I'll post this on Facebook later in the week or on Primary Day (Thursday) as I see fit, but here are my primary choices for the 2018 New York Democratic Primary, by district/office:
NOTE: These are not formal endorsements, but candidates that I wanted to see win their races. I am in no position of power to endorse nor would I want to formally do so.
For Governor: Andrew Cuomo.
NOTE: These are not formal endorsements, but candidates that I wanted to see win their races. I am in no position of power to endorse nor would I want to formally do so.
For Governor: Andrew Cuomo.
While I have had my qualms with the governor (he hasn't tackled the state's regulatory environment, hasn't cared enough about transportation and telecom issues, has cared little for ethics reform, loves flashy press etc), he's a steady leader that has been running a state the size of a small European nation for the last few years now. I can't see him running for another term, so let him retire on a high note. He’s also got the Times’ endorsement, which surprises me. His opponent, Cynthia Nixon, while will probably do well in the primary, has struggled to gain the necessary traction and like someone else on this list, is a one-issue candidate, New York City. (NOTE: Despite the NYS Democratic Committee’s disgusting and blatantly misleading flyer on Nixon which became an issue over the weekend, I still want to see Cuomo win but the party also owes Nixon a huge apology). If Stephanie Miner were the Democrat’s standard bearer, it would be her, but since leaving the party and running for Governor, she’s moved to the right.
For Lieutenant Governor: Kathy Hochul.
While also not perfect, she's more grounded than her opponent for the LG's office, While I strongly admire Jumaane Williams for his advocacy work, he's not without controversy, and the thought of a purely downstate ticket is nauseating. This is where voting on the NYSDC ticket is worthwhile. Williams will be a great NYC mayoral candidate one of these years, or a State Senate seat if anything opens up.
For Attorney General: Zephyr Teachout.
This is the year that Zephyr Teachout will shed her perennial candidate status and come out on top. I've always been a fan of hers and I want to be delighted when she wins to the chagrin on the Governor. This is where I disagree with my former county chair: I don't think Tish James is the better candidate. I want an independent AG, not someone from the Cuomo camp. I don’t care what Cuomo’s preferred ticket is, I think Teachout, despite having never been an elected official, would be perfect for the job as she’s a legal encyclopedia and is probably one of the most ethically minded people out there. Also, she’s got the Times endorsement, not to mention the Daily News. Can’t go wrong there.
For Comptroller: Tom DiNapoli
Um, I don't know why he's here. He's running unopposed, and as a result won’t be on the ballot. Still, the longtime head of the state's financial health has done a good job, has been a good steward of the state’s pension fund and the fact he's got an pseudo-vote of confidence from John Faso of all people speaks volumes.
While also not perfect, she's more grounded than her opponent for the LG's office, While I strongly admire Jumaane Williams for his advocacy work, he's not without controversy, and the thought of a purely downstate ticket is nauseating. This is where voting on the NYSDC ticket is worthwhile. Williams will be a great NYC mayoral candidate one of these years, or a State Senate seat if anything opens up.
For Attorney General: Zephyr Teachout.
This is the year that Zephyr Teachout will shed her perennial candidate status and come out on top. I've always been a fan of hers and I want to be delighted when she wins to the chagrin on the Governor. This is where I disagree with my former county chair: I don't think Tish James is the better candidate. I want an independent AG, not someone from the Cuomo camp. I don’t care what Cuomo’s preferred ticket is, I think Teachout, despite having never been an elected official, would be perfect for the job as she’s a legal encyclopedia and is probably one of the most ethically minded people out there. Also, she’s got the Times endorsement, not to mention the Daily News. Can’t go wrong there.
For Comptroller: Tom DiNapoli
Um, I don't know why he's here. He's running unopposed, and as a result won’t be on the ballot. Still, the longtime head of the state's financial health has done a good job, has been a good steward of the state’s pension fund and the fact he's got an pseudo-vote of confidence from John Faso of all people speaks volumes.
For State Senate:
Senate District 11: John Liu.
First on our list of IDC challengers is John Liu. Liu is challenging IDCer Tony Avella. Liu came within 1000 votes of defeating Avella in 2014. I think Liu, a former city comptroller candidate and current City Councilmember, has a clear shot. Props to Liu for willing to give up the cushiness of the NYC Council pay.
First on our list of IDC challengers is John Liu. Liu is challenging IDCer Tony Avella. Liu came within 1000 votes of defeating Avella in 2014. I think Liu, a former city comptroller candidate and current City Councilmember, has a clear shot. Props to Liu for willing to give up the cushiness of the NYC Council pay.
Senate District 13: Jessica Ramos.
See above. Jose Peralta is another IDCer and with some lofty endorsements but despite that, I feel Ramos has a great sho, and her endorsements echo that. Also, as a lifelong city resident, she doesn't have her license. If she wins, she'll be a frequent rider on Amtrak. Outside of that, Ramos has a great platform combining social and economic justice.
See above. Jose Peralta is another IDCer and with some lofty endorsements but despite that, I feel Ramos has a great sho, and her endorsements echo that. Also, as a lifelong city resident, she doesn't have her license. If she wins, she'll be a frequent rider on Amtrak. Outside of that, Ramos has a great platform combining social and economic justice.
Senate District 17; Blake Morris.
Take out Simcha Felder, and you take out the IDC's core. While Felder isn't a member of the IDC, he caucuses with the Republicans and that's bad enough. Felder has no support from any Democratic group and in fact the party denounced him at the convention at the beginning of the summer. If SD-17 voters are concerned about Morris' background, he is Jewish, and his statement regarding the passing of Felder’s mother-in-law was really gracious. I've seen Morris' campaign lit and advertising and he's the man to beat, not to mention an endorsement from the NY Times.
Take out Simcha Felder, and you take out the IDC's core. While Felder isn't a member of the IDC, he caucuses with the Republicans and that's bad enough. Felder has no support from any Democratic group and in fact the party denounced him at the convention at the beginning of the summer. If SD-17 voters are concerned about Morris' background, he is Jewish, and his statement regarding the passing of Felder’s mother-in-law was really gracious. I've seen Morris' campaign lit and advertising and he's the man to beat, not to mention an endorsement from the NY Times.
Senate District 18: Julia Salazar.
Despite her confusing background, Julia's heart is in the right place. Her platform is spot-on, and she's trying to be the next Alexandia Ocasio-Cortez. That said, I wish she would acknowledge that she's made some mistakes with her biography. On the other hand, unless the Republican challenger for SD-18 is moderate enough, Salazar would be a shoe-in. She has an interesting narrative and I’d take someone who’s background is unclear versus someone who is . Our views change constantly; my youngest brothers were Bernie Sanders and Barack Obama fans and now are some of the biggest Trump & Alex Jones supporters out there.
Despite her confusing background, Julia's heart is in the right place. Her platform is spot-on, and she's trying to be the next Alexandia Ocasio-Cortez. That said, I wish she would acknowledge that she's made some mistakes with her biography. On the other hand, unless the Republican challenger for SD-18 is moderate enough, Salazar would be a shoe-in. She has an interesting narrative and I’d take someone who’s background is unclear versus someone who is . Our views change constantly; my youngest brothers were Bernie Sanders and Barack Obama fans and now are some of the biggest Trump & Alex Jones supporters out there.
Senate District 20: Zellnor Myrie.
Jesse Hamilton is a former IDCer. Show him the door. In 2018, incumbency is corrosive. Myrie has just as strong a platform as his incumbent, if not moreso. Myrie also has a Times endorsement.
Senate District 22: Ross Barkan.
I'm not with the local Dems on this one. Andrew Gounardes might be a good guy, but to have an ex-journalist will help keep the Legislature honest. That said, showing Marty Golden the door is most important, and I'll take someone I don't like in the primary over an incumbent. Also, Greek-Americans have done well in the Legislature.
Senate District 23: No endorsement.
Robinson's race is the trickiest. Diane Savino is highly popular in her district and when you keep in mind Staten Island's makeup, it's a bad mix. By default I want the IDC out, but don't be surprised if Savino wins. Also, Robinson had some issues in her petitioning, so I can't see that making her any friends. Savino is a perfect fit for her district, and since she’s in Staten Island, is the closest thing to a Democrat that they will see.
Senate District 31: Robert Jackson.
Marisol Alcanta's move to join the IDC for district gains was a foolish move. Show her the door.
Senate District 34: Alessandra Biaggi.
I could go on for hours as to why I like her. From her name to her background (from a political family) to her professional background, Biaggi would be competitive even if she wasn't running against the IDC's brain. But she is running against IDC brain Jeff Klein, and without saying this is hers to lose, especially when you keep Klein's misconduct allegations in mind. I won't hold her having served for Hillary's campaign and her role as an administration official in Cuomo's office against her. Her endorsements are a laundry list of everyone except for the current State Senate, so she’s got a huge chance.
Senate District 38: Julie Goldberg.
I admit that years ago I drank the David Carlucci Kool-Aid. It tasted good. Young, fairly attractive, cute family, his wife is a teacher, you name it. But it's 2018 and he's overstayed his welcome. If he loses his primary,
Senate District 42: Jen Metzger.
I voted for Pramilla Malick back in 2016 because she was the Democratic candidate, but I hope not to again. Her focus on #NeverCuomo and CPV is unproductive and unbeneficial. Furthermore, I'm really impressed with Jen's campaign and can't think of anyone better to represent the district. While Pramilla Malick has a litany of friends in the environmental movement, she’s demonstrated a level of pettiness and nasty behavior that I would only expect from a Republican candidate.
Senate District 53: Rachel May.
Not the Glens Falls Rachael May of TV fame! While David Valesky's background as a SUNY Potsdam grad would normally make me support him, #NoIDC.
