{"id":9358,"date":"2013-12-01T17:02:59","date_gmt":"2013-12-01T22:02:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gunpoliticsny.com\/?p=9358"},"modified":"2013-12-01T17:02:59","modified_gmt":"2013-12-01T22:02:59","slug":"a-reality-check-on-running-against-cuomo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.gunpoliticsny.com\/?p=9358","title":{"rendered":"A reality check on running against Cuomo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Greg David’s op-ed, “Run against Cuomo? A reality check<\/a>“, needs a good fisking:<\/p>\n

“You will raise no money. \u00a0Mr. Cuomo’s<\/a> war chest was bulging with about $30 million as of Aug. 1, and he maintains the ability to raise almost whatever sum he wants. \u00a0He will not only seek contributions, he will make it clear that anyone who gives to you will become an enemy …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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<\/a> (or Ed Mangano<\/a>) would not be able to raise a respectable amount of money if<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0they run serious campaigns, something the NY GOP<\/a> has not done recently for statewide races.<\/p>\n

“… Mr. Cuomo has a real record and you really don’t. \u00a0Fundamentally, 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 …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Fundamentally, taxes and spending are up under Cuomo. \u00a0The state budget is larger now than it was four years ago and the economic climate is worse. \u00a0Westchester’s budget is actually smaller now then when Astorino first took office. \u00a0Gun control has cost Cuomo at least 25 points off his approval rating and as for taming the state legislature, that is just laughable<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“…\u00a0You have no winning issues to run on …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

See above, plus hyrofracking for upstate jobs and cheaper, cleaner energy for downstate.<\/p>\n

“… Look at history …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Partially true, given the low quality candidates the Republicans have run as of late. \u00a0The key is taking the race seriously. \u00a0If whomever gets the nomination looks like loser cannon-fodder they are doomed.<\/p>\n