Speakers at the New York State Republican convention on Long Island last week rallied around a single issue they're hoping could break a 20-year streak of consecutive losses in statewide races: crime.
But when it comes to politics, it matters how voters feel about the issue of crime. And a recent poll clearly showed it’s on their mind.
The poll showed why Republicans think there is an opportunity to pick off Democratic and independent votes based on their tough-on-crime rhetoric. A total of 76% of Republicans said crime was a very serious issue, but so did 53% of Democrats and 58% of independents.In relation to crime, the Republican candidates for New York governor have zeroed in on the issue of bail reform.
Republicans are clearly trying to make it an issue in the governor’s race, where Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking her first full term if she can survive a three-way primary. "In blue counties inside of New York City and elsewhere, they want to feel safe outside of their homes,” he said during his speech. “They care about their sons’ and daughters' educations, and that transcends party loyalty."
Hochul, too, has sought to highlight the issue of crime, particularly as it relates to recent high-profile incidents in the New York City subway system.