“Well, I agree!” Mr. Hayes said after playing a clip of the governor dismissing his criticism, calling for a policy-oriented discussion instead of a partisan one. “If the governor wishes to see more substantive rhetoric on the issues, he’s welcome to come on Up anytime. Because I do not care about a senate Democratic majority because I care about the New York State Democratic Party, which has been an absolutely dysfunctional mess as long as I can remember. I care because I care about a higher minimum wage, public [campaign] financing and marijuana decriminalization, all extremely important pieces of legislation that have essentially no chances of passing if Republicans control the senate, but do have a shot if Democrats control it. My point is that I’m sure a political mind as sharp as the governor’s recognizes that as well.”
Control of New Yorker’s upper legislative chamber is currently up in the air, possibly depending on the outcome of a tightly-contested race in the Albany area. However, even with a numerical majority, Democratic defections could keep control in Republican hands. Mr. Cuomo, who is considered a possible presidential candidate in 2016, has not expressed a partisan preference in the outcome, much to the frustration of Mr. Hayes and others. “It is an impending disaster which may end up being a real missed opportunity to create positive change,” Mr. Hayes said.
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