Tom Suozzi Acknowledges Progressive Wing’s Negative Impact on Dems as Special Election Approaches

Tom Suozzi Acknowledges Progressive Wing’s Negative Impact on Dems as Special Election Approaches

Edited by: TJVNews.com

As the special election for New York’s 3rd Congressional District approaches, Democratic candidate Tom Suozzi has made a surprising admission, acknowledging that the progressive wing of the Democratic Party is having a negative impact on Democrats nationwide. According to information provided in a report in the New York Post, Suozzi, a former congressman from Long Island, made these remarks during a press conference on gun control and safety, addressing concerns about a controversial law requiring police officers to log reports on millions of minor interactions with the public.

Suozzi expressed his belief that the progressive left wing’s actions, including the implementation of laws such as the recently approved “How Many Stops Act,” were hurting not only his campaign but also other moderate Democrats running in swing districts across the country, as was reported by the Post.The “How Many Stops Act” mandates police officers to document millions of minor interactions with the public, a move that has drawn criticism and concern.

His Republican opponent, Mazi Pilip, immediately seized on Suozzi’s admission, seeking to tie him to the anti-police law that was approved by the Democratic-led Council, despite objections from Mayor Eric Adams, an ally of Suozzi, as was noted in the Post report. Suozzi, too, opposes the law. The special election was triggered by the expulsion of former GOP Rep. George Santos, known for his untruthful statements.

House District 3 encompasses parts of eastern Queens and Nassau County, with a significant population of police officers and first responders, the report in the Post indicated. The controversial policing law, with its potential political implications, could play a crucial role in the election.

Mazi Pilip has secured endorsements from major law enforcement unions in Nassau County and the NYPD’s sergeants’ union, emphasizing her support for public safety and law enforcement.

Suozzi’s recent comments align with his previous efforts to distance himself from leaders and progressives within his own party. The Post report said that he had declined seeking endorsements from President Biden and Governor Kathy Hochul, both of whom are unpopular in the district.

The former three-term congressman also pledged to take on far-left, radical anti-Israel progressive figures such as NY Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other members of the leftist “Squad” if he returns to office, spotlighting his moderate stance within the Democratic Party.

However, Suozzi expressed frustration at Republican attempts to label him as soft on crime, citing his strong public safety platform during his unsuccessful 2022 campaign for governor. As was noted in the report in the Post, he highlighted his support for law enforcement, debunking what he called the “ridiculous notion” peddled by Pilip.

“I went against members of my own party running on an issue, making people safer and supporting the police, and supporting law enforcement and supporting legislation that would make us safer,” Suozzi said, according to the Post report.

Despite significant financial backing for Suozzi from pro-Democratic groups, pro-Pilip forces are narrowing the spending gap. The Post also reported that  the Congressional Leadership Fund, a House Republican Majority leadership Super PAC, announced an additional $2.6 million expenditure for TV and social media in the final stretch of the race, bringing their total spending to $5 million.

The outcome of this closely watched special election will provide insights into the political landscape and voters’ sentiments ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.