Democratic candidates and labor leaders used a September 12 canvass launch in Amherst to attack Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman's record on labor issues and health care costs.
The New York State Democratic Committee organized the event as part of its statewide “The Cost of Bruce Blakeman” tour. Its account of the gathering included remarks from lieutenant governor nominee Adrienne Adams, U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy, Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan and several Western New York labor and political figures.
Labor and health care claims
Adams accused Blakeman of fighting unions when in office and trying to move workers off their health coverage. She also criticized his Conservative Party nomination, saying that party supports repealing prevailing-wage protections.
Assemblymember Karen McMahon similarly accused Blakeman of seeking high-deductible health plans for union workers and failing to provide a paid Juneteenth holiday. The committee's release did not include documents establishing the details of those claims or a response from Blakeman.
The Rev. Terrance Melvin Sr., secretary-treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO, contrasted Blakeman with Gov. Kathy Hochul, whom he said has supported workers during his decades of working with her. Denise Abbott, president of the Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation, also voiced support for Hochul, arguing that workers need help with living costs.
Candidates tie local canvass to statewide race
Kennedy criticized Blakeman's alignment with President Donald Trump and his approach to federal immigration enforcement. Ryan said the Hochul-Adams ticket would continue investing in New Yorkers and supporting working families; he did not identify a specific new proposal at the event.
Erie County clerk candidate Steve Meyer accused Blakeman of raising taxes in Nassau County, where he serves as county executive. The party release supplied no tax records or response from Blakeman for that allegation.
The release was paid for by the New York State Democratic Committee and said it was not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. It described the Amherst gathering as a canvass launch but did not provide an attendance count or canvassing results.
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