On the Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – A Tale of Two Governors Under Siege

Democratic governors of two of the country’s largest states face the most scrutiny of their respective political careers amid the coronavirus pandemic, as they both grapple with missteps and allegations of wrongdoing that threatens their future.

But in their hours of need, the answers that California Gov. Gavin NewsomGavin NewsomOn The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – A Story of Two Governors Under Siege Grenell Hints at Possible California Gubernatorial Candidate Biden Focuses on Winter Storm with Trip to Texas READ MORE (D) and New York Gov. Andrew CuomoAndrew CuomoNY billboard calls for Cuomo’s impeachment amid controversy On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – a story of two troubled governors Stefanik renews Cuomo’s call to resign amid new accusation of sexual harassment LEARN MORE (D) received allies in their own states could not resist a more stark contrast – a reflection, say those who watch the sagas unfold, of how the two very different governors built and maintained their power.

Newsom, facing a recall effort that is likely to force him to go to the polls later this year, has the collective backing of the large, well-organized and well-funded California Democratic Party.

Although some Democratic lawmakers have resented his handling of the pandemic – and particularly after being photographed at one of America’s most expensive restaurants enjoying a dinner without a mask – they have remained generally supportive.

The legislature last week approved a measure that would mail ballots to every registered voter, removing a substantial hurdle in a campaign in which Newsom’s primary job will be to expand the majority 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 faces federal inquiries into his administration’s handling of nursing home residents who have contracted the coronavirus, allegations of intimidation from lawmakers and journalists, and allegations of sexual harassment made by two former collaborators. Far from rallying around a beleaguered leader, many New York Democrats are sharpening long knives.

Cuomo has denied the wrongdoing. Cuomo’s office specifically refuted the harassment allegations made by Lindsey Boylan, who said Cuomo suggested a game of strip poker on a flight from western New York to Albany in 2017.

“As we have said before, the allegations of inappropriate behavior by Ms Boylan are simply false,” Cuomo spokeswoman Caitlin Girouard said on Wednesday.

Cuomo did not deny allegations by another aide, Charlotte Bennett, that he asked her about his personal life, although he said he did not make any advances to her. In a series of interviews with The New York Times, Bennett said Cuomo hinted at having sex.

“I tried to be supportive and useful. Ms. Bennett’s initial impression was right: I was trying to be a mentor to her, ”Cuomo said in a statement Saturday night. “I never made advances towards Ms. Bennett and I never intended to act in an inappropriate manner. The last thing I ever wanted was to make her feel one of the things that are being reported.

Cuomo’s bullying tactics have long been an open secret in Albany. When assemblyman Ron Kim (R) accused Cuomo of a ten-minute tirade filled with threats unless Kim quashed criticism of Cuomo’s handling of nursing home patients, other Democrats were all out. too willing to share their own stories.

“There are a lot of people looking to dance on his grave. Because the guy has spent many years making life very difficult for a lot of people, ”said a Democratic strategist who, like others interviewed in recent days, requested anonymity to avoid Cuomo’s heat.

While Newsom is likely to face a recall election, it enjoys advantages its predecessors lack: There are almost twice as many Democrats registered to vote in California as Republicans. Newsom’s job approval ratings 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 the onerous restrictions that fueled the recall are likely to be lifted months before it faces voters.

“It’s a massive emergency that drags on, so you’re building up scars along the way,” Glazer said. “The governor must continue his hard work to deal with the pandemic. His performance will be the number one criterion to ensure success against recall.

Cuomo’s position is much more tenuous. During his two and a half terms, he consolidated power in the governor’s office and competed with members of his own party.

Members of the New York State Senate believe he plotted first with Republicans and then with members of the Independent Democratic Caucus, a rump faction of senators who caucus with the GOP, to deny Democrats a majority in order 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 requested anonymity. “There is a long history of people desperately looking for friends who can’t find one.”

The investigations and allegations almost certainly ended Cuomo’s potential for a prominent position in President BidenJoe BidenNoem touts South Dakota’s coronavirus response, rolls locks in CPAC speech On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – story of two beleaguered governors Biden celebrates vaccine approval but warns current improvement could reverse “ MOREadministration of. The swirling scandal will almost certainly embolden a potential challenger if he decides to run for a fourth term in 2022, four years after defeating activist and progressive actor Cynthia Nixon by a nearly two-to-one margin in the Democratic primary.

Instead of an activist, Cuomo’s troubles may invite a stronger challenge next year. A prominent New York Democrat has mentioned Attorney General Letitia James (D), who rose to prominence in his first two years in office, as a potential challenger.

“He’s teetering on the edge, and another allegation could knock him over,” lawmaker said, hours before Bennett became the second former aide to accuse Cuomo of unwanted behavior. “If there’s nothing more to learn, I think he’s just limping in a weakened state.

The two beleaguered governors recall another pair of executives who were criticized during their tenure not so long ago, with potentially instructive results.

In Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker (right) faced burning fury from Democratic activists and union members when he signed a law limiting collective bargaining. Democrats collected enough signatures to force an election recall in 2012.

Walker – who has worked closely with the tight-knit group of Republican leaders in the upper echelons of state government – enjoyed unified support from his party. He became the first governor in American history to survive a recall election, with 53% of the vote.

In Oregon, Governor John Kitzhaber (D) ruled by decree, made enemies among members of his own party. A physician by profession, Kitzhaber has earned the nickname Dr. No.

Shortly after winning an unprecedented fourth term in 2014, Kitzhaber came under fire for the work her partner, Cylvia Hayes, had done as a paid consultant for the state. During the scandal, Democrats controlled more seats in the legislature than at any time during his 13 years in office.

But it was these Democrats – Treasurer Ted Wheeler (D), Speaker of the House Tina Kotek (D) and Speaker of the Senate Peter Courtney (R) – who ultimately forced Kitzhaber out when they launched coordinated appeals. for his resignation.

Controversies in the two states dampened two men who became shining stars of the resistance under the former president Donald trumpDonald Trump Noem Brags about South Dakota’s Coronavirus Response, Rolls Lockdowns in CPAC Speech On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom – A Story of Two Believed Governors McCarthy: ‘I’d Bet My House’ GOP Takes Over Lower House in 2022 PLUSmandate. The support they found, or lack thereof, in these times of need exemplified the divergent approaches Newsom and Cuomo took to securing and maintaining their power.

To come out of their darkest hours, the two men will reap what they have sown. Newsom’s garden has grown. Cuomo withers.