A lesson that should have been learned from the last presidential election is that the electorate prefers primaries over coronations.
When considering the New York governor’s race next year, I have the position that there are at least two potentially strong contenders in the Democratic Party: the current governor, Kathy Hochul, and the current lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. Each possesses differing strengths and weaknesses.
Instead of engaging in the political theater of betrayal and pettiness, the two candidates should recognize the value each brings and engage their voters with accomplishments, visions, and actual plans for a more stable and prosperous New York state. Let primary candidates engage with constituents to earn votes.
Tell the state Democratic party we want a thoughtful, respectful Democratic primary. In the end, the winning candidate will be made stronger and be able to take on any candidate the GOP sends. This is how we strengthen democracy.
When party leaders decry the cost of a primary, we need to remind them that democracy is an ideal, not a business concern. The business of the Democratic Party is to present strong candidates to the electorate and plan for their success. To that end, they need to get busy.
— Keith McCauley
Round Lake