CityAndStateNY.com
March 7, 2022
“Our city is facing a sanitation crisis and the 311 data shows that our communities are overburdened by litter and trash and rats everywhere.” GOP gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani, left, attended the state Republican Party convention with his dad, Rudy.
THE GOP GOES TO LONG ISLAND Returning to the site of sweeping electoral victories in 2021, the state Republican Party held its nominating convention on Long Island to decide who would get its official backing in the June primary. The designation
for governor was the main event of the two-day affair, although the result came as no surprise. Rep. Lee Zeldin won with overwhelming support from the assembled state committee members, leaving fellow competitors Harry Wilson, Rob Astorino and Andrew Giuliani to
– New York City Council Sanitation Committee Chair Sandy Nurse, on proposed sanitation budget cuts by Mayor Eric Adams, via Politico New York
petition their way onto the ballot. Though some had thought that Wilson, a businessman and onetime candidate for state comptroller in a close race, might have been able to hit the required 25% support to make it on the ballot too despite entering the contest just a week earlier,
CAPSIZING CUOMO Remember that bizarre photo-op with then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Attorney General Letitia James on a fishing boat in 2019? Turns out tensions were high between the state’s top elected officials even then, two years before James published the damning report that led to Cuomo’s resignation. New York magazine documented more highs and lows in James’ political journey in its cover story last week.
“Fuck them! The process exists. We follow the process. Breathing shouldn’t be the only qualification for running for office.” – former Brooklyn Democratic Party boss Frank Seddio, on people who want to ease petitioning requirements
that did not happen. The state GOP also designated candidates for U.S. Senate, state attorney general, comptroller and lieutenant governor. Throughout the convention, Republican officials pushed the narrative of their ability to repeat the 2021 wins on Long Island across the state in 2022.
THE RACE TO DIVEST
Both New York City and state entities have begun to divest from Russian businesses and otherwise target Russian oligarchs in the state as Russia continues to attack Ukraine. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state would review its dealings and stop any with organizations that have Russian ties. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli will review divesting the state pension fund from Russian businesses, and several New York City municipal worker pension funds already started that process. The New York City Police Department pension fund plans to divest $42 million in Russian investments, while the New York City Employees’ Retirement System will get rid of about $31 million in Russian assets.
REDISTRICTING CASE BEGINS
A lawsuit brought by Republicans had its first court date in Steuben County as conservatives attempt to overturn the newly
REBECCA C. LEWIS; BRANDON HARRISON; SUBMITTED; KLAUS VEDFELT/GETTY IMAGES
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