News: POLITICO New York Playbook: Republicans make their convention pitch

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

POLITICO New York Playbook: Republicans make their convention pitch

Mar 01, 2022

By Erin Durkin, Anna Gronewold and Deanna Garcia

Presented by New Yorkers for Responsible Gaming

The state GOP spent last night celebrating at a fundraising gala where guests feasted on burrata, surf and turf, and chocolate mousse. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was the honored guest speaker, and Andrew Giuliani showed up with former New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa as his plus one. ("I'm surprised they even let me in," Sliwa said.)

Today, New York's Republicans are set to back candidates for governor and lieutenant governor at the second day of their nominating convention in Garden City. It's all but locked in that they'll choose Rep. Lee Zeldin, who has been the presumed nominee for months now.

That's not to say there won't still be a primary, state chair Nick Langworthy told reporters yesterday after the party chose its candidates for comptroller, attorney general, and U.S. Senate amid an hours-long lineup of speakers who focused heavily on rhetoric like "diversity" and "inclusion."

Langworthy's been clear he thinks a primary is a waste of the party's time and resources, but also says he's not blocking anyone from their personal choice to run and will allow them time to explain themselves today.

That could include Andrew Giuliani, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and newly declared candidate and businessman Harry Wilson, all of whom are in the running but unlikely to get much establishment support. They will have to petition for more than 13,000 signatures to get on the ballot. Langworthy says he's still kept the process open, and will continue to do so, in the name of democracy. That's something his Democratic counterparts chose not to do at their nominating event, he remarked.

"We have given everyone the opportunity to say their piece," Langworthy said. "I've changed the rules of our convention, unlike the Democrats' convention. If you're nominated and seconded, you're going to speak at this convention. You're not going to be forced out in the hallway to talk to the press, only. You're going to speak to the delegates and that is the way this should be."

IT'S TUESDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know ... By email: EDurkin@politico.com and agronewold@politico.com, or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold

WHERE'S KATHY? Making an economic development announcement in Harlem.

WHERE'S ERIC? Visiting NYCHA's emergency operations center and meeting with the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I'm a compassionate capitalist. And I'm not going to apologize for that." — Mayor Eric Adams, staking out his economic philosophy after ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange

A message from New Yorkers for Responsible Gaming:

It's time to expand gaming in downstate New York. In less than a year, expansion of existing gaming facilities would create thousands of family sustaining union jobs, generate billions in revenue for education in New York, and help drive economic growth and a jobs recovery in the hospitality industry. Expanding gaming downstate can bring hospitality jobs back sooner in the communities we need them most. Find out how: www.NYforResponsibleGaming.org

What City Hall's reading

Adams defends decision to lift vaccine card mandate as some raise concerns, by POLITICO's Sally Goldenberg: Mayor Eric Adams doubled down Monday on his decision to loosen vaccine requirements for indoor dining, gyms and businesses — calling it a necessary step on the path to economic recovery for a city reliant upon tourism. But concerns grew about the impact of the policy shift, which was announced Sunday and will take effect March 7. "The goal was to put in place ways to encourage people to get vaccinated. I believe we've accomplished that. We were extremely successful; we should be commended as New Yorkers," Adams said after a press conference in the Bronx. … Concerns followed the announcement from some public health experts and politicians, while business leaders voiced cautious optimism. "The vaccine verification program should be continued," Jay Varma, an epidemiologist who advised former Mayor Bill de Blasio's Covid response, told POLITICO. "It provides a strong incentive to increase and maintain high vaccination levels for anyone who attends indoor New York City events."

— "NYC Mayor Says Can't Make Vaccine Exception for Kyrie Irving ," by Bloomberg's Luke McGrath: "New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that he can't make a vaccine exception for Kyrie Irving, the Brooklyn Nets basketball star who is prevented from playing in home games at the Barclays Center because he's not vaccinated. …'We can instantly get Kyrie to play, just get that shot in the arm,' Adams said in a Bloomberg Television interview on Monday. 'One individual cannot impact the rules for all of us and so I'm hoping that he understands the importance of vaccination as a major symbol.'"

— "These COVID testers have swabbed 150,000 noses in NYC since pandemic began," by Gothamist's Jaclyn Jeffery-Wilensky

" NYC schools received a windfall in relief dollars. Some are struggling to spend it," by Chalkbeat's Reema Amin: "The promise of more than $7 billion in federal COVID relief funding for New York City schools inspired some families and educators to imagine big changes in this year's classrooms. And while hundreds of millions of dollars have been distributed directly to schools to create extra tutoring, professional development, and more arts programming, some schools have struggled to spend the money. There are varied reasons why some of this funding remains unused."

" New Psych Units at Rikers Delayed Despite Renewed Focus on Mental Health and Justice," by The City's Reuven Blau: "A de Blasio-era plan to expand specialized units for people with mental illness at Rikers Island has stalled with no timeline from the Adams administration, even as the mayor's new public safety plan purports to have a heavy focus on psychiatric help. The slow rollout of the so-called Program to Accelerate Clinical Effectiveness (PACE) comes as 52% of the entire population at the island lock up has been diagnosed with some type of mental illness, according to jails data from late last year — or an estimated 2,728 people 'known to mental health' as of Monday."

"Retail Theft Rises, and N.Y.C. Small Business Owners Are Paying the Price," by The New York Times' Nicole Hong: "Someone shattered the front door overnight and ripped out the cash drawer. The new security gates cost $2,300. The streets became quieter after four neighboring businesses closed permanently during the pandemic, emboldening shoplifters. Two security guards quit. For Deborah Koenigsberger, who has worked in retail for three decades, keeping her two clothing stores open in Manhattan's Flatiron neighborhood has never felt so exhausting. 'As small businesses, we are getting creamed right now in so many ways,' Ms. Koenigsberger said. 'I might as well leave my store door open and say, "Help yourselves."'"

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WHAT ALBANY'S READING

"Pfizer Shot Is Far Less Effective in 5- to 11-Year-Olds Than in Older Kids, New Data Show," by The New York Times' Apoorva Mandavilli and Noah Weiland: "The coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech is much less effective in preventing infection in children ages 5 to 11 years than in older adolescents or adults, according to a large new set of data collected by health officials in New York State — a finding that has deep ramifications for these children and their parents. The Pfizer vaccine is the only Covid shot authorized for that age group in the United States. It still prevents severe illness in the children, but offers virtually no protection against infection, even within a month after full immunization, the data, which were collected during the Omicron surge, suggest. The sharp drop in the vaccine's performance in young children may stem from the fact that they receive one-third the dose given to older children and adults, researchers and federal officials who have reviewed the data said. The findings, which were posted online on Monday, come on the heels of clinical trial results indicating that the vaccine fared poorly in children aged 2 to 4 years, who received an even smaller dose."

" Gov. Kathy Hochul had a plan for school masks. Then came the CDC.," by WNYC's Jon Campbell: "New York Gov. Kathy Hochul had a plan. It was early February and COVID cases were on a sharp decline. One by one, neighboring states were pulling back school mask mandates, ratcheting up the pressure for her to act. So Hochul laid out her strategy: Students would get at-home test kits before winter recess began February 21. They would take the tests before coming back Feb. 28 and again three days later. After that, the state would assess whether there was a post-recess COVID spike before deciding whether to ditch indoor masks for students, educators and anyone else visiting a school. 'After we have had kids tested, we are going to make an assessment that first week in March,' Hochul said February 9. It took less than three weeks for Hochul to scrap those plans."

"Lt. gov.'s campaign expenses show conflicts with taxpayer refunds," by Times Union's Chris Bragg: "On Jan. 8, 2020, then-state Sen Brian Benjamin drove to Albany for official business, left the next day, and later sought a $174, taxpayer-funded reimbursement for his traveling expenses. That reimbursement was supposed to cover all of Benjamin's expenses for the drive to Albany and back, including gas. And in seeking the reimbursement, Benjamin signed a voucher certifying that he'd personally borne the costs of the trip. Yet records show that on Jan. 9, 2020, the day Benjamin drove home from Albany, his state Senate campaign spent $54 at a Sunoco gas station in Lake Katrine, directly off I-87 along Benjamin's route back to New York City. The Times Union found a dozen instances where Benjamin submitted vouchers claiming the full, taxpayer-funded reimbursement for traveling from New York City to Albany; during those same trips, a campaign-issued debit card was used to pay for gasoline."

"N.Y. Senate Dems to approve package of sexual harassment-related measures," by Daily News' Denis Slattery: "Lawmakers plan to vote Tuesday on a host of measures that would shield survivors from retaliation, make state and all public employers subject to the Human Rights Law, and extend the statute of limitations for some discrimination claims."

LONG READ + Tish Fun Facts: "Justice According to Letitia James ," by New York magazine's Rebecca Traister: "James's story is about power. How do you get it? What do you do with it once you have it? We have been trained, over centuries, to make certain good guesses about how power works in America. It's a system built to operate smoothly for those, like Cuomo, Trump, and so many others, who were born into a spot close to the top: politically, economically, and in terms of racial or gendered advantages. Years of challenging a moneyed white male grip on political authority have meant a diversification of who can make their way up, and those who have risen more recently are often asked tough questions about how: Did they move from the outside in via the propulsive force of collective community action? Or did they take the hand of the system they were supposed to be challenging and in so doing risk becoming beholden to it? Letitia James — or, as she likes to be called, Tish — is one of the few figures for whom the answer might plausibly be: Both."

#UpstateAmerica: An Amherst woman who was formerly a double agent for the U.S. against the KGB has some thoughts on Putin.

A message from New Yorkers for Responsible Gaming:

TRUMP'S NEW YORK

"Donald Trump appeals ruling to testify in NY attorney general's probe," by New York Post's Priscilla DeGregory: "Donald Trump and kids Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr. on Monday appealed a judge's ruling that they be deposed as part of New York Attorney General Letitia James' probe into the Trump Organization's business practices. Earlier this month, a Manhattan judge denied the Trump trio's bid to quash James' subpoenas for their testimony, ordering them to appear for depositions by March 10. Last week, Trump's lawyer reportedly said he planned to appeal and ask the court to pause the AG's case and the subpoena deadline while they fight the decision."

FROM THE DELEGATION

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — The progressive group Our Revolution is endorsing Melanie D'Arrigo in the race for the 3rd Congressional District, replacing outgoing Rep. Tom Suozzi. The already crowded Democratic primary got more complicated when the Long Island-based seat was redistricted to include part of the Bronx, and left-leaning state Sen. Alessandria Biaggi jumped in. Our Revolution executive director Joseph Geevarghese called D'Arrigo "an activist who has been building the progressive movement with us on Long Island for a long time. She knows our struggle firsthand."

" New York GOP leaders attack President Joe Biden's response to Ukraine crisis," by New York Post's Bernadette Hogan: "New York Republicans gathered on Long Island for the first day of the party's annual convention and attacked Pres. Joe Biden's Democratic administration over its response to the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine. "We have a weak president who has failed to defend our allies at times of desperate need," claimed former New York Gov. George Pataki during remarks at the Garden City Hotel in Nassau County. 'Biden has failed. He has led from behind,' said the former pol."

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AROUND NEW YORK

— Hospital closures have disproportionately affected poorer neighborhoods where the majority of residents are people of color.

— Mayor Eric Adams appointed Deanna Logan to head the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice and reappointed Ana Bermúdez as probation commissioner.

— Transit advocates and politicians rallied to call for improvements to the city's struggling bus system.

— Hundreds of complaints about loud sex are coming in to 311.

— The city filed a response to a GOP lawsuit seeking to block noncitizen voting, denying any legal violations. The Board of Elections wants its own lawyer in the suit.

— An arbitrator ruled that home care staffing agencies must pay $30 million to compensate workers who were underpaid for years.

— An Asian woman who was hit in the head with a rock has died from her injuries nearly three months after the attack.

— Hochul named a new state park in Ulster County for Sojourner Truth.

— SUNY schools have quietly closed Chinese-government-backed educational and cultural programs.

SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS: POLITICO's Lorraine Woellert … NBC's Bridget Bowman … Nigel Duara … Hannah Klain … Cheyenne Klotz … Joel Wachs … Marianne Benjamin ... Harry Enten … Lou Gerstner … Steve Holmgren … Jonathan Lipman

MAKING MOVES — City Comptroller Brad Lander hired Maura Hayes-Chaffe as deputy comptroller for audits, Krista Olson as deputy comptroller for budget, and Louise Yeung as chief climate officer. … Natalia Latif is joining New Deal Strategies working in communications. She previously worked for Rep. Mondaire Jones …Thomas Pietrykoski has joined the Port Authority as director of corporate communications. He previously worked for New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker… Ian Martin is joining DKC as an account supervisor within the firm's public affairs practice. He was previously deputy press secretary at the city Department of Social Services.

MEDIAWATCH — Chris Licht will take over as the new head of CNN, replacing Jeff Zucker. He has been the showrunner of "The Late Show" on CBS. … Axios is adding Jamie Stockwell as executive editor for Axios Local. She most recently was a deputy national editor at the NYT. Announcement … Fiona Glisson is now an associate producer at NBC News. She previously produced segments for PBS' "Washington Week" and reported for the show's website, and is a CBS and ABC alum.

A message from New Yorkers for Responsible Gaming:

It's time to expand gaming in downstate New York. In less than a year, expansion of existing gaming facilities would create thousands of family sustaining union jobs, generate billions in revenue for education in New York, and help drive economic growth and a jobs recovery in the hospitality industry. New York lost thousands of hospitality jobs during the pandemic and state officials project those jobs won't be fully back until 2026. However, expanding gaming downstate can bring those hospitality jobs back sooner in the communities we need them most. Find out how: www.NYforResponsibleGaming.org

Real Estate

"BP Reynoso, Restler Demand a Cut in Minimum Parking Requirements," by Brooklyn Paper's Ximena Del Cerro: "Borough President Antonio Reynoso and northern Brooklyn Councilmember Lincoln Restler are demanding an end to minimum parking requirements for new construction in transit-rich areas. When a developer seeks a rezoning to build taller developments, they're often forced to build off-street parking — which is designed to reduce the impact that new construction has on parking in the neighborhood. But now, the group of electeds signed a petition letter calling on the Department of City Planning (DCP) to fully waive parking constraints for all residential developers of any rezoning projects in public transit-rich areas."

"Shelter Operator Cited for Nepotism Still Gets Millions in City Funds," by The New York Times' Amy Julia Harris: "When New York City faced criticism last year for its lax oversight of homeless shelter contracts, officials pledged to root out nepotism and financial misconduct by those who might seek to cash in on the $2 billion system. Soon after, in February 2021, the officials raised concerns about one nonprofit shelter operator, African American Planning Commission, whose chief executive had secured an unusually high salary — more than $500,000 a year — while the group paid his brother about $245,000 annually and his sister-in-law sat on the board. Last fall, the officials gave the group a choice: Cut ties with the chief executive's brother or risk losing tens of millions of dollars in city contracts. The shelter operator agreed to fall in line. But in fact, the brother remained on the job, and the group remained on the city contractor rolls — collecting $24 million this fiscal year alone, a New York Times examination found."

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