A poll sent out on Feb. 10, to Westchester Democrats asking their views on Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano has many wondering if the two are still headed towards a democratic primary showdown on June 28.
New York Democrats are also expected to be participating in a democratic primary for Governor, with incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul to be challenged by Congressman Tom Suozzi and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
The poll starts out asking for a favorable or unfavorable view of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, former Congressman Eliot Engel, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Congresswoman AOC, and Mayor Mike Spano.
The poll then asks if the primary were held today, who would you vote for Governor? Suozzi, Hochul, Williams or undecided?
Next, if the June primary were held today, who would you vote for Congress? Bowman, Spano or undecided?
The next several questions ask about Bowman’s job performance during his first term in Congress, is he too liberal, too conservative or just right? And and what issues are important to the democrat taking the poll: Jobs, COVID, Voting rights, Health Care, Crime and Gun Violence, Climate Change and the Environment.
Next are pointed questions asking whether we should cut funding for the police, or whether we should reallocate resources to social services and community programs.
What priority do you most want your congressmember to associate with? To combat income and racial equality? or to create more jobs?
Another set of priorities is asked of the democrat. Would you prefer a candidate that focuses on abortion, gay rights and gun control? or a candidate that focuses more on the economy and inflation?
This question may tip off political observers as to which candidate is conducting it. Which candidate would you prefer? One who works with President Biden to pass his agenda? or one who is a democratic socialist like AOC, and will not compromise on their progressive values even if it means voting against President Biden’s agenda?
Which candidate do you prefer? A candidate with a record of getting things done? or a candidate with a bold vision and new ideas for the future?
A brief biography of Bowman and Spano is read by the democrat and they are asked if each record is very appealing or not. Bowman’s bio focuses on his work on investing in persons of color, and those left out of the American dream.
Spano’s bio focuses on his work as Mayor of Yonkers to spur development, create jobs, invest in education and keep crime rates low.
Both bio’s are appealing to this reporter.
Another question tells the democrat a negative portrayal of Spano and Bowman, which could be a preview of the ads to come if Spano decides to run. “Spano is a former lobbyist, who served as a republican in the Assembly for ten years. He was a candidate of the Conservative Party, with its anti-choice platform. Spano even made racist comments about politicians of color that he disagreed with,” says the poll.
“Jamaal Bowman is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and supports radical policies like defunding the police. Bowman said “I won’t compromise on anything and called President Biden a liar and voted against Biden’s historic infrasrucutre bill.”
One final time, if the democratic primary were held today, who would you support? Bowman, Spano or undecided?
