Accepting his party’s nomination for governor Thursday afternoon, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino told his fellow Republicans, their party “can make the Empire State great again.”
It’s a message the state’s GOP needs to hear. The party hasn’t won a statewide election in 12 years. In Albany, it’s become Democrat-lite (think Senate leader Dean Skelos). In short, if defeating Andrew Cuomo weren’t daunting enough, Astorino’s challenge is to get New Yorkers to take Republicans seriously again.
The good news is the GOP heads into the elections fielding a solid team.
- As Westchester County exec, Astorino cut taxes and now has the government spending less than when he started.
- His running mate is Chris Moss, the first African-American to run as a Republican for statewide office. The Chemung County sheriff is a no-nonsense, law-and-order man who has boldly spoken out against Cuomo’s overreaching gun laws.
- John Cahill, a former Pataki-era chief of staff, is taking on Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. He’s a champion of charter schools and recognizes the importance of immigration for New York’s future.
- And finally, Robert Antonacci for state comptroller. Antonacci is currently comptroller of Onondaga County — which enjoys the top bond rating in the state.
This is a strong lineup. Whatever else their candidacies mean, it guarantees New York will finally have a debate on its future — from fracking to spending to education and taxes.
If they can’t make the case for a smaller, freer, more business-friendly government that rewards risk and enterprise, the state GOP might as well pack it in.