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Hochul to Be Bolstered in June Primary by Lobbyists & Corporations

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By: Benyamin Davidsons

Gov. Kathy Hochul has a good deal of clout, which includes the financial support of big-name businesses.  As reported by Crain’s NY, the 63-year-old incumbent will be bolstered in the June Democratic primary by her broad fundraising connections, with lobbyists and corporations.  The strong backing may be the reason her main opponent, NY Attorney General Letitia James dropped out of the race last Thursday.   James announced that she will instead seek reelection for AG, saying she wants to focus on a number of outstanding prosecutions.

James was one of the leading contenders in the race—but she still lagged behind Hochul significantly in polls.  Some political strategists say Hochul’s financial backing may have impacted James’ decision.  “[James] was never close to beating Hochul, which meant the money likely dried up,” said Hank Sheinkopf, a Democratic political consultant.

In mid-November, Hochul’s team said that it had already raised more than $11.1 million since she took office in August, adding that it expects to raise over $13 million by the end of 2021.  She also had $1.7 million on hand for her lieutenant governor re-election when she became governor in the summer, as per Board of Elections data.  Top donors stem from multiple state industries including health care, telecommunications, hospitality and online gambling. “Governors have so much power and regulate so many different industries that it’s hard to imagine she won’t have what she needs,” Sheinkopf said. “The critical problem for her is she can’t stop for a minute.”

Hochul’s campaign said that won’t be a problem– Hochul was famous for her frenzied schedule as lieutenant governor, and she has kept it up as governor.  “We’re going to run this thing like we’re 10 points behind because that’s just the governor’s style,” said Jerrel Harvey, communications director of Hochul’s re-election campaign. “We’re really seizing momentum as we head into the party convention in February.”

“Kathy Hochul’s been around for years. This is not a new rodeo for her,” said Alan Rubin, principal for the lobbying arm of Blank Rome. “All of the people who were Cuomo’s kind of folk, who were not thrilled with him but thrilled with what he was doing in the development world and financial world, are the people she goes to.”

As per Crain’s, she also has deep connections in industries looking for state contracting opportunities.  Her husband, William Hochul, is senior vice president for Delaware North, a Buffalo-based casino and hospitality conglomerate.  Also, Marissa Shorenstein, the director of her executive transition team, was formerly president of AT&T’s New York office.

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