Tuesday’s Primary Endorsements…or not!
For the three other races — Governor, Lt. Governor, and Senate District 34 (parts of the Bronx, Pelham and part of Mount Vernon) — WCLA PAC will simply provide you with the facts about each candidate so that you can make your own decision.
For Governor
Zephyr Teachout is 100% pro-choice and understands the problems and concerns facing the women of New York. She is articulate and thoughtful in her responses to questions posed about general as well as specific concerns.
We have no doubt that Teachout would be an outspoken progressive leader for the women of New York were she to win election.
However, we have not endorsed Teachout because she lacks a legislative track record for women’s reproductive rights.
Andrew Cuomo is also pro-choice and has a track record.
Cuomo has been a strong advocate of family planning services, increasing both funding and resources. His administration has also been very active in supporting pregnant and post-pregnant women with programs that provide 24 months of coverage for family planning services and more. In addition, Mr. Cuomo’s administration has actively supported stem cell research in New York.
Cuomo also made the 10-point Women’s Equality Act (WEA) a cornerstone of his administration — the 10thpoint intended to bring New York’s abortion law into full constitutional compliance with Roe v. Wade and provide New York women with 21st century reproductive medical care. 70+% of New York women support all 10 points.
However, the WEA did not become law, or even manage to come to the Senate floor for a vote because of what can only be described as a power grab by Senator Jeff Klein, 34th S.D. and the so-called IndependentDemocrats and their shoddy deal with Republican right wing anti-choice extremist Dean Skelos. (See section on 34th Senate race, Klein v.Koppel, below)
The question is could Cuomo have done something about this deal between Klein and Skelos and have forced the Democrats to get back in line and pass this legislation as he just promised to do when he sought the endorsement of the Working Families Party? Did Cuomo, or did he not, bring the full weight of his office to bear to pass the WEA, as he managed to do when he fought to legalize gay marriage?
We believe that Mr. Cuomo is 100% pro-choice. If re-elected, we expect that he will make good on his promise to the women of New York and do everything in his power to get all 10 points of the WEA passed into law.
It is easy to dismiss the office of Lt. Governor as insignificant. But we have all learned a lesson in New York having witnessed the resignation of a governor. The person elected to this office must be qualified and fit to hold the position should the need ever arise again.Timothy Wu, like Zephyr Teachout, is 100% pro-choice. Mr. Wu’s questionnaire demonstrated a solid understanding of the issues confronting New York women.
His views on women’s reproductive rights are thoughtful and well informed.
We have no doubt that he would advocate for women’s reproductive rights. However, he has no legislative track record by which to gage how important this issue would be to him.
Kathy Hochul did not return WCLA – Choice Matters’ questionnaire in time for consideration, despite repeated reminders.
For Senate District 34 (part of the Bronx, Pelham and part of Mount Vernon)
The incumbent, Senator Jeff Klein, claims to be 100% pro-choice and his answer to any question will imply that he is. However, because of his personal, political power grab, the 10-point Women’s Equality Act was never brought to a vote on the floor of the Senate.
Klein created the so-called Independent Democratic Conference and aligned himself with Republican anti-choice extremist Senator Dean Skelos. This alignment gave right-wing Skelos the power to stop any bill from coming to the floor of the Senate for a vote.
If Klein had not done this, and instead positioned himself as part of the Democratic Caucus – as he was elected to do — the Democrats would have been in the majority and would have brought the Women’s Equality Act to the floor for a vote, and passage! Instead, he betrayed his constituents and the women of his district and all of us who endorsed him. He, too, has promised to re-join his caucus after the election. If re-elected, let’s hope that he makes amends and does right by us.
Oliver Koppel has an outstanding track record and is challenging Mr. Klein. Mr. Koppel is 100% pro-choice with a government record to prove it! He is a former City Council member, State Assemblyman and New York State Attorney General.
Mr. Koppel has proven that he will stand up for the people and for the women of New York.
Senate District #36
WCLA PAC is proud to endorse Ruth Hassell-Thompson for re-election to represent the New York State Senate District #36 which comprises part of the Bronx and part of Mount Vernon.
First elected to the Senate in 2000, Hassell-Thompson has had outstanding record standing up for women. She is a strong voice for her the residents of District #36.
Her opponent did not return her questionnaire and did not answer our telephone calls.
Assembly District #90
There is no question that Shelley Mayer has been a strong voice for Choice and a terrific advocate for the residents of New York State Assembly District 90 which comprises parts of Yonkers.
Mayer, who is a former WCLA – Choice Matters board member, was elected to the Assembly in a special election on March 20, 2012 and subsequently re-elected November 2012.
Her opponent refused to return our questionnaire and did not answer our telephone calls.
We are proud to endorse for re-election Ruth Hassell-Thompson in the New York State S.D. 36 and Shelley Mayer in the New York State A.D. 90.