.

Antigun polling in SD-40

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Back in January NYAGV Boardmember Justin Wagner announced his intention to run for State Senate again this year.  Someone, presumably Wagner, is doing polling in the area.  The questions the caller asked were:

  • Asked opinion of Justin Wagner.
  • Asked opinion of Greg Ball.
  • Asked opinion of Governor Cuomo.
  • Justin Wagner supported the SAFE Act.  Does that make you more favorable or unfavorable to him?
  • Greg Ball voted against the SAFE Act.  Does that make you more favorable or unfavorable to him?
  • Cuomo wants prisoners to earn a college degree paid for by taxpayers.  Are you in favor of or opposed to this plan?
  • Are you a Liberal, Democrat, Independent, Republican or Conservative?

Trump is done

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The Trump for Governor farce is over.

Here’s a helpful tip for other rich people wanting to run for office:  Cash is King.  Hand out large bags of money before you announce your intention to run to buy party support.  Don’t make vague promises of donations later if and only if you get a clear path to the party’s nomination.

Katie Couric interviews Bloomberg

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The detestable Katie Couric (whose mummification process looks to be coming along nicely) interviews the even more detestable Michael Bloomberg on his legacy as Da Mayor.

On the topic of guns:

Some highlights:

“… Asked if he could outspend the National Rifle Association and other opponents of gun control measures, Bloomberg casually replied, “Oh sure.” But then added, “I’m not the only funder of this.” …”

True, he’s got the cash, but what he doesn’t have is genuine public support. That’s why after spending tens of millions of dollars over the years Congress blew him off. If Couric had any journalistic objectivity left she should have asked him why, if he’s got more cash and public support than NRA, did he lose?

More Democrat problems for Cuomo

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I have said before that Governor Cuomo has problems with other Democrats, something the media refuses to acknowledge.  Here’s some more proof:

“A labor-backed coalition is airing television ads attacking Governor Andrew Cuomo by name for a budget it says “continues to short-change our communities.” … The group, New Yorkers for Fiscal Fairness, is also running a radio ad and has started an online site declaring “winners and losers” in Cuomo’s budget …”

Putting the issue aside, I believe this is the first time Cuomo is being attacked personally by other Democrats.

“… Since he took office, advocacy groups of all stripes have been hesitant to criticize the Democratic governor by name; in 2011, New York State United Teachers changed an ad to replace Cuomo’s name with “Albany.” …”

Advocacy groups of all stripes except one and one is all you need because “If you could make God bleed, people would cease to believe in him, there will be blood in the water, the sharks will come …“

Trump making noise

On: By: admin

Donald Trump continues to make noise about running for Governor.  I still don’t see him doing it, especially now that Rob Astorino has declared.  Nevertheless, he continues to make the rounds and was in Syracuse yesterday at a GOP function where he spoke on a number of issues including the SAFE Act:

“… You have the SAFE Act, which is a total catastrophe.  It’s hard to believe it even got passed.  Look, you’re sitting at home and a bad guy walks in with a gun.  At least you want to have a shot at it, right?  You don’t want to be defenseless … But this SAFE Act is a disaster.  Whoever ultimately is going to be the nominee for the Republicans, they better bring it up very loud and clear because that act is a catastrophe.  I call it the unSAFE Act …”

Cuomo preps antigun ad campaign

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The NY Post reports:

“Gov. Cuomo is expected to unleash a $10 million package of TV attack ads designed to “define’’ his newly announced Republican challenger, Rob Astorino, as a “right-wing nut,” … The negative commercials will be primarily aimed at convincing independent and moderate voters, especially women, that Astorino holds what Cuomo has already branded as “extreme conservative’’ views on … gun-ownership rights … Longtime Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf said he expected Cuomo to unleash a series of costly harsh attacks — with a price tag of “about $10 million.” …”

Bring it on.  Cuomo blew $400,000 last year on a series of ads last spring through his “New Yorkers for Gun Safety” PAC trying to convince people the SAFE Act is a good thing.  Then he directed the state Democrat committee to spend probably over $1 million in a series of five full color flyers attacking Ed Manago for not support SAFE during last years Nassau County Executives race which Mangano ended up winning by 20 points. In addition, Astorino’s opponent last year Noam Bramsom spent heavy on antigun ads (1,2) and all that got him was a 10 point loss in the general election.

2nd Amendment Rally in Horseheads

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Legislative Report #14

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Legislative Report #14 is now online.

NYAGV tries to intimidate Astorino

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Antis lame attempt at intimidation:

“New Yorkers Against Gun Violence called on Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a candidate for New York governor, to explain his opposition to the New York SAFE Act when he appears today in the Bronx.  Astorino has repeatedly criticized the landmark gun safety law, passed by a bipartisan legislature and signed by Governor Cuomo in January 2013.  He is on record as saying that it is “a bad law that accomplished nothing.” …”

Simple.  He doesn’t want his approval ratings to drop ~25% like Andrew’s did.  Given NYAGV tried and failed to make SAFE into a winning issue for their endorsed candidates in both the Westchester and Nassau County Executive’s races last year there is no reason for Astorino to pay any attention to them.