| I guess my recent posts here make it clear that I think the Governor can and should win election (I think that's what we're supposed to call it? not re-election because he wasn't the elected governor the first time around? if not, my apologies...) but only if he pushes hard on a progressive populist agenda.
The Saturday announcement went well logistically. There was a drum line winding up the crowd, a nice hall with lots of campaign posters, and a good-sized crowd.
The number of electeds was low. Especially noticeable as absent was Joe Morelle-- Assemblyman and, more to the point, county party chair.
The introductions were rocky, at best. Sometimes they praised the governor. Sometimes they seemed apologetic that he had made tough decisions-- that many of us think are necessary, given spending in this state and the economic climate-- to cut spending. Sometimes they fought with the crowd about mayoral control of the Rochester City School District (a big issue in Rochester). Like I said, rocky at best.
The Governor's speech was, by and large, pretty good. I was reminded why I like him: he's funny, he's warm, and he's up front about what's going on in the State. He was handed a basket full of challenges and he has dealt with them.
But maybe too upfront-- again, the apologetic tone.
For the Governor to win election, he needs to stop apologizing for doing what is necessary. He needs to, instead, use that as his reason for running and, more importantly, the reason people should vote for him.
He won't have a money advantage. Cuomo will outraise him in the primary and Lazio will do the same in the general.
So the Governor needs to run as the People's candidate. He needs to highlight his record of cutting and propose more and more significant cuts. He needs to formulate a plan for property tax relief for the middle class.
He needs to run against the ineffectual Legislature. He needs to push "clean money, clean elections" as a way of making it easier for good candidates to win office. He needs to come out strongly in favor of non-partisan redistricting (like the Iowa model) to help reduce incumbent protection.
He won't win this election through the eyes of TV watching voters because he won't have the same advertisement money his opponents will be able to deploy.
He'll only win it by winning their hearts, by pointing out that he has accepted the challenges so far and is willing to make the tough choices ahead.
He needs to challenge his opponents to be very, very specific about the cuts that they will make. If they aren't specific, he needs to call them on it.
But he needs to start showing that now. Making stupid decisions-- like delaying income tax refunds-- won't help him. He needs to go into a full campaign mode and pull his poll numbers up within the next few weeks. Else, those of us who respect him, who want him to win, who will be willing to donate and work for his campaign, will decide that he is doomed and not worth our effort.
He needs better focused, sharper campaign events. Not apologies for doing the right thing. |
