The New York State Democratic Committee criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman on Friday as he prepared to campaign with President Donald Trump in Syracuse, tying the visit to disputes over household costs, immigration enforcement and health care.
Party Chair Jay Jacobs accused Blakeman of embracing Trump's policies in an Oct. 9 statement issued ahead of the rally. The committee offered no new cost estimates or health care analysis in the release to support its claims.
Trump's Syracuse appearance was announced earlier this month. Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul in November's election.
Jacobs said Blakeman's alliance with Trump showed what kind of leadership he would bring to Albany. He criticized federal immigration enforcement and said the two Republicans were increasing families' costs and weakening health care. Those are the Democratic chair's characterizations, not findings established by the release.
The committee also pointed to news accounts of some local Republicans planning to stay away from the Syracuse event and GOP figures expressing concern about its political effect. The release did not include a response from Blakeman or his campaign.
The statement was paid for by the New York State Democratic Committee and said it was not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
