NEW YORK – The primary ballot of the New York governor’s race has Gov. Kathy Hochul taking an early lead over Rep. Lee Zeldin.
CBS2’s political reporter Marcia Kramer spoke to the pollster, who says Hochul’s edge shouldn’t be insurmountable for her challenger.
Simply name it a slam dunk – Hochul swished a basketball right into a basket at an occasion Tuesday, hoping she’ll additionally be capable of use the identical scoring prowess in November.
“I take each election very significantly. That is my 14th election. I all the time run like an underdog up till the final minute,” Hochul stated.
Hochul was speaking about the first poll of the general election, which gave her a 14-point edge over Zeldin. The Siena Analysis Institute Ballot has Hochul at 53%, Zeldin at 39%, with a margin of error plus or minus 3.5%.
However there are warning indicators. Whereas Hochul has a commanding lead in New York Metropolis, Zeldin is main within the suburbs and upstate, and independents narrowly tilt towards Zeldin 44-42.
Zeldin took the battle to Hochul throughout a go to to a Flushing meals pantry.
“The highest two points proper now to voters – crime and the economic system. Individuals need to really feel secure on the streets. It would not matter what celebration you’re,” Zeldin stated.
Although New York is a blue state, consultants say that with crime and the economic system of main concern, it’s doable for an anti-abortion rights Republican and ardent Donald Trump supporter like Zeldin to tug an upset.
CUNY Professor J.C. Polanco agrees that Hochul’s lead is “not insurmountable.”
“Particularly when he is main with independents by two factors. Impartial voters like me will not be one subject voters. We give attention to the complete spectrum of issues and, fairly frankly, the problem of crime in New York Metropolis is impacting,” Polanco stated.
Hochul’s technique has been to slam Zeldin on abortion, however political marketing consultant Hank Sheinkopf says it is not getting the anticipated outcomes.
“We have had our alternative since 1970. New Yorkers know that that is not the problem. The problem is getting management of our streets,” Sheinkopf stated.
Voters say they’ve rather a lot on their minds.
“Crime, decrease taxes, get our metropolis again to the place it as soon as was,” stated voter Carey Bernstein.
“I am scared to take the subway,” one other individual stated.
“Effectively, definitely abortion rights,” stated one other. “And spending big quantities of cash on stadiums upstate for one thing the house owners of the staff ought to be paying for.”
Neither Hochul or Zeldin has pulled out their marketing campaign bazookas but – simply wait till the autumn.
