Astorino & Giuliani Say Andrew Cuomo is Lee Zeldin’s “Mentor” Over Petition Challenges

L-R-Lee Zeldin, Andrew Giuliani, Harry Wilson, Rob Astorino, the four GOP candidates for Governor

“Zeldin has told numerous reporters that he has nothing to do  with the challenges, and did it with a straight face, just like his mentor, Andrew Cuomo, used to do,” Rob Astorino

On April 20, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, the former two-term Westchester County Executive, called on primary opponent Lee Zeldin to come clean about his involvement with legal objections to petitions filed by Astorino and fellow GOP gubernatorial candidate Andrew Giuliani. Tens of thousands of Republican voters across the state signed petitions to allow Astorino, as well as Giuliani, to compete in the Republican primary.  

Zeldin has ridiculously denied being involved in the challenge to Astorino and Giuliani, but Astorino isn’t buying it. 

“Lee Zeldin needs to be truthful about who’s orchestrating these bogus and intricate petition challenges,” Mr. Astorino said. “He’s told numerous reporters that he has nothing to do with the challenges, and did it with a straight face, just like his mentor, Andrew Cuomo, used to do. Zeldin needs to say whether his campaign is directly or indirectly contributing to the legal challenge and whether he or any members of his campaign team have had any communications with the complainants or attorneys in the case. His answer will speak directly to his integrity.” 

Astorino also asked why Zeldin is so afraid of political competition. 

“I’ve got an eight-year record governing as a conservative Westchester County Executive that I’m proud to stand behind, which includes cutting taxes and holding the line on spending,” Astorino said. “But Zeldin apparently doesn’t want to be asked about his record in Albany and Washington, where he voted more often with Governor Cuomo than he did with President Trump. As a state senator Zeldin even touted Cuomo for President. My guess is he’s desperately trying to avoid discussion of that, but primary voters have a right to know it.” 

Astorino said that his signatures will be proven to be valid and he will be on the June 28 Republican primary ballot. 

Another GOP candidate for Governor, Andrew Giuliani, made similar accusations against Zeldin. “I know Lee Zeldin thought Andrew Cuomo would be a good president. Now he’s playing the Cuomo game at the Board of Elections,” said Giuliani, who submitted 24,579 signatures. 15,000 valid GOP signatures are required to get on the ballot.  

Astorino submitted more than 20,000. Harry Wilson, the 4th republican candidate for Governor, submitted 36, 000 and it appears he will qualify.