Buffalo, NY (WBEN) In the world of politicis, who, how and when you attack can hint at a politician's future ambitions.
Congressman Tom Reed lashed out at New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's office over a response to his call for an investigation into Cuomo's handling of COVID at nursing homes. He may have hinted at a run for governor in 2022.
Reed became livid during a conference call last week with reporters after hearing Cuomo's office suggested GOP lawmakers be investigated on what they knew about the organizing of the Capitol riot last month in response to his call for a Justice Department probe into COVID at nursing homes. "It's disgusting. A complete lack of leadership, and I would expect no different from Governor Cuomo to engage in such despicable rhetoric," says Reed, who adds Cuomo should be ashamed of himself. "Governor Cuomo, your days are numbered, and there's leadership coming to Albany very soon,"
While that could be a hint Reed may be challenging Cuomo for governor next year, he remained cryptic about future aspirations. "I am focused right now on my tenure in Congress. Where the political future will take me, it will take me. I will lave it to the public to make the decision as to where my future goes, and that will always be up to the people. I will respect their judgment," adds Reed.
How likely could this happen? Ken Kruly of Politics and Other Stuff says it appears Reed is serious, "but if it leads to a campaign is another question." Kruly notes upstate candidates have not won often in recent statewide races.
Kruly says Reed would have a tough go in a run for governor. "He could very well end up with a Republican primary. I don't know if others are surfacing yet, but that's conceivable given what's going on," says Kruly. As far as Reed vs. Cuomo, Reed will have a lot of catching up as Cuomo will have a number of advantages, including financial.
How much of a base could Reed have if he runs? "He's been in the news around here as he's been congressman for 10 years or so, so he has a lot of attention. How much is good or bad remains to be seen. His races have been relatively close, and also recent activity where he supported Marjorie Taylor Greene could work against him," says Kruly. Reed noted during his conference call he doesn't support Greene's "extreme rhetoric," including referring to 9/11 as a non-existent conspiracy.
GOP strategist Carl Calabrese says it's more likely Reed will challenge Cuomo, especially since Reed committed to limiting himself to six terms in Congress. "He's pretty much telegraphed he's not running again for Congress, and he may be looking at a run for governor," says Calabrese.
Calabrese says if Reed runs, he could be a credible challenger to Cuomo. "I would think (NYS GOP Chairman Nick) Langworthy would have him right at the top of the list. He's obviously a well known figure. He's been in politics a long time, he knows how to campaign and raise money, and he's very articulate," says Calabrese.
If Reed runs, Calabrese says it will be an uphill battle for the congressman. "Even if you're an A+++ candidate on the Republican ticket, there's an enrollment advantage for Democrats, plus it's become a very blue state in terms of its ideological leaning. It's becoming very progressive left, almost as much as California," adds Calabrese.
But Calabrese notes politics has a way of throwing curveballs, one of them being the pandemic. He says the nursing home matter could be devastating for Cuomo. "There could be more that could come from that, in terms of subpoenas, lawsuits and other legal issues. I think it will continue to be in the news and go down as a huge black mark against this governor and his record," predicts Calabrese, who adds Cuomo's handling of his overall powers keeping businesses from reopening may get people to think for an alternative in running government.
Calabrese says Cuomo will still be a viable candidate for governor next year.
