Gun Politics New York

From Fred Dicker’s latest column:

“Gov. Chris Christie’s “bizarre behavior’’ in refusing to say he’ll support a possible GOP challenger [Rob Astorino] to Gov. Cuomo next year could derail his chances to become president, state and national GOP insiders have told The Post … Cuomo claimed last week that Christie, the new head of the Republican Governors Association — an organization whose purpose is to elect GOP governors — had quickly called him to say The Post was wrong in reporting the New Jersey governor was ready to back Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, should he become the Republican nominee for governor next”

Who knows what exactly was said between Christie and Cuomo.  It is possible Cuomo views Christie as a potential ’16 opponent and is deliberately screwing with him in hopes of derailing a presidential bid.

“… Democratic insiders say Cuomo and his political aides are engaged in an all-out effort to pressure Astorino not to run for governor next year.  “They’re trying to head off contributors to Astorino, spreading the word that he’s not going to run, trying to convince Republican money people that he doesn’t have a chance, and letting it be known that the governor won’t be happy with those who go with him,’’ said a source close to the state Democratic Committee …”

And now we know where Greg David’s fawning pro-Cuomo op-ed comes from.

If Cuomo and his agenda are really that popular, then what does it matter if Astorino runs against him or not?  He’d just roll right over him.  This reinforces my belief that behind the scenes Cuomo realizes he’s made a big mistake with SAFE and while he still believes he will be re-elected Governor next year, he sees his opportunity on the national stage slipping away.

Greg David’s op-ed, “Run against Cuomo? A reality check“, needs a good fisking:

“You will raise no money.  Mr. Cuomo’s war chest was bulging with about $30 million as of Aug. 1, and he maintains the ability to raise almost whatever sum he wants.  He will not only seek contributions, he will make it clear that anyone who gives to you will become an enemy …”

Yes, Cuomo has a lot of money and yes, he will think of anyone who donates to his opponent as an enemy, but there is no reason to think that Rob Astorino (or Ed Mangano) would not be able to raise a respectable amount of money if they run serious campaigns, something the NY GOP has not done recently for statewide races.

“… Mr. Cuomo has a real record and you really don’t.  Fundamentally, the governor has restrained state spending, cut taxes on the middle class, reformed Medicaid, stood by education reform, fought public-sector unions to curb retirement costs, won gun-control legislation and tamed one of the world’s worst legislatures …”

Fundamentally, taxes and spending are up under Cuomo.  The state budget is larger now than it was four years ago and the economic climate is worse.  Westchester’s budget is actually smaller now then when Astorino first took office.  Gun control has cost Cuomo at least 25 points off his approval rating and as for taming the state legislature, that is just laughable.

“… You have no winning issues to run on …”

See above, plus hyrofracking for upstate jobs and cheaper, cleaner energy for downstate.

“… Look at history …”

Partially true, given the low quality candidates the Republicans have run as of late.  The key is taking the race seriously.  If whomever gets the nomination looks like loser cannon-fodder they are doomed.