The tiny Independence Party endorsed Democratic Gov. Cuomo for re-election on Thursday — before even seeing what alternative the Republican Party is offering.
Indy Party Chairman Frank MacKay cited Cuomo’s record of accomplishment on infrastructure, criminal justice reform and the tuition assistance for middle income students attending public colleges as reason to back him for a third term.
“The Independence Party endorsed Governor Cuomo in 2010 and we endorsed him in 2014,” MacKay said.
“For the last 7 years, this Governor has made us proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with him as he became one of the most accomplished and effective elected officials in the country and as he fought to protect the middle class — and we are proud to stand behind him as he goes into 2018.”
The early endorsement will raise eyebrows in political circles.
Many Republican Party leaders hope that Harry Wilson, the financial restructuring consultant and GOP candidate for state comptroller in 2010, will run for governor. He will soon make a decision.
Wilson, who narrowly lost the comptroller’s race to Democratic Tom DiNapoli in 2010, ran with Independence Party line.
Now the Independence Party line is off the table — which could have an impact in a close race.
The Republican nominee for governor typically runs with backing from the Conservative Party. But given the enrollment disadvantage Republicans face in Democratic-dominated New York, a GOP candidate can use all the help they can get — including other ballot lines that could attract votes from independent-minded residents or disgruntled Democrats.
Cuomo garnered nearly 73,000 votes on the Independence Party line in 2014, as well as 1.7 million votes on the major Democratic Party line, more than 120,00 votes on the working Families Party line, and over 50,000 votes on the Women’s Equality Party.
“It’s smart politics by Cuomo. This closes a door to a Republican candidate,” said political consultant Hank Sheinkopf.
“It’s hard enough to run against an incumbent and not having a ballot lines makes it even harder.”
The executive committee of the Indy Party did not weigh in Thursday on races for state attorney general or comptroller.
Thus far, state Assembly Republican Minority Leader Brian Kolb, of upstate Ontario County, is the only big name Republican who has announced a candidacy to take on Cuomo.