One Democratic veteran of local politics called the move, “another form of voter suppression, but this time it’s the Democratic Party of Onondaga County”
John Katko’s sudden and unexpected retirement announcement is sending ripples through Democratic Party-political waters. so far Three Democrats, all military veterans, previously announced their intention to run for Congress. They are Navy veteran Francis Conole, Air Force veteran Sarah Klee Hood and Army veteran Steven Holden.
In an emergency meeting called after Katko’s withdrawal from the race, Onondaga County Democrats selected their menu of candidates. District lines have yet to be officially redrawn, even the district number may change. Onondaga County is one of what may be several counties that make up the new 24th Congressional District. Therefore, are the Democrats putting the mule before the cart, by anointing candidates before district lines are reconfigured?
If Ithaca is added to the district, it politically tilts to the left. Other factors would make it more competitive for republicans. Since democrats draw these lines in New York State, look for a possible Democratic pickup opportunity.
However, before the ink dried on their meeting notes, other Democrats began to cry “foul” as there are other counties and candidates to consider. One Democratic veteran of local politics called the move, “another form of voter suppression, but this time it’s the Democratic Party of Onondaga County”
Democrats have continuously accused Republicans of engaging in an organized campaign of voter suppression. Democrats by choosing candidates in a quickly convened meeting is like the proverbial pot calling the kettle black. Both sides play this game it’s not just restricted to Republicans. Look at what happened in Buffalo when a progressive candidate chosen by the people won the Democratic nomination. Did the party circle their wagons? Yes, and the circled wagons quickly ran her over. The incumbent Democrat that the people had lost confidence in prevailed.
There’s nothing wrong with any of the candidates chosen by the politburo, but that’s the Communist Party’s style of governing. Democracy is about giving all participants a chance.
The Democratic Party of Onondaga County has inadvertently engaged in an electoral coup d’é·tat. A small group of people well intended as they may have been, acted swiftly. As the target was Katko. The moment John Katko dropped out of the race for the 24th Congressional District the game changed. That one act opened the door to additional possibilities, unfortunately the Democratic Party of Onondaga County slammed the door shut on the fingers of those who may now be interested in running for the open Congressional seat. Ouch!
