Andrew Cuomo is already on the ballot for the general election in the State of New York as the candidate of three political parties, regardless of tomorrow's outcome. So if Zephyr Teachout wins the gubernatorial race in the Democratic Primary, you will be able to vote for either come November 4th. The reasons for this are quite strange, and if you really are interested in how this can be, check my earlier diary, Voting Your Aspirations vs. Voting Your Fears (it is lengthy, favorite beverage may be required) But the upshot is, it's like you are on "Let's Make a Deal." They have already shown you what's in the box (you've seen Andrew Cuomo in action for four years). Now they are going to open the curtain and let you see what is there BEFORE they ask you "Do you want what's in the box or what's behind the curtain?" Sweet! And what are your lovely parting gifts? For that you have to follow me below the fold.
For you first gift, you will have two months to find out who this lady is with the crazy name.
But that's not all. You'll get a test drive... of sorts. There will be debates, and I seriously doubt that Andrew Cuomo will shun those. If he does, it will be like the primary debates where BOTH Zephyr Teachout and Rob Astorino kicked him in the shins while he was not there to defend. So you will get to see how Zephyr Teachout stacks up against both Rob Astorino and Andrew Cuomo. If you find her wanting, Andrew Cuomo's name will still be there, waiting for your vote November 4th on THREE different lines on the New York State Ballot. We have "fusion" voting in New York (we are a wonder!), so if the Cuomo/Hochul ticket remains intact for all three parties through election day, ALL of his votes on the three different lines will be added together.
The only downside of voting for him on any of those lines is that one of those parties will be lifted into prominence statewide. So let's see. He is the candidate for the Working Families Party, The Independence Party, and The Women's Equality Party. In a way, it really doesn't matter on which party line you vote for him. I don't like the idea of elevating the Working Families Party because they are the ones who recruited Zephyr Teachout then sold her out. But if you really want him for another term, might I suggest that you vote for him on the Women's Equality line. After all, he created that party. And if he is re-elected with the majority of his votes coming from that party, I think the Women's Equality bill that has been languishing under his guidance might have a better chance. But for that to happen, he would have to lose the primary tomorrow so that his name would not appear on the Democratic line on the November ballot.
We are an interesting state. We give you interesting choices. But whatever you choose, please vote. Voting matters.