The Democratic governors of two of the country’s largest states are the most scrutinized by their respective political careers during the coronavirus pandemic, as both grapple with missteps and allegations of misconduct that threaten their futures.
But in their hours of need, the responses California Gov. Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – a story of two controversial governors Grenell hints at a possible California governmental bid Biden focuses on winter storm with Texas trip MORE (D) and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Andrew CuomoNY billboard calls for Cuomo’s impeachment amid controversies On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – a story from two controversial governors Stefanik renews call for Cuomo to step down amid new sexual harassment allegation MORE Receiving (D) from allies in their own states could not be in stark contrast – a reflection, say those watching the unfolding sagas, of the way the two very different governors built and maintained their power.
Newsom, facing a recall that will likely force him on the ballot later this year, enjoys the collective backing of California’s large, well-organized and well-funded Democratic Party.
While some Democratic lawmakers are outraged at his handling of the pandemic – and especially after he was photographed at one of America’s most expensive restaurants enjoying a mask-less dinner – they generally continued to support it.
The legislature last week passed a measure that would send post-in ballots to every registered voter, removing a substantial barrier in a campaign in which Newsom’s primary task will be the expansion of the predominantly democratic electorate.
“His challenge is not the party,” said California Senator Steve Glazer (D), himself a political strategist for decades before entering electoral politics.
Cuomo is facing federal investigations into his administration’s handling of nursing home residents who have contracted the coronavirus, allegations of bullying and journalists, and allegations of sexual harassment by two former aides. Rather than rally around a controversial leader, many New York Democrats sharpen the long knives.
Cuomo has denied wrongdoing. Cuomo’s office specifically refuted the allegations of harassment from Lindsey Boylan, who said Cuomo had suggested a game of strip poker on a flight between Western New York and Albany in 2017.
“As we said before, Ms. Boylan’s claims about inappropriate behavior are simply false,” Cuomo spokeswoman Caitlin Girouard said Wednesday.
Cuomo did not deny the allegations made by another assistant, Charlotte Bennett, that he asked her questions about her personal life, although he did say that he was making no claims against her. In a series of interviews with The New York Times, Bennett said that Cuomo had hinted at a sexual relationship.
“I tried to be supportive and helpful. Ms. Bennett’s first impression was correct: I was trying to be a mentor to her, ”Cuomo said in a statement Saturday evening. “I never made any progress towards Ms. Bennett, nor did I ever intend to act in a manner that was inappropriate. The last thing I ever wanted was to make her feel the things that are being reported. “
Cuomo’s bullying tactics have long been an open secret in Albany. When Assemblyman accused Ron Kim (D) Cuomo of a ten-minute tirade of threats unless Kim dropped criticism of Cuomo’s dealings with nursing home patients, other Democrats were only too willing to share their own stories.
‘There are many people who want to dance on his grave. Because the man has spent many years making life very difficult for many people, ”said a Democratic strategist who, like others interviewed in recent days, asked for anonymity to avoid heat from Cuomo.
While Newsom is likely to be facing a recall, it enjoys benefits its predecessors don’t: There are nearly twice as many Democrats registered to vote in California as there are Republicans. The ratings of Newsom’s job endorsements are relatively positive, and much stronger than those of former Governor Gray Davis (D) when he was successfully recalled in 2003. The trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic looks promising for the first time in months, meaning that the recall will likely be lifted months before it faces voters.
“It’s a massive emergency that has dragged on, so you’re building up some scars along the way,” Glazer said. “The governor must continue his hard work to deal with the pandemic. Its performance will be the main criterion to ensure success against the recall. “
Cuomo’s position is much weaker. During his two and a half term, he consolidated power in the governor’s office and argued with members of his own party.
Members of the New York State Senate believe he made plans first with Republicans and then with members of the independent Democratic caucus, a backstabbing faction of senators who spoke with the GOP to deny Democrats a majority to take his own position. strengthen.
“Cuomo is a man who, he says, says he doesn’t believe in friends, he believes in interests,” said a Democratic lawmaker in New York who asked for anonymity. “There is a long history of people desperate for friends who cannot find one.”
The investigations and allegations almost certainly put an end to Cuomo’s potential for a prominent position in President Biden
Joe BidenNoem Praises South Dakota Coronavirus Response, Blocks Lockdowns In CPAC Speech On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – A Story From Two Controversial Governors Biden Celebrates Vaccine Approval But Warns ‘Could Reverse Current Improvement’‘s administration. The whirlwind scandal will almost certainly encourage a potential challenger if he decides to seek a fourth term in 2022, four years after beating progressive activist and actor Cynthia Nixon by a margin of nearly two to one in the Democratic primaries.
In lieu of an activist, Cuomo’s troubles may invite a stronger challenge next year. A prominent New York Democrat named Attorney General Letitia James (D), who rose to prominence in her first two years, as a potential challenger.
“He’s teetering on the edge, and one more allegation could top him off,” the lawmaker said hours before Bennett became the second former aide to accuse Cuomo of inappropriate behavior. “If there is nothing more to learn, I think he just stumbles on in a weakened state.”
The two contending governors recall a few more executives who came under fire during their tenure not long ago, with potentially instructive results.
In Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker (R) faced the sweltering fury of Democratic activists and unionists when he signed legislation restricting collective bargaining. Democrats collected enough signatures to enforce a 2012 recall.
Walker – who worked closely with the tight-knit group of Republican leaders in the upper echelons of the state government – enjoyed the collective support of his party. He became the first governor in American history to survive a recall, with 53 percent of the vote.
In Oregon, Governor John Kitzhaber (D), ruled by fiat, made enemies among the members of his own party. Kitzhaber, a physician by trade, was nicknamed Dr.
Shortly after winning an unprecedented fourth term in 2014, Kitzhaber came under fire for the work his partner, Cylvia Hayes, had done as a paid counselor for the state. During the scandal, Democrats controlled more seats in the legislature than ever during his 13 years in office.
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 of the closet when they issued coordinated calls for his resignation.
The controversies in both states have muffled two men who became bright stars of the resistance during the former president Donald Trump
Donald Trump Mention Praises South Dakota Coronavirus Response, Blocks Lockdowns In CPAC Speech On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – A Story From Two Controversial Governors McCarthy: ‘I’d Bet My House’ GOP Takes Lower Room Back in 2022 MOREtenure. The support they found or lacked in their time of need illustrates the diverse approaches Newsom and Cuomo took to gain and maintain their power.
To get out of their darkest hours, both men will reap what they have sown. Newsom’s garden has grown. Cuomo’s withering.