NY State of Politics, August 31, 2018

Count Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins among those not being impressed with the lack of upstate issues aired in this week’s gubernatorial primary debate.

“Most of the debate was about New York City,” said Hawkins, a Syracuse resident. “Those of us upstate were wondering if we’re watching an election about where we live.”

Hawkins is making his third run for governor on the Green Party line this year. He’s participated in debates in 2010 and 2014 and expects to do so again, with the public backing of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, when the time comes for a general election debate.

But Hawkins said there should be multiple debates to cover more issues, including those close to upstaters.

“What I hope and I hope the media will push this is that we have more than one debate,” he said. “We should have a series around the state and let the voters really get a chance to hear what we all have to offer.”

A multiple candidate forum would likely include additional general election gubernatorial hopefuls like Larry Sharpe, the Libertarian Party candidate, as well as former Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, who is running an independent bid.

But a crowded forum could be at the detriment of Republican Marc Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, who likely would want a one-on-one chance to debate Cuomo ahead of the November election.