Introduction to the Controversy

After eight Black elected officials from Southeast Queens put out a joint statement saying they were endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor, three of them said that, actually, they’re not doing that (and, in one case, won’t be ranking Cuomo at all). This sudden reversal has raised eyebrows and sparked a conversation about the influence and tactics of the former governor.

The Story Behind the Endorsements

Guest Jeff Coltin of Politico New York, who broke that story over the weekend, talks with hosts Christina Greer and Katie Honan about how the powerful and controversial ex-governor is making things weird for elected officials and voters alike. The discussion delves into the complexities of the Democratic ranked choice primary and how it might present particular challenges for Cuomo amid a wave of “Cuomo killed grandma” attacks from his campaign rivals.

Impact on Elected Officials and Voters

The situation highlights the challenges faced by elected officials when dealing with controversial figures like Andrew Cuomo. On one hand, they may feel pressured to endorse him due to his influence and name recognition. On the other hand, they risk alienating their constituents who may harbor negative feelings towards the former governor.

Ranked Choice Voting Complications

The Democratic ranked choice primary adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation. With voters able to rank candidates in order of preference, Cuomo’s campaign will need to navigate a system where he may not be the first choice for many voters. His campaign rivals are already seizing on this, launching attacks that aim to further erode his support.

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Conclusion

The endorsement debacle and the challenges posed by ranked choice voting underscore the tumultuous nature of the mayoral race. As the campaign season heats up, it will be interesting to see how Andrew Cuomo’s campaign navigates these obstacles and whether he can overcome the controversy surrounding his candidacy.

FAQs

• Q: Who endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor?
  A: Eight Black elected officials from Southeast Queens initially endorsed him, but three later retracted their endorsements.
• Q: What is ranked choice voting?
  A: It’s a system where voters can rank candidates in order of preference, allowing for a more nuanced expression of voter choice.
• Q: How might ranked choice voting affect Andrew Cuomo’s campaign?
  A: It could pose challenges as voters may not rank him as their first choice, and his campaign rivals are using this to their advantage with targeted attacks.