By: Mike Madigan
Cuomo’s stated primary objective going into the general election since 2010 has been winning in Western New York and more recently gaining control of the New York State senate. These victories would have provided Cuomo the foundation from which he planned to launch his presidential campaign. Cuomo lost on both fronts.
Cuomo lost seven of eight Western New York counties and lost the region as a whole with Rob Astorino receiving 52 percent of the vote in the eight counties of Western New York.
Similarly Cuomo did not gain Democrat control of the New York Senate losing four of the five seats considered in play to the Republican Party handing Republicans full control of the senate. Republican control previously required support from the Independent Democrat Caucus.
Compounding the New York senate loss for Cuomo was that he not only lost four of the five contested seats to Republicans, the fifth seat was held by Cuomo’s Pro-SAFE Act Republican Mark Grisanti. Cuomo essentially endorsed Grisanti – the SAFE Act is considered the signature legislation of the Cuomo Administration.
The defeat of Republican turned Independence candidate Mark Grisanti was in fact a victory for the pro-second amendment groups in the district and a repudiation of Cuomo’s signature legislation.
Democrats, Republicans and Conservatives defeated incumbent Mark Grisanti primarily based on his vote for the Cuomo SAFE Act. The Republican candidate that challenged Independence candidate Mark Grisanti rejected embracing conservative principles and values alienating many pro-second amendment voters and leading to his defeat.
New York is the frontline of the fight to defend our U.S. Constitution and our god given rights – the defense of which crosses all party lines. The 2014 General election was a solid victory for Conservatives on all fronts that were realistically within reach. These victories sent Governor Cuomo the clear message that we Conservatives are still here in NY and can’t be ignored.