Governor Cuomo's Office Advantage

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) held a press conference yesterday to discuss the first reported case of the deadly disease ebola in the state. Reported in New York City, the disease also prompted newly minted mayor Bill De Blasio (D) to attend the event. The political allies held the conference to quell public fear about the disease spreading and to ensure medical protocol is being followed on the state, federal, and international levels.

wrvo.org

Governor Cuomo faces reelection in a few short weeks, so perhaps addressing the public will put the final nail in the electoral coffin. This is just one example of incumbents utilizing their office against the opposition. Cuomo's main competitor, Rob Astorino (R), can call a press conference, sure, but he is in no position to actually do something. Governor Cuomo has all the power of his Albany office and his alliance with New York City mayor De Blasio (and his office) to tackle this public issue, meanwhile Rob Astorino watches from the sidelines, commentating and only suggesting solutions; implementing them is out of his reach.

nypost.com

Governor Cuomo still commands a healthy, albeit shrinking, lead over Rob Astorino and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins despite questionable ethical behavior earlier this year, which left his campaign seemingly unscathed. However, in the long-term Cuomo's lead has been cut in half, from a 40% lead down to a 22% lead, owing Hawkins carving out a niche of progressives and Astorino's promised media blitz.