Democratic governors in two of the country’s largest states face the most intense scrutiny of their respective political careers amid the coronavirus pandemic, as both face missteps and allegations of mischief that threaten the its future.
But in his hours of need, the California governor answers. Gavin Newsom
Gavin NewsomOn The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom: A Story of Two Opposing Governors, Grenell, Hints at a Possible California Government Candidacy, Biden Turns Focus on Winter Storm with Trip to Texas MORE (D) and the Governor of New York. Andrew Cuomo
Andrew CuomoNY’s billboard calls for Cuomo’s dismissal amid controversy On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom: A Story of Two Ruling Governors, Stefanik renews Cuomo’s resignation petition amid new allegations of sexual harassment (D) which they have received from the allies of their own states could not be contrasted more clearly: a reflection, according to those who observed the sagas unfolding, of the way the two very different governors built and maintained their power.
Newsom, facing a recovery effort that will likely force him to vote a few years later, enjoys the collective support of California’s large, well-organized, well-funded Democratic Party.
While some Democratic lawmakers have been upset in their treatment of the pandemic, and especially after being photographed in one of America’s most expensive restaurants enjoying a maskless dinner, they have generally remained supportive.
Last week, the legislature passed a measure that would send postal votes to all registered voters, removing a substantial barrier in a campaign in which Newsom’s main task will be to expand the democratically overwhelming electorate.
“His challenge is not the party,” said California Sen. Steve Glazer (D), a political strategist for decades before entering electoral politics.
Cuomo faces federal investigations into his administration’s treatment of residents of nursing homes who contracted coronavirus, allegations of bullying by lawmakers and journalists, and allegations of sexual harassment by two former assistants. Far from gathering around a confrontational leader, many New York Democrats are sharpening their long knives.
Cuomo has denied the wrongdoings. Cuomo’s office specifically denied the harassment allegations made by Lindsey Boylan, who said Cuomo had suggested a game of poker during a flight between West New York and Albany in 2017.
“As we said before, Ms. Boylan’s allegations of misconduct are simply false,” Cuomo spokeswoman Caitlin Girouard said Wednesday.
Cuomo did not deny the allegations of another assistant, Charlotte Bennett, who asked her questions about her personal life, though she said she did not move forward toward her. In a series of interviews with The New York Times, Bennett said Cuomo had hinted at a sexual relationship.
“I tried to be supportive and helpful. Ms. Bennett’s initial impression was correct: I was trying to mentor her, “Cuomo said in a statement Saturday night.” I never moved toward Ms. Bennett or intended to act in any way. “The last thing I would have wanted was to make her feel any of the things that are being reported.”
Cuomo’s bullying tactics have long been a secret in Albany. When Assembly member Ron Kim (D) accused Cuomo of a ten-minute run full of threats unless Kim overturned criticism of Cuomo’s handling of nursing home patients, others Democrats were too willing to share their own stories.
“There are a lot of people who want to dance in their graves. Because the boy has spent many years making life very difficult for a lot of people, “said a Democratic strategist who, like others interviewed in recent days, asked for anonymity to avoid Cuomo’s heat.
While Newsom is likely to face a by-election, it enjoys advantages that its predecessors lack: there are nearly twice as many Democrats registered to vote in California as Republicans. Newsom’s job approval ratings are relatively positive and are much stronger than those of former Gov. Gray Davis (D) when he was successfully recalled in 2003. The trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic looks promising, for the first time in months, that is, the onerous restrictions that have fueled the withdrawal and are likely to rise months before it will face voters.
“It’s a massive emergency that has been prolonged, so you accumulate some scars along the way,” Glazer said. “The governor must continue his hard work to deal with the pandemic. Their action will be the number one criterion to ensure success against withdrawal. “
Cuomo’s position is much more tenuous. During his two-and-a-half terms, he has consolidated power in the governor’s office and has contested with members of his own party.
Members of the New York State Senate believe he first associated with Republicans and then with members of the independent Democratic group, a faction of senators who met with the Republican Party, to deny most Democrats so to strengthen its own position.
“Cuomo is a guy who, by his own admission, says he doesn’t believe in friends, he believes in interests,” said a New York Democratic lawmaker who asked for anonymity. “There’s a long history of people desperate for friends who can’t find them.”
Investigations and allegations have certainly ended Cuomo’s potential for a prominent position at President Biden
Joe BidenNoem announces response to South Dakota coronavirus, blocks CPAC speech On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom: A story of two conflicting governors, Biden celebrates vaccine approval, but warns that “current improvement could reverse “MOREadministration. The whirlwind scandal will surely encourage potential challenge if it decides to seek a fourth term in 2022, four years after defeating activist and progressive actor Cynthia Nixon by a margin of nearly two to one in the Democratic primary.
Instead of an activist, Cuomo’s problems may invite a stronger challenge next year. A prominent New York Democrat cited Attorney General Letitia James (D), who has played a leading role in her first two years in office, as a potential challenger.
“He’s hesitating on the sidelines, and one more allegation could overthrow him,” the lawmaker said, hours before Bennett became the second former aide to accuse Cuomo of unfavorable behavior. “If there’s nothing else to learn, I think it’s just lost in a weak state.”
The two opposing governors recall another pair of executives who suffered fires during their tenures not long ago, with potentially instructive results.
In Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker (R) faced the fury of Democratic activists and union members when he signed legislation limiting collective bargaining. Democrats collected enough signatures to force the 2012 withdrawal election.
Walker, who worked closely with the narrow group of Republican leaders at higher levels of state government, enjoyed the unified support of his party. He became the first governor in American history to survive a by-election, with 53 percent of the vote.
In Oregon, Governor John Kitzhaber (D) ruled by fiat, made enemies among members of his own party. A doctor by trade, Kitzhaber was nicknamed Dr.
Shortly after winning an unprecedented fourth term in 2014, Kitzhaber was the subject of a job-by-job job her partner, Cylvia Hayes, had done as a paid state consultant. During the scandal, Democrats controlled more seats in the legislature than at any other time during their 13-year term.
But it was those Democrats (Treasurer Ted Wheeler (D), House Speaker Tina Kotek (D) and Senate President Peter Courtney (D)) who eventually forced Kitzhaber out when they made calls. coordinated for his resignation.
Controversy over two states has darkened two men who became bright stars of the resistance during the former president Donald Trump
Donald TrumpNoem defends response to South Dakota coronavirus, blocks CPAC speech On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom: a story of two fit governors McCarthy: “I’d bet on my house” GOP recovers lower house in 2022 MOREthe mandate. The support they have found or lacked in their times of need has illustrated the divergent approaches Newsom and Cuomo took to seizing power.
To get out of their darkest hours, both men will reap what they have sown. Newsom Garden has grown. Cuomo’s is withering.