The New York Governor’s Race is in the first stages, and voting in the primaries has begun. The discussions and ads leading up to this moment have been interesting; if nothing else.
This article is in two parts. This part looks at the voting records of the candidates and their campaign tactics. The second article links you to articles on issues mentioned in the news or by the candidates in their ads.
Both are quick reads, so I urge you to read them before you vote.
The New York Governor’s Race
The New York Governor’s Race A Quick Breakdown
Let’s get right to it. I researched the voting record of Kathy Hochul, Tom Suozzi, and Jumanne Williams and found the following.
Crime
As of this writing, none have passed any legislation attacking crime. This means that I could not find any bills or other legislation specifically targeting crime.
Lack of legislation does not mean the candidates have not voiced concerns about crime. But talking and action are two different things. So in this, they are equal.
Source: GovTrack.US
Gun Control
Gun control is not the same as fighting crime. Some people equate the two as the same thing. Controlling the flow of guns into New York is a must-do. So, is identifying guns designed to avoid detection.
Governor Hochul has passed bills on disguised guns and ghost guns. And as you will see later in this article, she has recently signed a legislative package strengthening gun laws.
Neither Suozzi nor Williams has any legislation concerning gun control. In the case of Mr. Suozzi, who touts his time in Congress, he has done much good. But he has nothing to back up his claim of being able to stop gun violence.
Mr. Williams is not in a position to have such legislation. The office he holds as city advocate does not deal with crime and guns.
The New York Governor’s Race: Jumaane D. Williams
Jumaane Willimas, the public Advocate has done much since taking office. But I could not find anything pertaining to action on guns and crime. This is because of the office he holds.
Unlike Hochul and Suozzi, Mr. Williams cannot sponsor or pass legislation on guns and crime. He is limited to advocating on behalf of the people of New York. And although he can speak out about guns and crime, he cannot affect change from his office.
He is an outspoken critic of Governor Hochul, but that does not qualify him to be governor. Keep in mind, that we need someone that can decisively beat the Republican candidate.
So who is the person that can decisively beat the Republican candidate for governor? Let’s see.
The New York Governor’s Race: Tom Suozzi
So, it comes down to this. Suozzi wants to be elected on his record, but I’m not impressed by it.
He has indeed done some good in Congress. But he has no record when it comes to the issues of gun control, gun safety, crime prevention, or resolving rising crime issues. So, where is the record, he speaks of? Instead of a record of accomplishments we can trace, we have this…
Suozzi’s Tactic To Win The Primary: Run Negative Commercials
Suozzi campaign ads are the stuff that gets the mute button pressed. His campaign strategy is to run round-the-clock negative attack ads.
- These ads promote promises anyone can make.
- The ads talk about Suozzi’s ability to promote change without proof.
- And then there are the half-truths about Hochul’s lack of response to gun violence.
There have been no ads touting Suozzi’s accomplishments and records that he mentions in his ads. That in itself is a red flag.
Talking Loud and Saying Nothing
For me, Suozzi has taken a page from the Trump-Republican playbook. That is not to say that he is a Republican or a D.I.N.O.
I don’t know about you, but I have had it with negative ads. Which, if you noticed, are meant to run as often as possible.
This type of ad is called the annoying ad. It is the one you hate to see, but remember because it runs so often.
I cannot help but feel that Tom Suozzi has adopted the adage that if you tell a lie repeatedly, people will start to believe it. In this case, it’s not so much a lie as it is telling half the story. But all’s fair in love and politics. Right?
Kathy Hochul And The New York Governor’s Race
Kathy Hochul has not run negative commercials. Instead, she states what she has done and backs it up with proof we can see.
Hochul seeks election on her actions since becoming governor. Not on the ability to smear another candidate. And I hope it stays that way.
The N.R.A. and The Education of Kathy Hochul
In 2012 Kathy Hochul received the support of the NRA in an election that she lost. So much for the endorsement of the NRA.
What is important here is that in 2022 Kathy Hochul has become a bad itch for the NRA. Her mindset has changed. She now fights to control guns.
She has made stopping the ease of getting assualt weapons a priority depite crticism from Suozzi and Williams.
She is crtiticized for going after assault weapons because they are an easy target. Easy or not, it is more of a start than others have done. And I am sure that the victims of assault weapons will agree.
What I find puzzling is that this criticism is something that the NRA would say.
To Williams and Suozzi, do you see how easy it is to cross a line without meaning to?
I do not dispute that Hochul was wrong for supporting the NRA, but the true mark of a good leader is the ability to admit a mistake, correct it and move on.
In part two of this article have placed links to the articles concerning Hochul and the NRA.
But What Of Suozzi?
Suozzi wants to talk about old news and wonders why no one is holding Hochul responsible for a bad decision years ago. It makes you wonder what regrettable decision Mr. Suozzi has made, but no one is talking about? Or are they?
In part two, there are links to Mr. Suozzzi’s comments on the Florida Gay Ban legislation recently signed by Gov. Desantis.
So, here’s the deal as I see it.
Hochul talks about accomplishments and has not attacked Suozzi’s record or lack of it in any of her ads. Her ads promote her deeds thus far. The same can be said for the Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado.
We have not heard anything from Suozzi’s choice for Lieutenant Governor.
Shade of An Ex-Presdent And His Debate
In the last debate, Suozzi did his impression of a certain ex-president in his attempt to intimidate Hochul as she answered a question.
Suozzi, in many ways, reminds me of the old boy’s network. He would have fit in well with ex-governor Cuomo. So, it is not surprising that he would accept an endorsement from Cuomo.
This brings up an interesting question.
The Old Boys Network
If Cuomo had not been accused of any crime and was running for re-election, would Suozzi dare to run against him? I say no.
What if Cuomo was accused and did not resign. But fought the charges with the same outcome we now have, would Suozzi run against Cuomo? Again, the answer is no. In both scenarios, Suozzi would be against an old boy’s network machine that would devastate him.
Old Boys Not
Hochul is not an old boys network person. She is New York’s chance to change things. Governor Hochul hit the ground running, stumbling a little, but is now in full stride. Let’s see what she can do.
More importantly, I believe you remove a person that has shown themselves to be incompetent and a liability.
This person would be a proven threat to the livelihood of New Yorkers.
Hochul is not such a person. Will that change in the future? Who knows. But her willingness to place term limits on the governorship reduces the chance of this happening.
Final Tally
- Hochul Yes
- Suozzi No
- Williams No
This Just In
The Latest News
Governor Hochul Signs Landmark Legislative Package to Strengthen Gun Laws and Protect New Yorkers
Excerpt: Gun violence is an epidemic that is tearing our country apart. Thoughts and prayers won’t fix this, but taking strong action will,” Governor Hochul said. “In New York, we’re taking bold steps to protect the people of our state. I am proud to sign a comprehensive bill package that prohibits the sale of semiautomatic weapons to people under 21, bans body armor sales outside of people in select professions, closes critical gun law loopholes and strengthens our Red Flag Law to keep guns away from dangerous people—new measures that I believe will save lives.
Note, as Hochul passes legislation proving she is not for the NRA. And that she is putting action to words in stopping gun violence, Suozzi launched a new negative commercial. The only good thing about this commercial is Suozzi going into the subway, hopefully leaving and not returning.
Personal Note
I am an Independent person. I chose to be an Independent during the Vietnam War.
I have no allegiance to any political party. I vote for the best person for the job. If the Democrats were to return to their bad old ways of the 1800’s I would be against them. But for now, the Republicans rule when it comes to screwing up the country.
My choices are based on who has the best chance of defeating the Republicans. Who is not a racist and not a supporter of Donald Trump or a Trump-McConnell Republican. I could go on, but that is not necessary. I’m just setting the record straight.
Comments, Questions, Suggestions?
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