December 16, 2016
Against the Current, Jan-Feb 2017: The Green Party After the Election by Howie Hawkins
Building the Green Party from the bottom up on the mass-membership model is the only way to have the organized and energized mass base, democratic accountability and morale, and funding necessary to compete for power against the corporate power structure and its political representatives in the Democratic and Republican parties.
December 3, 2016
Platypus Society Panel, New York University: After the Elections: The Future of the Status Quo
Howie Hawkins (Green Party), R. L. Stephens (Labor organizer, Chicago), Benjamin Serby (Team Bernie NY), and Karl Berlin (labor organizer, Pittsburgh) discuss the 2016 elections and where the left should go from here.
December 2, 2016
Paste: Jill Stein's Recount Efforts Have Divided the Green Party
The enthusiasm for a third party is real and growing, even in the wake of the election of Donald Trump. New York State Green Party leader Howie Hawkins noticed the trend earlier in the year, he said in an interview in June at the state’s convention.
“We’re stronger than ever,” said Hawkins.
November 28, 2016
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins Talks about the Electoral College and Jill Stein's Challenge
20 minute audio.
November 8, 2016
Daily Orange, Syracuse University: For some Green Party supporters, a vote for Jill Stein isn’t a protest vote
...Stein calls for the transition of the U.S. energy system and economy to completely rely on clean, renewable energy by 2030, and the ridding of fossil fuels, gas extracted through fracking and nuclear power.
Clinton seeks to cut greenhouse emissions by more than 80 percent in the U.S. by 2050. Former New York Gov. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins said Clinton’s goals to save the climate are coming too late.
“If you do the numbers, that’s too late,” Hawkins said. “The Greens are the only ones with the real solution there.”
While the name of the Green Party is a metaphor for the environment, it also represents economic justice, Hawkins added. The solution for climate change, he said, must also create jobs, which he said the Green Party addresses.
November 4, 2016
Solidarity; International Viewpoint: "Only the Privileged Can Afford Hillary Clinton" by Howie Hawkins
... only the privileged can afford the status quo represented by Hillary Clinton, from growing inequality and persistent poverty to the climate crisis and endless wars. The liberals shout that we must vote for Clinton to stop Trump. But the history of Clintonism is triangulation, accommodation to the right. She may stop Trump for president. But she is not going to stop Trumpism.
November 3, 2016
West Onondaga County Journal: This Week in History
October 29, 2008 • 3 candidates run for 25th District – Dan Maffei, Dale Sweetland and Howie Hawkins. Hawkins wins campaign war of wits: "The paper makes a big deal of the fact that I've run 13 times and I've lost 13 times. Well, I have a clue for you. These two guys both lost their last elections. So you have a choice between three losers."
October 29, 2016
Focus On Albany: Former NYS Candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins discusses Jill Stein and the Presidential election
30 minute audio.
Howie Hawkins and Jill Stein at September 21, 2014 People's Climate March in New York City
October 28, 2016
The North Star: "The Green Party’s Political Independence Problem" by Tom MacMillan
If the Left is to rebuild itself into an important force in the United States, it’s unclear what role the Greens will have in that rebuilding. Greens, spurred by an influx of Leftists, may be able to reform their party internally and place it on solid footing by embracing the time-honored and proven methods of political organizing, such as establishing a national membership system and placing a stronger emphasis on party unity and internal democracy. Indeed, there is a movement voiced most notably by Howie Hawkins of New York to do just that. However, accomplishing that monumental task is unlikely and those who support political independence will likely need to leave the Green Party and join with other socialist groups to form a new political organization that will fight for a truly independent working class party. With Stein appearing likely to win an historic number of votes in the 2016 presidential election, the issue of political independence and the burgeoning Left has never been more important. If we are to translate the millions of people who are willing to cast their votes outside of the two party duopoly into actual political power, the debate around what a truly Leftist electoral movement looks like must begin.
October 13, 2016
Wall Street Journal: Libertarians and Greens Can Win—Even If They Lose
The Green Party started collecting signatures in June, before Ms. Stein had picked her vice-presidential candidate. The petitions in Minnesota named a stand-in, Howie Hawkins. But in August Ms. Stein selected Ajamu Baraka instead. It was too late. The Minnesota ballot in November will list Stein-Hawkins instead of Stein-Baraka.
October 10, 2016
North Country Now: Green Party's candidate for NY governor visits SUNY Potsdam speaking about 'two-party stranglehold'
Hawkins explained in great detail his vision laid out in his second campaign for Governor in 2014, where he called for a "Green New Deal," including public jobs for the unemployed, single-payer healthcare, a ban on fracking, and a 100 percent clean-energy future.
October 1, 2016
Platypus Review #90: "Beyond Social Democracy: Popular Assemblies, Confederal Democracy, and Internationalism" by Howie Hawkins
THE RECENT PLATYPUS PANEL on the “Death of Social Democracy” raised the prospect of a socialist left whose approach is not focused on taking power in capitalist national states, whether through the electoral reformism of traditional Social Democracy or a Bolshevik-style armed seizure, but on building a grassroots-democratic, confederal, and internationalist counterpower that can replace capitalist nation-states with a truly democratic socialism. This prospect was only broached in the critique of Social Democracy. I would like to suggest some perspectives to fill out this prospect....
September 27, 2016
Time Warner Cable News, Central New York: Protesters Believe Third Party Candidates Should Be Included in Presidential Debates
Monday protesters marched outside Hillary Clinton's campaign headquarters in Syracuse. They believe that Green Party Candidate Jill Stein and Libertarian Party Candidate Gary Johnson should have been included in the debate....
"[In total] 100 million people will watch this debate tonight [Monday night] and they won't even know that Johnson and Stein are on the ballot in their state. They have no way of hearing it because this is the thing most people pay attention to, so this is a real shame about our democracy at this point," said Onondaga County Green Party Chair Howie Hawkins.
A recent poll by USA Today and Suffolk University showed that 76 percent of voters wanted third party candidates to be included in the debates.
September 16, 2016
MyCentralJersey.com: Green Party candidate Jill Stein to appear Saturday at Rutgers
From left: 15 Now NJ co-founder Brian Powers, Green Party of New Jersey Chair Julie Saporito-Acuña and former Green Party candidate for governor of New York Howie Hawkins at the March for a Clean Energy Revolution on July 24 in Philadelphia. (Photo: Courtesy of Pat Noble)
September 12, 2016
KCUR, NPR, Kansas City: Kansas Voters Will Have Four Choices For President
Officials in the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office late last week cleared the last hurdle to certifying the roster of candidates for the Nov. 8 election by granting presidential candidate Jill Stein’s request to change the person listed on the ballot as her vice presidential running mate.
When Stein, the nominee of the Green Party, submitted the petition with 5,000 signatures she needed to qualify for a spot on the ballot, it listed party stalwart Howie Hawkins as her “placeholder” running mate. But Stein wanted Hawkins’ name replaced with that of Ajamu Baraka, the human rights advocate she selected in August to be her actual running mate.
Minnesota election officials recently rejected a similar request, but Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach granted it Friday.
September 1, 2016
The Villager, New York City: Third wheels or for real? Stein and Johnson offer voters more of a choice
Gloria Mattera, Stein’s campaign manager and co-chairperson of the New York State Green Party ... ran for lieutenant governor of New York with Teamster Howie Hawkins at the top of the Green ticket in 2010. “Our feeling is that it’s hard to start a revolution in a counterrevolutionary party,” she said. “The Democrat Party has become a corporate party.”
August 31, 2016
Equal Time Radio, WDEV, Vermont: Jill Stein Campaign & Prospects for Independent Politics
(17 minute audio) Howie Hawkins, long time Green Party activist and political candidate, explains that the Sanders campaign has revealed that a mass base exists now for an independent party of the left. More than in most presidential cycles, there is reason to hope for a mass breakaway in 2016. With many Sanders supporters unwilling to vote for Clinton, the independent left has a big opportunity to enlist significant new forces for independent left politics. The Jill Stein/Ajamu Baraka Green Party campaign could become much more than a protest vote, impacting the 2016 political debate, and securing ballot status in more states. The next step is to transform Stein campaign committees that are not based on Green party organizations into local parties that will be active on local issues and run independent candidates. That would lay the basis for future local races for municipal, county, state legislature and congressional races where the “political revolution” can continue, with independent progressive candidates using Green ballot lines.
August 30, 2016
Socialist Worker: Beyond Bernie: What's next for the left?
Howie Hawkins, Green Party member and former Green candidate for governor of New York
The Sanders campaign revealed two realities that demonstrated the socialist left can build an independent mass party of the left.
First, the big Sanders vote demonstrated mass support for progressive social and economic policies. Second, the 2.5 million contributors who gave $230 million to Sanders' campaign in small contributions revealed that the ordinary people will finance a political movement for progressive change on a scale that can compete with corporate candidates of the two-party system....
The Sanders campaign demonstrated that there is a mass base for different kind of politics--for a mass-membership party where party candidates and leaders are accountable to the membership and the platform they approve. Such a party can participate in or initiate movements demanding reforms with significant resources and organization that are accountable to a popular base, not corporate funders.
The mass-membership party, where formal members are organized into locals and finance the party with their dues, was an invention of the socialist left in the late 19th century. It was how the workers' movement and its small farmer allies were able to build movements to win the universal franchise, to organize labor unions and cooperatives, and to effectively compete in elections against the older top-down parties of the landed and business elites that were based on their legislative caucuses and wealthy sponsors rather than a formal membership with democratic rights in their party.
The Democrats and Republicans are organized on the old top-down model favored by business elites. It is time to organize a democratic mass-membership party in opposition....
Cyberspaceandtime.com: Howie Hawkins - Sanders campaign shows people ready for Jill Stein and Green Party
Video of two and a half minute speech by Howie Hawkins at Jill Stein fundraiser in New York City on May 21, 2016.
August 25, 2016
Weekly Standard: Trump-Pence Ticket Not Yet On Minnesota Ballot
As of Wednesday night, these are the presidential candidates voters will choose from on Minnesota's ballot in November:
... Jill Stein and Howie Hawkins, Green Party (Note: Party working to replace stand-in VP candidate Hawkins with endorsed candidate Ajamu Baraka.)...
That's right—the Minnesota Republican party has yet to file the paperwork necessary to get Trump-Pence on the ballot in the state. Tuesday was the deadline for non-major party candidates to file the necessary paperwork, but the GOP has until Monday the 29th to submit the paperwork. Politico reports state Republicans are fixing the problem, but that's awfully close for comfort. One wonders if the Trump campaign would have slipped up here if the press hadn't noticed.
August 24, 2016
Jacobin: Vermont's Cautionary Tale by Ashley Smith
Socialist Worker: A Cautionary Tale for Vermont by Ashley Smith
Undeniably, the Progressive Party established itself as the most left-wing, pro-labor electoral party in Vermont. But contrary to the case for small-state exceptionalism, the party has run into the same temptations and obstacles that have bedeviled similar initiatives elsewhere.
Now it must choose between standing up for working-class independence against both of the state’s capitalist parties and — following the example set by New York’s Working Families Party (WFP) — essentially fusing with the Democrats....
Successful electoral challenges to Democrats at the local and state level seem to point a different way forward. Kshama Sawant’s successful campaign in Seattle and Howie Hawkins’s and Brian Jones’s Green Party bid for New York governor and lieutenant governor show that starting down ticket can be an effective strategy for garnering public attention....
Today’s best-known example of a third party that uses fusion tactics is New York’s Working Families Party, which was established by union officials and progressives with the hope of influencing the Democratic Party and pushing broadly social-democratic politics in the state.
But the Democrats know that when push comes to shove the WFP will back them. So Governor Andrew Cuomo and his fellow party bosses use it to take over and neutralize forces that might challenge them.
This was made crystal clear in the last gubernatorial election, when the WFP — afraid of losing its status — put Cuomo on its ballot line instead of backing Hawkins and Jones or running Zephyr Teachout as an independent candidate. Just as it did for the Populists, fusion led not to success but to surrender.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Opposition to gas pipeline project based on science, not misinformation (Your letters)
Members of the New Yorkers Against Fracking group plus members representing Green party candidate Howie Hawkins protest outside the Town of DeWitt Community Room, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo was speaking Tuesday March 25, 2014. Cuomo later banned fracking in New York state.
August 22, 2016
Minnesota Public Radio: MN ballot will show wrong Green Party veep candidate
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein will be on the general election ballot in Minnesota, along with the name of someone who is not actually her vice presidential running mate.
Stein’s running mate is Ajamu Baraka. But the Minnesota ballot will show a Green Party ticket of Stein and Howie Hawkins. That’s because Green Party of Minnesota members began their petition process for ballot access well before the national party nominated its candidates. They used the name of Hawkins, a Green Party activist from New York, as a vice presidential candidate on the petition.
Green Party of Minnesota officials complained about the name issue in a news release.
“We believe the current inability to substitute our stand-in for our endorsed candidate is unfair in light of the arduous and time consuming ballot access process,” they wrote. “It is our hope that the Secretary of State Steve Simon will work with the Green Party of Minnesota to enable our stand-in vice presidential candidate, Howie Hawkins, be replaced by our official endorsed candidate Ajamu Baraka.”
Simon’s press secretary, Ryan Furlong, said there will not be any changes.
“The secretary of state’s office does not have any legal authority to substitute the name of a candidate on a petition,” Furlong said.
August 18, 2016
The Journal News, Lower Hudson Valley: Tax Watch STAR probe brings $4.6 million to NY
Tax Watch columnist David McKay Wilson's investigation led the state to recoup $4.6 million in improper property-tax subsidies granted to families earning more than $500,000....
The issue arose during the 2014 gubernatorial campaign. That June, candidates from across the political spectrum said they’d work to recoup the STAR funding. They included Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Fordham Law Professor Zephyr Teachout, who was challenging Cuomo in a Democratic primary.
August 12, 2016
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins and Dan Plaat talk about the National Green Party Convention
2014 NYS Gubernatorial Candidate fore the Green Party Howie Hawkins and Dan Plaat 2015 Green Party candidate for Albany County Executive discuss the Green Party National Convention in Texas.
August 7, 2016
Politico.com: What If the Green Party Stopped Being Kooky and Started Getting Real?
There was a remarkable diversity of life experience on display in Houston. There’s Michael Feinstein, who served as mayor of prosperous Santa Monica for eight years, walking around the convention space with a silvery man bun, Ray-Ban specs, tie-die pants and a long, flowing wrap, along with gruff Howie Hawkins, from Syracuse, whose shirt reps his Teamsters Local. Hawkins scored 5 percent of the vote in the governor's race against Andrew Cuomo in 2014, winning the Green Party a more prominent ballot position in New York state....
Hawkins, who has been active in alternative politics for many years, says the Democratic Party has abandoned the working class and the Green Party, as imperfect as it is, is the only possible vehicle for labor. “The Democratic Party ideology is the ideology of the professional class,” he says. “Meritocratic competition. Do well in school, get well-rewarded.”
They don’t stand all that strongly for people who work a job to earn a wage. “The biggest threat to the Democrats isn’t losing votes to the Greens,” Hawkins says. “Working class whites say, well, the Democrats don’t have all that much for us. And Trump sounds like he’s mad at the system. So they throw a protest vote to him.” And the Dems should also be worried about “the African-American, Latino, Asian working class. Barack Obama got them out twice, but he didn’t do a lot for them, and he’s not on the ticket this time.”
Bob Master of the New York Working Families Party, the Green Party’s nemesis in New York, has been making the case that all on the left should unite to stomp Trump decisively and deal his ideology a mortal blow. I put that to Hawkins. “Did Barry Goldwater get beaten by a large margin?” he asks. “Did Ronald Reagan get elected anyway?” Trumpism, in other words, is probably here to stay, and only the left can make a real counter-pitch to the white working class the ideology feeds on.
Reddit; YouTube: Bruce Dixon and Howie Hawkins at the Green Party National Convention 2016
In this video Bruce Dixon and Howie Hawkins discuss restructuring the Green Party into a dues paying mass organization.
August 3, 2016
Philadelphia Weekly: Green Party candidate Jill Stein makes your case on the streets of Philadelphia
As Democrats from all over the country gathered at the Wells Fargo Center for the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, Green Party presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein was making her own presence felt in Philadelphia.
“You are the revolution! We are the revolution!” Stein said, beginning a speech to about a thousand supporters during the Power to the People Rally at FDR Park on Monday evening. “This is what democracy looks like!”...
Other speakers included Howie Hawkins, a Green who received about 5% of the vote while running for governor of New York in 2014, and Medea Benjamin, a founder of anti-war/social justice organization Code Pink: Women for Peace.
Hawkins praised Stein’s Green New Deal, a proposed plan that aims to create 20 million new jobs by transitioning from fossil fuel-based infrastructure to 100% clean renewable energy by 2030, while also investing in improved public transportation and community-based agriculture.
July 27, 2016
NBC 10 Philadelphia: Day 2 of DNC Protests
Former Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins of New York has been gathering signatures for Stein. He calls her "Plan B" for Sanders supporters....
July 26, 2016
2:45 pm
Green Party supporters rallying in Philadelphia say money has been pouring in to their cause since Bernie Sanders endorsed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
Green Party candidate Jill Stein is laying out her platform Tuesday to "Bernie or Bust" demonstrators. Stein, a physician, is calling for 100 percent renewable energy by 2030, a $15 minimum wage and defense cuts.
Former Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins of New York has been gathering signatures for Stein. He calls her "Plan B" for Sanders supporters who don't like Clinton or GOP nominee Donald Trump.
Hawkins, of Syracuse, believes Stein can do well enough in November to boost the party's ballot access and public funding. And he says that could make the Green Party a solid alternative in some one-sided congressional districts.
July 21, 2016
Socialist Worker: Why you should coverage on Philadelphia by Todd Chretien
IF, AFTER the horror show in Cleveland, you're still not convinced that Clintonite Neoliberal Triangulation is the cure for Trumpist Racist Fever, then you're in luck--because Hillary won't be the only show in town when the Democratic National Convention (DNC) comes to Philadelphia next week.
A four-day Socialist Convergence--initiated by the Philly Socialists and organized by a coalition of radical and socialist organizations ranging from the Kentucky Workers League to the System Change Not Climate Change coalition--will take place alongside the corporate-sponsored DNC.
One part education, one part debate and one part organizing, the Convergence will convene each night after marches and protests during the day. The site for the event is the historic American Friends Service Committee meeting house at 1501 Cherry Street....
More than thirty presenters will lead discussions and debates, among them: ...Kshama Sawant, Socialist Alternative member of the Seattle City Council; Sean Sweeney, of Trade Unions for Energy Democracy; Steve Williams, of LeftRoots; Jill Stein, Green Party presidential candidate; Glen Ford, of Black Agenda Report; award-winning journalist Chris Hedges; New York Green Party activist Howie Hawkins; and Bhaskar Sunkara, founding editor of Jacobin magazine.
July 18, 2016
Old Mole Variety Hour, KBOO radio, Portland, Oregon: Howie Hawkins on Energy Policy
July 17, 2016
The North Star: Why I Became a Green by Owen Silverman Andrews
What happened in New York in 2014 should inform our understanding of the Bernie phenomena in 2016, and its limitations: cowardice and miscalculation by the institutional left-wing of the DP (WFP in ’14, most of the Progressive Caucus in ‘16); a powerful insurgent primary campaign against powerbrokers and economic elite that evaporates back into the DP after losing (Teachout is now running for Congress as a Democrat in Upstate NY, endorsed by Sanders); a raucous debate on the left about strategic voting fueled by an unhealthy dose of fear mongering, hypocrisy, and failure of imagination (many NY progressives argued that despite his betrayal and their incompetence on the big stage, voting for Cuomo on the WFP line in order to maintain their ballot access was preferable to voting for a real alternative in GP candidate Howie Hawkins).
I gladly voted for Hawkins. He received 5% of the vote in results that saw Cuomo rout the ultra-conservative Republican candidate, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, by 14 points. This result moved the Green Party up to line D from line F on the ballot, ahead of the Working Families and Independence parties. It also mobilized 184,419 voters — many disaffected Democrats voting Green for the first time — to vote their politics and their conscience, instead of voting out of habit and fear. Brian Jones, Theresa Portelli, and Ramon Jimenez rounded out a full Green slate for statewide offices, posting historically strong showings for Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller, respectively.
July 1, 2016
Against the Current, July-August 2016: Time for an Independent Party by Howie Hawkins
Too many on the left overthink this question with all kinds of proposals for transitional formations that try to work both inside and outside the Democratic Party at the same time. That has been tried many times in many forms, and now many Sanders supporters are going to try again.
All previous reform Democratic movements have ended up neutralized as agents of change inside the Democratic Party. The price for entry inside to party committees, campaign organizations, and primary ballots and debates is to forswear outside options. That is the price Sanders paid to get on the ballots and debate stages of the Democratic primaries.
I think there is a simpler and more straightforward way to draw progressive Democrats to an independent left party: Build it and they will come. A mass breakaway from the Democratic Party has to have somewhere viable and strong to go.
June 27, 2016
Community Public Radio: Don DeBar interviews Howie Hawkins on Independent Left Politics in 2016
Interview runs from the 6 minutes to 30 minutes in the broadcast.
June 26, 2016
Z Magazine: Hawkins Replies on Left Unity
More fundamental than the obvious problems with Clinton and Trump is the underlying fact that the existing power structure will remain in power whether Clinton or Trump is president. The power elite will continue to rotate in and out of the higher echelons of the biggest banks and corporations and the CIA, NSA, Fed, and Departments of Treasury, State, Defense, and Homeland Security. They will hold business and bureaucratic vetoes over any over departure from economic neoliberalism enforced by U.S. military power.
The left should work for system change, not for a Clinton to defeat a Trump. The left should support its own candidates and program. When the left calls for a vote for the lesser evil, it surrenders its independent voice and power. The left itself disappears as a visible alternative. If the left doesn’t have enough confidence in and respect for its own positions to advocate votes for its own candidates, why would any progressive wavering between a defensive lesser-evil vote and a positive vote for a left alternative take the left seriously?
In this presidential race, if you get the lesser evil you want, Hillary Clinton, you get the corporate militarism of the status quo – more economic inequality, war, and climate change. For the left, it is hard to conjure up a more self-defeating, demoralizing, and dispiriting outcome than voting for the lesser evil and winning! You vote for what you don’t want and you get it when you “win.”
June 21, 2016
The National Interest: Why Doesn't Bernie Sanders Have a Socialist Foreign Policy?
In 2004 and 2006, Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton were challenged by David McReynolds and Howie Hawkins who, while running as Green Party candidates, were veterans of the antiwar movement of the sixties and seventies as members of the Socialist Party USA (the most direct link between the SPA and the New Left). They both ran antiwar campaigns but got less than 1 percent and 2 percent, respectively.
June 15, 2016
EoinHiggins.com: Howie Hawkins on Green Party Outreach to the Sanders Coalition
Hawkins talked at length about the Green Party’s internal structure, the demonization of the Greens by the Democratic Party, and Bernie Sanders’ run for the Democratic nomination during our interview.
June 13, 2016
American Third Party Report: Howie Hawkins on the 2016 Elections
4 minute video features 2014 Green Party of New York gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins offering his perspective on the 2016 elections.
June 8, 2016
Jacobin: Cuomo's Battle Lines by Ari Paul
New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s war against BDS is an effort to isolate and suppress the Democratic Party’s left-wing critics....
Cuomo, after all, has indicated that he has his sights set on the White House in 2020 if a Democrat doesn’t get elected in 2016. But his plans seem overly optimistic.
He has lukewarm favorability — a recent poll said that voters are unlikely to reelect him. He already had to fight hard for his 2014 reelection, fending off a spirited primary challenge from anti-corruption activist Zephyr Teachout and then an emboldened Green Party candidate, Howie Hawkins.
June 6, 2016
The Forward: Why Andrew Cuomo Is Worst Possible Face of the Anti-BDS Movement by Ari Paul
Perhaps worse for the pro-Israel activists than having their bill imposed on a state legislature that didn’t want it, is being associated with Cuomo himself. In a scandal-plagued state, his team is the focus of a federal investigation, which may not put him behind bars but could leave his legacy and ambitions in tatters. His abrupt shuttering of the anti-corruption task force he had set up whipped up such discontent from liberals that it forced a strong primary challenge from law professor Zephyr Teachout and helped the candidacy of Green Party candidate and left-wing Teamster member Howie Hawkins.
May 25, 2016
Los Angeles Times: Bernie Sanders is a socialist? Some on the far left say sellout is more like it
The Green Party harbors few illusions about winning the White House. But if even a small portion of Sanders voters cast ballots for Stein, it could prove transformative for the organization. It has struggled to meet the threshold for public financing of its campaigns. Green Party U.S. co-founder Howie Hawkins has been doing back-of-the-envelope calculations that conclude if 1 of every 5 Sanders supporters votes Green in November, the party will get there.
Hawkins said the wrinkle in the plan, though, is Sanders himself, who is determined to keep his supporters in the Democratic Party. Hawkins, an upstate New York UPS worker who has known Sanders since handing out leaflets for the Vermonter’s 1972 gubernatorial campaign on the Liberty Union Party ticket, calls Sanders' bid to move the Democrats to the left a “fool’s errand.”
Sanders may get pilloried by the right for his policy agenda, but it is on the far left where there is the most skepticism for his motives. Hawkins still resents Sanders’ maneuvering in Vermont, where he accuses the democratic socialist of a political nonaggression pact with the local establishment. He says those on the left who are disappointed with Sanders' plans to stay aligned with the Democrats “do not know Bernie that well.”
“Some of us are not surprised or angry because we did not expect anything else from Bernie,” he said.
May 21, 2012
YouTube: Sanders campaign shows people ready for the Jill Stein and Green Party
Howie Hawkins speaking at Jill Stein fundraiser in New York City
May 12, 2016
CounterPunch: Reinvention and Whiplash: Bernie, Hillary, and “Strange Bedfellows” in the Democratic Party by Paul Street
When it all plays out, he will have returned to his original “sheepdog” or “Judas goat” role, a part that progressive Democratic presidential “challengers” always play: drive voter turnout for “history’s second most enthusiastic capitalist party” (as Kevin Phillips once described the Democrats) and deliver his supporters dutifully to that party’s Big Business-backed and imperialist nominee in the standard name of Lesser Evilism. The promised surrender to the “right wing fanatic Hillary Clinton” (Arun Gupta) – an enemy of workers, a lover of global-corporatist “free trade” (investor rights) deals, and an aggressive war-monger – is already underway. As the Green Party’s Howie Hawkins noted yesterday on Counterpunch:
“Bernie Sanders is on his way to an endorsement of Hillary Clinton, the candidate of War, Wall Street, and Wal-Mart. Sanders ran as a New Deal Democrat, but he will soon be campaigning for a plain old corporate New Democrat…To keep his troops engaged through this transition, Sanders will stage a few rules and platform fights at the convention. But rule changes are irrelevant to the real party power structure of candidate organizations and their corporate investors. Any platform planks won will be irrelevant as well. No corporate Democrat will feel bound by them.”
May 11, 2016
Socialist Worker: Why Is Andrew Cuomo Shifting Left? by Julian Guerrero
These movements contributed to two left-wing electoral challenges to Cuomo in 2014: first, when Zephyr Teachout embarrassed the governor by winning 30 percent of the vote in the Democrat primary for governor--and then in the general election when the Green Party's Howie Hawkins won 5 percent of the vote plus historic endorsements from teachers unions and local Democratic clubs...
As the Green Party's Howie Hawkins pointed out to the Gotham Gazette, this is consistent with many of Cuomo's reforms, which don't rely on a permanent and stable raise in taxes that could actually redistribute wealth to the many from the few:
[Cuomo is] making gestures, but look at the budget--it is still fiscal austerity, especially cities and towns. There are unfunded mandates and lack of aid from the state, and while he has provided more money for education, it is less than the Campaign for Fiscal Equity settlement [the 2006 court ruling requiring the state to pay billions in backpay to shortchanged school districts]...When [Assembly Speaker Carl] Heastie proposed a slightly progressive income tax, he just rejected it. So he is not dealing with basic fiscal structure.
In a state mired with political corruption and known for its shady backdoor deals, the sudden leftward shift of one of the New York's most powerful and shameless politician hides the continuation of the business agenda that lies underneath all of Cuomo's progressive rhetoric.
May 10, 2016
CounterPunch, Green Papers, Socialist Worker: Safe States, Inside/Outside, and Other Liberal Illusions by Howie Hawkins
BERNIE SANDERS is on his way to an endorsement of Hillary Clinton, the candidate of War, Wall Street and Walmart. Sanders ran as a New Deal Democrat, but he will soon be campaigning for a plain old corporate New Democrat.
To keep his troops engaged through this transition, Sanders will stage a few rules and platform fights at the convention. But rule changes are irrelevant to the real party power structure of candidate organizations and their corporate investors. Any platform planks won will be irrelevant as well. No corporate Democrat will feel bound by them.
Faced with that demoralizing prospect, some Sanders supporters are recycling failed old strategies in an attempt to salvage Sanders' "political revolution" without opposing the Democratic Party.
April 27, 2016
Syracuse Post-Standard: New Onondaga County Libertarian Party forms to give voters an alternative
Libertarian Michael McDermott got 16,769 votes for New York governor in 2014, or less than 1 percent of the total vote. He finished with the fourth-highest total among five candidates, far behind Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who got 184,419, or 5 percent of the vote.
April 22, 2016
CounterPunch: The Twilight of Liberalism: Decline of the Working Families Party by Peter LaVenia
Bind the WFP has, enticing people to vote for Hillary Clinton, Andrew Cuomo, Barack Obama, and a host of state-figures tied, in the end, to the political establishment. Typically they have unashamedly endorsed candidates running against independent leftists such as the Green Party’s Howie Hawkins (who happens to be a socialist, citizen-organizer, working-class Teamster and twice candidate for governor).
April 12, 2016
Gotham Gazette: Cuomo’s 2016 Wins Shaped by Progressive Forces, Electoral Lessons
Howie Hawkins, who challenged Cuomo on the Green Party line in both 2010 and 2014, said he agrees with Sherrill. “I generally think constituents are more liberal than their representatives think, and I think the poll in this case being the votes in the primary and general elections showed [Cuomo] his mistake.”...
Hawkins, who told Gotham Gazette he is prepared to run for Governor again depending on the circumstances, said he doesn’t believe Cuomo has changed his general approach to governing. “I think he’s making gestures, but look at the budget - it is still fiscal austerity, especially for cities and towns. There are unfunded mandates and lack of aid from the state, and while he has provided more money for education it is less than the Campaign for Fiscal Equity settlement,” Hawkins said, referring to the 2006 court decision by which New York City is still owed billions according to advocates. “When [Assembly Speaker Carl] Heastie proposed a slightly progressive income tax he just rejected it. So he is not dealing with the basic fiscal structure.”
Hawkins said he believes Cuomo’s action on minimum wage and paid family leave will protect Cuomo from a challenge from inside the Democratic Party if the governor runs for a third term in 2018. Hawkins, who performed best in the Capital Region where Cuomo went to war with public worker unions early in his term, said he isn’t so sure the anger is going to be there again in 2018. “I don’t know that people are going to be that upset with him,” he said.
April 7, 2016
WAER, NPR, Syracuse: Syracuse Activists Push for More Renewable Energy Plans in New York
Green Party activist Howie Hawkins acknowledges that any transition from fossil fuel-generated energy to renewable sources will cause a displacement in the workforce.
“This transition should be a just transition. In other words, workers displaced say from nuclear or gas industries should have their income and benefits maintained until they find comparable work. Green energy jobs are a great place for that, so the transition shouldn’t be too long, 4.5 million jobs.”
March 31, 2016
Socialist Worker: Discussing Sanders in my union by Sean Petty
In New York state, we had the largest third-party vote in decades in the last election for governor. The Green Party ticket of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones won almost 5 percent of the vote. Among unions, it broke through the close ties between Democrats and organized labor to pick up several endorsements from teachers locals, where members were fed up giving their support, their money and their votes to a governor who constantly tries to attack them. I wish our union had done the same.
March 30, 2016
Frontline, India: ‘The power to create a new world is… in our hands’
Interview with Jill Stein, Green Party candidate for the U.S. presidency by Vijay Prashad
Greens and socialists have been collaborating in electoral campaigns, such as the joint Green-International Socialist Organisation ticket of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones for Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York. We’ve also worked together on front-line campaigns, including living wage campaigns, pipeline protests, and struggles against police brutality, environmental racism, coal trains and fracking towers.
March 29, 2016
Veterans for Peace, Ventura County CA: Green leader Howie Hawkins Arrested in Veterans-led Civil Disobedience Action at Seneca Lake
U.S. Vets Lead Civil Disobedience Action at Crestwood to Protest Seneca Lake Gas Storage
Photos: http://www.wearesenecalake.com/veterans-pic/
Video: http://www.wearesenecalake.com/veterans-vidpress
Release: http://www.wearesenecalake.com/veterans/
Read more about the protesters at: http://www.wearesenecalake.com/seneca-lake-defendes/.
March 27, 2016
Wall Street Journal: Upstate New York Seeks Economic Boost From Drones
Not everyone is on board. “We have a serious poverty problem, and this industry is not too accessible to people who are making low wages and are poor,” said Howie Hawkins, a longtime Green Party politician who ran for governor in 2014. “There are opportunity costs when you put all your eggs in that basket.”
March 25, 2016
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins shares his views about the Green Party and Presidential Politics
Green Party Candidate for Governor in NYS in 2014 Howie Hawkins shares his views about the Green Party and Presidential Politics.
March 7, 2016
Socialist Worker: Discussing Sanders and the Left: Danny Katch, Bhaskar Sunkara, Gloria Mattera, Dustin Guastella
Gloria Mattera: ...I will say for those of you who don't know a lot about the Green Party that it is the only independent left party with a national presence.
That doesn't mean there are no smaller parties doing things around the state, but it is a national presence, and that really means something when you have a candidate. So if my comrade Howie Hawkins was here, he would start talking about William Jennings [Bryan], start back there, and then we'd get all the way to Jesse Jackson.
The Bernie Sanders campaign is a tool. For some socialists, it's a tool to recruit or to talk about socialism. To the Democratic Party, that campaign is a tool to keep people in the Democratic Party. So electoral work, electoral campaigns in general are a tool that socialists and those on the left need to use more.
We're not good enough yet. We have the Kshama Sawant campaign, we had some good results in terms of some Green Party campaigns, Howie Hawkins' fabulous campaign, and Brian Jones' campaign. But we have to really work that muscle. We have to know what it means.
During the Hawkins campaign, there were about 80 people at the Commons, and there was excitement about how there were two socialists running for governor and lieutenant governor on the Green Party line.
What happened? I have those 80 names, but some people said, "Well, can we make a separate thing that's not connected to the Green Party?" You could do that. But we're running a campaign here, we need people to get signatures, raise money, have house parties, work on voter identification, all that stuff is the nitty-gritty dirty laundry that maybe some people don't want to do. If we don't learn how to do that, we are not going to win.
March 4, 2016
Leading progressive voices are warning that President Obama’s choice for education secretary could be a disaster. An open letter to the U.S. Senate, published in the Washington Post on Thursday, asks lawmakers to reject the confirmation of John King as the new secretary of education.
Leading progressive voices are warning that President Obama’s choice for education secretary could be a disaster.
An open letter to the U.S. Senate, published in the Washington Post on Thursday, asks lawmakers to reject the confirmation of John King as the new secretary of education.
King, the acting secretary of education, has a long history of supporting corporate-friendly education reforms, and has pushed for unpopular policies like more standardized testing and Common Core, which critics say are ineffective.
The letter is signed by world-renowned scholar Noam Chomsky, along with journalist Naomi Klein, Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis, Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein and a host of other prominent scholars and activists, including some of the most established pro-public education voices.
March 3, 2016
Washington Post: Activists urge Senate not to confirm Obama’s pick for new education secretary
Dozens of students, parents, educators and activists are urging the U.S. Senate not to confirm John King, President Obama’s choice to succeed Arne Duncan as education secretary, because he pushed education policies when he was education commissioner of New York State that they say were “ineffective and destructive.”
The story includes the text of the letter and its signatories, including prominent educators like Noam Chomsky, Diane Ravitch, Jonathan Kozol, Deborah Meier, and Karen Lewis, as well as Jill Stein, Green Party candidate for President, and Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, 2014 Green Party candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor in New York.
Independent Media Central New York: 2016 Elections and the Left
Video: Panel discussion with Melanie Goldberg, Staff attorney, Legal Services of CNY, for Hillary Clinton; Andy Mager, Community organizer, activist. Former staff at Syracuse Peace Council, Sales Manager at Syracuse Cultural Workers, for Bernie Sanders; Howie Hawkins, Green Party gubernatorial candidate 2014, working Teamster (Local 317), for Jill Stein; Kathleen Feyh, Senior Lecturer in Communication and Rhetorical Studies at SU, member of the International Socialist Organization.
February 25, 2016
Huffington Post: Bernie Sanders Is a Faux Socialist and a 'Sheepdog' by Blake Fleetwood
… Sanders is no Eugene Debs, says Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who ran for governor of New York State and won 184,419 votes in 2014.
Sanders is violating the first principle of socialist politics: class independence, writes Hawkins. A lesson socialists learned long ago when the business classes sold out the workers after the 1848 democratic revolutions that swept across Europe.
While often presenting himself as a "socialist" and making an appeal to deep anger over growing social inequality, Sanders has long functioned as a run-of-the-mill Democrat, caucusing with the party in Congress and backing the U.S. military war machine, says Hawkins.
February 4, 2016
Politico: Why Socialists Can’t Wait for Bernie to Lose
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the 2016 presidential race is that Bernie Sanders, somehow, has made “socialism” a safe word in American politics….
But the real socialists? They can’t wait for him to lose.
...Bernie’s rapid ascent means that the political decisions of the far-far left have been complicated by an unfamiliar surge of attention.
Some welcome it. Philip Locker, Seattle-based spokesman for the national Socialist Alternative organization, is thrilled by Sanders phenomenon, enthusing that “the political system is starting to be shaken” as Sanders “is popularizing socialism to an audience of tens of millions.”
To others, that’s dangerous naiveté. Howie Hawkins, a Green Party co-founder and member of the socialist group Solidarity, wrote an essay in May for the ISO’s Socialist Worker website attacking Sanders for “violating the first principle of socialist politics: class independence,” consorting with the “billionaire class” by pledging to “support their candidate” if he loses the Democratic primary.…
If and when Bernie drops out, the group will rally behind Stein and the Green Party as “Plan B;” Socialist Alternative backed her in 2012. But they’re sticking with Bernie until there is absolutely no chance he can go on, even calling on him to abandon his pledge to support the eventual Democratic nominee and mount a third party campaign.
To the Green Party’s Hawkins, these flirtations with Sanders are a grave error. “All the money and time going into Sanders' handoff to Clinton is time and money that could be going into getting Jill Stein's Green Party candidacy on every ballot in the country,” he says….
Top Stein supporters aren’t expecting miracles. Hawkins concedes the real goal of the campaign is five percent of the vote, which would qualify the party for federal campaign funds in the 2020 general election. Based on 2012 turnout levels, the Greens would need about 6.5 million votes, or 6 million Sanders-loving Democratic defectors to add to her 2012 tally.
The Villager, New York City: Special election: Mendez backs Cancel and Chin supports Li
On Saturday, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a proclamation setting Tues., April 19, as the date for a special election for the 59th, 62nd and 65th Assembly Districts, as well as the Ninth Senate District.
The date — which coincides with the presidential primary election in New York State — was chosen in order to both “maximize voter turnout and minimize the cost to taxpayers,” according to the governor.
The Lower East Side’s 65th A.D. seat has been vacant since late last year when former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was convicted on multiple federal graft charges and immediately stripped of his office….
Quinn’s Lower East Side Democratic Club will play a pivotal role in the County Committee vote. Other clubs covering parts of the district include Soho’s Downtown Independent Democrats….
D.I.D. backed Zephyr Teachout in the primary versus Cuomo and then Green candidate Howie Hawkins in the general election.
February 1, 2016
Blog Talk Radio: Left Agenda with Stewart Alexander - Howie Hawkins Interview
Left Agenda with Stewart Alexander welcomes back Howie Hawkins, Green Party politician and social activist. Today's topic: "Why Green Presidential Candidate Jill Stein is More to the Left than Bernie Sanders." Also, Stewart and Howie will talk about David Swanson's recent article in the American Herald Tribune - "Jill Stein's Platform More Viable than Bernie's."
January 27, 2016
Finger Lakes Times: Former governor hopeful among veterans arrested in protest
READING — Former Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins was among 13 people arrested Tuesday morning while protesting at the gates of the Crestwood Midstream gas storage facility.
Hawkins, a Marine Corps veteran from Syracuse, was one of 11 veterans participating in a human blockade of traffic entering and leaving the Route 14 site in Schuyler County.
Lawyer Herald: Ex N.Y. gov candidate Howie Hawkins and U.S. Military veterans arrested for protesting against gas storage
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party's candidate for the governor of New York in 2014, was arrested on Tuesday for disorderly conduct while protesting in the state's Seneca Lake. Hawkins' companions, which are mainly U.S. military veterans, were also taken away by law enforcers.
According to Ithaca Voice, the activist and politician was protesting at the storage center of the Crestwood Gas Facility. During the protests, Hawkins and 12 other individuals blocked the facility's gates to prevent its trucks from entering and exiting.
Hawkins and his companions noted that the presence of the gas facility and its fracking operations are dangerous for the environment. They also called for new programs to be implemented in order to supply New York with 100 percent renewable energy.
Hawkins and the dozen activists are members of the Veterans Against Crestwood and Defending the Climate and Seneca Lake groups. They were immediately arrested by authorities shortly after unveiling their protest banners in front of the facility during the movement which was named as, We Are Seneca Lake. Eleven of those who were apprehended are war veterans.
WSYR, TV 9, ABC, Syracuse: Former governor candidate arrested at protest
Former Green Party candidate for state governor Howie Hawkins was arrested Tuesday for his participation in the We Are Seneca Lake blockade.
Green Party Watch: Hawkins arrested at gas storage facility protest; American Third Party Report: Former Green Party candidate for New York Governor Howie Hawkins arrested at protest
Longtime Green Party activist Howie Hawkins was arrested Tuesday for his participation in the We Are Seneca Lake blockade against the Crestwood gas storage facility in upstate New York. According to the Green Party of New York, Hawkins “joined a U.S. armed forces veterans contingent in a human chain across the entrance to Crestwood Midstream on Route 14.” Hawkins is a Marine veteran who “remained active in the anti-war and anti-nuclear movements” during his service.
Green Party of New York co-chair Gloria Mattera said, “The Green Party is proud to support We Are Seneca Lake’s ongoing civil disobedience campaign against methane gas storage. Their heroic efforts remind us that, while New York is not fracking, we are still bound to an undemocratic fossil fuel system that is deadly to our climate and communities.”
Protesters have been blocking the Crestwood gas storage facility gates since October 2014. The We Are Seneca Lake movement opposes Crestwood’s plans for methane and LPG storage in lakeside salt caverns.
January 26, 2016
billmckibben: 11 veterans, Green leader Howie Hawkins, being arrested this morning in @WeAreSenecaLake #fracked gas blockade https://t.co/kJapqt6kOk - 2016-01-26 14:17:03
Read more at http://test.twicsy.com/i/isVJgj#3hh8q4c35ZWPJKed.99
We Seneca Lake Video: Former NY Gubernatorial Candidate & Vet Howie Hawkins Arrested w/U.S. Vets
Howie Hawkins' statement on why he joined with other U.S. military veterans to block the entrance of the Crestwood gas storage facility on Seneca Lake.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Former NYU gov candidate Howie Hawkins arrested
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party's 2014 candidate for New York governor, was arrested Tuesday while protesting at the Crestwood gas storage facility on Seneca Lake.
Hawkins, who received 184,000 votes in his gubernatorial run, was taken into custody by Schuyler County Sheriff's Department deputies while blocking the entrance to the proposed liquified petroleum gas storage facility owned by Crestwood Mainstream, according to Green Party officials….
The arrests occurred after the 13 unfurled banners that read, "Veterans Against Crestwood / Defending the Climate and Seneca Lake," and formed a human chain at the entrance of the Crestwood Midstream property, blocking trucks from leaving and entering, according to We Are Seneca Lake, a group organizing the protest.
In a statement at the protest, Hawkins described fracking and natural gas storage as "inherently dangerous" and demanded "a crash program to build a 100% renewable energy program in New York State" to stop global warming, according to a Green Party news release.
Elmira Star-Gazette: Former gubernatorial candidate charged at Crestwood protest
A former New York gubernatorial candidate was among 13 people charged Tuesday following a protest at Crestwood in Schuyler County.
Howie Hawkins, of Syracuse, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2014 as a member of the Green Party, was charged with disorderly conduct by the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office.
Hawkins served in the Marines and was one of 11 veterans to be charged during the protest at the gates to Crestwood Midstream.
Ithaca Voice: Former gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins arrested at Crestwood protest
WATKINS GLEN, NY - Howie Hawkins, a two-time challenger to Governor Andrew Cuomo representing the Green Party, was arrested for protesting at the Crestwood Gas Facility at Seneca Lake....
Hawkins, along with 12 other people, blockaded the entrance the facility on Tuesday morning, according to social media posts from activist group We Are Seneca Lake. 11 of the protesters, including Hawkins, are military veterans.
Tikkun, Winter 2016: Time for a New Strategy by Brian Jones
New York politics might offer some lessons for the presidential race. Here, Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo has been a fierce advocate of what many call “corporate education reform”; the governor stoked statewide anger by starving public schools of funding while aggressively promoting charter schools. But when Cuomo faced a progressive challenge from Zephyr Teachout in the Democratic gubernatorial primary in fall 2014, Weingarten lent her voice to a robocall to voters, encouraging support for Cuomo’s rightist running mate, Kathy Hochul (the union didn’t dare openly endorse Cuomo himself). To the union’s most engaged and active members, those who had organized countless forums, town halls, pickets, and protests to save our schools, this was widely perceived as something of a kick in the teeth. Fortunately, after the primary, many of them backed Howie Hawkins’s Green Party bid (I was the candidate for lieutenant governor), which pushed the campaign to a historic 5 percent of the overall vote.
January 13, 2016
Capital New York: State of state protests over East Ramapo, gas pipelines
Representing a smattering of different environmental advocacy groups from around the state, about 250 protesters held signs calling on officials and lawmakers to prohibit any more natural gas pipelines being built in New York, to stop the construction of a proposed liquid natural gas storage facility next to Seneca Lake, and to shift the state’s energy production to greener fuel sources….
The environmental groups were also joined by representatives from the Green Party, including former gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, who showed up to call on Cuomo to transition the state to 100 percent renewable energy sources by 2030, and to completely throw out his “Reforming Energy Vision” plan, an oft-touted arm of his energy policy.
November 3, 2015
Washington Post: A tech guy’s terrible Kentucky campaign showed him how to win at politics
So with those caveats: Come on, man. You are getting 6 percent in the polls. Maybe you'll end up with more; we'll see. But that is one percentage point more than Howie Hawkins got in his bid to be governor of New York in 2014. Who is Howie Hawkins? I had to Google him, and I 1) live in New York and 2) write about politics for a living. If the Internet and social media gets you one more percent of the vote than a relatively anonymous Green Party candidate in New York, maybe the future isn't as near as it seems….
I mean, Howie Hawkins got 5 percent of the vote in New York because of his political party. If Curtis had run as a libertarian, he'd probably be doing better than he is now. Even in non-partisan races, people seek out partisan identifiers (like endorsements) in order to utilize the shorthand that Curtis disdains.
November 2, 2015
Daily Orange, Syracuse University: Howie Hawkins runs for city auditor to promote left-wing Green Party policies
While Hawkins is not an accountant and has never completed an audit, something he admits, Hawkins said he sees the auditor’s office as a “public interest research group for the people of the city.” He wants to use the auditor’s office to advance the issues that both parties are ignoring, he said.
Specifically, Hawkins plans to complete environmental and social policy audits, according to his campaign.
“We don’t need a lapdog who is part of the Democratic machine,” he said. “We need a watchdog who is independent.”
October 31, 2015
Dissident Voice: "To Understand the Presidential Primaries, Recognize the Impact of Movements" by Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers
Howie Hawkins, the recent New York Green Party gubernatorial candidate, writes in “Bernie Sanders is No Eugene Debs” that Debs, the five-time Socialist Party presidential candidate between 1900 and 1920, understood that it is essential for a movement to have its own political vehicle as a matter of principle. Hawkins recognizes that Sanders is good on most domestic issues (not as good on foreign policy) but:
… [H]is positions on the issues is secondary to the question of whether his politics are helping the working class act for itself or subsume itself under the big business interests in charge of the Democratic Party. By entering the Democratic primaries with the promise of supporting Clinton as the lesser evil to the Republicans, Sanders is not helping the working class to organize, speak and act for itself.
Sanders has called for a revolution against the billionaire class, but accomplishing that inside a political party owned by Wall Street and other big business interests is an absurdity….
In his article, Howie Hawkins points out that from the 1840s to the 1930s there was a series of independent parties tied to movements to end slavery, secure voting rights for women, allow the development of unions, empower workers, and break up monopolies. The combination of an independent movement and independent electoral politics built power. In 1936, the unions decided to work within the Democratic Party, undermining both independent politics and the union movement.
October 30, 2015
WCNY TV, PBS Central New York: Insight
In wake of a national report on urban poverty and segregation in the U.S. reaching all times highs, Insight's Jim Aroune sits down with politic activist and Green Party member Howie Hawkins to discuss poverty and politics.
October 10, 2015
Newsday: Green Party leaders say nonmembers 'hijack' ballot lines
Green Party leaders in Nassau and Suffolk say their ballot lines have been hijacked by Republican and Democratic judicial candidates who aren't party members -- and whose political views sometimes clash with Green Party stances….
Major party candidates seek multiple ballot lines in order to boost their vote totals in the general election, if only by small amounts. And the Green Party is vulnerable to encroachment because of its small size, lack of funding and quirks in state election law….
The Green Party, which obtained its ballot line in 2010 after Howie Hawkins received more than 50,000 votes in his unsuccessful run for governor, does not cross-endorse candidates because the two major parties accept corporate donations….
October 3, 2015
Lewisboro Ledger: Reality Check: Serving Lewisboro
Elections are a month away. In the Lewisboro race for Town Board, the Lewisboro Democrats and Republicans cross-nominated current incumbents in their primaries. Party leaders saw an experienced team that worked well together and got things done.
That process put Dan Welsh and Jon Pappalardo on both the Republican and Democratic primaries….
Dan and I had a good discussion of state and national politics. I had supported Zephyr Teachout in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Dan is a member of the Green Party; their candidate for governor was Howie Hawkins.
October 1, 2015
Socialist Worker: The Nader challenge and what it means today by Todd Chretien
Nader did run as an independent again in 2008, as did ex-Democratic Rep. Cynthia McKinney, but these races fell flat, signaling the near-total victory by the Democratic Party in sealing off a challenge to its left.
There have been some exceptions--Matt Gonzalez's race for mayor of San Francisco in 2003, Howie Hawkins campaigns for governor in New York, and Gayle McLaughlin's election as mayor of Richmond, Calif. In 2012, Jill Stein ran a Green Party campaign for president that was wholly committed to left-wing political independence. This, along with the election of Socialist Alternative candidate Kshama Sawant to the City Council in Seattle, has reopened the question of third-party challenges.
September 27, 2015
Register Star (Columbia County): Green Party looks to reinvigorate its base
HUDSON, NY — County Green Party members met Saturday morning to reinvigorate their base and begin the process of becoming an official Green Party organization in the county.
The small group met at Time and Space Limited on Columbia Street to talk about the steps needed to become a county organization with state Green Party organizer Michael O'Neil, who had come up from New York City for the meeting, and to discuss direction for the nascent group.
Green Party member Pat Russo said it was the first official meeting of the Greens in 10 years. He described the period around the 2000 elections as being active for Greens in the state and referred to Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins' promising showing in the 2014 gubernatorial election as proof of renewed interest in the party.
Hawkins, a UPS truck unloader and labor organizer, captured 4.8 percent of last year's vote statewide. In Columbia County, 10.4 percent voted for Hawkins, compared to 38 percent for Andrew Cuomo.
O'Neil talked about the basis of the Green Party and why it was important at this historical juncture.
"[It] comes down to working people do not have a voice right now," O'Neil said.
O'Neil went on to criticize the two major parties' deference to corporations and the rich, and expressed the need for working people to have electoral expression.
September 9, 2015
Solidarity and International Viewpoint: Jill Stein Campaign Needs Support Now by Howie Hawkins
While socialists debate how to relate to the many thousands of progressives attracted to Bernie Sanders' campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, the most viable independent left alternative for 2016 needs support from socialists now. The Green Party and its leading presidential candidate, Jill Stein, are best positioned to secure state ballot lines across the country to provide a credible alternative to the candidates of the two major capitalist parties in 2016. What is needed now are (1) donations to the Stein campaign to help with ballot access drives now in 2015 and (2) help petitioning in the states where the Green Party does not yet have a ballot line secured for 2016.
Sanders supporters are going to need a Plan B when in all probability he loses the Democratic nomination. The way to make sure an alternative is ready in 2016 is to take action now in 2015.
September 8, 2015
WAER, NPR, Syracuse University: Union Members Gather for Labor Day Rally on Final Day of 2015 NYS Fair
September 7, 2015
Capital Tonight Morning Memo: Hawkins Pitches Stein To Campus Greens
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor in 2010 and 2014, is back in the political fray for the presidential election cycle.
In an email to Green Party Party supporters this weekend, Hawkins is pushing the candidacy of Jill Stein, the party's 2012 candidate for president. Specifically, Stein is kicking off her campaign is usually fertile territory for a Green Party candidate: college campuses. Hawkins forwarded an email to supporters on Saturday with information on the fall organizing efforts as well as email drives to build a database of potential voters.
September 4, 2015
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins on Donald Trump
Howie Hawkins shares his thoughts on Donald Trump.
August 27, 2015
Panel Debate: Should Socialists Support Bernie Sanders?
Panel Debate in Boston: Ashley Smith (International Socialist Organization), Jake Altman (Democratic Socialists of America), Jason Lowenthal (People for Bernie), Howie Hawkins (Green Party). Hawkins' presentation runs between minutes 31 and 43 in the video.
August 14, 2015
WMBR (MIT, Cambridge MA): Howie Hawkins interview on Bernie Sanders campaign on "What's Left"
Discussion of Bernie Sanders, Jill Stein, and presidential politics with Jason Lowenthal of People for Bernie and What's Left host Linda Pinkow.
August 10, 2015
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins talks presidential politics
2014 NYS gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins and Green Party activist and candidate for Albany County Executive Dan Plaat talk about the race for president, including candidates Jill Stein, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
July 30, 2015
New Politics: Sanders for President: a Political Phenomenon that Challenges all Preconceptions by Dan La Botz
The Green Party’s influence peaked in 2000 with the controversial campaign of consumer activist Ralph Nader who won 2.7 percent of the vote—leading him to be accused of having been a “spoiler” who had taken votes from Democratic candidate Al Gore, allowing George W. Bush to win the election. Howie Hawkins, a socialist, ran as the Green Party candidate for New York Governor in 2014 winning 5 percent of the vote. Sanders has for the moment overshadowed Jill Stein, the Green Party’s presidential candidate for 2016; but as she says, “I’ll actually be on the ballot in November.”
July 29, 2015
Solidarity: Connecting Sanders' Audience’s Aspirations to Clear Working Class Political Alternatives
The following document was discussed at Solidarity's 2015 Convention last weekend and approved by a majority vote, with the addendum that our organization also has many members engaged in the Green Party and that we support their work and the Jill Stein campaign….
We agree with Howie Hawkins when he says: “We should talk about why independent politics is the best way to build progressive power, about the Democratic Party as the historic graveyard of progressive movements, and about the need in 2016 for a progressive alternative when Sanders folds and endorses Clinton. I don’t expect many will be persuaded to quit the Sanders campaign before the primaries. But I do expect that many of them will want a Plan B, a progressive alternative to Clinton, after the primaries.”
July 23, 2015
Socialist Worker: A Fight for 15 breakthrough in New York
In an effort to minimize a rebellion from organized labor and the left during the governor's election last year, Cuomo made promises to workers and their organizations that he would raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour for public employees. This promise--along with others that Cuomo has so far neglected in his new term--won him the endorsement of the Working Families Party, which at the time was split over whether to endorse Cuomo or run law professor Zephyr Teachout as its gubernatorial candidate.
Teachout went on to win more than 30 percent of the vote in the Democratic primaries, and the Green Party ticket of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, who both ran as open socialists, won the largest share of the New York vote for a third party in decades when they took 5 percent in the general election. These results illustrate New Yorkers' discontent with Cuomo, who has come to embody everything wrong with politics in the state.
July 20, 2015
Left Agenda with Steward Alexander: Howie Hawkins Interview
'Left Agenda with Stewart Alexander' welcomes Howie Hawkins, Green Party politician and social activist. The discussion is: The Issues and Challenges Facing the Left in 2016. Howie Hawkins will join us to discuss America’s police state, the growing disparity between the rich and poor, a nation that is in a permanent state of war. We will discuss a world that is dividing politically, economically and militarily.
July 14, 2015
ArtVoice (Buffalo): Poloncarz and Zellner Are Trying to Take Over the Green Party
When Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins pulled a ton of liberal votes (184,419) in 2014 running against Democrat Andrew Cuomo and Republican Rob Astorino, it moved the Green Party line up to number four on the ballot behind the Conservatives and ahead of the Working Families and Independence Parties….
The combination of New York Law, a small party, and good ballot position set the stage for a raid on the Green Party by local Democrats, and a-raiding they have come. Led by political opportunist County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and assisted by his handpicked party boss, Jeremy Zellner, the local Dems are circulating OTB petitions for County Executive, County Court Judge, Family Court Judge, County Legislature, and even local town and city offices like Supervisor, Councilman, and Clerk. Their petitions feature the old sunflower emblem of the Green Party. This seems like an attempt to deceive Green voters into thinking the Democratic candidates are somehow aligned with the official Green Party
July 7, 2015
Socialist Alternative: A Response to Howie Hawkins: How to Win Sanders Supporters to Independent Working-Class Politics
We agree with Howie Hawkins when he says in his article: “We should talk about why independent politics is the best way to build progressive power, about the Democratic Party as the historic graveyard of progressive movements, and about the need in 2016 for a progressive alternative when Sanders folds and endorses Clinton. I don’t expect many will be persuaded to quit the Sanders campaign before the primaries. But I do expect that many of them will want a Plan B, a progressive alternative to Clinton, after the primaries.”
That last sentence is a key point and Socialist Alternative seeks to build the strongest possible “Plan B” and also a consciously socialist force in the movements of working people and the oppressed. One key tactic to do this as effectively as possible in 2015 is to intervene in the Bernie Sanders campaign with proposals that point towards movement-building, political independence and a profile for socialist activists.
Huffington Post: A Liberating Space for Humane Dialogue on Television by John Bredin
While Bill Moyers featured Jill Stein, the Green party candidate for president as a guest on his show, we were proud to broadcast Salons featuring Green Party candidates for New York State Governor (Howie Hawkins), Senate (Colia Clark) and NYC mayor Tony Gronowicz. Once, when I played one of these shows for my college students, they were pleasantly surprised (and filled with hope) to learn that a political party dedicated 100 percent to solving the climate crisis actually exists.
June 30, 2015
Daily Orange (Syracuse University): Howie Hawkins discusses New York's ban on fracking
The Daily Orange spoke with Howie Hawkins, a Green Party Candidate for New York Governor in 2010 and 2014 who campaigned on a banning of fracking, about the ban.
June 11, 2015
Washington Times: Bernie Sanders: Socialists sharply divided as Sanders makes run
While the mainstream media debate whether America would ever elect a socialist as president, the debate on the left has been over whether Mr. Sanders should be considered a socialist in the first place.
Mr. Sanders, wrote leftist New York activist and Green Party leader Howie Hawkins recently, “is no Eugene Debs” — the last avowed socialist to make a serious run for the White House with five campaigns between 1900 and 1920….
Mr. Hawkins accused Mr. Sanders of “violating the first principle of socialist politics: class independence.”
“Bernie Sanders‘ entry into the Democratic presidential primaries should be seen as his final decisive step away from the democratic socialism he professes to support,” Mr. Hawkins said. “He will raise some progressive demands in the primaries and then endorse the corporate Democrat, Hillary Clinton. Nothing changes.”
June 10, 2015
Socialist Worker: Supporting Sanders sends the wrong message by Gloria Mattera
I agree with Kshama Sawant and Howie Hawkins that it will be a sacrifice to financially support independent left candidates against the corporate party machine, but we must make that a priority. And to reach the millions instead of thousands with our message, scores more volunteers are needed.
June 6, 2015
The North Star: For an independent left party: videos from Left Forum 2015
The two videos below were made at last weekend’s Left Forum in New York and both reflect the mission of the North Star website, namely to help create a radical party in the United States along the lines of Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain, among others.
The first that was held on Saturday was organized by the Green Party and chaired by Howie Hawkins. It was very much in the spirit of the Chicago Left Elect conference held early in May since it featured speakers from the ISO, Socialist Alternative and the Greens.
June 5, 2015
Firedoglake: Socialist Seattle Councilmember Kshama Sawant, Up for Re-Election, Visits New York for Fundraiser
Journalist Chris Hedges, activist and Socialist Alternative member Eljeer Hawkins and former Green Party Gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins attended the event to support Sawant.
Hawkins discussed his own candidacy last year when running for governor of New York and how Sawant had helped him raise funds. In addition, he emphasized how it was vital for Sawant to win in Seattle to ensure other third-party candidates across the US are able to build-off the success of her campaign.
“That’s why this election is so important. Kshama needs to win so we can have credibility as a progressive, independent movement,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins noted how the Democrats would prefer to see Sawant lose in order to incorporate independent movements into the party. He pointed at a comment by a Workers Families Party member who wrote it would be better to see a Tea Party Republican win than Hawkins.
“Their whole point is to prevent independent politics. That’s what the Democratic Party really wants to do,” Hawkins said.
June 2, 2015
Green Party Watch: Howie Hawkins and other Greens announce local campaigns in Syracuse NY
Independent Political Report: Howie Hawkins and other Greens announce local campaigns in Syracuse NY
Howie Hawkins was designated by the Greens to run for City Auditor. Hawkins is a Teamster who unloads trucks at night at UPS and has run many times for public office, most recently as the 2014 Green candidate for New York Governor.
“The main issue in the auditor’s race is simple. Marty Masterpole hasn’t done the job. Howie Hawkins will,” Hawkins said. “Masterpole has failed to fulfill his responsibilities as auditor under the city charter and city budget. His four-person staff is not producing. This race will be a voters’ audit of the City Auditor."
Hawkins added that if elected, “I will not only fulfill the minimum financial and performance audits expected by the charter and budget. I will bring in best practices from other governments.” Hawkins said that such practices would include environmental audits, tracking economic indicators of public welfare and sustainability, and instituting a Syracuse version of New York City’s online “Checkbook NYC” transparency tool that tracks the budget, revenue, spending, payroll, and contracts, including minority and women’s business enterprise contracts, in real time.
June 1, 2015
Capital New York: A year after the Cuomo-W.F.P. bargain, everyone’s a sucker
Cuomo easily survived the general election despite a G.O.P. wave (and spirited opposition from Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins).
May 31, 2015
Capitol Hill Seattle Blog: Sawant brings back $9K from NYC fundraiser criticized by challenger ahead of Saturday Town Hall campaign event
After Howie Hawkins and Chris Hedges, Kshama Sawant speaking on the struggle for working people.
May 29, 2015
Seattle Times: Sawant holding campaign fundraiser in New York City this weekend
Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant is jetting all the way to New York City this weekend to drum up money for her re-election campaign.
Sawant will speak alongside journalist Chris Hedges and onetime Green Party candidate for New York governor Howie Hawkins at a fundraiser on the Upper East Side.
May 28, 2015
CounterPunch: Campaigning with Bernie, Now and Then by Steve Early
This labor tendency to gravitate, in conservative fashion, toward the least problematic of the two major parties is still with us today, of course. Every election cycle—in every part of the country—AFL-CIO unions and unaffiliated labor organizations make pragmatic calculations about who to endorse and spend money on. Rarely do they take a chance on third party candidates, no matter how ardent their support for labor causes. Even a union rank-and-filer who runs against a corporate Democrat (for example, Howie Hawkins, the blue-collar Green who challenged Andrew Cuomo for governor of New York last year) finds it hard to collect labor endorsements.
May 27, 2015
Socialist Worker: A socialist FAQ on Bernie Sanders and the left
Last November, the New York state Green Party ticket of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones ran against incumbent Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and scored the best statewide vote total for an independent candidate in generations.
We have a long way to go to build an ongoing national alternative, but such campaigns are a valuable starting point--in challenging the two-party system and opening the space to begin building such an alternative. Thus, we don't have to abstain from the 2016 elections, including the presidential vote. There will certainly be challengers to the two capitalist parties among the Greens, socialists and radicals, and building on these alternatives will be important for the struggles to come.
May 26, 2015
NY Observer: How Bernie Sanders Points the Way for New York’s Outsider Candidates
[Vermont Governor] was a position he had sought before in 1972, in between two successive unsuccessful attempts at the U.S. Senate, each time running on the Liberty Union Party line and its broad socialist-pacifist platform. (“He said we needed fundamental change,” recalled perennial New York Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who would often cross the Connecticut River from where he attended college at Dartmouth to hand out Sanders flyers). The 1976 campaign had yielded the most impressive return of Mr. Sanders’ career: six percent….
What got Mr. Sanders where he is now is what got him elected mayor in 1981: building a base from the bottom up, and shifting his focus from the grandiose to the granular….
“He established a good record, and then people took him seriously. And he had standing when he wanted to move up,” Mr. Hawkins remembered….
Mr. Hawkins, who is now running to oust Syracuse’s city auditor, agreed that the Green Party needs to focus on picking up local offices in order to ever have a shot at holding a state or federal position.
“If you can win a City Council seat, why not an Assembly seat, or even a congressional seat, or a local city seat like mayor?” he said. “We’ve got to replicate that several times in order to be credible or competitive when we run for statewide office.”
“The next breakthrough for us is to elect a council member in a city like Syracuse or Rochester or Albany. Or New York City,” he continued.
Socialist Worker: Bernie Sanders is no Eugene Debs by Howie Hawkins
BERNIE SANDERS' entry into the Democratic presidential primaries should be seen as his final decisive step away from the democratic socialism he professes to support. He will raise some progressive demands in the primaries and then endorse the corporate Democrat, Hillary Clinton. Nothing changes….
Jacobin: "Labor for Bernie" by Steve Early
This labor tendency to gravitate toward the least problematic of the two major parties is still with us today. Every election cycle, in every part of the country, AFL-CIO unions and unaffiliated labor organizations make pragmatic calculations about who to back and fund.
Rarely do they take a chance on third-party candidates, no matter how ardent their support for labor causes. Even a union rank-and-filer who runs against a corporate Democrat (for example, Howie Hawkins, the blue-collar Green who challenged incumbent Andrew Cuomo for New York governor last year) finds it hard to collect labor endorsements.
May 21, 2015
Socialist Worker: Can the Democratic Party be used for good? by Danny Katch
Some have argued that the best way for socialists to relate to Sanders supporters is to work inside his campaign for the presidential nomination--in order to be well-positioned to lead people to an alternative when Sanders abandons them for Hillary Clinton next year.
I believe, on the other hand, that a much more straightforward way to prepare for the same moment would be to build a genuine independent left-wing alternative starting now, so that disillusioned Sanders supporters who are looking for something viable to take part in.
That's a dynamic we experienced on a small scale in New York during last year's race for governor, when the right-wing Democrat Andrew Cuomo faced a spirited challenge in the Democratic primaries from Zephyr Teachout's populist campaign.
Teachout won an impressive 34 percent of the vote in the primary election against Cuomo, despite being vastly outspent by the incumbent's corporate-backed machine. But socialists--including some of the individuals and organizations now supporting Sanders--didn't think we had to be inside her Democratic Party campaign to reach her supporters.
Instead, we built the Green Party campaign of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, knowing that when Teachout lost the primaries, some of her supporters would be looking for an alternative. In that way, we were able to use Teachout's momentum to make modest but important gains for independent politics, winning 5 percent of the vote and getting a number of teachers' union locals to endorse a Green Party candidate for the first time.
Building independent politics outside the Democratic Party requires patience--the Hawkins-Jones campaign was barely covered during the months of the Democratic primaries when Teachout was getting all the attention. But it makes more sense than campaigning for a Democratic candidate in the name of building an alternative to the Democrats.
May 20, 2015
Socialist Worker: What should the left say about Sanders?
As Kshama Sawant in Seattle and Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones in New York demonstrated with their independent campaigns, we don't have to wait to begin building that alternative.
May 8, 2015
CounterPunch: Hillary Clinton, Israel and the White House by Joshua Frank
The following essay was first published in 2006.
There really is no way of getting around it. Sen. Hillary Clinton may well be future presidential material.
From Manhattan to Hollywood, Hillary Clinton is pocketing enormous amounts of cash across the country for her re-election campaign. Yet Hillary is facing what seems to be fierce opposition from within her own party, as well as from third parties here in New York. The main reason candidates have signed up to challenge Hillary is her position, er, non-position on the disgraceful “war on terror.”...
Such neoconish attitudes have upset antiwar activists, and now many are rallying ’round any alternative they can find to challenge Hillary in her bid for re-election this year….
The Green Party is also tossing its antiwar weight into the ring with veteran antiwar Green Howie Hawkins winning his party’s nomination.
May 7, 2015
Auburn Citizen: Cuomo directs wage board to explore possible minimum wage hike for fast food workers
Former Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins offered a different critique, saying all workers, not just those at fast food establishments, deserve a minimum wage increase.
"Once again the governor is providing an excuse for lawmakers not to enact a more robust wage hike," Hawkins said. "They still have more than a month to act before taking their five month vacation. Lawmakers should pass a $15 minimum wage for every worker in the state, including tip workers, with indexing and home rule for local governments that want to set a higher minimum wage in their jurisdictions."
May 5, 2015
New Politics: Left, Independent Political Action Conference: Unprecedented Cooperation
A number of the leading figures of independent politics in America participated. Kshama Sawant of Socialist Alternative, a member of the Seattle City Council, spoke to the group via video. Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein and former Green Party vice-presidential candidate Rosa Clemente spoke, as did 2014 New York gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins.
April 30, 2015
Green Pages: Our campaign doesn't end with the election by Howie Hawkins
Our statewide Green campaigns in New York did not end with the election. The campaign was about changing the politics and policies of New York State. The election was just one event in a process and we continue to pursue our campaign goals after the election.
April 29, 2015
CounterPunch: Jim Webb, the Green Party, and the Future of the Left by Camilo Gomez
But the real question is in what shape is the Green Party. CounterPunch readers probably be aware of the battle between Cobb supporters and naderites in 2004 than almost broke the party. Nader supporters had come back to the party but the problems are still big. The party especially in swing states had problems to get on the ballot and even in the liberal Vermont they don’t have an active state party. Still there is hope, in New York last year Howie Hawkins the Green Party gubernatorial candidate receive almost 5% of final vote. His campaign was energized not only by greens but also by anti-fracking activists plus activists from the socialist left, his running mate Brian Jones is a member of the International Socialist Organization and Kshama Sawant from the Socialist Alternative also endorsed Hawkins. Young people are more interested in socialism than capitalism according to recent polls and events like People’s Climate March show a general interest in ecology. The 2016 elections could be the start of a green future.
April 28, 2015
Staten Island Advance: James Lane gets Brooklyn Dems club endorsement over Vincent Gentile
The club has a brief history of backing third-party candidates, as it endorsed Green Party candidate for governor, Howie Hawkins, in 2014 instead of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Banning words doesn't stop the reality of a changing climate by Howie Hawkins
State Senator John DeFrancisco repeated a couple of canards last week while speaking in support of the deletion of the words "climate change" from the senate's Earth Day resolution.
DeFrancisco said "climate change" was left out of the resolution "because it's sometimes difficult to follow the politically correct term. It was global warming a few years ago."
The UN's International Panel on Climate Change (not "Global Warming") was established in 1988. Climate change and global warming have been used interchangeably for decades….
Banning the words "climate change" won't stop the reality of climate change and its dire consequences.
April 22, 2015
San Francisco Bay Area Indymedia: National Conference on Left-wing Challenges to the Two Party System to be held in Chicago
Among other notable endorsers of the conference are Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor of New York in 2014 who received 173,606 votes; Brian Jones, Green Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New York in 2014, and a founding member of the Movement of Rank and File Educators, the Social Justice Caucus of the New York City Teacher's Union; Dr. Jill Stein, Green party candidate for President in 2012; Rosa Clemente, hip hop activist and Green Party Vice-Presidential Candidate in 2008; and Ellen David Friedman of the Vermont Progressive Party.
April 15, 2015
Socialist Worker: The governor of school deform by Peter Lamphere
… the teachers' union leadership opposed any alternative candidate to the governor in last year's election, from the mild-mannered liberal Democrat Zephyr Teachout who challenged Cuomo in the party primary, to the radical Green Party ticket of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, who is himself a former New York City teacher.
April 13, 2015
OpEd News: Hillary Won't Save Us, Neither will Bernie or Liz
Democrats shudder at the notion of competition from a progressive third party. They've even created phony alternatives like the Working Families Party to keep progressives inside the Democratic fold. In New York's 2014 gubernatorial race, the WFP endorsed Wall Street errand-boy Andrew Cuomo, a Dem incumbent who urged austerity and worked hard to dismantle the rights of public-sector employees, over Green candidate Howie Hawkins.
April 11, 2015
WAMC, NPR, Albany: Jill Stein Weights A Run for President...
Jill Stein: "Your expectations have been buoyed by Howie Hawkins' relatively robust run in New York's gubernatorial election. Far from winning the race, Hawkins cemnted the Green Party as a force to be reckoned with. If Howie was heard by more New Yorkers, I think we'd begin to see things move very quickly."
April 9, 2015
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins talks about the State Budget
Howie Hawkins, Green Party gubernatorial candidate in 2014, talks about the State Budget.
April 8, 2015
America's Work Force Radio: Howie Hawkins Interview
On the radio program today we had Howie Hawkins, 2014 Green Party Candidate for New York Governor, and he talked about the Need for Independent Labor Politics! America’s Work Force is the only daily labor-radio program in America.
Capital Tonight: Stein to Hawkins: Don't Give Up the Fight
Once and possibly future Green Party presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein was in Albany yesterday, and issued a call for the party's highest profile New York member - Howie Hawkins - not to hang up his campaigning hat just yet.
During a CapTon interview, Stein said she believes "without a doubt" that Hawkins should run again for governor in 2018, which would be his third shot at the state's top office....
And last year, Hawkins received close to 5 percent of the vote - a Green Party record - vaulting the party to Row D on the ballot, surpassing both the Independence and Working Families parties.
In the wake of his stronger-than-expected 2014 run, Hawkins initially suggested he had run his last campaign, saying it was time to let someone else have a turn. But he has since backed away from that statement, and has kept up his criticism of Cuomo - particularly when it comes to the new budget.
April 7, 2015
Capital Pressroom: Green Party's Jill Stein weighing another presidential run
The Green Party moved into the spotlight in 2014 in the North Country's congressional race, with Matt Funiciello from Glens Falls running a strong third-party bid for the 21st district House seat.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins also ran for governor last year. Now the Green Party's most recent presidential candidate, Jill Stein, is touring New York testing the waters for another run for the White House.
She sat down yesterday with Susan Arbetter, host of the program Capital Pressroom in Albany and said she's meeting with activists and community organizers.
Capital Tonight: Advocates: Stop Oil Transportation
Interview with 2012 and possible 2016 Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, with some discussion of Howie Hawkins' gubernatorial candidacy in 2014 and possibly 2018.
April 4, 2015
AP: GOP senators count budget gains in Democrat-dominated NY
On the left, the Green Party's Howie Hawkins, who ran for governor last year, called it another austerity budget that dropped proposed social policy measures such as campaign finance and criminal justice reforms.
April 2, 2015
Independent Political Report: Howie Hawkins: Cuomo’s 5th Straight Austerity Budget Escalates His War on Public Education
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party of New York’s gubernatorial candidate in 2014, said today that the state budget just adopted is an austerity budget that assaults public schools, students, and teachers, underfunds needed social and environmental programs, and fails on ethics. He also criticized the failure to raise the minimum wage or pass the Dream Act.
“The state budget adopted in the wee hours of April Fool’s Day is no joke,” Hawkins said. “In Cuomo’s fifth straight austerity budget, hedge funds and yacht owners win and public education, ethics, and urgent social and environmental needs lose.”
CNY Vision: Hawkins: Cuomo’s 5th Straight Austerity Budget Escalates His War on Public Education
“Every struggling school threatened by the state with receivership is in a poor community. Real education reform would include broader social reform that attacks poverty, segregation, and under-resourcing of schools in poor, segregated communities,” Hawkins said….
“Cuomo’s war on public education is provoking mass civil disobedience by disgusted teachers, parents and students in the growing opt out movement. It is fast becoming even bigger than the anti-fracking movement,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins said, “The new tenure rules effectively end due process for teachers. They practically render the anti-tenure lawsuit by Campbell Brown moot. The Governor and lawmakers should have fully and equitably funded public schools in order to render moot other lawsuits by the small cities, the NYC Parents Union, and Schenectady charging the state with discrimination based on race and class in its school aid.”
March 30, 2015
Capital New York: Budget deal follows familiar Cuomo cycle
The stronger-than-expected performances by Cuomo’s September primary opponent, Fordham Law professor Zephyr Teachout, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, demonstrated a distinct weakness on the governor’s left.
None of this went unnoticed by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
March 29, 2015
Fox 40 WICZ TV, Binghamton: Activists Discuss Citizen Koch Film
Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate said, "Two issues in our campaign are, one is public campaign financing so that our elections aren't dominated by billionaires and I think the other is renewable energy." The panel included 2014 New York Governor Candidate Howie Hawkins.
March 23, 2015
In These Times: Storming the Corporate Castle: Does Shareholder Activism Work?
And some progressives have reservations about shareholder activism’s incremental method, because it doesn’t have the same impact as outright divestment.
“It’s big news when companies divest,” says Howie Hawkins, an activist based in Syracuse, New York, who was the Green Party candidate for governor in 2014. “When there’s a shareholder resolution, you don’t see that in the news, so it doesn’t have the same political impact.”
March 12, 2015
WRVO, NPR Central New York: Public speaks out against possible CENTRO service cuts
Howie Hawkins, a Green Party activist and former candidate for governor argued that transportation is a human right.
“Public transit is a lifeline, particularly for people in Syracuse. One-third of our people don’t have cars, they rely on mass transit,” said Hawkins. “And when you cut evenings and weekends, you’re basically putting people on curfew. And when you have a Sunday job, your’re out of luck, what do you got to do?”
March 5, 2015
Central New York Independent Media: Syracuse Rally Against Trans-Pacific Partnership
Howie Hawkins speaks at 8:00 to 15:00 minutes.
February 25, 2015
Syracuse New Times: Democracy for Sale
Gov. Andrew Cuomo amassed a political treasure chest of $45 million, giving him a 10-1 spending advantage over Republican Rob Astorino. His fund earned more in interest than Howie Hawkins raised as the Green Party candidate. That election fund doesn’t include the $16 million his friends at the “Committee to Save New York” spend to browbeat legislators into supporting Cuomo’s agenda. Lacking any real opposition, he spends the money on things like defending himself against federal corruption investigations (a practice he shares with former Speaker Sheldon Silver).
February 20, 2015
Capital New York: Charter groups top unions in lobbying, campaign spending
An examination of the 1,548 individuals who made itemized donations in 2014 to VOTE-COPE Unauthorized Committee, controlled by NYSUT, found that state-level candidates and parties reported receiving $7,567 from only 25 of them the same year. They contributed a combined $1,200 to the gubernatorial campaigns of Rob Astorino, Zephyr Teachout, and Howie Hawkins, but none donated to Cuomo.
February 17, 2015
Real News Network: Jill Stein on Reality Asserts Itself
JAY: Do you find, at the local level, candidates are getting into debates?
STEIN: Yes. They are more often getting into the debates. If you're a strong candidate, then they start to resist and try to shut you out. But we have been able to get into debates, and then they have to fight their way in.
JAY: And is it changing things in terms of vote count when they're in debates?
STEIN: You know, you can look at Howie Hawkins, for example. There was a big pushback against Howie. Howie did as well as 10 percent in the polls.
JAY: Where was that?
STEIN: He was running for governor in New York.
JAY: Oh. In New York.
STEIN: Yeah. And he wound up getting something like 5 percent, but he had to fight tooth-and-nail for that, wound up getting the third ballot line, displacing the working families party as being a true independent party, not just falling in lockstep with the Cuomo campaign. So, yes, we are moving forward.
February 2, 2015
C-SPAN: Book Discussion on More than a Score
Brian Jones, 2014 Green Party candidate for NY Lt. Governor, chairs a panel to discuss More Than a Score: The New Uprising Against High-Stakes Testing with Jesse Hagopian, editor of the book and history teacher at Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington, Diane Ravitch, education historian, and Dao X. Tran, Bronx school parent, who all contributed to this book about the growing resistance to standardized testing by parents, teachers, and students.
Left Turn with Stewart Alexander: Howie Hawkins Interview
On 'Left Turn with Stewart Alexander', Howie Hawkins, www.howiehawkins.org, Green Party politician and social activist, is the guest. Under discussion: 'Red or Green, A Voice for the Working Class'. During this hour, Howie Hawkins will speak about his recent run for Governor of New York and his career as a leader on working class issues.
International Viewpoint: Rebuilding the Left – “building movements, bringing them together” by David Finkel, Greg Chern, and Susan Schmitt
We’re exploring how the left that’s engaged in independent political action can build on the successes of Kshama Sawant/Socialist Alternative campaign in Seattle, the Howie Hawkins campaign for New York governor and other Green Party campaigns around the country, and the powerful example in Jackson, Mississippi, that was so tragically cut short by the untimely death of Chokwe Lumumba. We’re certainly hopeful that a national progressive campaign might emerge in 2016 posing an alternative to the dreadful reactionary candidates sure to be the Republican and Democratic nominees, but it’s far too early to assess those prospects.
February 1, 2015
Finger Lakes Times: Clear Message: About 300 descend on Geneva for a rally, march in support of Seneca Lake
Howie Hawkins, a longtime activist and the 2014 Green Party candidate for governor, was a late addition to the roster of speakers. He pledged to join the protesters, and he linked their efforts to earlier protests against nuclear power and to the larger energy debate. The Crestwood protests, he said, are part of the nation’s decision to either continue embracing 19th century energy sources that pollute or to turn toward green power.
“We’re not just fighting for ourselves,” Hawkins said. “We’re fighting for our whole future, our whole state, our whole nation, our whole world.”
January 28, 2015
WHCU, Ithaca: Hawkins Indicts Albany
Former Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins examines state politics in the aftermath of Shelly Silver’s indictment.
WBAI, Pacifica, New York City: Howie Hawkins on Morning Show
Discussion of Silver's demise and Cuomo's State of the State.
Capitol Pressroom: Howie Hawkins Interview
The Green Party’s Howie Hawkins weighs in on the shift of leadership in the Assembly and his objections to Governor Cuomo’s education agenda items.
January 27, 2015
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins Interview
Howie Hawkins, 2014 Green Party Gubernatorial candidate discusses the State of the State and the undoing of Sheldon Silver.
January 26, 2015
WBAI, Pacifica, New York City: Howie Hawkins on Building Bridges Program
Howie Hawkins, the recent Green Party candidate for Governor, responds to Governor Cuomo's proposed budget and State of the State address. Hawkins will also discuss the recent arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and the culture of corruption that dominates the state Capitol. In addition to the need for ethics reform, Hawkins will discuss Cuomo's education agenda and attacks on teachers; energy; taxes and fiscal relief for local governments, minimum wage and poverty.
January 23, 2015
News Conference: Howie Hawkins on the State of the State and the Sheldon Silver Corruption Scandal
Capital Tonight: Howie Hawkins Interview
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins shares his thoughts on the budget and Speaker Silver's arrest.
NY State of Politics: Greens ‘Very Focused’ On Running A Candidate In NY-11
The Green Party is “very focused” on finding a candidate to run in the 11th congressional district race following the resignation of Republican Michael Grimm, former gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins on Friday said.
“That’s a special election, so we’re very focused on that,” Hawkins said today while in Albany to respond to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s $141.6 billion budget presentation.
January 22, 2015
The Journal News, Lower Hudson Valley: Cuomo aims to recoup ineligible STAR subsidies
New York would have the power to recoup millions of dollars in state property-tax subsidies from wealthy homeowners who were ineligible to receive the aid, under legislation proposed Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo's proposal came more than six months after a Journal News investigation estimated that at least $28 million in subsidies under the state's STAR property-tax exemption program went to homeowners who exceeded the program's $500,000 income limit between 2011 and 2014….
After The Journal News broke the story last year during the gubernatorial campaign, three of Cuomo's opponents — Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, Democrat Zephyr Teachout and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins — called on Cuomo to recoup the STAR monies.
Popular Resistance: People's State Of The Union Injects Reality Into Debate
Comments by guests aired during the Green Party’s response to President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union address have been placed online in video and audio format and may be viewed and downloaded….
The Green Party of the United States broadcast its “People’s State of the Union” on Tuesday, January 20 on the party’s Livestream channel (http://www.livestream.com/greenpartyus). The show is archived on the Livestream channel.
Guests, in order of their appearance, with their video links:
...Howie Hawkins, 2014 Green candidate for Governor of New York (http://www.howiehawkins.org), urged enactment of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Economic Bill of Rights (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_People%27s_Campaign) and the Green New Deal (http://www.gp.org/GreenNewDeal). VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FBzg7I7Ta8
January 21, 2015
Syracuse Post-Standard: Budget recap: Cuomo's ambitious social reforms draw battle lines with progressives, conservatives
Cuomo's proposed $1.1 billion increase in school funding - at 4.8 percent the largest boost to any sector in the state - comes tied to concessions and changes that public school teachers already are vehemently fighting.
"I think he's going to war with the teachers," said Howie Hawkins, the leader of the state's Green Party who lives in Syracuse.
Socialist Worker: Nancy Welch and Tristin Adie: How single-payer was betrayed in Vermont
The Progressive Party's small size (eight members in the legislature) limits its role. It has a weak base in unions statewide. And the party has undermined its ability to act as an independent force through electoral collaboration with the Democrats. This included not running in key contested state races to ensure Democratic wins, and running most of their candidates on Democrat/Progressive fusion tickets.
One of these fusion candidates, Progressive-Democrat state Sen. Tim Ashe, for instance, came out in advance of the governor to warn that a publicly funded health care program could "put small businesses out of business."
Progressive legislator Chris Pearson joined the chorus, publishing on his website a statement of support for the governor's decision: "The truth is...the way we pay for health care today is so complicated and illogical that shifting to a fair system all at once is too much to swallow. It would simply create too much economic dislocation."
Perhaps most disappointingly, not a single Progressive legislator joined the HCHR's call for moving forward with Act 48, holding hearings and implementing the publicly financed health insurance promised.
The reality is that the left in Vermont, as elsewhere in the country, is very weak. If a working-class party is to play the pivotal role necessary to winning universal health care, there must be a wider assessment of current political weaknesses on the left, and concrete discussions of how to leverage the potential strength of both unionized and nonunionized workers to win real health care reform.
What should be the strategic orientation of a third party? The Working Families Party (WFP) model of working as a pressure group inside the Democratic Party is clearly the wrong choice. The WFP endorsed New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for re-election, even though he opposed many of the policies progressives supported.
On the other hand, the campaign for the New York Green Party's gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins led in a different direction, with an orientation on labor, taxing the rich, maintaining independence from either capitalist party, banning fracking and expanding public services (including health care). This strategic orientation would be helpful to debate in Vermont in the context of the movement for health care reform.
January 20, 2015
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Green Party's Howie Hawkins outlines his own state of the state
The man who finished in third place for governor of New York last fall has still issued his own state of the state in hopes of a continued push for his vision.
Howie Hawkins, a Syracuse resident, has been a constantly more progressive voice than the state’s liberal leaders. He’s pushing for programs that go a step beyond what Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo will lay out in his State of the State address Wednesday afternoon….
Hawkin’s Green State of the State spends a lot of time on racial and economic equality, which he says are linked.
Green Party Watch: Green Party hosts People’s State of the Union livestream with Jill Stein, Howie Hawkins, Immortal Technique, Medea Benjamin, more
Watch TONIGHT! 2012 Green presidential nominee Jill Stein and running mate Cheri Honkala, 2014 New York gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, Hip Hop artists Shamako Noble and Immortal Technique, Medea Benjamin of CODEPINK, physician and activist Margaret Flowers, and co-chair of the Denver Green Party and activist, Andrea Mérida, will join the Green Party’s “People’s State of the Union” Tonight, January 20 at 9pm ET on the Green Party’s Livestream channel (http://www.livestream.com/greenpartyus).
The guests will comment on President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union speech and offer Green ideas and visions for the state of the country, the economy, jobs and wages, the climate crisis, and the future.
January 19, 2015
Yonkers Tribune: Howie Hawkins: A Green State of the State Message
Governor Cuomo‘s State of the State address comes as we are celebrating Martin Luther King’s birthday.
Unfortunately, half a century after the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the dream of equality and prosperity for all remains unrealized.
Income inequality in New York is the highest in the nation, with one-sixth of New Yorkers living below the poverty line. In upstate cities, more than half of all children live in poverty. New York has the most segregated housing and schools in the country, worse than Mississippi or Alabama. More than a million New Yorkers lack access to health care. Shelters and soup kitchens have record lines of people looking for help.
In his “I Have a Dream Speech,” Dr. King reminded us that one hundred years after the Emancipation Proclamation, blacks still lived on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. When asked when those we seek civil rights will be satisfied, Dr. King responded, “We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.”
Far too little has changed in the last half century since Dr. King was murdered.
Today many New Yorkers will be marching to call for justice in the name of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and many others who have suffered due to the color of their skins.
Black lives matter.
It is time for our state government to honor King by committing to realize his dreams of justice, particularly the Economic Bill of Rights that he called for in his last campaign, the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968.
It is time for a Green New Deal: An Economic Bill of Rights plus 100% Green Energy….
January 17, 2015
Poughkeepsie Journal: Jimmy Buff: Green Party candidate could bolster debate
Last week, Congressman Chris Gibson announced he wouldn’t be running for re-election in New York’s 19th congressional district in 2016....
Also watching — and acting — was the Green Party of New York whose candidate for governor, Howie Hawkins, did well for a third party candidate in several areas of the 19th last November. In a press release issued by the Upper Hudson Green Party just after Gibson announced his retirement, the Greens announced their intention to run a candidate for Congress in the 19th in 2016. The press release noted Hawkins good showing in the district: “8.2 percent of the vote across NY-19, including 11 percent in Columbia and Ulster counties, and 10 percent in Rensselaer.”
The Green Party in America was started in 1984, inspired by several European Green Parties….Locally, New Paltz has waved the Green banner. Jason West was elected mayor of New Paltz in 2003 on a platform of environmental sustainability, served until 2007 and was re-elected to the job in 2011. Additionally, in 2003-2004 New Paltz had a Green Party majority — 3 of 5 seats — and at the time was just the third ever city in America to have that distinction.
Hawkins was at that first meeting of the Green Party in the U.S. in St. Paul, Minnesota, 31 years ago and I asked him last week if a Green Party candidate could actually win NY-19. “The district is evenly divided: 150,000 Democrats; 153,000 Republicans; 129,000 independents. There are 1,989 enrolled Greens, but that doesn’t means as much. In a close three-way race, 35-40 percent could win,” he said via email.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Thanks, Gov. Cuomo, for keep your promise on fracking
January 7, 2015
Capital New York: Feisty NYSUT faces a more hostile Albany in 2015
In late June 2014, when Cuomo announced he had reached a deal with the union and secured lawmakers’ support, Magee said the bill was a first step toward an overhaul of the evaluations. Next, she’d push to diminish the role of standardized testing in the evaluations and develop alternate assessments, such as portfolios of student work for some subjects, she said.
Despite reaching the agreement with Cuomo, NYSUT later refused to endorse his bid for re-election, remaining neutral in the race. Many local unions instead supported his Democratic opponent in the primary and later the Green Party candidate in the general. NYSUT even publicly lauded Cuomo’s Republican opponent days before the election.
Cuomo exacted political revenge on the union by vetoing the "safety net" bill and effectively robbing Magee of her claim to success. He followed up that action with a pledge to amend the state’s evaluation law to ensure that fewer teachers earn high ratings.
January 5, 2015
The Chief-Leader: The 2014 Dishonor Roll and the 2015 Forecast
As if anxious not to make it seem like he was acknowledging a miscalculation in his Rose Garden strategy, Mr. Cuomo appeared in just one debate opposite his Republican opponent in the general election, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who had difficulty raising money and lining up endorsements even within his own party because potential backers were wary of antagonizing a Governor known for vindictiveness. But Mr. Cuomo’s huge advantages in name recognition and war chest produced just a 13-point victory, with his skulking and scowling driving many liberal Democrats to shun him in favor of Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins, who got five percent of the vote. At year’s end, it seemed that Mr. Cuomo had no realistic shot at getting the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination even if Hillary Clinton opted not to run, and his chances beyond next year didn’t look appreciably better.
December 30, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: 2014 top news stories: CNY politics marked by upset of Maffei, a fracking surprise, new sheriff elected
Going Green: Howie Hawkins lost another campaign for governor. But his Green Party won a small victory. It moved up the New York ballot to Row D, behind Democrats, Republicans and Conservatives.
December 29, 2014
CounterPunch: Jon Flanders - Labor Uniting: Why We Supported the Hawkins Campaign for Governor of New York State
Howie Hawkins is not a lawyer, businessman or scion of a wealthy family. Yet as a line worker for the United Parcel Service (UPS), he has managed to run for office numerous times from local to statewide, in the process helping to make the Green Party of New York State the real left opposition here. He has done this despite the default of the labor movement of which he is an active part as a Teamster; New York unions by and large have have rejected political independence and have chosen the path of least resistance, endorsing “winners” like Andrew Cuomo for governor, in the hopes of picking up a few fallen crumbs off the bargaining table.
So if you ask me why Howie Hawkins appealed to me and many other increasingly frustrated union members in the state, as we watch the conditions of workers worsen from year to year, the answer is easy to understand, Howie stands with us and for us.
December 28, 2014
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins Interview
Green Party Gubernatorial Candidate Howie Hawkins reflects on his campaign and what's ahead for 2015.
December 26, 2014
Against the Current; International Viewpoint: Why We Can't Breathe
Despite the reactionary state of U.S. bourgeois party politics, there are indications that the popular mood, when able to express itself, is not swinging rightward. In New York state the Green Party gubernatorial ticket of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones drew a more than respectable 4.8% vote — in the process, outrunning the Working Families Party which put the wretched incumbent Andrew Cuomo on its ballot line.
In Wisconsin, the independent socialist candidate for Milwaukee County sheriff, bus driver and union activist Angela Walker, drew a very impressive 20% of the vote. In the embattled California town of Richmond, a three or four-million dollar smear campaign by Chevron Corporation to retake control of the mayor’s office and City Council was beaten back by the activist energy and acumen of the Richmond Progressive Alliance.
We don’t claim that there’s some kind of invisible mass swing toward the left; indeed, the hollow results of Obama’s promises have produced widespread cynicism about the possibilities of positive change. But it’s not that the people of the United States are voting for the politics of racism, war and global warming denial; it’s primarily the matrix of the two capitalist parties and mountains of billionaire-driven political campaign cash that can make it look that way.
December 23, 2014
Capital New York: The politics of Cuomo's tracking decision
But between the timing of the decision—it was held up for years with little explanation, only to come together shortly after the Cuomo's re-election—and the way it comported with the direction of public opinion, the politics lined up rather neatly for the governor.
A Quinnipiac poll released Monday found that 55 percent of those surveyed said they approved of the ban, compared to 25 percent who did not….
There was a time when the administration was preparing to allow a limited number of wells in the Southern Tier, as trial-ballooned in the New York Times in 2012, and as evidenced by its extraordinary care in editing and delaying a federal fracking study around that time to lessen the appearance of environmental risk.
But since then, public polls and election results have made approval of fracking steadily less palatable.
This year's elections showed anti-fracking forces could be a significant force at the polls. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout attributed her strong showing in September's Democratic primary against Cuomo to anti-fracking supporters upstate, where she won dozens of counties.
In the general election, anti-fracking activists helped deliver the Green Party's Howie Hawkins a record vote total for the party in a gubernatorial election.
December 22, 2014
Legislative Gazette: NY is first state to ban fracking
Former Green Party Gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, whose platform included a fracking ban, called the decision a "victory," and called for the anti-fracking movement to continue on and fight for New York to switch to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.
Hawkins' "New Green Deal," a cornerstone of his last campaign, proposes an interconnected, state-wide green energy grid to lower electricity costs, create energy independence and boost employment.
Hawkins estimated during his campaign the Green New Deal would create 4.5 million temporary construction jobs throughout the plan's lengthy implementation, as well as 58,000 permanent jobs.
December 19, 2014
In These Times: Why Bernie Sanders Needs to Run for President -- As an Independent
The success of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones on the Green Party ticket in November’s New York gubernatorial race is also strong evidence that the appetite for third-party movement-building is there—if organizers and activists are willing to seize the initiative and take some risks.
December 18, 2014
The Villager, New York City: Fracking risks too big to allow drilling in N.Y., says Health commish
The Green Party’s Howie Hawkins, who ran for governor on an anti-fracking platform against Cuomo in the November election, praised the announcement.
“This news is a victory for all New Yorkers who have dedicated their lives for the past six years to keep fracking out of New York,” Hawkins said. “Together, we have won more than just a ban — today, we have a strong movement that must now use our people power to win the transition to 100 percent renewable energy for New York by 2030 in order to fight climate change.”
Green Party Watch: New York Greens celebrate fracking ban, credit grassroots movement
Yesterday it was widely reported that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has agreed to ban fracking after a state environmental review found that the gas drilling method cannot be employed without unacceptable risk to public health and the environment. This decision comes after Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, who advocated for a fracking ban, took nearly 5% of the vote in the 2014 election. This significant turnaround by the Cuomo administration, which announced plans in 2012 to introduce fracking in New York’s Southern Tier, comes after years of unrelenting pressure from community activists, including Greens across New York.
Socialist Worker: How New York won a fracking ban
"This news is a victory for all New Yorkers who have dedicated their lives for the past six years to keep fracking out of New York," said Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor in November, who made fracking a central part of his campaign….
In an interview, Hawkins said that activists still face many challenges, from fighting the inevitable industry lawsuits to overturn the ban, to challenging the fracking infrastructure of pipelines across the state and gas storage in the salt caverns near Seneca Lake, to campaigning for a "state plan for a rapid transition to 100 percent green energy to fight climate change, lower electric costs and create millions of new jobs," he said….
Unfortunately, many leading figures in the movement regarded Democratic Party officials as allies and refused to support the campaign of Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, even though he was the only candidate who clearly opposed fracking and had won impressive support in the upstate counties likely to be fracked.
But this victory against fracking belongs to the ordinary people of New York state who stood up to the gas industry and organized creative and confrontational grassroots protests, despite those who called for supporting industry-backed politicians in the name of "political expediency."
December 16, 2014
The Indypendent: Stanley Aronowitz: Democrats in Disarray: This Donkey Can't Save Our Asses
Here in New York, vibrant movements opposing fracking and the growing corporate attacks on our public school system helped spur the Green Party gubernatorial campaign of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, which received almost 5 percent of the vote running against incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo, the best any independent third party campaign has done statewide in more than 80 years.
Building a third political party that can seriously challenge the major party duopoly is extremely difficult in this country for a number of reasons. Ultimately the spark for successful third party politics as well as a host of other changes we urgently need to see will come from independent left movements or from nowhere at all.
December 13, 2014
Socialist Alternative: Building A New Political Force for the 99%: Left Candidates Take on the Establishment
In New York State, Howie Hawkins, a UPS worker running on the Green Party ticket and calling for a $15 minimum wage, a ban on fracking, and calling for a “Green New Deal,” received 175,000 votes, or 5% of the total. This is the highest vote for a genuine left-wing candidate in New York since 1920. It reflects, in large part, the anger of the base of the Democratic Party at Andrew Cuomo, who has ruled the state for four years in the interests of Wall Street.
Socialist Alternative: Kshama Sawant: The Right Has No Mandate
...the election of an open socialist to the Seattle City Council last year shows that there is space for independent left candidates who refuse to serve big business and reject corporate cash. The impact of Howie Hawkins’ and Jess Spear’s campaigns this year reinforces this conclusion.
December 12, 2014
CouinterPunch: Louis Proyect: The Rise of Podemos: A Serious Left Alternative to the Great Impasse
To drive the point home, imagine that we had a party in the USA whose economic policies were co-written by someone who had written dozens of articles for CounterPunch over the years. And furthermore imagine that this party was polling first as the next party to take power in 2016 with a candidate like Howie Hawkins slated to occupy the White House rather than a park. This is the next step in American politics and one that begins to make the slogan ‘a better world is possible’ seem not so utopian.
December 11, 2014
WICZ TV, Fox 40, Binghamton: Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins in Binghamton
On Thursday night Hawkins was at the Book Vault in Endicott talking about ways to keep building his party's momentum. He says after the election there was a lot of interest to form local Green Party organizations. He says the issues like banning fracking, converting to 100 percent green energy in the next 15 years to deal with climate change and lowering property taxes are issues that resonate with Southern Tier residents.
"We feel really good. We quadrupled out percentage of the vote. We tripled the absolute number of votes we got. All the other parties lost ground or maintained. We think were positioned well to keep growing and become a permanent and major influence of politics of the state," said Howie Hawkins, Green Party Candidate for Governor.
December 5, 2014
Socialist Alternative: The Coming Wave of Struggle
From Socialist Alternative’s Jess Spear campaign in Washington State to Howie Hawkins’ campaign in New York, independent left politics made modest steps forward in 2014. There were more left candidates than usual and a slightly increased vote from what the left is used to. However, the vacuum is far bigger than the organized and activist forces of the left are prepared to step into.
December 2, 2014
Albany Times Union: Third party's profile rises
A closer look at individual county results also reveals Hawkins, who panned for progressive votes from those who supported Zephyr Teachout in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, to be a spoiler for Cuomo. The governor won just 16 counties statewide and only eight upstate.
In eight counties, Astorino beat Cuomo but by margins less than what Hawkins took. For example, in Monroe County, Astorino won by less than 2 percent, while Hawkins pulled in 4.3 percent. Even in places Cuomo won, such as Franklin County, without Hawkins he might have had a cushion. There, he won by 2 percent, while Hawkins scooped up 5 percent of the vote.
Though New York is a 2-to-1 enrolled Democratic state, with Greens appearing to gain momentum, they could spell trouble for upstate Democrats, who hold a much smaller registration advantage without more than 6-to-1 Democratic New York City….
Hawkins said the Greens view themselves as potentially becoming the second party in local districts where one of the major parties faces little or no opposition. To earn that title, the Greens will have to convince voters that a ballot cast for them isn't wasted — or worse, a boost to Republicans.
"Part of the difficulty we have is people like what we say, and then they say ... 'Geez, I'd like to vote for you, but I'm afraid of the Republicans,'" Hawkins said. "And they had no idea that Cuomo was more than 20 points ahead in the polls because people don't follow it that closely. They just have this gut feeling that if they're labeled a progressive, the Republicans are the last thing they want. And they may not like the Democrats, but they better vote for them to stop the Republicans."
Hawkins is optimistic the Greens can go from spoilers to contenders, though.
"We start electing people," he said, "and then I think the psychology changes."
NY State of Politics: Teachout And WFP Join Forces To Oppose Charter Schools
The WFP will fall a notch on the ballot after the Green Party’s Howie Hawkins outperformed Cuomo on the WFP ballot line last month.
December 1, 2014
The Chief-Leader: Richard Stier: Will the Good Times Ever Roll?
A uniformed-union leader who’s since retired once recalled an early conversation with Governor Cuomo about what was in store for public employees at a time when Mr. Cuomo was leaning on state-employee unions to accept a three-year wage freeze and sizable increases in their health-care premiums. As he recounted it, the Governor told the gathering that the first couple of years of his administration were going to be rough for public workers, “and after that it’s gonna be good.”
There are some union leaders who might be excused if they wondered, nearly four years in and with another four on the way, when exactly those good times are supposed to start rolling….
Having gotten the WFP’s ballot line, which otherwise would have gone to Ms. Teachout, Mr. Cuomo ensured that he would not have to fear a split in the balloting during the general election among Democrats, although disillusionment among the party’s left wing accounted for his getting 9 percent less of the vote than in 2010.
What did the party and its public-employee-union backers get out of the transaction? Not much, given that the 120,000 votes cast for Mr. Cuomo on the WFP line, while well clear of the threshold of 50,000 needed to assure that it remained on the ballot, resulted in its being dropped from the fourth to the fifth position, behind the Green Party, which got three times as many votes for Mr. Hawkins this time as in 2010.
November 26, 2014
Gotham Gazette: Legislators, Advocates: Dream Act On Cuomo's Shoulders Now
Cuomo performed much worse upstate in traditionally liberal Albany County, winning 44 percent to Astorino's 41.9 percent and Howie Hawkins' 12.9 percent.
Green Party Watch: 2014 campaigns highlight growing diversity of Green Party
Green Party campaigns in 2014 made a splash, from Howie Hawkins’ historic result in New York to Gayle McLaughlin’s triumph over a Chevron-funded challenge in Richmond, CA. But another remarkable story is the growing diversity of the Green Party and the candidates who are its public face.
In New York, Attorney General candidate Ramon Jimenez is a “people’s attorney” from the Bronx, and Daniel Vila Rivera took over 10% of the vote for US House.
African-American Greens made their impact felt too. In New York, Howie Hawkins’ running mate Brian Jones was crucial to mobilizing NYC activists for the Green Party.
November 21, 2014
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Howie Hawkins Interview
Howie Hawkins looks at the future of the Green Party in New York.
November 18, 2014
Ithaca Voice: Opinion: Election does not constitute a vote of confidence for Rep. Reed
You either vote to try and get the money out of politics or you don’t. That’s how data gets skewed to make it look like Rob Astorina “did well upstate” in the latest Governor’s race by continuing to ignore how well the Green Party Candidate, Howie Hawkins, actually did. It’s a statement that people are demanding an actual change.
November 17, 2014
Talk of the Sound Blog: New York's Disappearing Voters
Our recent race between Andrew Cuomo (Democrat), Rob Astorino (Republican) and Howie Hawkins (Green) had the lowest turnout election watchers can remember – about 31% of registered voters.
November 16, 2014
AP: Hawkins says election boosted Green Party
The Green Party candidate who placed third in this month’s New York governor’s race says voting trends show his party has a promising future.
Howie Hawkins received 176,000 votes to get 4.75 percent of the total in the Nov. 4 election. That’s up from 60,000 votes he received when he ran for governor in 2010.
Hawkins told the Associated Press that low voter turnout in New York and around the country shows there’s room for an alternative to the major parties. He says he wants to see more Green Party candidates run for local and legislative races where they could have a greater impact.
Newsday: Greens' Hawkins looks to a party role beyond drawing protest votes
Howie Hawkins is realistic about the Green Party’s best-ever showing in a New York gubernatorial race, and what it needs to do to grow and become a factor in state politics.
Hawkins garnered 176,269 votes (5 percent) for governor, but noted that the Green candidate for attorney general received 76,697 votes, which is closer to the party’s base level of support, he said. Hawkins acknowledged the extra 100,000 votes he received were a “protest” vote by liberals and Democrats unhappy with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
The task now, Hawkins said, is for the Greens to win a surprise contest or two.
“We have to start winning some big-city city council races or Assembly races to get beyond ‘spoiler’ status,” Hawkins said. He said Greens "can make headway with the hourly workers who just aren't voting" because of disillusionment with the major parties.
News 10, ABC-TV, Capital District: NY Green Party hopes to build on 2014 progress
Howie Hawkins received 176,000 votes to get 4.75 percent of the total in the Nov. 4 election. That's up from 60,000 votes he received when he ran for govern in 2010.
November 14, 2014
Albany Times Union: Capitol Confidential
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins says he sees potential in the 70 percent of voters who didn’t bother coming out to the polls: “Those are the future Green voters. That’s the way we’re looking at it.”
New York State Public Radio: Green Party candidate says he will not go away
Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins says he’s not going away now that elections are over. He says he intends to continue drawing attention to issues like raising the minimum wage and building his party, instead.
Hawkins says the Greens, who were the only party to gain voters in the elections, intends to build their membership in the coming months. Hawkins says 70 percent of voters did not bother coming to the polls, and he sees potential in the disaffected electorate.
“Those are the future Green voters,” Hawkins said. “That’s the way we’re looking at it.”
Legislative Gazette: Hawkins sees bright future for NY Greens
Howie Hawkins expects the Green Party to build upon its recent performance in the 2014 gubernatorial election, in which he received nearly 5 percent of the vote.
Hawkins' performance signaled significant gains for the Greens, tripling their figures from the 2010 gubernatorial race….
In the 2014 gubernatorial election, approximately 70 percent of eligible voters in New York did not vote. Hawkins said the Green Party would be an appealing option to voters fed up with the Democrat-Republican two-party system.
"We will continue beating the drums for justice. Our policy demands speak to the needs and values of the working-class majority that is not voting," Hawkins said. "Grassroots organizing in working-class communities and speaking up for a Green New Deal for New York will be our focus going forward."
Hawkins suggested the 5 percent he received in the election has elevated the Green Party as the voice of the independent left.
Newsday: Letter: Low voter turnout's appalling
I suggest that Democrats were not motivated this year, not only because they assumed the governor would win, but also because of his hubris. The slide in voter support in his own vote tally, and the nearly 5 percent that Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins received, should make Cuomo realize that there's something rotten in Albany
Socialist Alternative: Hawkins Campaign Nets Historic Third-Party Vote for New York Governor
In a basement bar in New York City, nearly one hundred supporters of Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor, gathered to celebrate a historic election result. Despite the re-election of union-busting Democrat Andrew Cuomo, Hawkins and his running mate, Brian Jones, received nearly 5%, or 176,000, of all votes cast – a tremendous total marking the highest vote for a left candidate in New York state since 1920 when Socialists ran labor organizer Joseph D. Cannon for Governor. The impressive result moves the Greens from the sixth spot on the ballot to fourth for the next four years, overtaking the position previously held by the Working Families Party.
November 13, 2014
Capital Tonight: Hawkins on Building the Green Base
Howie Hawkins may not have won the election for governor, but he has certainly elevated the Green party to a historic level. In 2010, Hawkins helped the party secure ballot status, and then this year moved the party up the ballot to Row D. Could there be a ‘Howie Hawkins for Governor’ come 2016? Hawkins joined us to talk about the party’s victories this past election season and his plans moving forward.
New York Public Radio: Green Party Candidate Not Going Away
The Green Party candidate for governor, Howie Hawkins, says he’s not going away now that elections are over, and intends to continue to draw attention to issues like raising the minimum wage and build his party.
Hawkins says the Greens, who were the only party to gain voters in the elections, intend to build their membership in the coming months.
Hawkins says 70% of voters did not bother coming to the polls, and he sees potential in the disaffected electorate. “Those are the future Green voters,” Hawkins said. “That’s the way we’re looking at it.”
Socialist Worker: This campaign doesn't end on Election Day
In a mostly dismal election year, Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones gave the left something to cheer about with their Green Party campaign for the governor and lieutenant governor of New York. By getting almost 5 percent and 200,000 votes, Hawkins-Jones had the most successful independent left-wing campaign in New York state in more than 50 years.
The Hawkins-Jones campaign was able to bring attention to struggles to defend public education and ban hydrofracking--and to show that it's possible for the left to begin building organization outside the Democratic Party. Howie and Brian spoke to Danny Katch about their assessment of the campaign and their thoughts about next steps.
Green Party Watch: Green Party highlights from Election Day 2014
NEW YORK: Thanks to Howie Hawkins‘ campaign for Governor, with Brian Jonesrunning for Lt. Governor, the Green Party made history by establishing itself as the third party in a state crowded with alternative parties because of New York’s election rules, which allow fusion. Mr. Hawkins received more than 175,000 votes (about 5%), far above the 59,000 he received in his 2010 gubernatorial run and more than triple the 50,000 necessary for party status. Matt Funiciello received about 11% in his third race for Congress in District 21 in upstate New York. Was endorsed by three local papers. See Mr. Hawkins’ Nov. 6 guest column in The Guardian (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/06/election-green-promise-2016).
November 12, 2014
Denton Publications, North Country: What's next for the Greens?
[Green mayor of the village of Greenwich, David] Doonan cited Hawkins’ larger-than-expected endorsement numbers as evidence that the public is beginning to understand that the Greens are serious.
The combination of Hawkins’ momentum, the ballot access and the serious discussion of the issues, he said, resulted in more media attention….
Success, [state party co-chair Michael O'Neil] said, will be contingent on robust contributions from a dues-paying membership. Part of the membership building process requires locking in steady contributions to local green party organizations and their emerging candidates.
Auburn Citizen: Guy Cosentino: Andrew Cuomo's no good, very bad week
While Cuomo won with 54 percent of the vote, it was not what he or others expected. No governor had a worse re-election rate since Franklin Roosevelt ran for a second two-year term in 1930, just after the start of the Great Depression….All this doesn’t include the record number of votes that Howie Hawkins of the Green Party received that chipped into Cuomo's tally.
Socialist Worker: From hope to nope
And when real electoral alternatives were on offer, voters were inspired by them. In New York state, bitter frustration with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo led to a strong vote for the Green Party ticket of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones. Still, in a post-election analysis, Jones pointed out a telling statistic: the last statewide opinion poll gave Hawkins-Jones 9 percent of the vote in the governor's race--yet 80 percent of voters had never heard of them and the alternative they represented. This points to the importance of starting now to build an independent left alternative in the U.S.
November 11, 2014
The Indypendent: The Greens Need to Win More Than Symbolic Victories
In a recent article for Jacobin, Green Party Lieutenant Governor candidate Brian Jones argues that the party made substantial progress because the party’s improved showing this year allows the party to move over two positions on the ballot line from Row “F” to Row “D”. I have a lot of respect for Jones as an activist, teacher, and artist (his performance of Marx in Soho is amazing), but I think this initial takeaway is weak and the Green Party and New York progressives need a better roadmap.
There will always be some who are drawn to what is right, but if the Greens want to become more than the "well, they're right, but they'll never win" party to a much larger, potentially sympathetic base, they need to not bray on about the silly victory of ballot line access "won" from losing statewide races, but to identify a dozen New York races, in the larger cities (NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany) where the incumbent won by only a few percentage points and/or there is reason to believe that the candidates this time were especially weak. These races should be identified now, the Greens should run as close to full slates as they can muster in these areas. 80 percent of their resources, activist and financial, should be sunk into those races with a serious hope of winning. Get some feet in the door….The Greens need to start winning seats.
Socialist Worker: Brian Jones: Building outside the Democratic Party
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has done a great job representing his real constituents — the finance, real-estate, and fossil-fuel industries. The rest of us haven’t had the same luck: workers in New York have seen cutbacks in hospitals and classrooms and promises of more hardship to come.
I agreed to be the Green Party’s 2014 candidate for lieutenant governor of New York because I deeply believe we need our own political representation.
Everything about this election points to widespread dissatisfaction with a rightward-moving Democratic Party. Democratic voters stayed home. The turnout was a record low in New York State, with Cuomo receiving nearly a million fewer votes than he did in 2010. The Working Families Party (WFP) deployed all their resources to maintain their ballot line, but their campaign literature didn’t mention their candidate for governor: Cuomo. Only the Green Party significantly increased their vote.
Rochester City Newspaper: Untangling the 2014 election results
The top of a party's ticket can make or break races across the state; a popular candidate can pull in votes for candidates farther down the ballot. But Governor Andrew Cuomo has become a polarizing figure in the Democratic Party. He's not popular with progressives, and he's angered other potential Democratic voters with his education reform positions and his dithering on fracking.
It's unlikely those groups threw their votes to Astorino, though Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins probably peeled off a few. It's entirely likely that a lot of potential Democratic voters, out of ambivalence or frustration, just didn't go to the polls.
Penn Yan Observer; Watkins Glen Review & Express: Barnes, Vickio get the votes
Rob Astorino and Chris Moss received 61.6 percent of the vote (3,474 votes) in the race for governor and lieutenant governor in Schuyler County, beating Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul's 31.1 percent (1,751 votes). However, statewide, Cuomo and Hochul defeated Astorino and Moss with 54 percent of the vote to 40.6 percent. Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones received 6.3 percent in Schuyler County (357 votes), while Michael McDermott and Chris Edes received 0.6 percent (35 votes). Steven Cohn and Bobby Kalotee received 0.2 percent of the vote (10 votes).
Green Party Watch: NY Green Matt Funiciello declares success, plans to run for Congress again
Matt Funiciello declared his race for the NY-21 as the Green Party’s Congressional candidate a success. Funiciello cited the 11% of the vote he received district-wide, the 24% he polled in Warren county, his inclusion in the debates and media alongside the corporate party candidates, the ratio of money raised and spent to votes garnered, and the success of Howie Hawkins’ campaign as major wins for district and New York voters. Funiciello also said he will run again in two years and use the strength of his campaign to build the Green Party across the district.
November 10, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Prop One passes
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, said he voted against Prop One. "I thought [New York] really needed an independent commission with civil servants running it, not people appointed by the leaders in the legislature, but it is what it is," Hawkins said.
The Chief-Leader: WFP's Torn Between Criticizing Cuomo and Rationalizing Choice
Praise for Governor Cuomo was scarce at the Working Families Party’s election-night bash despite its endorsement of him, with leaders instead celebrating the survival of their party’s ballot line—though its place would slip below the Green Party’s by the end of the night.
About 75 people had drifted into the Die Koelner Bierhalle in Park Slope by about 10:45 p.m., when Bob Master, party co-chair, rallied the faithful in front of a large screen projecting election results. By the time the last votes were tallied, the Governor had garnered 54 percent of the vote to Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s 41 percent—a full 12 points lower than Mr. Cuomo’s showing in his 2010 stomping of Carl Paladino….
But what was only becoming clear as the Election Night event began to wind down was how far the Working Families in its partnership with Mr. Cuomo had slipped behind other third parties. It received just a bit over 120,000 votes; Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who captured just 4.9 percent of the vote, earned more than 176,000. The Conservative Party drew about 213,000, preserving its spot as third on the ballot, with the Green Party displacing the WFP in the fourth spot.
The Chief-Leader: Cuomo, WFP in Scenes from a Bad Marriage
The WFP wound up not having to sweat the 50,000-vote requirement, getting a bit more than 120,000. But those who were disillusioned with both the party and Mr. Cuomo gravitated to the Green Party line, on which Howie Hawkins virtually tripled his vote total from 2010, getting more than 176,000 votes. This was more than 5,000 fewer than Ms. Teachout got in the primary, but it was also roughly 5,000 more than Mr. Cuomo got on the WFP and WEP lines combined. It was a vivid lesson to WFP leaders about the dangers of being so guided by pragmatism that they drove their rank and file to opt for a less-likely but more-compatible candidate.
The Chief-Leader: Unions on New Term For Cuomo: Loss of Support May Help Us
Ed Ott, a former executive director of the AFL-CIO New York City Central Labor Council who is now a Distinguished Lecturer at the City University of New York’s Murphy Institute, noted that of the 54 percent of the voters who chose Mr. Cuomo, only 48 percent did so on the Democratic line. Those numbers, as well as the strong showing of Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins, who despite a dropoff in overall turnout of 900,000 compared to 2010 virtually tripled his vote total from that year. His getting more than 176,000 votes reflected unhappiness with Mr. Cuomo within the sizable liberal wing of the Democratic Party, Mr. Ott said.
The Chief-Leader: For The Record
One of the more-interested observers of last Tuesday’s election results was Zephyr Teachout, who helped crystallize the voter discontent with Governor Cuomo during her Democratic primary run that contributed to Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins—who got even less exposure to the electorate than she did—capturing 5 percent of the ballots for Governor, tripling his vote total from four years earlier.
The Chief-Leader: Letter: They Knew Who He Was
The Working Families Party wound up with fewer votes than a real working-families party, the Green Party. This is justice.
Working Families Party Executive Director Bill Lipton whined, “Governor Cuomo promised to take back the State Senate. Instead, he squandered millions on a fake party and left millions more in his campaign account as New York Democrats in the Legislature and Congress withered on the vine.”
If Cuomo was suddenly injected with truth serum, perhaps he would respond with the words written by Oscar Brown and sung by Al Wilson, “You knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in.”
November 9, 2014
Jacobin Magazine: Brian Jones: Building outside the Democratic Party
The Green Party campaign against Andrew Cuomo must become the launching pad for an independent political movement.
Middletown Times Herald-Record: Reasons abound for governor's poor showing locally
In last week’s general election, the liberal protest vote went to Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who won almost 11 percent of the votes for governor in Ulster. Had those votes gone to Cuomo instead, he would have beaten Astorino in that county, Benjamin points out.
“I guess the base wasn’t happy with him,” said Sonia Ayala, chairwoman of the Latino Democratic Committee of Orange County. “The enthusiasm wasn’t there.”
Both Schneiderman and DiNapoli also had Green Party rivals in their re-election races, but neither of those Green candidates did nearly as well in Orange, Ulster and Sullivan as Hawkins.
November 8, 2014
Buffalo News: Erie County's tepid turnout for Cuomo is perplexing
No offense to the astute Green Party candidate, but it begs the question: What has Howie Hawkins done for us lately?
November 7, 2014
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Hawkins says Green Party is making strides in New York
After Tuesday's election, gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins declared that the Green Party is now the "third party" in New York state politics.
Hawkins, who is from Syracuse, earned about five percent of the vote statewide, but did the best in Tompkins County where he received more than 16 percent of the vote.
Newsday: Astorino assails Cuomo for 'nasty and dirty and low' campaign
Cuomo defeated Astorinoby 54 percent to 41 percent amid the lowest statewide turnout in generations. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins received 5 percent. Cuomo raised roughly $45 million for his campaign, about 10 times the amount Astorino raised.
Newsday: Letter: Not much enthusiasm for Cuomo
Results of the election show how dissatisfied many Democrats are with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, even though he won ["Lukewarm embrace for re-elected guv," News, Nov. 6].
In 2010, Cuomo received just short of 3 million votes, or 62.6 percent of the total. In 2014, he only received 1.9 million votes, which was 54 percent.
By contrast, Republican candidates Carl Paladino in 2010 and Rob Astorino this time around each received almost the same number of votes, about 1.5 million.
Why was the Cuomo vote so much lower? First, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins did better. Second, many voters for other offices withheld their vote for governor. Third, many Democrats stayed home and did not vote at all. This indicates dissatisfaction among Democrats who simply passed on this election.
Joseph Marcal, Commack
Capital New York: Capital Energy: Another Indian Point Study
Howie Hawkins writes an op-ed for The Guardian, in which the Green Party candidate for governor urges the U.S. to rid itself of fossil fuels. http://bit.ly/1sjNxTo
The Lansing Star: Reed, Lifton, Cuomo, DiNapoli Beat Opponents
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who ran an agressive campaign this year, got 10.71% of Tompkins County votes, but state-wide only 4.75% of the vote.
People's World: New York Working Families Party pulls through difficult election night
In New York, the gubernatorial vote determines a political party's ballot status and position. On election day, the progressive Working Families Party garnered 120,000 votes, well over the 50,000 required to maintain ballot status - although it slipped from fourth to fifth position behind the Green Party, which rode a wave of anti-Cuomo sentiment and got 175,000 votes.
Socialist Alternative: Mid-Terms Do Not Mean a Turn to the Right in Society
In New York State, Howie Hawkins, a UPS worker standing on the Green Party ticket, calling for a $15 minimum wage, a ban on fracking, and a “Green New Deal” received 175,000 votes, or 5% of the total. This is the highest vote for a genuine left wing candidate in New York since 1920. It reflects in large part the anger of the base of the Democratic Party at Andrew Cuomo who has ruled the state for four years in the interests of Wall Street.
November 6, 2014
The Guardian: Howie Hawkins: America just took a wrong turn. It's time to take a hard left
Double down on oil and trouble? Not so fast: fracking bans in oil country and common sense on infrastructure might turn the US a deeper shade of green between now and 2016
CounterPunch: Howie Hawkins: America Just Took a Wrong Turn - Now It’s Time for a Hard Left
But there were real victories this week for progressive alternatives on clean energy, economic security and social justice. The extremist blood bath may have painted the country more red, but there were more than a few important – and extremely promising – tea leaves of green. It was even enough to suggest a new, independent, hard-left turn in American politics is still very much possible.
New York Post: Editorial: Two cheers for New York's Green Party
We don’t normally find much agreement with New York’s Green Party when it comes to policy. But in this year’s election for governor, the Greens stood out by doing what third parties are supposed to do — but in New York so rarely do: They ran their own candidate, giving voters a real alternative.
Their man was Howie Hawkins, who ended up with more than 175,000 votes — a huge increase over the 65,000 he received last time around.
In sharp contrast, every other minor party with a permanent ballot line backed either Democratic Gov. Cuomo or GOP candidate Rob Astorino, thanks to New York’s bizarre system of allowing cross-endorsements. And except for the Conservatives, all saw their totals decline.
That’s especially true of the Working Families Party, the union front that abandoned its own self-professed principles and cut a cynical deal to back Cuomo, despite strong disagreements with him. That left its leaders in the perverse position of arguing that a vote for Cuomo on the WFP line was in fact a vote against Cuomo.
In a perfect world, the Legislature would put an end to this cross-endorsement circus and the corruption it invites. But too many people have a stake in the smelly status quo. So until that day comes, congratulations to the Green Party for sticking with its convictions — and showing New Yorkers what a genuine third party looks like.
Democracy Now!: Ralph Nader on GOP’s 2014 Wins: Democrats Can’t Use Citizens United, Voter Restriction Laws as Alibi
JUAN GONZÁLEZ: Well, Ralph, I wanted to ask you about a particular race here in New York, speaking about the bankruptcy of some Democratic politics, which is the race for governor here in New York. Andrew Cuomo—the polls are closing right now in New York, and all the polls, previous polls, show that Cuomo is expected to win. But Cuomo did something extremely unusual in this race, in that after seeking the Working Families endorsement, he went ahead and created a phantom party, the Women’s Equality Party. And for weeks now in New York City, people have been turning on their television seeing Andrew Cuomo with his daughters and his girlfriend all urging the voters not to vote for him as a Democrat or as a member of the Working Families, but as a member of the Women’s Equality Party—an attempt to basically use the third-party movement, basically, to promote himself without having to be accountable to other groups in the normal Democratic or progressive coalition. And despite that, Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, has been polling very well and actually may surpass your vote in New York state, when you ran for president, by the end of the night.
RALPH NADER: No doubt, he will. And he’s getting the benefit of Professor Teachout’s challenge to Andrew Cuomo. I mean, she took a big chunk out of the primary, and she had virtually no staff or no money or no name recognition. And that reflected an unease, a distaste for Cuomo’s type of bare-knuckle politics and lack of forthrightness….
RALPH NADER: ...The third-party efforts are in New York state: Howie Hawkins running for governor, Matt Funiciello in the 21st District up north of Albany running for the Congress. I think those are really legitimate, because if you look at their—you look at their agenda, first of all, it’s a majoritarian agenda, which is ironic—you know, a small party representing issues that a majority of the people support in this country.
Green Left Weekly: United States: Greens become NY's third party after strong left campaign
Green Party gubernatorial ticket in New York in the November 4 elections — headed by left-wing activistHowie Hawkins for governor and International Socialist Organization activist Brian Jones for lieutenant governor — scored a large rise in the Green vote.
“The Green Party established itself today as the third major party in New York State with its highest vote ever for statewide office,” HowieHawkins.org reported on the result on November 4.
Hawkins and Jones won about 5%, or about 170,000 votes, which was a four-fold increase over the Green Party's 1.3% vote in 2010.
Socialist Alternative: Reviewing the Jess Spear Campaign
Nationally, when there was a credible independent alternative, people showed interest. Howie Hawkins, a socialist running for the Green Party in New York State for governor, reached almost 10% in opinion polls and scored 5% in the election, winning 174,000 votes; this marks a turning point for left-wing politics in New York.
Time Warner Cable News: Howie Hawkins 'Extremely Pleased' the Greens Up the Ballot to Row D
The third party candidate in the race for governor says although he isn't in Albany, he is extremely pleased for his party. Hawkins picked up more than 173,000 votes, enough to move the Greens up the ballot to row D for the next four years.
"What we've got to do is keep the discussion going, keep raising the issues, and show people what's really going on in Albany. And then we'll just have to come back in the future with another slate of candidates. If you want a different result, you've got to vote for different candidates. You can't vote for the same old candidates on a different ballot line and expect a different result," said Hawkins.
Capital New York: After election, pressure builds on Cuomo for fracking decision
Advocates on both sides of a debate over New York's fracking marotorium are turning up pressure on Andrew Cuomo to make a decision, after having stalled long enough to get his re-election out of the way without any major controversy.
By Wednesday morning, environmentalists were calling for more study on fracking, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, fresh off a record performance for his party, all but dared the governor to lift the moratorium.
Metroland, Albany: Dems Lose Midterms, but Greens get a boost
In happier news for progressive liberals, Howie Hawkins and the Green Party not only kept their ballot line but jumped from 6th place to 4th place, surpassing the Independence and Working Families parties and landing just behind the Conservative Party with 5 percent of the total vote. Hawkins garnered 169,330 votes on Tuesday, 24,332 of which came from Capital Region voters. The Green Party candidate even did well in overwhelmingly red counties. He promises to continue to work to advance his party’s agenda—including their push to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing of New York shale deposits.
Queens Times Ledger: Queens turns out heavily for Cuomo
Cuomo received 52.8 percent of the vote compared to Republican Robert Astornio’s 39.2 percent, Green Howie Hawkins’ 4.8 percent, Libertarian Michael McDermott’s 0.4 percent, and Sapient Party candidate Steven Cohn’s 0.1 percent, with 93 percent of election districts reported, unofficial BOE results show.
Queens Tribune: Cuomo, Incumbents Easily Win Reelection
Gov. Andrew Cuomo took 54 percent of the vote to a second term, defeating Republican Rob Astorino and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Newsday: Did you and your neighbors agree on your choice for governor?
Did your Long Island neighborhood support the same candidate for governor that you did?
Find out using our interactive map….You can also search by location to drill down for election results — including the votes claimed by Howie Hawkins of the Green Party, Michael McDermott of the Libertarian Party and Steve Cohn, who ran on the Sapient Party line.
The Island Now: Cuomo, DiNapoli win Nassau County
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins carried 4.82 percent of the vote (169,330 total votes), a figure considered respectable for a third-party candidate.
Ithaca Times: Election Results - School Bonds and Justice Races
In state elections, incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo defeated Republican challenger Rob Astorino. In Tompkins County, he received 52 percent of the vote, while Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins got an impressive 16 percent of the county’s vote
Hornell Evening Tribune: Astorino, Mauro, Reed pile up votes
Astorino and running mate Chris Moss defeated Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul in the gubernatorial race within Steuben County. Astorino recorded 66.62 percent (17,433) of the vote while Cuomo claimed 30.12 percent (7,881). Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones on the Green Party ticket snagged 2.61 percent or 682 votes….
Astorino and Moss gained an even bigger victory in Allegany County, taking 71.22 percent of the vote (8,022) for governor. Cuomo and Hochul earned 24.94 percent (2,809) of the public's support while Hawkins and Jones took 3.09 percent (348).
Oneonta Daily Star: In our opinion: Change didn't make its way to N.Y.
Surely, this national unhappiness would wend its way into New York, where taxes are high, education is poor, and corruption seemingly rampant. No incumbent Democrat would be safe with the public in such a foul mood
So, here’s what our fired up and fed up New York voters did Tuesday night. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo vanquished Republican Rob Astorino by nearly 14 percentage points. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins didn’t crack 5 percent.
Democracy In Action, Newhouse School, Syracuse University: Howie Hawkins says "Next Time"
Green party governor candidate Howie Hawkins finished third in the election behind Governor Andrew Cuomo and Rob Astorino. Hawkins tallied 5 percent of the votes; a goal he set for himself before the election. (Photo essay)
UPI: Green Party candidate says 'drill, baby, drill' era reborn
A U.S. Green Party gubernatorial candidate said Thursday voters pushed the country in the wrong direction, though oil voices said it's time to seize the moment.
Midterm elections in the United States put members of the Republican Party in control of the Senate, tipping the balance of power on Capitol Hill away from the White House. Pushing pro-energy legislation, including sanctioning the Keystone XL oil pipeline, tops the agenda for the new class of lawmakers.
Howie Hawkins, who ran for governor of New York under the Green Party banner, wrote in the Thursday edition of The Guardian, a British newspaper, the voting public put the United States on the wrong path.
Hawkins said the advent of the shale era in the United States is reminiscent of the "drill, baby, drill" slogan embraced by former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
The results from Tuesday's midterm, he writes, "feels like a complete victory for Palinite politics."
The Villager, New York City: Glick romps in re-election with 80 percent of the vote
Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t a “Teachout-able” moment for Howie Hawkins and Alexander Meadows on Tuesday, as the long-shot candidates failed to replicate Zephyr Teachout-like results in their third-party challenges to incumbents Andrew Cuomo and Deborah Glick. In fact — not surprisingly — they both lost badly....
Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, ran on a Green New Deal, opposing hydrofracking and saying New York State could be fully powered by sustainable energy by 2030. However, in the end, Hawkins only captured 4.9 percent of the vote, while Cuomo got 54 percent and G.O.P. challenger Rob Astorino got 40.6 percent….
A month ago, V.I.D., which had snubbed Cuomo to endorse Teachout in the Democratic primary, crossed party lines to endorse Hawkins in the general election. Last week, Downtown Independent Democrats followed suit, backing the Green gubernatorial candidate.
“Hawkins is the only candidate that has consistently called for a ban on hydrofracking,” a D.I.D. press release said. “Hawkins’s stances on the minimum wage, public education, single-payer healthcare, municipal taxes, clean energy and public transportation make him the only candidate New York progressives can support.”
Yet, a few days before the election, one Downtown political club member who had initially supported Hawkins, said she was “in quandary” over it. Requesting anonymity, she said she was upset that Hawkins had thrown his support behind Meadows over Glick, and also that Hawkins advocates that the U.S. divest its financial support of Israel.
Asked for Hawkins’s position on the B.D.S. (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) movement against Israel, a Hawkins spokesperson sent the following statement from the candidate, which read, in part:
“I support gradually escalating sanctions, including boycotts and divestment, until Israel stops expanding the settlements on the West Bank, ends the blockade of Gaza, and starts honestly negotiating a settlement in accord with international law, a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders. … The U.S., and New York State with respect to its pension investments, must begin taking substantive action like sanctions, so that the Israelis know that they do not have our support for annexing Palestine and oppressing Palestinians.”
November 5, 2014
NY1, Time Warner Cable News: Cuomo Sails to Re-election Along with DiNapoli and Schneiderman
With 99.5 percent of precincts reporting, Cuomo had 54 percent of the vote compared to Astorino's 41 percent, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins getting 5 percent.
WROC TV, Rochester: Cuomo Wins Re-Election
Cuomo beat out his republican challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino 52% to 43%. As for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, he received 5% of the vote with libertarian candidate Michael McDermott receiving just over 13,000 votes.
The Chief-Leader: Cuomo Wins, Labor Struggles
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins receiving 5 percent, with much of his support believed to have come from public employees and liberals who were disappointed with the incumbent’s hard line in contract talks, his failure to live up to promises four years earlier to reform Albany, or positions on environmental issues like fracking.
Uncovered Politics: Eight Parties Qualify for Ballot Lines in New York State
The Green Party’s Howie Hawkins greatly improved on his 2010 showing and easily secured another 4 years of ballot access for the Green Party.
Ballot lines are organized by the number of votes their gubernatorial candidate received.
Here are the not quite complete results for the parties that appear to have met the 50,000 vote test, from the New York Board of Elections…
1. Cuomo (DEMOCRAT) – 1,617,172 votes
2. Astorino (REPUBLICAN) – 1,106,656 votes
3. Astorino (CONSERVATIVE) – 213,989 votes
4. Hawkins (GREEN) – 167,414 votes
5. Cuomo (WORKING FAMILIES) – 114,328 votes
6. Cuomo (INDEPENDENCE) – 65,183 votes
7. Cuomo (WOMEN’S EQUALITY) – 49,521 votes
8. Astorino (STOP COMMON CORE) – 46,110 votes
Syracuse Post-Standard: Howie Hawkins comes in with more than 4 percent of votes for NY governor
Working part-time for UPS unloading trucks, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins spent 18 to 20 hours a day campaigning. But with about 51 percent of votes reported as of 11:30 p.m., Howie Hawkins had 108,321 votes, or 5 percent.
Despite the loss, Hawkins says he has more to do on a local level. "I keep to plan working on the issues that we're talking about," Hawkins said.
His Green New Deal platform called for jobs for the unemployed, single-payer healthcare, as well as banning fracking and committing to 100 percent clean-energy use by 2030.
His supporters range from teachers and environmentalists to millennials and public workers, Hawkins says. "Cuomo has been very hostile to them," Hawkins said. "Teachers are really upset."
Daily Orange, Syracuse University: Azor Cole: Students should realize difference between creating awareness, change
Howie Hawkins, an activist, environmental advocate and Green Party candidate in the 2014 New York gubernatorial election, sums it up nicely saying in an Oct. 7 interview with The Daily Orange saying, “We can’t change the direction of society through consumer choices. We need to get control of the production decisions.”
New York Observer: Howie Hawkins Looks Toward a Green Future
It was a red dawn in the New York State Senate and across America, but voters here were also seeing plenty of green.
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, won 5 percent of the vote last night–a historically high number for a third party candidate and enough to move the Green Party up the ballot, to Row D, for the next four years. In a conference call with reporters today, Mr. Hawkins promised to help build the party in a way to run competitive elections across the state in the coming years.
“I think it’s safe to say we’re the third party in New York politics,” he said. “Only the three of us, Democrats, Republicans and Greens got that ballot by running our own candidate.”
“The election was one event and the politics is a process that continues,” he added.
WAMC Northeast Public Radio: Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins On The Election
Speaking with WRVO, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins says even though he lost the gubernatorial election, he’s committed to working on issues facing voters.
WRFC Radio, Jamestown: Dems Win Statewide Offices, GOP Sees Success in NY Senate and Across Region
With nearly all election precincts reporting by the end of Election Day, Cuomo had collected about 54 percent of the statewide vote, with Republican challenger Rob Astorino of Westchester County picking up 41 percent and Green Party candidateHowie Hawkins coming in a distant third with just over 5 percent.
NY Daily News: Juan Gonzalez: Cuomo may have won, but not all of his supporters are happy
Many Democrats held their noses to vote for Cuomo Tuesday or even cast protest ballots for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. Meanwhile the Working Families Party leaders are furious, feeling betrayed by Cuomo after he sought their party's nomination this year in a controversial deal brokered by Mayor de Blasio.
New York Post: Green Party on the map as Hawkins grabs 5% of gov vote
New York state’s low-profile Green Party scored big in Tuesday’s election, even though its candidate for governor was never in contention. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins grabbed just 5 percent of the vote — but that was more than any other minor party except for the Conservatives.
As a result, the Greens moved from the sixth spot on the ballot to fourth for the next four years. That’s important because voters won’t have to search so hard to find their candidate, said political analyst Hank Sheinkopf.
“The ballot-line order impacts the voters because the further away you are from Republicans and Democrats, the lower probability you’re going to be found unless you are a dedicated voter following the ideology of that party,” he said.
Capital New York: Andrew Cuomo prevails, but not easily
Hawkins' campaign was built around a promise of a $15 minimum wage and a desire to ban natural gas hydrofracking. Based on exit polls, NY1 projected that Hawkins would end up with approximately 5 percent of the vote.
Capital New York: Dems lost seats where Cuomo underperformed
...in New York, where Cuomo ran behind his lesser-known Democratic ticket-mates, there’s also evidence that people frustrated with the governor simply stayed home, hurting the party’s chances down the ballot….
More telling is the Democratic comparison to 2010: Cuomo and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins won 99,116 votes this year, compared to 141,765 that Cuomo (with favorite son Bob Duffy on his ticket) won in 2010. Democratic state senator Ted O’Brien, elected during the 2012 wave election, was swamped.
In Dutchess County, where Poughkeepsie senator Terry Gipson lost to Sue Serrino, the Cuomo-Hawkins vote was 35,291, down from Cuomo’s 48,165 in 2010. (Astorino and Paladino were within 1,500 votes.)
In Putnam County, where Terrence Murphy fended off a challenge from Justin Wagner to hold a Republican seat, Astorino and Paladino were within 125 votes but Cuomo and Hawkins drew 11,597, compared to 16,508 that Cuomo received in 2010.
Independent Political Report: Green for Governor in NY Howie Hawkins nearly triples 2010 vote, places well ahead of Working Families Party
One of the Green Party’s most active and visible campaigns in 2014 was Howie Hawkins’ Green campaign for Governor of New York (with anti-school-privatization activist Brian Jones as his Lt. Governor candidate). With the results nearly entirely in, he has received about five percent of the vote with almost 175,000 votes. This is nearly three times the number of votes Hawkins received when he ran for the same position in 2010, and it means that the Greens in New York will retain ballot access and also receive a more favorable ballot position (4th, behind only the Republicans, Democrats, and Conservatives) than they have previously held.
Buffalo News: Despite attention, Cuomo fails to gain support of Western New York
After dozens of visits, a $1 billion economic development program, regular job-creation announcements and even choosing a running mate from Buffalo, Western New York was still less than friendly turf for Cuomo….
Another possible factor: the same left-leaning opposition that dogged Cuomo during the September Democratic primary. Just as Zephyr Teachout prevented a big Cuomo victory in that contest, Howie Hawkins’ Green Party took 5 percent of the gubernatorial vote statewide and 4 percent in Erie.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Will the Women's Equality and Stop Common Core live on? It's going to be close
The Green Party, who backed Howie Hawkins for governor, appears poised to pick up Row D, with 125,072 votes.
Rochester City Newspaper: Election results: Slaughter's squeaker, Cuomo wins, Funke unseats O-Brien
Statewide, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins has, so far, pulled in approximately 5 percent of the vote. But that translates into a victory of sorts for the party; it needed 50,000 votes in the gubernatorial race to keep its guaranteed spots on ballots. Hawkins easily met that threshold.
River City Blues Blog: Two Cheers for the Midterm Elections
Not a bad night if you’re a lefty, surprisingly. Here’s why:
1. Despite Cuomo’s masterful machinations, the Working Families Party (WFP) easily cleared the gubernatorial line vote (for Cuomo) of 50,000. As of last posting, it stands at 94, 593. Not too shabby.
2. Despite WFP’s strong showing, the Green Party’s candidate, Howie Hawkins, didn’t fare too poorly either, currently pushing about 5% of the gubernatorial vote (146, 564).
Auburn Citizen: How Cuomo, Astorino and other statewide candidates performed on Election Day in Cayuga County
Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins, a Syracuse resident, received 1,168 votes, according to the unofficial vote totals. When Hawkins ran for governor in 2010, he received 714 votes in Cayuga County.
Nyack News and Views: Cuomo Win Sets Stage for New York's First Woman Governor
Incumbent NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo has been projected to win re-election, defeating Westchester County Exec Rob Astorino. Cuomo led 54-41%. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins captured five percent of the vote, depriving the governor of claiming a landslide during his re-election bid. In Rockland County, Cuomo captured 51% of the vote; Astorino totaled 45%; Hawkins, 3%.
Long Island Business News: Big Cuomo win boosted by NYC, Nassau
With more than 98 percent of precincts reporting, Cuomo beat Astorino 54 percent to 41 percent, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins picking up nearly 5 percent of the vote.
Staten Island Advance: Andrew Cuomo's margin of victory shrinks on Staten Island
In an apparent show of voter dissatisfaction with both parties, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins received 5 percent of Tuesday's vote (although he got only 1.9 percent of the vote on the Island). That's more than 3 1/2 times the amount he got in 2010 as a third-party candidate.
Socialist Worker: Micheal Trudeau: Wrong about the Greens in 2004
Hawkins ran for New York governor in 2010 as a Green and by doing so created ballot access for himself and other Greens statewide so that he and they could run for a period of four years as Greens without going through the hurdles of ballot access. That is why Hawkins is on the ballot today and why he is doing so well in his 2014 campaign for New York governor, a campaign which I support completely.
But had Howie Hawkins run for governor as an independent in 2010 with a Green Party of New York endorsement, he would not be on the 2014 ballot now as a Green--because an endorsement legally does not create a ballot line for the party. States do not recognize an "endorsement" as a candidate-party relationship. States only recognize a nomination as the candidate-party relationship that gives the party legal state recognition.
This is why the Green Party cannot endorse a presidential candidate. Doing so is antithetical to grassroots party-building. The Green Party can and will only nominate a presidential candidate. (Bernie Sanders, take note.)
Labor Notes: Voters Favor Higher Wages, Sick Pay
New York re-elected Andrew Cuomo, with the endorsement of the Working Families Party but not the state labor federation or the state teachers union. Public sector unions have been squeezed for four years by the Democratic governor, who has made tax cuts and pro-business measures his priorities. The governor, along with the state legislature, controls New York City union contracts, and can throttle the city’s ability to raise taxes to fund public programs.
Many teachers are particularly outraged at Cuomo’s support of charter schools instead of existing district schools—he even recently said he wants to break up the monopoly that is public education. So some voted instead for the Green Party candidates, Teamster Howie Hawkins for governor and teacher activist Brian Jones for lieutenant governor. Six teacher locals, including in Long Island and Buffalo, endorsed Hawkins and Jones, who won 5 percent of the vote.
Seattle Weekly: After Landslide Defeat, Jess Spear Claims Victory for Rent Control and Third Party Politics
Before the results came in at Spear’s party, Kshama Sawant delivered a speech attempting to place Spear’s race in a national context, asserting that third parties, while still not dominant by any means, are decisively on the rise. She drew comparisons to New York Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, who pushed the debate on fracking into the daylight and won surprise endorsements from the New York’s public employee newspaper, The Chief, four democratic clubs, and six teachers unions.
City Councilmember Kshama Sawant sees victory in Spears’ defeat. Photo by Kelton Sears
“What we’re seeing in Seattle is not a Seattle specific phenomenon, this is happening all over the country,” Sawant said. “We are the ones who have driven the political agenda in this city. We forced a debate on rent control, the $9 billion extortion from Boeing, and on the climate crisis and the oil trains coming through this city. Howie Hawkins campaigns will send shockwaves, people will notice that people are voting for alternatives. Frank Chopp can’t possibly run any more races without an alternative, a working class fighter, running against him.”
Election Day, November 4, 2014
The American Prospect: Can Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins Make Cuomo Oppose Fracking?
As voters in New York head to the polls today, there is little doubt who the state’s next governor will be. With a 20-point lead over Republican challenger Rob Astorino, incumbent Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, will slide comfortably into another term.
Given the circumstances, it’d be easy to overlook Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. But the 61-year-old UPS truck unloader and member of the Teamsters union is polling unusually high for a third-party candidate. According to the latest polls, he stands to garner nearly 10 percent of today’s vote; the last time Hawkins ran for governor in 2010, he pulled in about 1 percent….
To the chagrin of many environmentalists, natural gas has been heralded as a stopgap between dirty fossil fuels like coal and petroleum to renewable energies like wind and solar.
Hawkins isn’t having it. He has called for a “Green New Deal”—a plan to fully transition to renewable-energy sources by 2030 that he says would create 4.5 million jobs and cut electricity rates in half. The plan centers on investment in individually owned solar panels and wind turbines. Those smaller community-based grids would be connected through a gigantic statewide grid, ideally giving the state a power grid that runs on sun, wind, and geothermal energy.
Hawkins and the Green Party of New York are hopeful this campaign’s momentum can carry on beyond November, using the energy from this election to maintain pressure on Cuomo’s agenda.
“Greens at the grassroots are very involved in their local struggles—whether its fracking infrastructure or pressuring their local legislators on supporting anti-fracking legislation,” Rozum says. “So we’ll be able to get more people involved. People are really getting ready to put their bodies on the line.”
Capital New York: Watching the anti-Cuomo liberal vote
The most interesting drama is playing out on the Democratic left, where anti-Cuomo sentiment runs high, with no consensus course of action….
Meanwhile, Hawkins, who acknowledges he has no chance of winning, offers the prospect of a clean liberal protest vote, supporting a ban on fracking, a higher minimum wage and increased investment in public education.
“You can't dissent from the Cuomo agenda by voting for Cuomo,” he told Capital Monday. “It is silly to claim that you can vote for Cuomo on another line to send a message of opposition to his policies. A vote for Cuomo on any ballot line affirms his conservative record and strengthens his mandate to continue those policies.”
To combat Hawkins’ threat, W.F.P. has moved into nuclear mode, activating an array of allies to appeal to liberals.
Mike Boland, the operative who left the party to run Teachout’s campaign, and Bertha Lewis, who nominated Teachout from the floor of the W.F.P. convention, have both gone on record urging Teachout voters to hold their noses and vote W.F.P. as a way of keeping liberal pressure on Cuomo, reminding them of the party’s successful pushes on items like paid sick days and the minimum wage.
“I think everyone knows that Governor Cuomo is trying to kill the Working Families Party, because it’s the only group that has ever really stood up to him,” Anita Thayer, a pro-Teachout WFP state committee member recently told the Times, summarizing the party’s pitch. “Just the fact he’s trying so hard to get rid of us obviously means we’re a thorn in his side and doing something right.”
The party is calling in all the help it can get in making this pitch, inundating potential supporters with an email from Moveon.org, an impassioned plea by actress-activist Cynthia Nixon, an email from Kirsten Gillibrand urging voters to help W.F.P. elect a State Senate, a video by Whoopi Goldberg, and an appeal by Gloria Steinem designed to counteract the Women’s Equality Party (which was started by men, and has few women candidates or downballot Democrats on its line).
Democracy Now!: Election Night 2014 Coverage
AMY GOODMAN: Now, Governor Cuomo was re-elected as governor of New York. But I wanted to turn to one of the men who challenged him, and it was Howie Hawkins. Juan, you were one of the three journalists who questioned them in their only televised debate. Howie Hawkins of the Green Party, who ran for New York governor, he described his platform.
HOWIE HAWKINS: Well, we call it a Green New Deal for New York. It involves five basic economic human rights that have been on the table since the mid-1930s—the Committee for Economic Security with Frances Perkins as chair, Roosevelt’s 1944 State of the Union address calling for a second economic bill of rights. The civil rights movement brought it up again between the March on Washington, in 1963, for Jobs and Freedom and the Poor People’s Campaign. And these are the rights to a useful job, a living wage, affordable housing, healthcare and a good education.
And then we call it the Green New Deal because the centerpiece of our program is to fight climate change by banning fracking and committing to 100 percent clean energy by 2030. And we think that addresses the problems we face in this state. We’re the most—we have the state with the most unequal distribution of income of any state in the United States. We have the most segregation by both race and class in housing and schools. And none of the two major-party candidates are addressing these issues, and we think we have a program that does.
JUAN GONZÁLEZ: Well, and we don’t have the final vote count, but he, Howie Hawkins, is expected to get one of the biggest turnouts in modern New York history as a third-party candidate….
JUAN GONZÁLEZ: Well, Ralph, I wanted to ask you about a particular race here in New York, speaking about the bankruptcy of some Democratic politics, which is the race for governor here in New York. Andrew Cuomo—the polls are closing right now in New York, and all the polls, previous polls, show that Cuomo is expected to win. But Cuomo did something extremely unusual in this race, in that after seeking the Working Families endorsement, he went ahead and created a phantom party, the Women’s Equality Party. And for weeks now in New York City, people have been turning on their television seeing Andrew Cuomo with his daughters and his girlfriend all urging the voters not to vote for him as a Democrat or as a member of the Working Families, but as a member of the Women’s Equality Party—an attempt to basically use the third-party movement, basically, to promote himself without having to be accountable to other groups in the normal Democratic or progressive coalition. And despite that, Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, has been polling very well and actually may surpass your vote in New York state, when you ran for president, by the end of the night.
RALPH NADER: No doubt, he will....The third-party efforts are in New York state: Howie Hawkins running for governor, Matt Funiciello in the 21st District up north of Albany running for the Congress. I think those are really legitimate, because if you look at their—you look at their agenda, first of all, it’s a majoritarian agenda, which is ironic—you know, a small party representing issues that a majority of the people support in this country.
The Batavian: Big win in Genesee County for Astorino not enough to help him overcome Cuomo
Howie Hawkins, from the Green Party, was the top vote getter among third party candidates both locally and statewide. With 55 percent of the precincts reporting, Hawkins has 107,000 votes. He had 369 votes locally.
CNY Central, CBS/CW/NBC, Syracuse: Facing uphill battle, Hawkins makes surprising strides of Green Party
“Campaign finance reform, a ban on fracking, a live-able wage, if these are the kind of issues you want, the only way to tell the government that is by voting for the Green Party,” said Hawkins. “Whether we win or lose the office, the more votes we get, the more power we'll have to support and advance those issues moving forward."
Glens Falls Post-Star: Kids in politics
Last Sunday's Streetwise asked people if they would consider voting for a third-party candidate. I thought this was a great question in light of the fact that third party candidates like the Green Party's Howie Hawkins and Matt Funiciello were polling higher than third parties have in the past.
Most of the people I spoke to said they absolutely were voting third party this year. They said they're fed up with the candidates and ideas presented by the two major parties. Overwhelmingly that was the case.
Wall Street Journal: N.Y. Midterm Elections 2014: Scenes From the Polls on Election Day
In Park Slope, de Blasio Fans Down on Cuomo
At Mayor Bill de Blasio’s polling station in Park Slope, many of his neighbors were critical of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a fellow Democrat and an occasional ally of the mayor.
“I think he’s corrupt,” said Emily Witt, a 33-year-old writer who voted for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. “And I’ll say this, too: I thought he was a real jerk during the Ebola thing. That was icing on the cake.”
Harriet Goldberg, a 66-year-old teacher who lives in Park Slope, voted for Mr. Hawkins for governor as well, and otherwise voted for Democrats.
“I don’t think he’s a principled man,” she said of Mr. Cuomo, adding that while she did vote for Mr. de Blasio, his endorsement of the governor didn’t sway her.
North Country Public Radio: Third party races are tough; ask the Libertarian candidate for governor
Green Party candidates Matt Funciello, in New York's 21st Congressional District race here in the North Country, and Howie Hawkins, in his second race for governor, have shown historic potential this election year. Funiciello had support from 11 percent in the last Siena- WWNY poll. He picked up endorsements from three sizable newspapers in the region, including the Glens Falls Post Star and the Adirondack Daily Enterprise in Saranac Lake.
Hawkins has polled at as much as 14 percent this fall, and could win enough votes to put the Green Party on Row C of the ballot, right underneath the Democratic and Republicans lines. To get a line on the ballot, much less near the top, is not easy.
The Indypendent: Final Indy Reader Poll Results Forecast Greens to More Than Double WFP's Vote Total
From October 30 thru 6 pm today we asked readers to forecast the vote totals for Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins and for incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo who is running on the Working Families Party ballot line as well as the ballot lines of the Democrats and two other minor parties.
The final average prediction for Hawkins and the Greens was 213,739 votes vs. 103, 605 votes for Cuomo and the WFP. By a margin of 65-28%, contest participants expect the Greens to receive more votes than the WFP while 7% forecast a tie between the two parties.
Time Warner Cable News: Election Day: 177 Polling Sites Open Across Onondaga County
There are a five Assembly races that Time Warner Cable News will have reporters covering and don't forget two of the candidates in the statewide races, Howie Hawkins and Bob Antonacci are both Syracuse residents!
Time Warner Cable News: Howie Hawkins May Make History When The Votes Are Counted Tuesday
Howie Hawkins may make some history when the votes are counted Tuesday night. Most observers see Hawkins as positioned to gain more votes than a third party candidate has ever received in a race for governor. Why are the Greens doing so well? Hawkins credits one main factor.
"Andrew Cuomo's record. He's pushed people to us. Underfunding the schools, pushing high stakes testing. Sitting on the fence on fracking even though everybody's who's in the movement knows he's been building the infrastructure for fracking. Those two issues, in particular," said Hawkins.
Poughkeepsie Journal: Voter turnout strong for election of governor, state/federal lawmakers
Katia Chapman, 24, of the City of Poughkeepsie, said she voted for Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor.
"The things that are important to me are education reform, immigration reform and labor equality for farm workers and other food chain workers," she said. "We've seen legislation in all three of these areas die in Albany in the last few years."
Newsday: Voters head to the polls across Long Island
Nickel, a psychologist for the Half Hollow Hills School District, said she was supporting Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor.
Metro: NYC voters discuss big issues, gubernatorial race on Election Day
With a steady stream of visitors arriving at the downtown Civic Court location - some of whom were painfully reminded that courts were closed for Election Day - it was clear the City's citizens take their democratic responsibility seriously.
"As long as we have the right to [vote], we should," said 67-year-old local Patricia Cruz, "That right is being consistently threatened with laws that are being passed in other states, and if that spreads, we lose our rights."
… As for the big issues concerning New Yorkers in the Midterm election, Cruz hopes for a "greater degree of equity in income."
… As for the Gubernatorial race, interviewed voters represented a split decision when it comes to Cuomo vs. Astorino. Where Murphy and Epstein agreed Cuomo has New York on the right track, Cruz chose to cast her ballot for the Green Party's Howie Hawkins.
RT Op-Edge: Interview with David Swanson
David Swanson: Well it remains to be seen what happens today but certainly the majority of voters, and its growing at each election cycle, its tending to grow, will not vote at all. So they are turning away from the two choices, that they know about, that are in the debates that we in the media, that have the money in the elections. To some extent they are turning to other parties. I think Howie Hawkins, the Green candidate for governor in New York will make a good showing and some people will notice that and think about it and say may be next time we could have a good governor of New York.
Ithaca Voice: In governor's race, Green Party vote in Tompkins more than triples 2010 total
In 2010, about 1,000 people in Tompkins County voted for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Ithaca Journal: Tompkins residents answer civic call to vote
In the race for governor, Anthony DeVito, of Ithaca, said he voted for Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins. In 2014, that number more than tripled — over 3,500 people in the county voted for Hawkins on Tuesday, according to the Board of Elections. All told, it amounted to 16 percent of the vote locally going to the Green Party candidate.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Live coverage of Election Night in Central New York
As the results come in, we'll have a reporter camped out with Syracuse's Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor. Want to know if Hawkins breaks a record for a third-party only candidate for governor? This is the place to find out.
November 3, 2014
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Howie Hawkins Interview
On the eve of Election Day, we host: Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Rob Astorino and then Green Party Gubernatorial Candidate Howie Hawkins. Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein (IDC – Bronx) weighs in on the elections and the strength of the Independent Democratic Conference. Karen Scharff, co-chair of the Working Families Party, and Michael Kink, Executive Director for Strong Economy for All, discuss WFP priorities.
Time Warner Cable News: Gubernatorial Candidates Continue Campaigning With Stops in Southern Tier
With voters preparing to hit the polls, the gubernatorial candidates are doing everything they can to get their last words in. Republican Rob Astorino's running mate Chris Moss, current Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, and Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins were all in Binghamton on Monday. Emily Lorsch explains what messages they were hoping to deliver to Southern Tier voters….
"I don't take money from the fat cats, from the corporate donors, I'm trying to represent the 99 percent of us who are poor, working class, or middle class. The other two parties are funded by the one percent so if people vote their interests, I should win by a landslide," said Green Party Gubernatorial Candidate Howie Hawkins.
Hawkins said what is most important is that residents get out and vote. "I don't have to win the office, it doesn't matter who wins the office. Your vote is your statement of what you want the government in Albany to do."
The Chief-Leader: October Surprise: Cuomo 'Monopolizes' Teachers in the Public Schools
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins pointed to a $9-billion shortfall owed to schools from a court-mandated Campaign for Fiscal Equity settlement and asked why the Governor focused just on Teachers.
“What is Cuomo going to attack after he breaks the schools and Teachers?” he said in a statement. “Break up the police and fire departments? Have competing companies to deliver drinking water?”
The Chief-Leader: Polls Indicate Cuomo Coasting to Victory; State Senate in Play
His lead in the polls over Republican challenger Rob Astorino, the Westchester County Executive, has never dipped below 20 percent and climbed above 25 percent in two recent polls. A Marist College survey released Oct. 31 showed him with 56 percent of the vote to 30 percent for Mr. Astorino, with Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins a distant third with 7 percent.
The Villager, New York City: Hawkins blasts Cuomo on tracking study; Meadows calls for new blood in Assembly
Allen Roskoff, president of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, center, outside the Stonewall Inn last week, as Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, left, and Alexander Meadows, the local Progressive Party candidate for Assembly, right, cross-endorsed each other. Photo by Tequila Minsky
The Stonewall event was organized by Allen Roskoff, president of the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, which has endorsed both Hawkins and Meadows.
A former Marine, Hawkins is heterosexual.
“We’re here at Stonewall to illustrate Howie Hawkins’s longtime support for the L.G.B.T. community and support of Alexander Meadows, who’s a member of the L.G.B.T. community,” Roskoff said.
As for why his Democratic club was supporting two candidates running on other-party lines, Roskoff said his club supports progressive candidates over politicians “who have outlived their usefulness.”...
District Leader Arthur Schwartz, Meadows’s campaign attorney — who was also Teachout’s campaign treasurer — noted it was the first time he was ever asking voters to cross party lines and back a non-Democrat. He called Cuomo and Glick “bullies,” adding that Glick “sort of believes she deserves the seat until she retires. She hasn’t been challenged since 1994 or ’95.
“She has been taking her voters for granted,” Hawkins chimed in regarding Glick. “I’m proud to support Alexander Meadows.”
Roskoff has criticized Cuomo, in particular, for granting clemency to almost no prisoners. Hawkins said he’d grant clemency for all nonviolent drug offenders. He said he’d pardon Cecily McMillan, the Occupy Wall Street protester whose case was a cause célèbre earlier this year….
Asked for Hawkins’s position on the B.D.S. (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) movement against Israel, a Hawkins spokesperson sent the following statement from the candidate:
“I support gradually escalating sanctions, including boycotts and divestment, until Israel stops expanding the settlements on the West Bank, ends the blockade of Gaza, and starts honestly negotiating a settlement in accord with international law, a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders. The U.S. must end its unconditional support for Israel no matter how much it defies international law and denies Palestinians basic human rights. The U.S., and New York State with respect to its pension investments, must begin taking substantive action like sanctions so that the Israelis know that they do not have our support for annexing Palestine and oppressing Palestinians. The U.S. can play a constructive role by being a neutral broker for a peace settlement. As long U.S. military aid and investments continue to flow to Israel while it violates human rights and international law, the U.S. will not have the credibility with either side to play that constructive role.”
Hawkins and Jones have a forceful statement online in support of B.D.S. in which they brand Israel an “apartheid state.”
Denton Publications, North Country: NY21: In Glens Falls, stunts, students and stars as campaigns march towards endgame
Under a menacing sky, Matt Funiciello stood in the back of his Ford pick-up and stapled campaign signs to a pair of pallets, a makeshift travelling billboard.
The plan was to join fellow Green Party candidate, gubernatorial hopeful Howie Hawkins, to draw attention to the pending closure of the General Electric plant in Fort Edward, a straight shot to the east from Funiciello’s bakery, the Rock Hill Bakehouse, on Exchange Street….
Crossing from Warren to Washington counties, the road between Glens Falls to Fort Edward is a reflection of the district’s uncertainty: slightly dreary, rough around the edges and spotted with decay and strip mall pockmarks, but also containing deep pockets of aching beauty and historic architecture. The sky opened up to a drizzle.
Last November, General Electric announced it was closing its capacitor factory early next year in a cost-saving measure, taking its 200 jobs to Florida. Union negotiations to prevent the closure fell through. Officials said the plant had been losing money for years.
Throughout the campaign, Funiciello has used the factory, which GE has operated since 1946, as an example of the pitfalls of corporate welfare, the practice of using taxpayer dollars to subsidize corporations that Funiciello says give voters the shaft by pulling up stakes when times get tough.
GE pays no income tax and receives 0% interest loans from the federal government, said Funiciello.
Under miserable weather conditions, the candidate rallied with Hawkins and about a dozen supporters, a guerilla-type event streaked with class war rhetoric recalling Funiciello’s roots as a community activist that elicited honking and curious glimpses from motorists.
“What GE is doing is wrong,” said Funiciello. “It is a crime against working class Americans, it destroys local economies and this has been allowed to happen by Democrats and Republicans at all levels.”
“It was profitable and it could have stayed in the community,” said Hawkins. “These are 200 good-paying jobs that are leaving the community.”
Hawkins, a UPS worker who lives in Syracuse, said GE has left the surrounding lands and waters polluted. Taxpayers have spent millions in cleanup costs from the state’s Superfund program, policies that may very well continue into the foreseeable future.
“They’re leaving the community with a toxic legacy,” he said. If elected, he said, he would produce legislation that would require corporations to clean up and pay for the liabilities they are leaving behind.
The candidate called for a WPA-style Green Jobs plan and the development of renewable energy. He called for public financing of campaigns, a state bank to help set up worker and consumer cooperatives, a Wall Street transfer tax and restoration of the state education funding known as the Gap Elimination Adjustment.
“We shouldn’t balance the budget by cutting funding for schools. That hurts rural districts, particularly upstate.” Ticking off a number of gloomy financial figures, Hawkins said the Gap Elimination Adjustment is the worst of the fiscal problems Cuomo has perpetrated.
Last month, the candidate participated in a four-way televised debate with Cuomo, Republican candidate Rob Astorino and Libertarian candidate Michael McDermott. “It was totally inadequate,” he said, citing Connecticut’s eight chief executive match-ups and “at least a half-dozen” in Massachusetts.
“It’s a shame,” he said. “Andrew Cuomo running around the world is not dealing with the problems in New York,” he said, referring to the incumbent’s recent trips to Afghanistan, Israel and the Dominican Republic. “People should not waste their vote, they should vote for who they want.”
In a security office, a guard appeared to be getting twitchy as Hawkins and Funiciello posed for photos.
WBNG 12 Action News, Binghamton: Green party candidate Howie Hawkins made one final appearance before election night.
Green candidate for governor Howie Hawkins also made one final appearance in Binghamton this afternoon. Hawkins greeted supporters outside the Broome County Courthouse in downtown Binghamton. He reminded supporters that every vote counts...Regardless of who wins the race.
"It doesn't matter who wins the office, your vote is your statement as to what you want the government in Albany to do."
Hawkins wraps up his campaign today. He plans on casting his ballot in Syracuse tomorrow.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Letter: Howie Hawkins offers plausible solutions
The last week of the gubernatorial race has been eye-opening. The governor finally revealed the real rationale behind Common Core and testing: they are strategies for busting what he calls the "public school monopoly." Translation: the governor believes that teachers are his only obstacle to privatizing schools. But this will surprise only those who haven't been paying attention, or those who vote only the Democratic party line….
Hawkins and Jones support the Triborough Amendment, oppose the exploitation of part-time workers, and offer a plan to make a college degree tuition-free. They will protect tenure, end over-testing, and abolish the Common Core.
There is nothing in the Green New Deal that is pollyanna. Their solutions are practical and plausible. They will not hold our children hostage to corporate America. Vote Hawkins for Governor!
Syracuse Post-Standard: Letter: Hawkins understands the unique problems facing Upstate
On Nov. 4, I will be casting my vote for Howie Hawkins for Governor. As a Central New Yorker, Hawkins understands the unique problems that face this part of the state. When interviewed, he has been knowledgeable and articulate.
Hot Indie Media: Food Justice Activist Nancy Romer Endorses Howie Hawkins for Governor of New York State
1:30 minute video.
Diane Ravitch Blog: NYC Kids PAC Endorses Green Party
NYC Kids PAC enthusiastically endorses Howie Hawkins for Governor and Brian Jones as Lieutenant Governor on the Green Party Line. Why?
Howie and Brian believe, as we do, that NYC kids deserve a quality education, including smaller classes and plenty of art, music and science. They believe our kids should not be over-tested nor be subjected to a rigid and flawed curriculum, tied to standards developed by people who have never taught. They believe that rather than turn our schools over to private corporations run by hedge-funders, our elected officials need to support and strengthen our public schools, the bedrock of our democracy.
Diane Ravitch Blog: Richard Kim of The Nation Supports Green Party
The Nation magazine, a bastion of progressive thought, endorsed Andrew Cuomo for re-election, and shortly afterwards Cuomo went into a rant before the New York Daily News’ editorial board about his intention to break the “public school monopoly,” toughen teacher evaluations, and open more charter schools.
Richard Kim, executive editor of The Nation’s website, dissented from the magazine’s endorsement. He will vote for Howie Hawkins and the Green Party as a protest. In this post, he explains how Cuomo hoodwinked the Working Families Party (WFP), made promises to the WFP that he immediately broke, created a rival party (the Women’s Equality Party) whose purpose appears to be to destroy the WFP. In endorsing Cuomo, the WFP abandoned Zephyr Teachout, who went on to win 1/3 of the Democratic party vote, without funding or a campaign apparatus.
Diane Ravitch Blog: Why Andrew Cuomo Is Called Governor 1%
This article, written by a staff member of the Albany Times-Union, is a devastating critique of Andrew Cuomo…. FYI: this scathing article was tweeted by Randi Weingarten. See why I’m voting for Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones in the Green Party line? Cuomo does not deserve re-election.
Huffington Post: Mercedes Schneider: Weingarten Tries to Steer New York Voters Toward Cuomo
What Weingarten is definitely doing is excusing New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's October 29, 2014, statement about New York's public schools as being a "public monopoly" that he plans to "break."
And she is being careful not to mention Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins as a viable option. In an October 31, 2014, Capital New York article, Weingarten readily excuses Cuomo's "monopoly" comment as "campaign rhetoric" and tries to position Republican Rob Astorino as the only other voter option. She tells readers not to vote for Astorino because his "record is not pro-public employee."
So, is this supposed to mean that Cuomo is "pro-public employee"? He publicly declared that he plans to "break" public schools, which he calls a "monopoly." Are not "public employees" working at those traditional public schools that Cuomo plans to "break"? Has he not already promised to promote charters at a March 2014 rally that New York charter vixen Eva Moskowitz helped organize? And Cuomo is racking up campaign bucks from New York's fiscally-able charter sector.
In These Times: Kevin Solari: Andrew Cuomo Will Be Reelected and Public Education Will Suffer Because Of It
It’s clear where Cuomo’s allegiance lies, but teachers in New York have not backed down quietly. In August, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) made a point of not endorsing Cuomo or any other gubernatorial candidate this election cycle. This is a hostile neutrality, and an indicator of a larger rift, because teachers unions have traditionally been bastion of support for the Democratic Party.
Other teachers associations have not been so neutral. Progressive Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, a Teamster from Syracuse, has amassed endorsements from a number of the state’s teachers unions. Trailing a distant third, Hawkins is still likely to strengthen the Green Party’s position in New York. His 2010 campaign brought it back to prominence after having been off the ballot for a number of years.
Washington Post: Lucy Steigerwald: Sentencing reform and how to right the drug war's wrongs
As the war on drugs loses popularity, the question of what to do about the lives ruined and interrupted is going to come up again and again. One of the more fascinating, though politically unrealistic suggestions for what to do about this mess is one offered by a Green Party candidate for governor of New York: Howie Hawkins suggests releasing all drug prisoners, and putting together a “panel on reconciliation” between them and their communities and governments. They want voting rights restored, school grants restored, help for children of the former cons, and prevention of would-be employers asking about criminal histories. They even suggest full-on reparations for “the communities affected.”
Vice Magazine: Meet the Green Party Candidate Shaking Up the Race for New York Governor
"It's almost like we have a battered-woman syndrome," Ramon Jimenez told me last week, stumping below the elevated tracks of the 6 train at the Parkchester station in the Bronx. Jimenez, the Green Party's candidate for New York attorney general, was discussing the challenges third parties face in wooing away the Democratic Party's traditional base: blacks, Latinos, women, young people, unions, environmentalists.
"They make us promises," Jimenez said. "They break their promises. They beat us up. Then they come back, make us more promises, and beat us up again."
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party's candidate for governor, stood at Ramon's side. This was his last stop in New York City before heading upstate for a final round of campaigning ahead of the vote. Dressed in a gray suit, his white beard neatly trimmed, Hawkins dispensed fliers while Jimenez and a cluster of supporters shouted things like "Meet your next governor!" at passersby.
"I'm the only candidate who wants to ban fracking," Hawkins told me. "The only candidate who wants a $15-an-hour minimum wage and single-payer health care. The only candidate who says it's time to tax the rich and get some tax relief for working people. I'm calling for a transition to renewable energy over the next 15 years, a Green New Deal that will create millions of jobs."
Legislative Gazette: Fracktivist tour guide will not be punished for Hawkins' visit to Pennsylvania gas wells
Vera Scroggins, the anti-fracking activist from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, who led Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins on a tour of fracking sites two weeks ago, will not be punished for violating an injunction two weeks banning her from such activities.
The injunction has been in place since last spring, when Cabot Oil and Gas, one of the largest drilling companies in the region, pursued it in court after complaining the activist had been trespassing on Cabot property and harassing employees.
Scroggins, a self-described fracking tour guide, escorted Hawkins and former Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan — both stauch opponents of fracking — on a tour of northern Pennsylvania natural gas wells in October.
The injunction banned Scroggins from coming within 100 feet of all property owned or leased by the company. The injunction translated into banning Scroggins from nearly 40 percent of Susquehanna County, or about 300 square miles.
"It's like Saudi Arabia, it's like a petro-state over there, you don't have the right over in Susquehanna County to talk about what the oil industry's doing," said Hawkins after learning Scroggins was due in court, but before it was decided the activist would not be fined or jailed.
Hawkins said Cabot is trying to "intimidate" people and suffocate negative information about their operations from being disseminated.
Legislative Gazette: Conservation voters spend $1 million on legislative races
A political action committee of environmentalist voters reached a new record last week in campaign investments for this year's state legislative races. Just days before Election Day, the New York League of Conservation Voters PAC announced it spent more than $1 million on legislative races this year, a new record for the organization….
This month the NYLCV also announced it endorsed Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his race against Republican Westchester Executive Rob Astorino and Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins.
North County Public Radio: North Country set to pick a new Congressional rep
Green party candidate Matt Funiciello was with Green gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins yesterday in Fort Edward.
Socialist Alternative: Open Letter from Kshama Sawant and Howie Hawkins to the Left and Labor Movement
The space for independent left politics is growing. With record levels of poverty, ongoing war, environmental destruction, the situation cries out for an alternative to corporate politics. From Ferguson, to 15 Now, to climate change – there is a growing determination to take action to win. In this context, more and more independent left candidates are stepping forward and gaining increased support.
The strongest possible votes for key left campaigns can get activists the profile and preparation to build struggles against poverty wages, fracking, police brutality and the injustices of corporate domination. These results can be an important step towards what is really needed–a mass new party for the 99% that runs candidates, builds movements and refuses to take a dime in corporate money.
Socialist Worker: Ben Davis: Your vote will make a difference in N.Y.
In essence, the Green Party platform this year is a list of the demands of the social movements right now, and has been shaped by activists from those movements. Fast-food workers are calling for a $15 minimum wage; that's in there. Criminal justice activists want an end to the drug war; that's in there. Immigrant rights activists want ICE out of their communities; that's in there. And on and on.
I marched in the People's Climate March here in New York City with Howie and Brian. A central plank is the "Green New Deal," by which they mean that reworking the economy to be sustainable should serve us as a jobs program. That's a radical but simple-to-grasp idea: There is massive, urgent need to put people to work, and there is a massive, urgent need to rework our economy so that we don't cook the next generation to death. That requires thinking bigger than either of the two major parties are willing to do, but it is an idea that should be mainstream.
New York Post: Fred Dicker: Cuomo might run for president in 2020 if Hillary loses in 2016
Many Republicans and even some Democrats believe that if Cuomo defeats Republican Rob Astorino, he’ll do so with less than 50 percent of the vote, an embarrassment made possible by the presence of Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
“Cuomo is worried about coming in under 50 percent,’’ a Democratic field operative told The Post over the weekend.
November 2, 2014
Time Warner Cable News: Candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins Reminds Voters to Vote Green
Drivers honked for Howie Hawkins Sunday - the Green Party candidate running for governor. Others showed their support for Hawkins by rallying in front of the Buffalo Teachers Federation on Porter Avenue in Buffalo.
The union recently endorsed the third party candidate in the race over Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Rob Astorino.
"Cuomo's got the fat cat Republicans and Astorino's got the little Republicans left, but they're both Republicans in terms of policy," said Hawkins, G….
"If you look at what the governor has done, for example, he has systematically de-funded public schools across the state through the tax cap, the GEA, and this promotion of charter schools," said BTF secretary and Hutch-Tech High School teacher Kevin Gibson….
Hawkins, who has gotten little media attention in the race, said he believes he can win.
"If Eric Cantor can lose, if Jesse Ventura can win, I can win on Tuesday,” he said. “I'm not conceding the election yet."
WNYT, NBC TV, Albany: NY gubernatorial candidates make final push before Election Day
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins cris-crossed the state, appearing at events in the Capital Region and Central New York. He called himself "the underdog."
"The 1 percent -- the very rich -- own the two parties," Hawkins said. "We're creating a party of the people, and that's like starting up a small business when you've got a shared monopoly in a market."
Green Party Watch: Two New York Greens earn huge endorsements
In New York, Howie Hawkins’ campaign for Governor and Matt Funiciello’s campaign for Congress in NY-21 (Northern New York including Glens Falls and the Adirondack Park) are shaking the foundations of the political establishment.
Matt Funiciello and Howie Hawkins outside a closing GE plant in Fort Edward, NY
Hawkins was polling 9% statewide even before a widely-praised debate performance, and has earned endorsements from a spectrum of people and organizations, including Ralph Nader, Seattle socialist city council member Kshama Sawant, education analyst Diane Ravitch, and former Mobil Oil VP-turned-renewable energy activist Lou Allstadt; as well as Albany weekly paper Metroland, 6 teachers’ unions, 6 Democratic Party clubs, Socialist Alternative, and a number of groups leading the fight against school privatization, such as United Opt Out and the New York Badass Teacher Association. See the growing list of endorsements for Howie Hawkins here.
Matt Funiciello has polled as high as 14% in a 3-way race for Congress that has attracted millions of outside dollars to his Democratic and Republican opponents. Funiciello recently earned the endorsements of three sizable newspapers in New York’s North Country: the Glens Falls Post-Star, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, and the Glens Falls Chronicle.
NY Daily News: Kenneth Lovett: Gov. Cuomo’s reelection campaign said to widen rift with liberal base
Cuomo on Friday also denied creating the Women’s Equality Party to destroy the Working Families Party — though he took a shot at the progressive party at the same time.
“We’ve formed every kind of fringe party for every kind of reason,” he said. “We have Democratic, Republican, Green, red, white, blue, working people, working short people, working tall people. We’ve never had a women’s party.”
The intraparty squabbling could help Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins or depress voter turnout. True, Cuomo is expected to sail to victory Tuesday — but anger on the left could reduce his margin of victory and undermine his mandate.
Drone Alert Hudson Valley: Vote Hawkins/Jones for Governor!
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins stood with other protestors against predator drones at Hancock Air Base near Syracuse. In a town meeting in New Paltz this past July (organized by Margaret Human et al.- thanks, Margaret!), Howie answered a question posed by Andrew of Drone Alert, and Howie made it clear he is against assassination by drone, as well as surveillance and intimidation by drone, and militarization of police departments- unlike the other gubernatorial candidates.
Syracuse Post-Standard: How will NY gov candidates vote on state's three ballot propositions?
Here's a short summary on each proposition, followed by views of three gubernatorial candidates: Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat; Rob Astorino, a Republican; and Howie Hawkins, of the Green Party.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Siena poll: O'Brien narrows gap against Funke
Funke had previously led 57 percent to 32 percent in a district that stretches across eastern Monroe and northern Ontario counties. Cuomo led Astorino 45 percent to 39 percent, with 10 percent for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins….
Amedore led Tkaczyk 54 percent to 43 percent, barely changed from the 52 percent to 42 percent lead he had last month. The district runs across five counties through the Albany area and south into Ulster County. Astorino led Cuomo 46 percent to 38 percent, with 12 percent for Hawkins....
The Siena polls were conducted Oct. 28-30 to about 500 likely voters in each district. Each poll had a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points.
Finger Lakes Times: Poll shows Katko leading Maffei
Cuomo got 43 percent in the poll, Astorino 39 percent and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins 13 percent.
“Interestingly, the tightening of this race is virtually all a result of Republicans becoming more supportive of Astorino,” Greenberg said. “Unlike Maffei’s serious erosion with independents, Cuomo actually increased his lead among independents from three points previously to seven points today.”
Schenectady Daily Gazette: Editorial: No Excuses: Tuesday's election offers plenty of reasons to vote
Statewide, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is facing his first re-election bid, against Republican Rob Astorino, Libertarian Michael McDermott and Green Party standard-bearer Howie Hawkins. While Cuomo holds large leads in the polls, he didn’t fare well in the Democratic primary against an unknown challenger. As they say, this is why they play the game.
Auburn Citizen: Editorial Board: Elect Cuomo, Cahill, DiNapoli to statewide offices
Given some of Cuomo's missteps, we wish there had been a stronger Republican candidate. We also considered the third-party candidates running for governor, especially Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, of Syracuse, but none demonstrated to us that they could effectively lead New York state's vast executive branch and work with the Legislature to keep the state's economic momentum going.
Auburn Citizen: Brad Malloy: Confusing time to head to the polls
I know you read my column to get a pulse on local and worldly news, and you're probably in breathless anticipation as to whom I plan on backing this election, but sadly I may not vote at all. I know that might sound un-American, but I just don't think any of the candidates really seem qualified, so voting anyone into office at this point feels to me like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Seriously, the only thing I have managed to understand about the gubernatorial race is that Rob Astorino always looks like he's searching for gum on his shoes and Howie Hawkins' name sounds like a Muppet reject from Sesame Street. And as far as our current governor goes, there was that investigation into corruption, wasn't there?
Albany Times Union: Roger Green: My progressive friends: “Vote for Cuomo on the WFP line”
So I’m NOT supposed to vote for Cuomo on the WEP, but I AM supposed to vote for him on the WFP, because this supposedly will help “promote the progressive agenda.”
But wouldn’t the progressive agenda be assisted by voting for, let’s say, a progressive? Not a few people I know are actually going to write in Teachout, which I understand emotionally. But that won’t affect party ballot placement.
Why not vote for the Green Party candidate, Howie Hawkins, other than the likelihood that he can’t win?
I saw this wonderfully succinct analysis on Facebook – I’ve misplaced his name: “WFP’s nomination of Cuomo was an act of political suicide. It is the scorpion that could not resist stinging the frog it was riding across the river despite the fact it would drown in the process. It was in their nature.”
News 12 Brooklyn: Breakdown of candidates in race for governor
While incumbent Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican Rob Astorino, Libertarian Michael McDermott and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins will all be on Tuesday's ballot, there are a number of key differences to be aware of between them.
November 1, 2014
Long Island Press: Long Island Elections: Voter's Guide 2014
Howie Hawkins
(G) | howiehawkins.org
Hawkins, 61, of Syracuse, is making his second bid for governor after a prior run for U.S. Senate from New York in 2006. A Syracuse resident, he’s a Teamster freight handler for the United Parcel Service, who’s been endorsed by New York Badass Teacher’s Association, Ralph Nader and the New Progressive Alliance. He supports raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, instituting free tuition at CUNY and SUNY colleges and proposes funding that through a more progressive state income tax system.
Brian P. Jones
(G) | howiehawkins.org
Hawkins’ running mate is Jones, 41, who has been a New York City public elementary school teacher for nine years and is currently pursuing a doctorate in urban education. A nationally recognized activist, his commentary and writings have appeared on MSNBC, in The New York Times and on Democracy Now! He is the recipient of the Lannan Cultural Freedom Fellowship, among other awards. He opposes privatization and school closures. He’s active in the social justice caucus of the United Federation of Teachers.
Theresa Portelli
(G) | theresaportelli.wordpress.com
Portelli, 62, is a former Albany City School Board member who ran for mayor of the upstate city last year, also on the Green Party line. She supports divesting the state pension fund of fossil fuel energy companies. Her campaign also calls for creating a board to oversee the pension fund instead of leaving it to just the comptroller. In addition, she has proposed creating a state bank to finance public works projects.
Ramon J. Jimenez
(G) | ramonjjimenez.wordpress.com
This 66-year-old attorney from the South Bronx represents community groups. He is a former administrative law judge and senior administrative law judge for the New York State Workers Compensation Board. He has taught at Fordham University, Rutgers University, New York University, John Jay College and Hostos Community College. If elected, he said he would prioritize prosecuting white-collar crimes, abolish solitary confinement and enact fairer criminal prosecution procedures. He also ran for state attorney general in 2010 on the Freedom Party line.
AP: NY campaigns targeting women voters
Cuomo, who tapped former Buffalo congresswoman Kathy Hochul as his running mate, created the Women’s Equality Party in an effort to appeal to female voters. New York allows candidates to run on multiple party lines, and the new party gives Cuomo and other Democrats a way to advertise their support — while getting their name on the ballot an additional time.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins dismisses the move as “ballot hocus pocus.” He said Cuomo hasn’t done enough on economic issues that disproportionately affect women.
“Cuomo’s trickle-down economic policies don’t trickle down to working-class women, who need living wage jobs, a closing of the male-female pay gap, affordable child care, paid family leave,” he said
One glaring political problem for women gets less attention. Women make up 51.5 percent of the state population, yet only two of the 18 candidates for statewide office are female. The state now ranks 33rd in the nation for female legislators.
The Indypendent: Early Indy Results Show Good News for Both Greens & WFP
There have been heated debates among New York progressives about whether to vote for the WFP which has been heavily criticized in some circles for endorsing Cuomo for a second time, or to opt for Hawkins who has run a stronger-than-expected campaign on an unabashedly left-wing platform.
Wellsville Daily Reporter: Letter: Wowser, Howie Hawkins wrestles with reality
The millionaire class has lots of representatives in government and this working stiff clown thinks they’re going to give him a seat at the table. Howie’s full-time, second-shift job must be putting him in touch with reality or something. Howie would know a little about living wages for all workers, and don’t you know the reality of health care is a real time concern. When you work for a living, it’s a different reality, but it’s the reality of the voters. We’re talking the labor end, not the corporate end of reality here. Howie refuses Corporate campaign monies.
...Wowser, just lots of wrestling with reality all at one time and I hope Howie gets a pin on his opponents in the final round. Grandma says anybody that thinks they can get money from big money Corporate and redirect to small money Labor has probably got a screw loose, but also says you have to follow your dream and Howie’s got a good one. One more vote for Howie.
West View News: A vote for Howie Hawkins and Alexander Meadows
When asked at the endorsement rally why a vote for him was not a vote for the republican, Hawkins answered “Which Republican? The rich Republicans are supporting Cuomo and the others Astronio. I am the only real progressive candidate in this race.”
October 31, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Editorial endorsement: Andrew Cuomo for NY governor
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, 61, of Syracuse, offered a familiar slate of progressive ideas. We don't agree with his platform but applaud him for keeping the major party candidates on the defensive, especially in their one and only debate.
WNYT, NBC TV, Albany: 2-Minute Statement by Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for New York Governor
NewsChannel 13 has a policy of offering free air time to candidates for state-wide and federal offices so you'll be better informed. Here’s the Green Party candidate for New York governor, Howie Hawkins.
Democracy Now: Gubernatorial Candidate Howie Hawkins Calls for a "Green New Deal"
[20 minute video] In New York state, the Green Party hopes to make major gains in the race for governor. Its candidate, Howie Hawkins, is taking on incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo, Republican Rob Astorino and Libertarian Michael McDermott. Hawkins is one of more than 200 Green candidates running for office across the country on Tuesday. Hawkins is calling for a "Green New Deal" that includes public jobs for the unemployed, single-payer healthcare, a ban on fracking and a 100 percent clean-energy future. Last week, he participated in four-way gubernatorial debate where Democracy Now! co-host Juan González questioned Cuomo about his record of dealing with corruption.
TeleSUR, Pan-Latin American Television: "How the Democrats Became the Party of Neoliberalism" by Arun Gupta
The silver lining is this “extreme center,” as Tariq Ali describes it, has opened up space in countries like Spain, Iceland, and Greece that left parties have used for mass mobilization. There are flickers of hope in the United States with Socialist Alternative candidate Kshama Sawant beating Democrats in Seattle and Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins giving New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo headaches in the upcoming election.
Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education: Diane Ravitch Endorsement of Hawkins and Jones
I am voting Green because Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones will fully fund our public schools, will stop the over-testing of our students, and will not open more privately managed charter schools. They promise to rebuild our public schools, which enroll nearly 90% of the state’s children….
This week Governor Cuomo said he wants more charter schools, more tests, and more privatization. I believe him….
I want to ensure a better future for our state and for our children. And that is why I am voting for Hawkins and Jones on the Green Party ballot line. Please join me.
In These Times: Meet Jess Spear, the Socialist and Climate Scientist Running for Washington's State House
And in some cities, socialist groups like Spear’s have played key roles in pushing that debate. In Portland, Nicholas Caleb, backed by both Socialist Alternative and the International Socialist Organization (ISO), failed to win a city council seat in the last election but is credited with advancing the “15 Now” agenda in that city. In New York, Solidarity and Socialist Party member Howie Hawkins and ISO member Brian Jones are running for governor and lieutenant governor on the Green Party ticket and are polling at 9 percent, closing the gap between the two major party candidates.
And with both Sawant and Spear, there is a clear willingness among labor to acknowledge the socialist current in American politics. A few Seattle labor leaders have supported Socialist Alternative campaigns, and even those who still support Democratic incumbents speak favorably of the contributions this leftist electoral force has made in pushing the city’s political conversation in a more progressive direction.
Pacific Standard Magazine: Should the Victims of the War on Drugs Receive Reparations?
One area in which the Green Party platform differs radically from that of the Democrats is the war on drugs. So Substance.com spoke with both candidates to get their take on issues like mass incarceration, the racial disparities of drug-law enforcement, the legalization of heroin and other drugs—and what could happen after that.
Capital New York: Cuomo’s teacher fight linked to non-help for Senate Dems
It's unclear how the teachers' outrage will play in next week's election. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins has been actively courting educators, reiterating his pitch on a conference call with reporters Thursday.
“People that may have been urged to vote for Cuomo under another wrapper—you know, the Independence line or the Working Families line or Women’s Equality line—are saying, ‘I open that wrapper, and it’s the same old Cuomo, and he’s not for the schools, so I just can’t do it. I’m not going to vote for him, even if I am supposedly sending him some kind of message by voting him on another ballot line,’” Hawkins said. “So I think that strategy—he is blowing that up by attacking public education here right toward the end of the election.”
Newsday: Editorial: Voting is our right. Make your mark!
Doing it the old-fashioned way with their own candidates are the Greens, with Howie Hawkins, and the Libertarians, with Michael McDermott. If a party gets fewer than 50,000 votes for a gubernatorial candidate, it no longer gets an automatic spot on the ballot.
The most intriguing is Hawkins, whose platform is the New Deal with solar power. Hawkins could poll as much as 10 percent. If disaffected Democrats and Working Families members migrate there, or women vote for Cuomo on the Equality line, the Greens could end up the No. 3 party in the state. This year, more than most, politicians will be analyzing voter sentiment not only from the final tally but on how the winner got there.
Newsday: One-on-one AG debate brought a struggle to be heard
The televised exchange at Hilbert College in suburban Buffalo featured Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, the Democrat, and challenger John Cahill, the Republican, repeatedly shouting over each other….
By comparison, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and GOP challenger Rob Astorino had their direct crossfire slowed and paced somewhat by the presence and equal time given to Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian candidate Michael McDermott.
Gotham Gazette: Guide to the Last Minute Voter: 2014 General Election
What alternative do disappointed WFP and Democratic voters have? Not many for those who want the WFP to make it to 2015 with any semblance of strength. But, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who talked policy in the lone gubernatorial debate instead of sniping, supports major liberal policies and has been moving in the polls….
Green candidate Howie Hawkins has pledged to ban fracking, implement public financing of elections to get rid of the corporate cash that has infused Cuomo's campaign, and introduce a Green New Deal where every New Yorker would be entitled to a job. He's polling well for a third party candidate at around 10 percent.
NY Daily News: Andrew Cuomo, Rob Astorino stump upstate
The day began with a new Marist/Wall Street Journal/WNBC poll showing Astorino down by 26 points. Cuomo was supported by 56% of likely voters, compared to 30% for Astorino and 6% for Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins.
Journal News, Westchester: Marist: Cuomo leads 56%-30%
Cuomo led Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino 56 percent to 30 percent, the NBC 4 New York/The Wall Street Journal/Marist poll said. The margin is essentially unchanged in a Marist poll last month. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins had 6 percent.
Albany Times-Union: Carl Strock: Who for governor?
Green sounds good. I’m all in favor of green, even the green plastic bags used at Healthy Living grocery store, but alas the Green Party stands for more than that. The Green Party is a big booster of the public employee unions about which I have grave reservations, considering them leaches on the body politic. Indeed his running mate, Brian Jones, is a member of the United Federation of Teachers who boasts of having fought charter schools — some credential! — and he himself is a teamster. They advocate keeping both the Triborough Amendment, which give unions an endless upper hand in negotiations with government, and the scaffold safety law, which makes employers responsible for all accidents on scaffolding even if the fault might be entirely the worker’s. Beyond that they want free everything for everyone — except the rich, whom they want to tax down to the last nickel. Especially they want a guaranteed above-poverty income for everyone. If there are not enough jobs to go around, no problem, government will provide them. It’s almost enough to make you think the Tea Party has a point.
Woodstock Times: Picks for the polls
As dislikeable as he can be, Andrew Cuomo is the choice, if for no other reason than that he had the guts to push through the SAFE act gun control measure, a mild reaction to heinous events, but more than anyone else could muster and that he’s passed four balanced on time budgets in a row in a state that couldn’t for two previous decades. Astorino is for fracking and repealing the SAFE act, so he’s out. Howie Hawkins, the Green candidate is interesting, but couldn’t he call himself Howard?
Gotham Gazette: Hawkins Gives Cuomo Credit for Green Support
Howie Hawkins has one man to thank for giving his campaign a boost: Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Hawkins, the Green Party's New York gubernatorial candidate, is not going to come close to winning the highest seat in Albany. But his polling numbers are strikingly good for a candidate who gets little press, is not from a major party, and has little money to run on. Cuomo's support for charter schools, tax cuts for the wealthy, and indecisiveness on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has fueled progressive discontent with his reign.
"Cuomo is my best campaign worker. His record is my best ad," the 61-year-old Hawkins quipped in an interview after an October 25 Manhattan fundraiser featuring Ralph Nader, the most famous Green Party member. Nader helped raise at least $5,000 at the event held at the Unitarian Church of All Souls for the Syracuse-based candidate.
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Hawkins slams Cuomo for calling public education a monopoly
Earlier this week, Cuomo told the New York Daily News the state’s public education system is the last great public monopoly. He says he’ll try to push for a new round of teacher evaluations if reelected. The comment has angered more liberal politicians and teachers’ unions.
"He’s doing the bidding of the charter school promoters that are backing the campaign. That seems to be what carries weight with him," Hawkins said.
WAER, NPR, Syracuse: Libertarian Michael McDermott Runs for NY Governor
Election officials point out that bipartisan boards of elections date back to the state's constitution of 189x and that it's more fair than, say, a state like Connecticut, where a single elected official oversees the elections. But Howie Hawkins, the Green party candidate for Governor, says it's those bipartisan commissioner who keep the minor parties out.
"The major parties get commissioners, the minor parties don't. That should be civil service jobs, they should not be linked to partisan politics."
Green Party Watch: Cuomo campaign highlights to absurdity of fusion voting in New York
As a New York native, I’ve seen firsthand how fusion voting, which allows multiple parties to endorse the same candidate, has failed to deliver on its promise of more choice at the ballot box. In practice, fusion has become a game for the political elite, with endorsements by “paper parties” like the Working Families Party, Conservative Party, and Independence Party usually earned in back room deals with implicit – or explicit – trades of political favors and campaign cash (a recent NYPIRG investigative report found that the Working Families Party gets most of its money from the Democratic Party).
Oneonta Daily Star: Ex-Mobil exec backs Hawkins for governor
On Wednesday, Lou Allstadt, a Cooperstown village trustee and retired executive vice president of Mobil Oil Corp. who has become a prominent anti-fracking activist, came out strongly for the left-leaning longshot.
In backing Hawkins, Allstadt, an unaffiliated political independent, took pokes at both Cuomo and his Republican challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.
"The two major party candidates for governor seem more interested in fracking New York state than in promoting renewable energy sources," Allstadt said. "That is exactly the opposite of what it will take to make serious progress on slowing greenhouse gas emissions."
Ballot Access News: Lou Allstadt, Prominent Opponent of Fracking, Endorses Howie Hawkins for New York Governor
On October 30, Lou Allstadt, a prominent opponent of fracking, endorsed Howie Hawkins, the Green Party nominee for Governor of New York. See this story about the endorsement, and this article about Allstadt. Allstadt is a former executive vice-president of Mobil Oil and a resident of Cooperstown, New York....
The New York gubernatorial race is one example of many that shows the value of minor party and independent candidate activity. If New York state had a top-two system, the only candidates on the November ballot would be Rob Astorino and Andrew Cuomo, and it wouldn’t be possible for anti-fracking voters to cast a vote that communicates their belief.
Buffalo News: It's a hat trick of surprises in governor's race
On Thursday, Astorino – who has talked about charter schools being an option for students in failing schools and a voucher-type system for parents who send their children to private schools – sought to make inroads with NYSUT’s 600,000 members.
In a letter “to our esteemed teachers,” Astorino thanked them for their service and noted how his wife is a special-education teacher.
“Mr. Cuomo’s adversarial stance toward teachers borders on disdain,” Astorino wrote of the series of battles Cuomo has had with teachers over everything from Common Core educational standards to an evaluation system to the level of state aid to public schools.
Astorino wrote that if he is elected, he would treat teachers “with the respect you deserve as educational professionals.”
While that might have ended things, what surprised some NYSUT local leaders is that the union wrote back to Astorino.
“We thank Rob Astorino” for his letter, the top two NYSUT leaders wrote in their own open letter. As Astorino did, NYSUT noted their differences, but said it pledges to acknowledge any political leaders who “commit to statements of respect and support” to teachers.
NYSUT has not endorsed a candidate in the governor’s race.
Still, the union’s outreach to Astorino did not sit well with the Buffalo Teachers Federation, which has endorsed Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. BTF President Philip Rumore said in a letter to the NYSUT board that to thank Astorino – who he said wants to weaken tenure and backs the property tax cap – “is beyond my comprehension.”
“Any justified anger with Cuomo and his recent statements does not justify over-reacting by praising a candidate that opposes most of what we stand for,” Rumore said.
October 30, 2014
Metroland, Albany: Endorsements: Howie Hawkins for Governor
A vote for Howie Hawkins is a vote for the only progressive gubernatorial candidate.
Time Warner Cable News: Hawkins Rips Cuomo on Common Core, Moreland Commission
"He's Nixonian in his coverups and his duplicity, his dissembling. He shut down the Moreland Commission on Public Corruption after they started looking into his campaign contributions. This morning we find an article in the New York Times about how he interfered with the first Moreland Commission on Public Utilities. And he did not accept their recommendations. He changed some of the conclusions," Hawkins said.
Time Warner Cable News: TWC News/Siena Poll: Race Tightens Between Maloney, Hayworth
Meanwhile, the race for governor is tightening in the 18th Congressional District as well….The poll found Cuomo with 44 percent of the vote, compared to 43 percent for Astorino. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins receives 8 percent of the vote.
Wall Street Journal: Poll: New Yorkers Support Mandatory Ebola Quarantines
New Yorkers overwhelmingly support a 21-day quarantine for individuals who have come into contact with an Ebola patient, regardless of whether they are symptomatic, according to a Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist College poll.
Mr. Cuomo also maintained a substantial lead among likely voters over his GOP challenger, Rob Astorino, winning 56% of the vote to the Republican’s 30%. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins took 6%.
Syracuse Post-Standard: NRA dumps last-minute $105K into Astorino campaign
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins gets an endorsement from Richard Kim in The Nation.
Capital New York: Capital Playbook: Cuomo rigs storm report
Working Families Party NYS director Bill Lipton emails friends: “Some of you are supporting Andrew Cuomo this coming Tuesday. But for others, who are understandably frustrated with the governor’s positions on education, taxes, fracking and more, that’s a bitter pill to swallow. Many of you are considering not voting for governor, or voting for [Green Party candidate Howie] Hawkins. However you feel about our governor, I’m asking that you consider voting for him on the Working Families line along with the rest of the WFP ticket.”
Buffalo News: Working Families Party urges Cuomo vote 'however you feel'
Bill Lipton, state director of the small but influential party, acknowledged in the email to party backers that many members are “understandably frustrated” with Cuomo’s positions on education, taxes, fracking “and more.”
He also acknowledged that, for many party members, it would be a “bitter pill” to vote for Cuomo.
“Many of you are considering not voting for governor, or voting for (Green Party candidate Howie) Hawkins,” Lipton wrote in the email, which The Buffalo News obtained.
“We’re taught that you’re supposed to vote for the candidate whose beliefs are most like your own. But the truth is that politics is not simply just a contest between individual candidates. When you pull the camera back, it’s also a contest between institutional forces,” Lipton wrote as he checked off groups his union battled, such as real estate developers and a statewide business lobby.
Register-Star, Hudson: Green Party candidate for Governor makes stop in Hudson
Noting recent reports that New York is the most segregated state in the nation, gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins advocated a different approach to public housing in a brief speech to a small crowd of local residents at Swallow Coffee, 433 Warren St., Hudson, Wednesday afternoon.
The Green Party’s candidate for governor of New York, on a quick stop in Hudson, was describing the five points in the party’s platform, the Green New Deal.
Hawkins, from Syracuse, an organizer in movements for peace, justice, labor, and the environment since 1967, said he has been polling at 9 percent. If he can stay at that level on election night, he said, the Green Party will do better than any independent party has ever done in New York.
All Over Albany: Campaign Yard Sign Design Election 2014
Anamorphically scaled Arial-bold faux small caps is no way to go through life; it hurts my eyes just to look at this sign. I'll give Howie credit for stating his party affiliation clearly, however. Not mentioning political party seems to be a growing trend in 2014 political yard signs -- perhaps because the American voting public equally distrusts both parties at this point.
Indypendent, New York City: #Greensvs.WFP: What's Your 2014 Election Prediction?
As Election Day approaches in the New York's governor's race, progressives across the state are furiously debating whether to vote for Howie Hawkins of the Greens or for Andrew Cuomo on the Working Families Party ballot line. How many votes will the Greens and the Working Families Party each get? The Indypendent is sponsoring a #GreensvsWFP contest for lefty election junkies to test their political savvy.
Ithaca Times: Tompkins voters told they're crucial
[Interim city court judge Seth] Peacock's candidacy was touched by controversy when he attended a rally on Oct. 15 and endorsed Green Party New York governor candidate Howie Hawkins.
Judicial candidates are prohibited from "publicly endorsing or publicly opposing (other than by running against) another candidate for public office," according to the New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics.
When asked to respond about the controversy, Peacock cited case law.
"In 2002 there was a U.S. Supreme Court case, Minnesota v. White, that dealt with similar types of restrictions on judicial candidates, and in that case the Supreme Court struck down these type of restrictions as violating the First Amendment."
WAMC, Northeast Public Radio: Green Congressional Candidate Discusses Campaign
Town of Jay resident Fred Balzac asked the candidate about organizing more people to the Green Party. He says the strong polling for Funiciello shows the candidate and the Greens, also running Howie Hawkins for governor, are offering a viable alternative to the Republicans and Democrats. “There really is a hunger in this district and I believe across the country for a candidate who will speak his mind, say what he really believes in. Or she. Matt has been very outspoken in his campaign. People are looking for answers and there’s a lot of dissatisfaction in Washington and in Albany. I believe the Green Party has many of those answers that people are looking for.”
Scranton Times-Tribune: Natural gas drilling opponent violated court order, will not be punished
A natural-gas drilling opponent violated a court order banning her from drillers’ work sites and access roads but will not be punished, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation attorneys alleged that Vera Scroggins of Brackney led a tour group to the Costello well site’s access road, situated just off state Route 3023 in Dimock Twp. on Oct. 9.
Susquehanna County President Judge Kenneth Seamans ruled that Ms. Scroggins technically violated the court order but would not be punished. He also made clear that the Costello driveway was also a Cabot access road that begins at its confluence with state Route 3023.
On the stand, Ms. Scroggins admitted to guiding a small bus tour, which included New York Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins and former Binghamton, N.Y., Mayor Matt Ryan, to that area.
October 29, 2014
The Nation: "No Quid Pro Quo, No Cuomo: Vote Howie Hawkins on November 4" by Richard Kim
… my vote for Hawkins is a protest vote, against Cuomo, yes, but also against what the WFP has become—a party too dominated by inside institutional players who can’t or won’t see when the air is really better on the outside.
National Review: Astorino: Still Battling Cuomo
Now, while fighting Astorino, Cuomo also must keep his eyes on UPS truck loader Howie Hawkins. The Green Party nominee scored 9 percent in the Siena poll. Even more impressive, Hawkins has secured the endorsement of Buffalo’s teachers’ union. His supporters also include Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights Democrats for Reform plus Manhattan’s Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club and Village Independent Democrats. Such fissures in Cuomo’s base may augur sudden seismic jolts.
WGXC Community Radio, Hudson: @Issue: Howie Hawkins Interview
Audio, 2nd half of show.
Ithaca Times: NYS Governor's Race: Howie Hawkins' Green New Deal
Hawkins begins his stump speech with statistics that show how Syracuse is suffering while Gov. Andrew Cuomo is in charge in Albany. The poverty rate in Syracuse is 38 percent. They are closing treatment centers, fire stations, and have let go a quarter of the teaching staff in the city schools. “Because this governor wants to give tax breaks to his campaign donors,” said the Green candidate for governor, “and makes us pay for it with service cuts and tax hikes.” Hawkins noted that 331 people gave the Cuomo campaign over $40,000 each, which accounted for $22 million of his $45 million war chest. Cuomo’s average donation is $70,723; the average donation to Hawkins campaign is $77 and the median is $30.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Race for NY gov: Key differences among Cuomo, Astorino and Hawkins
Wondering where the candidates for governor stand? No worries -- we've done the homework for you on hydrofracking, the Upstate economy, education and more.
Oneida Daily Dispatch: Letter: Green Party's Hawkins best candidate for governor
If the one debate for governor of New York is an indication of the wisdom of such thinking, then Howie Hawkins of the Green Party is the best candidate.
The candidates of the two major parties seemed to think that it was important for them to tell the voters that the other was more corrupt. Above the fray was Hawkins, presenting Green party solutions to problems the state faces on education, environment and social justice.
Albany Times Union: WFP attacks Cuomo
It's not often that a political party criticizes its gubernatorial nominee less than a week before Election Day.
But such was the tricky position the progressive Working Families Party found itself in Wednesday, when it issued a statement rejecting Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recent comments that he would work to "break what is in essence one of the only remaining public monopolies" — the public education system in New York.
From the left, the Green Party's Howie Hawkins said Cuomo was treating public education "as some corporate entity. ... The remarks made clear that Cuomo is an enemy of our public education system. And that he wants to break it."
Albany Times Union: Vote with your fork
• Do you support hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking) as an energy source in New York state? No
• Do you support mandatory labeling of food produced from genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? Yes, including a moratorium on GMOs until long-term safety has been determined
• Do you support the continuation or expansion of guest visas for foreign migrant workers in the agricultural sector? Yes, and extend the same workers' rights as granted to citizens
Movement of Rank and File Educators: MORE Educators Support Howie Hawkins & Brian Jones for Governor & Lieutenant Governor
The Movement of Rank and File Educators (MORE-UFT) voted unanimously at our last General Body meeting to propose that the United Federation of Teachers, instead of sitting out this gubernatorial race, endorse the pro-public education platform presented by Howie Hawkins for Governor and Brian Jones for Lieutenant Governor.
Watertown Daily Times: Anti-SAFE Act group issues candidate report card
Democratic Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who pushed for and signed the SAFE Act legislation, received an “F.” Meanwhile, his Republican opponent, Rob Astorino, earned an “A,” Libertarian candidate Michael McDermott got a “B,” and no grade was determined for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Troy Record: Cuomo-supported Women's Equality Party up against long-standing Working Families Party on ballot
The other significant candidate in the race, Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins, has only one line.
October 28, 2014
Time Warner Cable News: TWC News/Siena Poll Shows Gibson Big Over Eldridge in NY-19
In the race for governor, incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo trails Republican Rob Astorino in the 19th Congressional District, 38 percent to 39 percent. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins receives 14 percent of the vote. Last month, Cuomo led Astorino 39 percent to 36 percent.
WNYT, NBC TV, Albany: New poll shows Stefanik widening lead over Woolf
In terms of what the poll shows for the governor’s race, Governor Andrew Cuomo leads Republican challenger Rob Astorino by just four points in the district, 43% to 39%. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is polling at 10%.
WWNY 7 News, Watertown: Candidates React to Poll Results
Worth noting: Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins grabbed 10 percent.
New York Post: Teachout snubs Cuomo, won't endorse him for a second term
Hawkins, in a conference call on Monday, appealed to the 181,000 Democrats who voted for Teachout to back him. A series of polls over the past month show Cuomo leading Astorino by more than 20 points. But Hawkins is drawing 9 percent, siphoning votes that would probably go to Cuomo.
Indypendent, New York City: Meet Howie Hawkins, the Anti-Cuomo
Hawkins and his supporters have quite a lot to be smiling about, as he has emerged as the surprise story of this fall’s otherwise desultory race for the most important political office in the state.
The Greens have existed on the farthest margins of New York politics for most of the past two decades, rarely cracking one percent in statewide races. They also remain stigmatized in some liberal circles for Ralph Nader’s role in helping to tip Florida and the 2000 presidential race to George W. Bush. Yet, by mid-October Hawkins, who is on unpaid leave this fall from his job at a UPS shipping hub in Syracuse, had climbed to 9 percent in statewide polls. He also began to pick up an unprecedented string of endorsements from several liberal Democratic Party clubs in New York City and a half-dozen teacher union locals across the state, including the Buffalo Teachers Federation, as well as a handful of minor Democratic Party officeholders, all of whom share a deep disenchantment with the incumbent governor.
Socialist Worker: "Why are they so afraid of third parties?" by Lance Selfa
There are a handful of left-wing independent candidates running in the elections coming up on November 4--SocialistWorker.org readers may be most familiar with the New York Green Party campaign for governor and lieutenant governor, featuring two contributors and collaborators with this website: Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones. Still they are very much the exception.
The Socialist: "No Friction, No Traction: Class Conscious Parties and Socialist Goals" by Scott Tucker
As for the campaign of Howie Hawkins — hey, if I lived where my vote counted in that campaign, yes, I’d vote for Howie. That does not settle a wide range of questions related to party building and to party cross endorsements. If the Green Party can always count upon Socialists as spare change in their pockets, then Socialists will devalue our own currency accordingly.
Certainly the Green Party has a stronger electoral base than the Socialist Party at present. If that is the sum of our electoral “pragmatism,” however, then we may as well abandon any practical working goal of democratic socialism. Because the specific work of the Socialist Party also includes taking our own electoral campaigns seriously. In such campaigns, we must not be shy in asking Greens for their support in districts and campaigns where Socialist candidates have gained honest ground. No dogmatic prescription will guide us in all possible cases, of course. In some areas and campaigns, Green and Socialist candidates may not be in direct competition. Genuine pragmatism in such cases means honest public conversations about coalitions, and the candidate likeliest to win. In a healthy democracy, however, the day will come when Green candidates and Socialist candidates compete freely against each other, and against any corporate candidates as well.
The Green Party is an ecological party of social democracy, fine as far as that goes. The Greens, however, need a left wing within their party willing to push much harder, and Howie Hawkins is doing his best. To his credit!
The Socialist Party is an independent party of democratic socialism, pushing the other parties (including the Greens) from the outside, while pursuing our own path. Including our own electoral path. Of course, some of us have been members of both parties in the past, and we may yet be again.
Albany Times Union: A.M. Roundup
Cuomo’s primary challenger Zephyr Teachout won’t be endorsing the governor in the general election. She said she expects many of her supporters either to back Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins or to vote for Cuomo on the Working Families Party line. “I actually respect both of those choices,” she said.
Albany Times Union: Shale gas report due date debate
In the Oct. 22 debate, Cuomo observed that his two principal opponents, Howie Hawkins of the Green Party and Republican Rob Astorino, were seated to his left and right — a fair approximation of their respective stances on the safety of fracking, he said.
Saratoga Wire: Republican candidate Elise Stefanik has expanded her lead
In the same survey conducted Oct. 20-22, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has the support of 43 percent of likely voters in the district, followed closely by Rob Astorino, who has the support of 39 percent. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins has the support of 10 percent of voters. The 21st Congressional District includes all or part of 12 counties and stretches across northeastern New York.
Ithaca Voice: Official: Discipline against Ithaca judge unlikely until after election
City Judge Seth Peacock may have violated state rules that bar judges from political activity outside their own campaigns, but any disciplinary action is likely to come long after next week’s election.
Peacock is vying with Ithaca lawyer Rick Wallace Nov. 4 to earn election to the seat to which Peacock was appointed earlier this year by Mayor Svante Myrick.
As The Voice reported last week, Peacock appeared at a political rally in Ithaca Oct. 15 for Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for governor. He openly endorsed Hawkins in a brief speech captured on YouTube.
Independent Political Report: Howie Hawkins Makes Appeal for Teachout Voters, Criticizes Working Families Party
In a Monday morning media conference call Green Party Governor candidate Howie Hawkins made a direct appeal to Zephyr Teachout’s supporters. He then blasted the Working Families Party (WFP) for its cynical, sad and impotent strategy to convince its members and supporters that somehow voting Cuomo on the WFP line makes him a progressive.
Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association: Howie Hawkins, Brian Jones, and Where They Stand on Public Education
Yesterday the PJSTA hosted an approximate 50 people who came out to hear gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins speak. Hawkins, the Green Party candidate endorsed by the PJSTA, is the only pro-public education candidate in the election.
To see where each candidate stands on issues related to public education click here: GOVERNORS RACE SIDE BY SIDE
October 27, 2014
The Chief-Leader: Richard Stier: Why Waste Vote When Hawkins is Alternative?
At that point, Howie Hawkins, the UPS driver who is the Green Party’s nominee, declared that while fracking may be controversial, its impact wasn’t complicated at all. “It’s a danger to the climate,” he remarked in his folksy drawl. “You burn gas and it heats up the planet, and it does pollute the water and the land.”
He then uprooted Mr. Cuomo’s “let the scientists decide” rhetoric with a reference to the Capital New York story a couple of weeks earlier revealing that his administration had delayed releasing a Federal study about fracking’s impact until it could alter or delete some of its more-damning findings. “When some science came back from the U.S. Geological Survey,” Mr. Hawkins said, “his administration wanted to change the results.”
No Points for Bullseye
It was a neatly delivered dagger, with no dramatics involved. Perhaps because of that, and the fact that Mr. Hawkins has had trouble cracking 10 percent in the polls, Mr. Cuomo saw no need to rebut it, and the remark got no coverage in the next day’s papers, other than on Capital New York’s website.
For those tuning in to the debate aired on public-television stations around the state, it was the first extended look at Mr. Hawkins, notwithstanding his participation in the seven-candidate phone-booth pileup during the 2010 campaign, when he also had the Green nomination.
He offered some predictable positions as the candidate claiming to be the one true progressive in the race, notwithstanding Mr. Cuomo’s occasional invocation of the word. Mr. Hawkins during his introductory statement asserted, “The government has been bought by the richest 1 percent.”...
During Mr. Hawkins’s closing statement in the debate, he contrasted its singularity with the fact that seven debates had been held in the gubernatorial race in Connecticut, then added that this one “barely touched on the issues.”
There is one man responsible for that. Andrew Cuomo didn’t see this as an affront to democracy; for him it was just another case of maximizing his advantage and minimizing his risk, secure in the belief that not enough voters would take offense and act on it on Election Day to hurt him. He might reconsider if he winds up with just 50 percent of the vote because Mr. Hawkins gets enough disaffected Democrats to act on their feelings to get him above 10 percent.
That’s why filling in the box next to his name when marking my ballot next Tuesday will be even easier than pulling the lever for Mr. Commoner 34 years ago.
The Chief-Leader: Cuomo, Astorino Slug It Out, But No Debate Knock-Out Punches
The most recent Siena poll, released the day of the debate, showed Mr. Cuomo ahead of Mr. Astorino by 21 points in this Democratic-majority state. Mr. Hawkins won nine percent support. His total was believed to have been swelled by mainstream Democrats displeased by Mr. Cuomo’s economic policies, which favor reduced taxes, particularly for wealthier New Yorkers and corporations, while securing budget balance through giveback-heavy contracts with public-employee unions.
If Mr. Hawkins’s support holds on Election Day, it will keep Mr. Cuomo significantly below the 63 percent of the vote he drew in 2010. That would be bad news for his presidential aspirations....
“I’m not a scientist,” Mr. Cuomo said. “Let the scientists decide.” He said the state Health Department will complete its study on fracking by the end of the year and “whatever the experts say is right, that’s what I’ll do.”
That prompted a zinger from Mr. Hawkins, who unequivocally opposes fracking. Referring to the revelation two weeks earlier that the Cuomo administration had delayed releasing a Federal study on the issue so it could edit out some of the more-damning conclusions, the Green Party candidate said, “When some science came back from the U.S. Geological Survey, his administration wanted to change the results.”
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Poll: Public funding not favored for a Bills stadium
During last week's gubernatorial debate, candidates were asked what type of financial assistance the state should provide for a new Bills stadium….
Meanwhile, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins offered an alternative. "If the state goes in, we ought to have an ownership share," he said. "In other words, like any other owner, we ought to get our share of the profits and be able to look at the books. ... That might be a better way to make sure the Bills stay here permanently."
Socialist Worker: The Working Families Party charade unravels
Hawkins is currently polling at 9 percent, which is unprecedented for a progressive third-party candidate in New York. If that holds up, the Green Party will catapult over the Working Families Party and the Conservative Party to "Row C" on the ballot behind only the Democrats and Republicans.
There's a real chance that the Green Party could come out of this election as the only credible alternative to the Democrats. That's already true in places like Syracuse. With a powerful vote in New York City, the Green Party could become a real force there as well.
The Greens are starting to give a political voice to many movement activists who are growing sicker of the fake two-party system every day. These activists come from the environmental movement, the rank and file of the unions, the movement for criminal justice reform and many other disparate progressive causes. Until now, they've mostly gritted their teeth and voted for Democrats--or not voted at all.
The challenge for the Green Party after the election will be to make itself a party and a political representative for this growing grouping of left activists. It may not be an easy task, but it couldn't be more important for the future of the people of New York.
City Limits: How Howie Hawkins Would Help New York
A $15 an hour minimum wage, health care for all, increased funding for mass transit, support for teachers and other union members, stronger rent control and reversing income inequality are just a few of the way I will help city residents if elected governor of New York.
Newsday: Croci maintains leader over Esposito in Newsday/News 12/Siena poll
Republican Tom Croci maintains a substantial lead over Democrat Adrienne Esposito in New York's 3rd Senate District, according to a Newsday/News 12/Siena College poll….Levy noted that Cuomo "lost traction in the district, even among Democrats," since the September poll, a trend that may or may not affect the Senate race. In September, 78 percent of Democrats said they favored Cuomo, 10 percent Astorino and 4 percent Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. In October, that shifted to Cuomo, 67 percent; Astorino, 15 and Hawkins, 13.
NY Daily News: Pol slams De Blasio for 'putting politics ahead of people'
Cuomo has not only a Republican challenger, Rob Astorino, but also a Green Party challenger, Howie Hawkins, who can draw away some liberal votes.
NY Daily News: Will Eric Schneiderman and Thomas DiNapoli outperform Gov. Cuomo on Election Day?
Cuomo not only has a GOP opponent but a liberal third party challenge on the left that will draw votes away from him. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins had 9% of the vote, according to the Siena poll.
NY Daily News: Zephyr Teachout will not endorse Gov. Cuomo or anybody else before Election Day
Teachout said she expects a lot of her supporters to back Cuomo on the Working Families Party line. She also expects a lot to vote for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
“I actually respect both of those choices,” she said. “I think both of those make sense.”
Huffington Post: "Common Core and the End of History" by Alan Singer
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, does not like Common Core at all. He described it as a "package that includes high stakes testing and curriculum modules that come from the state Education Department. And I hear from a lot of teachers and students and parents that they feel this curriculum and this whole package is a test and punish regime not a support and improve regime. That it narrows the curriculum. That it dumbs down to filling out bubbles and ignores a whole lot of things are about education, inquiry, questioning collaboration, cooperative project."
Firedoglake: A Green Alternative for New York Workers
New York Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins and the man running to be his lieutenant, Brian Jones, are offering a Progressive lifeboat to voters adrift in the conservative maelstrom now buffeting workers in a state that once led the labor movement.
WWNY 7 News, Watertown: 7 News-Siena Poll: Stefanik Leads By 18
With one week to go before election day, Republican Elise Stefanik holds a commanding 18 point lead over Democrat Aaron Woolf in the race for the north country's seat in Congress.
Stefanik has 50 percent in the 7 News-Siena College poll; Woolf has 32 percent and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello has 11 percent. (Full detail from poll including all questions here.)….
In the race for Governor - in which Governor Cuomo is an overwhelming favorite statewide - Cuomo leads Republican Rob Astorino, but the race is close in the 21st: Cuomo with 43 percent, Astorino, 39 percent, and Green candidate Howie Hawkins with 10 percent.
Glens Falls Post-Star: Elise Stefanik extends her lead in latest poll
In the governor’s race, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, is supported by 43 percent of likely voters in the congressional district, followed by Republican Rob Astorino with 39 percent, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins with 10 percent.
October 26, 2014
Gotham Gazette: The Week Ahead in New York Politics, October 26
Who might former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout endorse in the general? She has said she'd make an announcement on October 28, which is Tuesday and one week til Election Day. Seems like it'll be Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins or no one at this point. Whatever Teachout decides, it'll make at least a little noise this week.
Poughkeepsie Journal: Third-party candidates look to gain traction
Third-party candidates in a governor's race typically garner little attention. But this year, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins has gained traction with voters – presenting himself as a liberal alternative to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Democrat who has prided himself on a moderate agenda.
Cuomo led Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, the Republican candidate, 54 percent to 33 percent, with Hawkins receiving nine percent, a Siena College poll Wednesday found. Hawkins supports a ban on hydrofracking, a single-payer health care system and the legalization of marijuana.
Glens Falls Post-Star: Gov. Cuomo faces stiff test if voter turnout is low on Election Day
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins said the state’s economic development strategy benefits the wealthy, instead of middle class and lower income workers who need the help.
“The theme is a Green ‘New Deal’ for New York,” he said in a meeting with The Post-Star editorial board in September, explaining the Green Party wants to expand on social reforms President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted.
Cornell Sun: At Rally, Seth Peacock J.D. ’01 Violates Election Laws
Ithaca City Judge Seth Peacock J.D. ’01 broke New York State court system election laws when he endorsed Howie Hawkins — a Green Party candidate running for Governor — at a rally Oct. 15.
At the rally in downtown Ithaca — which was attended by approximately 30 people — Seth Peacock said his “life” is an endorsement for Hawkins, who currently works as a truck driver, also known as a “teamster.”
“On the back of my wallet here is my fancy judge [identification card]. But inside, I have my commercial driver license, from when I was a teamster for 10 years,” Peacock said in a video recorded during the rally.
According to Peacock, Hawkins spoke about the State University of New York and the City University of New York systems, which Peacock himself affiliates with.
“This situation about how does this person move from being a truck driver in New York City to attending Cornell Law School to sitting as a judge right now — how does that happen? It happens by what [Hawkins] talked about,” Peacock said. “It happens because I attended Queens University, a CUNY school.”
October 25, 2014
Albany Times Union: Editorial: For New York Governor: Andrew Cuomo
Howie Hawkins, though ill-equipped for political leadership, has waged a respectable race promoting the Green Party's themes of environmentalism and social justice. Mr. Cuomo and lawmakers should look at his ideas — his Green New Deal plan to boost employment through sustainable energy jobs; to raise the minimum wage; to develop an even more progressive tax system; and to promote a statewide, single payer health care program.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Letter: Don't limit debates to 2 candidates
Your call for two-party debates between Cuomo and Astorino unfairly marginalizes legitimate third-party candidates, treating them as a mere sideshow to the main event.
This is both unfair and undemocratic. Howie Hawkins, for instance, has polled as high as 9 percent, which is a greater percentage of votes than any third party has received since Tom Golisano in 2002. Would you have advocated leaving Golisano out of the debates in 2002? He won Monroe County!
IMBY (In My Back Yard): Howie Hawkins for Governor - A Green New Deal for New York
New Yorkers have a golden opportunity to vote for a progressive, just future on November 4th. Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, running for Governor and Lt. Governor on the Green Party ticket, would bring positive change and lasting environmental protection to our state.
October 24, 2014
Newsday: Editorial: Re-elect Andrew M. Cuomo as New York governor
Cuomo is also being challenged from the left by Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, whose common sense and workingman credentials may attract a lot of support. Hawkins is an idealistic progressive: He wants jobs, high wages and free health care for all, and all-renewable energy within 15 years. His ideas won't come to fruition anytime soon, but his voice is one that should be heard.
Green Party Watch: Howie Hawkins for NY Governor debate video and new TV ad
In a PBS poll of debate watchers (that has, unfortunately, disappeared since the night of the debate) roughly 80% of respondents said that Hawkins won the debate.
City & State: Winners and Losers, 10/24/14
Howie Hawkins - If the Green Party can stomach anyone being called a leader, that leader would be Howie Hawkins. Four years ago, when Hawkins first ran for governor, he garnered enough votes to pass the 50,000-vote threshold and put the Green Party on the ballot. And during Wednesday’s gubernatorial debate, he came across as a serious, articulate possibility. The Green Party has a long way to go before it becomes a plausible third party, but Hawkins has taken it farther than it has ever gone before, with some polls showing him with more than nine percent of the vote. He’s even started airing a TV spot.
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Howie Hawkins Interview
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins on his performance in the gubernatorial debate.
WRNN-TV, Fios1/Verizon, New York City Metro: Richard French Live
10 minute Howie Hawkins interview.
Educators for Howie Hawkins: A Letter to NYSUT Leaders from Educators for Howie Hawkins
For educators and teacher union members, THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT GOVERNOR’S RACE IN THE HISTORY OF NEW YORK STATE. Luckily, there is one candidate who is running for governor this year who is truly pro-education and pro-labor and that candidate is Howie Hawkins.
Capital New York: Astorino postpones tour of tracking sites
Environmentalists frequently criticize the energy industry for its secrecy. Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins recently took the environmentalist tour of Pennsylvania's multi-billion dollar fracking industry and said he saw widespread evidence of pollution.
Cuomo, who has never visited a fracking site, shocked industry observers on Wednesday when he said the state's long-awaited health study of fracking was due by the end of year.
Time Warner Cable News: Green Party Candidate Could Sway Results of Grimm/Recchia Race
Could a third party candidate sway the results of the race between Rep. Michael Grimm and Domenic Recchia? NY1's Courtney Gross profiles the Green Party candidate in the race, Hank Bardel….
"I'm not the spoiler. The Democrats and the Republicans are the spoilers," Bardel says. Bardel is running for Congress on the Green Party line, facing off against Rep. Michael Grimm and Democrat Domenic Recchia. "I've run quite a few times, maybe five or six times," he says.
This time, it's a bit different. There is a more aggressive Green Party candidate at the top of the ticket: Howie Hawkins for governor. That might potentially bring voters to Bardel's corner.
Albany Times Union: Get ready, more TV ads are coming
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins announced at the outset of Wednesday night’s debate in Buffalo that his campaign was going up on TV for the first time with a 30-second spot that began airing on Time Warner Cable News statewide today.
“A Real Choice” seeks to portray Hawkins as the everyman candidate and quickly gives his stances on five issues, including his pledges to ban hydrofracking and for a $15.00 per hour minimum wage.
The ad is essentially a slide show of still photos with a voice over, though given Hawkins small campaign fund it comes off as a likely cheap ad to produce with a potential good return on investment. Hawkins sits at 9 percent in the latest Siena College poll on the governor’s race without being on TV. View the spot below.
Albany Times Union: A.M. Roundup: First Ebola case
Even before that news developed, it was a busy day for gubernatorial candidates: Rob Astorino and Howie Hawkins visited the Capitol to bemoan the dearth of debates just a few hours before Cuomo dropped a 245-page second-term manifesto, “Moving the New New York Forward” (as opposed to, y’know, backward). (TU, DN, CapCon)
Daily Caller: Cuomo Continues To Distance Himself From Common Core
Green candidate Howie Hawkins demonstrated that Common Core opposition is emanating from the political left as well as the right, as he condemned Common Core for encouraging too much standardized testing.
Jason Gooljar, WFPman in Politics: Downtown Independent Democrats Endorse Howie Hawkins for Governor
I have to hand it to the DID otherwise known as the Downtown Independent Democrats–one of NYC’s better known democratic clubs.
"Since 1971, the D.I.D. has been committed to making the NY Democratic Party a vehicle for meaningful, progressive policy and empowering our communities. We remain committed to those goals and to the Democratic Party. However, our commitment to meaningful progressive policy makes it impossible for us to support the current Democratic nominee for governor."
And with that said, you have a democratic club endorsing the Green Party candidate for the office of Governor of New York State.
Capital New York: Latino lawmakers to rally for Cuomo, and the W.F.P.
Left-leaning voters have several options this election year. Cuomo is running on the Democratic and Working Families lines, as well as the Women's Equality Party line, newly created and heavily promoted by the governor in part as a hedge against the W.F.P. And Howie Hawkins, running on the Green Party line, is polling around 9 percent.
Politico.com: NY Teachers Unions Go Green
Education groups that can't stomach incumbent Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo in New York's governor's race have flocked to the Green Party's Howie Hawkins, In These Times reports.
"Six teachers unions have endorsed Hawkins, including the Buffalo Teachers Federation, the Independent Commission on Public Education, the New York Collective of Radical Educators, and the Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association, ITT’s Kevin Solari reports. More here: http://goo.gl/lc1rOP
October 23, 2014
WBEN News/Talk Radio, Buffalo: Debate: Howie Hawkins Opening Statement (audio)
Frequency.com: Howie Hawkins Statements in Debate (videos)
Corrente: Howie Hawkins in NY gubernatorial TV debate
Video: Howie Hawkins segments of the debate.
Frequency.com: Howie Hawkins' Post-Debate News Conference (video)
Capital Tonight Morning Memo: Hawkins, Following Debate, Has TV Ad
Following his appearance in the only scheduled debate in the race for governor, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is hitting the airwaves. The ad, called "A Real Choice" will air in the major upstate TV markets on Time Warner Cable News and MSNBC. The 30-second commercial calls attention to his support for a ban on hydrofracking, a $15 minimum wage and single-payer health care.
"You have a choice on Nov. 4," the ad reminds viewers. And there's a swipe at Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Rob Astorino as well. "A man who is not part of a political dynasty or funded by corporations or the 1 percent," the ad's narrator says.
The spot comes as a Siena College poll released this week found Hawkins polling at 9 percent, potentially cutting in to Cuomo's final vote total next month.
Salon.com: Andrew Cuomo uses “I’m not a scientist” line as cop-out on fracking
And as Cuomo’s opponent, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, pointed out, he hasn’t exactly been leaving the science to the scientists. A recent report from Capital New Yorkfound that the Cuomo administration had been interfering with politically inconvenient research, providing “unusually extensive feedback” to U.S. Geological Survey scientists that, while not substantially changing any findings, did appear to soften their implications.
“Mr. Cuomo says he’s waiting for the science but when some science came back from the U.S. Geological Survey, his administration wanted to change the results,” Hawkins argued. “They suggested edits and delays. So what is it?”
In These Times: Nervous, Cuomo? Green Party's Howie Hawkins Draws 6 Teachers Union Endorsements
New York’s incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo may be the poster child for the Democratic Party’s rightward shift in recent years. After much handwringing among progressives in the state about his campaign for reelection and Cuomo’s effectivelyneutralizing the Working Families Party, those who can’t stomach voting for the incumbent governor seem to have been left with one choice: voting for the Green Party’s Howie Hawkins….
Hawkins and his running mate Brian Jones seem to have struck a chord with teachers with their platform of “Quality Education for All.” It includes fully funding public schools; fully funding pre-k and kindergarten programs with certified union teachers; teacher evaluations based on collaboration; free tuition to CUNY, SUNY, and community colleges; and opting out of Race to the Top….
Last night, during the race’s only debate, Hawkins continued to push for teachers and public schools over Common Core and charters. “I want local parents, teachers, and school boards to make the decisions about curriculum and assessment. They know what the kids need. They’re the ones that care the most about those kids,” he said.
Syracuse Post-Standard: NY gov race: Howie Hawkins launches TV ad in Upstate markets
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins today launched a television ad on Upstate cable news channels a day after participating in the only gubernatorial debates. The ad says Hawkins offers a "real choice," including a higher minimum wage and a single-payer health care system.
Bloomberg News: Cuomo Tangles With Astorino in Debate on Taxes, Abortion
The tension between the two during the back-and-forth in Buffalo late yesterday didn’t go unnoticed by Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Michael McDermott, who laid out their platforms while Cuomo and Astorino spent little time answering questions to focus on attacking each other.
“I wish this was the first of several debates,” Hawkins said in closing. “We barely touched on the issues.”
The New Yorker: Debate Dodgeball: Cuomo Evades Astorino's Projectiles
We need more debates, Hawkins, the man from the Green Party, insisted in his closing statement. They had seven in Connecticut, and this one had barely touched many of the issues. The bearded lefty was right about that, but his words were in vain. The New York debating season was done, and so was the governor.
New York Public Radio: Debate Focuses on Corruption, Fracking, Housing Discrimination Charges
The Green Party’s Hawkins says he would restart the Moreland Commission and start new corruption probes.
On fracking, Libertarian McDermott opposes it, until he says, it can be proven safe. Green Party candidate Hawkins, says if he were governor, fracking would not happen.
“We should ban fracking because it’s danger to the climate,” Hawkins said. “And it does pollute the water and the land. We already know that from what we’ve seen in Pennsylvania and around the country.”
Hawkins accused Governor Cuomo’s Administration of editing and delaying a US Geological Study that drew some politically inconvenient conclusions for Cuomo….
Candidates were also asked whether they would raise tolls on the Thruway or on the new Tappan Zee Bridge, which is under currently under construction….Hawkins says he’d rather focus on public transportation….
And while all four expressed support for the Buffalo Bills football team, three did not offer to have the state pay for a new domed stadium for the Buffalo Bills, a question asked by a voter in a video. The Green’s Hawkins says he’d only consider it if the Bills entered into a co ownership arrangement with the state, similar to the Green Bay Packers, and agree never to leave New York.
Buffalo News: Analysis: Astorino vs. Cuomo provides test of wills
The Green Party’s Howie Hawkins spent the night reaching out to New York’s liberals, calling for full employment programs, higher wages, public campaign financing, proportional representation in the State Legislature and a ban on fracking ban.
By having Hawkins and Libertarian candidate Michael McDermott in the debate, Cuomo hoped to minimize face time for Astorino and his barbs. But it also gave Hawkins, who in a new poll is capturing 9 percent of support from likely voters, an opportunity to score points with liberals who may feel disenfranchised, like those who backed Zephyr Teachout in the September Democratic gubernatorial primary.
While Hawkins can’t win, he could, after Wednesday’s performance, steal enough votes from Cuomo in two weeks to make Cuomo’s expected margin of victory less than pollsters have been predicting. That might not matter on the broader scale anymore; Cuomo pledged Wednesday to serve a full term, which would, if true, seem to end chatter about a White House bid for him in 2016 if Hilllary Rodham Clinton does not run.
NY Daily News: GOP candidate Rob Astorino hits Andrew Cuomo hard on state economy, handling of Moreland commission at debate
While holding off Astorino on his right, Cuomo also needed fend off attacks on his left from Green Party Candiate Howie Hawkins...
Hawkins vowed to ban hydrofracking and pitched what he called a “Green New Deal” that also included a raise in the minimum wage and a single-payer health care system.
Lockport Union-Sun and Journal: Common Core, fracking and corruption lead to contentious moments in debate
Hawkins came out flatly against fracking...On legalizing marijuana, Cuomo and Astorino voiced opinions against the recreational use of the drug. Hawkins supports legalizing the drug….
Ithaca Voice: Despite rules, Ithaca judge endorses candidate for New York governor
City Judge Seth Peacock endorsed Howie Hawkins for governor during a speech in Ithaca last week. State rules on judicial conduct explicitly bar judges or judicial candidates from endorsing any other candidates for public office. Peacock, with an endorsement speech that can be viewed on YouTube, appears to have violated the state rules on several counts.
Glens Falls Post-Star: Astorino -- 'Adamant' fracking opponents should vote for Hawkins
Adamant opponents to hydrofracking should vote the Green Party line not the Democratic line, in the governor’s election, said Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino.
“For those who are adamantly opposed no matter what -- no matter what the science says, they are adamantly opposed -- then Howie Hawkins is the guy they need to vote for,” Astorino said Thursday in a meeting with The Post-Star editorial board. “He’s got principle and I’ve got principle. We have different conclusions on fracking, but at least we stand for something.”
Utica Observer-Dispatch: Republicans for Cuomo: Picente among GOP leaders backing Democrat
Green Party candidate Hawkins said he wasn’t surprised at Picente’s move. “I think Cuomo can be considered the second Republican in the race,” he said.
The Mudflats: NY's Howie Hawkins -- Candidate for Governor
[4:30 minute video] After speaking to a crowd of anti-fracking protestors outside the New York State Fair, Hawkins let loose the Democrats and the Republicans – explaining why there’s a need for a third party. He also emphasized that if Governor Cuomo wins in November it will be a win for fracking and conservative economic policies. Expressing anger at what he called austerity budgets from Cuomo, Hawkins said that the Governor, “Cut taxes for the rich and paid for it by cutting our schools.” He continued by discussing Cuomo’s coddling of the top one percent – “They need to pay their taxes, so we can fund the public sector.”
On the issue of Republicans and Democrats in New York State hiding behind the old ‘waiting for the science to come in’ line that politicians have used to not answer questions on everything from climate change to Pebble Mine, Hawkins did give the Democrats a bit of a pass… “The Republicans want to repeal the enlightenment – the Democrats just want to repeal the New Deal.”
October 22, 2014
Buffalo News: Videos: New York State gubernatorial debate, broken down by question
AP: NY governor hopefuls debate economy, leadership
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins voiced opposition to hydraulic fracturing and said the state needs to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
"I wish this was the first of several debates," Hawkins said. "We've barely touched on the issues."
Time Warner Cable News: Candidates for Governor Participate in Only Televised Debate, in Buffalo
The first, and only, gubernatorial debate was held Wednesday night in Buffalo. Incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo faced off against Republican Rob Astorino, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Michael McDermott.
CNY Central, CBS/CW/NBC, Syracuse: Howie Hawkins stands out as perennial candidate: Matt's Memo
Republican Rob Astorino couldn't help but attack the sitting governor as soon as the red light went on over the camera. Governor Cuomo was well prepared to bite back at Astorino.
Hawkins stayed out of the fight and instead talked about his issues. He's a labor guy who does not favor the power of big business. He wants higher wages and less influence for corporations. Debating in Buffalo he suggested if any tax dollars go into a new football stadium for the Buffalo Bills the taxpayers should then gain on a future increase in value of the Bills or the stadium.
The Bills idea reminded me of Hawkins run for congress in 2008. I moderated a three way debate between Hawkins, Dan Maffei and Dale Sweetland. By night's end I wondered why someone doesn't put Hawkins on the inside of government to propose new ideas that don't sound like all the others on the table.
Hawkins consistent history of organizing, demonstrating and being a voice for the voiceless brings a sense of civility and credibility to his campaign under the Green banner.
Diane Ravitch Blog: Tonight's Gubernatorial Debate in New York
Then came a question on charter schools. Howie Hawkins opposed any expansion of them and said we must fully fund our public schools. Astorino said he was a product of public schools, his children attend public schools, and his wife teaches special education. He didn’t say where he stands on charters. McDermott denounced charters and said they undermine local control, which he strongly favors. Cuomo said nothing about charter schools and talked about taxes and other subjects. He changed the subject instead of acknowledging his fervent support for charter schools. Cuomo did not take credit for passing legislation that requires New York City to give free public space to charters or to pay their rent in private space.
Siena College Poll: Three Statewide Officials Lead Republican Opponents
Governor Andrew Cuomo leads Rob Astorino 54-33 percent, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins polling at nine percent (last month Cuomo led 56-27-7 percent).
Capital Tonight Morning Memo: Siena: Hawkins Could Eat Into Cuomo's Big Lead
The poll found Cuomo leading Astorino, 54-33, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins receiving 9 percent of the vote.
The result is a slight dip for Cuomo from the previous month, when Siena College found the governor leading Astorino 56-27, with Hawkins at 7 percent.
With Hawkins gaining some ground in the polls, it's possible the Green Party candidate can eat into a chunk of Cuomo's overall total come Election Day.
"If Hawkins does that well on Election Day – something third party candidates often don’t do – then it will almost certainly make this year’s race closer than four years ago and keep Cuomo well below his total vote from 2010," said Siena pollster Steve Greenberg.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Poll: Howie Hawkins' sliver of votes could erode big win for Cuomo
...with two weeks to go, Hawkins is pulling 9 percent of the statewide vote, according to the poll from Siena College Research Institute.
And that could be more than enough to push the Green Party to "Row C" on the ballot, a political maneuver that would knock the Conservative Party down a notch and mark the largest victory for Hawkins and his party in New York state.
To win the coveted Row C, Hawkins would have to get more votes than Astorino on the Conservative Party line. That appears within reach, considering the Conservatives got just 5 percent of the gubernatorial vote four years ago.
"I think it's absolutely possible that Hawkins could get five percent of the vote," Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said….
Hawkins' platform includes a call for a $15 hourly minimum wage rate, a ban on hydrofracking, using government money to hire unemployed workers for public projects, a single-payer healthcare program, rejecting the Common Core teaching standards (and the federal money that came with them), refiguring school aid to give more help to poorer districts and raising taxes on the richest New Yorkers.
New York Times: First Draft, October 22
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has a comfortable 21-point advantage over Rob Astorino, the Republican challenger, according to the latest Siena College poll of likely voters released Wednesday. The Green Party candidate, Howie Hawkins, received 9 percent, and 4 percent were undecided.
New York Times: New York Democrats Have Strong Leads in All Statewide Races, Poll Finds
There were a few surprises: The Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, an environmentalist running a shoestring campaign, is polling 9 percent, perhaps an indication of Mr. Cuomo’s weakness on the left wing of his party. Mr. Cuomo also recorded his highest “unfavorable opinion” since taking office in January 2011.
Albany Times Union: Poll: Incumbents still in driver's seat
Cuomo’s favorable-unfavorable numbers sit at 54-43. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is known by 22 percent of voters, with 10 percent viewing him favorably….
In the governor’s race Cuomo leads Astorino 54-33. Howie Hawkins comes in at 9 percent of the vote in the three-way matchup.
“Cuomo is nine points shy of the 63 percent of the vote he got four years ago,” Siena College pollster Steve Greenberg said in a statement. “Unfortunately for Astorino, however, he’s 21 points away from equaling the 54 percent current support Cuomo has among likely voters. In fact, Astorino’s 33 percent support matches what the Republican gubernatorial candidate got in 2010. The difference is Howie Hawkins’ nine percent support. If Hawkins does that well on Election Day – something third party candidates often don’t do – then it will almost certainly make this year’s race closer than four years ago and keep Cuomo well below his total vote from 2010.”
WNYT, NBC, Albany: Republicans trail 21 points behind Democrats in Siena poll
The poll finds 54 percent of New York's likely voters support Gov. Andrew Cuomo, while 33 percent support Rob Astorino, nine percent are backing Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Wall Street Journal: Astorino Gets Another Chance with Cuomo Debate
The format is also a welcome change for at least one of the other participants, Mr. Hawkins, who took part in the seven-person face-off in 2010 and predicted that Wednesday’s event would be an upgrade from that fracas.
“I remember saying [Mr. Cuomo’s] getting funding from one of the Koch brothers, and by the time it went through the Manhattan madam and Jimmy McMillan, it was like [it happened] last week,” Mr. Hawkins said.
With just Mr. Astorino in between Messrs. Cuomo and Hawkins, Mr. Hawkins said, “hopefully when I say something that’s critical of him, it will be in people’s minds when he speaks.”
Capital New York: Six things to watch for in the gubernatorial debate
Green sideshow, or credible choice?
Other than Cuomo, Hawkins, a Syracuse teamster, will be the only candidate who was onstage during the 2010 gubernatorial debate.
Hawkins has grown in four years, sharpening his messaging and, given Cuomo's centrist record, attracting more resources and volunteers in this run than the last. In a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, Hawkins said he hoped to grill Cuomo about hydrofracking—which Hawkins wants to ban and Cuomo is currently stalling in the name of a health review.
“I want to make it clear I'm the only anti-fracking candidate, and the only candidate who wants to take clear action on climate change,” Hawkins said. “I want to be up there, considered equal, and just as serious as the two major party candidates. I'll be the third major-party candidate up there. I hope people come away with that impression.”
October 21, 2014
NY Times: Editorial: Re-elect Andrew Cuomo for Governor of New York
Another candidate, Howie Hawkins of the Green Party, is a dedicated environmentalist who wants a minimum wage of $15 an hour and free tuition to state colleges, among other progressive proposals. His candidacy is unrealistic, but his ambitious ideas are useful goads to the governor from the left.
Time-Warner Cable News: Howie Hawkins Claims Gov. Cuomo Edited USGS Fracking Report
The Green party candidate for governor, Howie Hawkins, said Andrew Cuomo has been caught, again, meddling with official documents.
"The point I want to make today is that if you look at actions and not just words, it's evident that Andrew Cuomo has been as pro-fracking as Astorino talks about," said Green party candidate for governor, Howie Hawkins.
Hawkins said voters need to look closely at recent developments in the fracking debate. In particular, claims that a U.S. geological survey report sought by the Cuomo administration on hydrofracking was edited to cut criticism of fracking's impact on the environment.
NYU Washington Square News: Rally at City Hall held for permit
Protesters gathered on the steps of New York City Hall on Oct. 20 to demand a permit for a protest against police brutality planned for Oct. 22. Protesters are expected to march from Union Square to Times Square.
Approximately 20 people stood in front of City Hall behind a large banner that read “Mass Incarceration + Silence = Genocide: Act to Stop It Now.” According to a press release from the organizers, the annual march, which started in 1996, has never been prohibited. For the first time, the protesters were not granted a permit from the New York City Police Department to march this year….
Brian Jones, lieutenant governor candidate for the Green Party, was also in attendance and compared the pandemic of police brutality to the Ebola virus.
“This is a pandemic worse than Ebola,” Jones said. “Like the Ebola crisis, the structures that are supposed to be in place to protect people are incapable of doing anything about the crisis.Here, the district attorneys work so closely with the police that they are incapable of prosecuting them.”
WBIX, The Kheeler Show: Howie Hawkins Interview
Howie is running against Cuomo in the Governor’s race on the Green Party line. Howie is on to talk about the fact that Cuomo tried to have Fracking environmental studies changed before the were published with regards to methane gas. He talks about Hydro Fracking and how he is the only candidate in this race that is for a ban on Fracking. He also talks about the advancement of energy and alternative energy. We do not want to fall behind the curve.
Occupy Utica: Green Party Candidate for NY Governor to Visit Utica
Come visit Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins Tuesday, October 21at 6:00pm at Mohamed’s Barbershop in Utica (1207 Park Ave – near Oneida Square). Hawkins joined Freedom School students and various local activists in Utica this past May Day at a protest to demand a $15/hr minimum wage. This event is open to the public.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Have you done your studying?
Third-party candidate Howie Hawkins has the support of many teachers, professors and education reform activists. He is committed to desegregating our school systems, increasing funding for NY state and community colleges, and stepping out of the Race to the Top.
Green Party Watch: Green Party’s Howie Hawkins in livestreamed NY Governor’s debate Weds 10/22
In one of the most exciting Green campaigns of 2014, Howie Hawkins, the New York Green Party’s candidate for governor, will take part in a televised (and livestreamed) debate with his opponents on Wednesday, October 22nd at 8pm Eastern time. Despite having a tiny fraction of the money and media attention of his opponents, Hawkins has surged to 9% in statewide polls and has passed the Republican candidate in some areas.
October 20, 2014
NY Daily News: Cuomo vs. N.Y. progressives; Anger in the Working Families Party about its own nominee
Plus some progressives who’d otherwise pull the WFP line intend to protest the governor by voting for Green candidate Howie Hawkins.
Legislative Gazette: Following his fracking tour, Hawkins outlines energy plan
Hawkins, however, advocated a hydrofracking ban during his 2010 gubernatorial run, and continues to champion renewable energy, saying it would slow the progress of climate change while protecting the state's environment and New Yorkers' health.
"Rather than invest resources in developing nineteenth-century fuels and fossil fuel infrastructure, we need to invest in renewable energy. Climate change is a planetary emergency — renewable energy is a solution to the climate crisis and to the jobs crisis," Hawkins said.
Hawkins presented an alternative energy plan for New York as part of his "Green New Deal" that aims to help the middle class by creating green jobs.
The plan centers around individually-owned solar panels and wind turbines which would hook into community smart grids. If an individual's turbines or panels produce an excess of energy, it can be transferred to other customers in the grid or stored in fuel cells until it is needed.
The community smart grids would be interconnected through a statewide smart grid, which Hawkins calls "the big investment" in the system. The decentralized statewide system would be backed up by solar and wind farms, as well as large-scale facilities that collect solar thermal and geothermal energy.
A report prepared for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation estimated that the green-lighting of hydrofracking would create between 6,198 and 36,989 full-time construction and production jobs at the industry's peak, estimated to be 30 years from the time fracking is green lighted.
The report also estimates hydrofracking would indirectly create between 7,293 and 43,521 jobs in other industries at peak employment.
Hawkins says his Green New Deal would create 4.5 million construction jobs and 58,000 permanent jobs.
Hawkins, citing a Capital New York article that revealed a U.S. Geological Survey report on potential hazards posed to water by hydrofracking was doctored and delayed by the Cuomo administration, said it shows the governor "cannot be trusted."
"[Cuomo] says he's waiting for the science to come in, and when it comes in and he doesn't like it, he wants a [change]?" Hawkins said, suggesting Cuomo wants hydrofracking in New York because it could put him in a better position to run for the presidency.
"The national Democratic Party, from Obama on down, [are pro-hydrofracking] and [Cuomo's] brand is not being a big environmentalist…he's a fiscal conservative and a social liberal…plus there's a lot of money coming from the oil and gas industry to his campaign," said Hawkins, suggesting that this money will fund his presidential bid.
"[It's] all about politics, not about science," Hawkins said.
The Chief-Leader: Outmaneuvering Astorino and Cheating the Voters
Mr. Astorino, for reasons that aren’t clear, refused to participate in the radio debate, which at the least would have attracted heavy newspaper coverage of the one opportunity the Governor was offering him to go one-on-one on equal footing rather than taking body blows from Mr. Cuomo’s far superior campaign war chest. It’s hard to see how he benefits from just the four-candidate debate in which the rivalry figures to be diffused by the format, unless he’s counting on Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins coming off well enough to draw significant Democratic support away from the Governor beyond the roughly 10 percent he’s been pulling in the polls.
Syracuse Post-Standard: NY gov candidate Howie Hawkins earned $29,962 in 2013
"My taxes illustrate what working New Yorkers already know. New York's highest-in-the-nation property taxes are too damn high," Hawkins said.
"We need to shift more of our combined state and local tax burden from the regressive property tax to the progressive income tax by restoring the more progressive tax system New York had in the 1970s" Hawkins said. "That would give 95 percent of us an income tax cut, increase state revenues by 20 percent, and increase state revenue sharing with local governments eightfold. Then the state would pay for its mandates on local governments and we could reduce local property taxes substantially."
Syracuse Post-Standard: Number of people deemed unstable under Safe Act may be low, Cuomo says
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins would combat the heroin epidemic by legalizing it.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: New York gubernatorial debates insufficient
Were Barack Obama and Mitt Romney to have met for only one debate in 2012; and were it to have been carried only by PBS; and were it to have lasted only one hour; and were they to have been joined by Virgil Goode (of the Constitution Party), Rocky Anderson (of the Justice Party) and other minor party candidates; voters would have howled.
So where is the outcry in New York?
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his Republican challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, will meet for what in all likelihood will be their only debate this Wednesday evening. It will be carried by PBS stations (including WXXI in Rochester), last one hour, and include Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian candidate Michael McDermott.
Times Herald-Record, Middletown: Letter: Military, politics, business harm our environment
And speaking of candidates, I would urge those who agree with what I've written to consider supporting the Green Party candidates for governor and lieutenant-governor, Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, respectively. They stand totally against fracking and other climate change horrors, unlike the other gubernatorial candidates.
October 19, 2014
Acronym TV: Culture is a Crime
Spoken word from Immortal Technique and Erica Violet Lee of Idle No More, plus:
3 interviews looking at the climate crisis from 3 angles: Medea Benjamin of Code Pink talks about the links between the peace movement and the climate justice movement -- and how Code Pink started as an Environmental group-
Then Howie Hawkins, as his momentum in the New York gubernatorial race is ramping up, talks about Green justice in the electoral arena.
Also, Occupy Sandy organizer Nastaran Mohit talks about our need to face down white privilege within the movement, and step out of our comfort zones. Finally, Jill Stein points out that we have critical mass and critical momentum to win the day.
October 18, 2014
WBAI, NYC: City Watch: Howie Hawkins Interview
20 minute interview starts 10 minutes into show.
New York Post: Howie Hawkins gaining support in the governor's race
Left-leaning Democratic voters upset with Gov. Cuomo are moving toward an alternative: Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Hawkins is catching fire with dissidents who supported Zephyr Teachout over Cuomo in the Democratic primary last month.
Prospect Heights Democrats for Reform in Brooklyn endorsed Hawkins this week, becoming the third Democratic club in the city to abandon Cuomo.
The Village Independent Democrats and the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club in Greenwich Village previously backed Hawkins, a truck loader for United Parcel Service.
Hawkins got another big boost Thursday night when the Buffalo teachers union — which opposes charter schools — lined up with him. Cuomo is a supporter of charters.
While Hawkins has little chance of winning, the growing support for his candidacy could cut into Cuomo’s margin of victory.
A Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this month showed Cuomo with 51 percent, Astorino with 31 percent and Hawkins at 9 percent — high for a third-party candidate.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Out-of-disrict money fuels Congress race
The candidates running to represent New York's 21st Congressional District have bragged about their grassroots fundraising on the campaign trail, but financial reports tell a different tale.
Republican Elise Stefanik and Democratic candidate Aaron Woolf had significantly more out-of-district donations than in-district donations: 70 percent for Stefanik and 71 percent for Woolf. The Green Party candidate, Matt Funiciello, had 10 percent of his donations come from outside the district….
Funiciello raised $416 from Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, and none from PACS.
Journal News, Lower Hudson Valley: Reisman: Hawkins says Andy, Rob are both just GOP
His rising profile makes him a thorn in Cuomo's side. Hawkins has tapped into the psyches of disaffected Democrats, who don't like Cuomo's centrist tendencies on everything from Common Core to fracking.
"Plus his style," Hawkins said of Cuomo. "Cuomo's arm twisting, they don't like it. I think I'm going to get a lot of protest votes from those quarters."
His platform is an updated blend of FDR's New Deal and LBJ's Great Society, packaged into what his party calls "The Green New Deal." This includes a $15 minimum wage and squeezing more money ($30 billion annually) from the richest New Yorkers by restoring the progressive income-tax brackets of the 1970s.
Similar to Zephyr Teachout, who challenged Cuomo from the party's left in a September primary, Hawkins has no chance at winning, but he does threaten to upset the governor's quest to win in a landslide on the order of, say, 65 percent.
Whether the threat holds up remains to be seen. As far as Hawkins is concerned, it doesn't matter who he helps or hinders. In his populist view, Astorino and Cuomo are different brands of Republican, both bought and paid for by the one percent.
"The rich Republicans are backin' Cuomo with their money, that's the establishment in New York," he said. "Astorino's gettin' the grassroots Republicans, and they have a party structure, particularly upstate. We've got to speak for ourselves, organize and act for ourselves and try to persuade the majority that we got a better way forward."
October 17, 2014
NY State of Politics: More Liberal Dem Support for Hawkins
After Zephyr Teachout’s loss in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, made a public appeal for her disappointed supporters on the left to back his campaign.
It appears that call is being heeded. Hawkins yesterday picked up the support of a third New York City-based liberal Democratic Club – the Prospect Heights Democrats for Reform (based in Brooklyn)….The PHDR endorsement comes on the heels of decisions earlier this week by the Village Independent Democrats and Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club – both Manhattan-based organizations – to support Hawkins.
Also last night, the Buffalo Teachers Federation voted unanimously to endorse Hawkins, according to his campaign, becoming the third teachers union to back his minor party gubernatorial bid. The Buffalo teachers had been strong supporters of Teachout during the primary. Hawkins will be in Buffalo today to discuss, among other things, public education and the Common Core.
WBFO, NPR, Buffalo: Hawkins campaigns against charter schools, Common Core
As Governor Cuomo has turned his attention to how the state would deal with Ebola, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins appeared in Buffalo Friday campaigning against charter schools, Common Core and Fracking.
"I think it is a set up. This is not about these schools failing. These schools are failing because they are under resourced," said Hawkins. "If we are going to deal the problem of poor performance and achievement in these disadvantage communities we have to have broader social reform."
Hawkins received a major endorsement the Buffalo Teachers Union….
"I would call off this high-stakes testing and Common Core and let the teachers teach," said Hawkins.
Newsday: Gov. candidate Hawkins offers bold approach to heroin, racism
Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins has a novel approach to the heroin epidemic: Legalize it.
“I would legalize, regulate and tax drugs, starting with marijuana and heroin,” Hawkins said Friday. “We should treat drug abuse as a health problem, not a criminal problem. Drug treatment on demand, not mass incarceration"....
It is the latest bold proposal by the liberal candidate for governor. Hawkins has offered several innovative ideas in a governor’s race that is mostly focused on traditional issues such as the economy. Instead, Hawkins is taking on racism.
Hawkins would create what he calls a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. It would provide a critical review of the nation’s longtime “war on drugs” and the incarceration of minorities at a higher rate than white defendants. The commission would also look into the segregation in New York cities by housing costs, which he said leads to underperforming schools in low-income neighborhoods.
Rochester WHAM 1180: Andrew Cuomo is in Puerto Rico
Governor Andrew Cuomo is currently visiting Puerto Rico and has plans to visit the Dominican Republic after that, ignoring the people within New York State, a few weeks prior to the election. Not only has Cuomo left the country in the middle of the campaign, he has failed to maintain the promises he made to the Working Families Party to campaign for them. Meanwhile, Howie Hawkins is in New York working hard on the campaign trail.
New York Observer: Amazon's Reviewers Savage Andrew Cuomo's Memoir
The vitriol toward Mr. Cuomo is not confined to the internet. His book signing on Wednesday drew as many irate protesters as it did starry-eyed fans. Many people waiting in line oddly refused to speak to reporters about why they were there.
The memoir, released weeks before Mr. Cuomo faces re-election against Mr. Astorino and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, boosted Mr. Cuomo’s public profile.
Oneonta Daily Star: In Our Opinion: Cuomo must answer for fudged report
Information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request showed that Cuomo’s people edited and delayed a federal report on fracking commissioned by the Cuomo administration.
“In the early study draft, author Paul Heisig noted that gas ‘drilling, extraction, transport via pipelines, and underground storage’ could inadvertently introduce methane into drinking water supplies,” Capital New York’s Scott Waldman wrote.
“But the version published after the copy was reviewed and edited by staff members from the state D.E.C. and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority omits the reference to pipelines and underground storage. The later, administration-vetted version also includes a line that wasn’t in the earlier draft, saying that methane pollution risks in fracking are mitigated by well-designed gas wells: ‘This risk can be reduced if the casing and cementing of wells is properly designed and constructed,’” the news report says.
...fudging the facts about important information that citizens have a right to know is another thing altogether.
For his part, Cuomo — far ahead of Republican Rob Astorino and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins in the polls — seems to be closing his eyes and wishing it all to go away so he can get on with the formality of being re-elected and promoting his new book: “All Things Possible.”
October 16, 2014
WXXI, NPR, Rochester: Connections with Evan Dawson
[52 minute audio interview] In studio this hour is Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins.
Oneonta Daily Star: Hawkins tours area, hits Cuomo on fracking
COOPERSTOWN — Taking his campaign for governor to the heartland of New York’s home-rule movement, Howie Hawkins on Wednesday eagerly pointed out that he is the only candidate in the race to favor a statewide ban on natural gas drilling….
While Hawkins said he’s in favor of empowering local government to zone out fracking, his support for home rule would not extend to towns that want to authorize shale gas drilling.
“You don’t have the right to heat up the planet,” he said, linking fossil fuel development with global warming.
In a debate slated for next Wednesday in Buffalo, where he will join Cuomo and Republican challenger Rob Astorino, the Westchester County executive, Hawkins said he will distinguish himself as the only candidate who favors a single-payer system for health care coverage.
The Guardian, U.K.: Anti-fracking activist faces fines and jail time in ongoing feud with gas firm
An oil and gas company is seeking fines and jail time for a peaceful anti-fracking activist in Pennsylvania, according to court documents.
In a motion filed this week, lawyers for Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation, one of the biggest operators in Pennsylvania, asked the Susquehanna County court to find longtime activist Vera Scroggins in contempt of an injunction barring her from areas near its well sites.
The row between Cabot and Scroggins became notorious in environmental and human rights circles after the company sought last year to ban the activist from an area of about 310 sq miles (803 sq km) – or about half the entire county. The scope of that ban was later reduced.
In the latest legal move, lawyers for Cabot argued that Scroggins showed “blatant disregard” for the ban when she escorted a Green Party politician [Howie Hawkins] and others on a tour of rural areas subject to heavy drilling.
The Villager, New York City: V.I.D. snubs guv, goes Green with Hawkins
They endorsed charismatic upstart Zephyr Teachout against Andrew Cuomo in the September Democratic primary. And now the Village Independent Democrats are continuing to snub the governor. Last Thursday the historic Reform Democratic club voted to support Howie Hawkins in the Nov. 4 general election.
While Teachout was a relative political unknown, at least she was a Democrat. What makes the Hawkins endorsement more unusual is that he’s a Green.
However, like Teachout, he’s a strong opponent of fracking. The centerpiece of his campaign is a Green New Deal, under which the state would completely transition to renewable energy within 15 years.
Last Sunday, Hawkins sent out an e-mail release, touting it as the first time ever the venerable Democratic club has backed a third-party candidate.
“I know it is a bold move for any Democratic club to endorse outside the party,” Hawkins said. “But it makes sense as I’m the only candidate who will stand up for the 99% who are getting a raw deal from politicians. I am the only candidate who will ban fracking, and create millions of jobs by moving to 100% clean energy by 2030. And I’m the only candidate that will put a floor on wages with a $15 minimum wage. The endorsement makes sense as I am the only progressive running for governor.”
AP: Gov. Cuomo holds book signing instead of addressing fracking issue
Trips to Pennsylvania drilling sites are emerging as political pilgrimages for New York gubernatorial candidates, as politicians and voters wrestle with fracking. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins opposes hydraulic fracturing for natural gas and toured drilling sites in Pennsylvania last week. Republican Rob Astorino supports fracking and plans to visit a fracking operation this month. Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, meanwhile, is steering clear of the issue.
Thom Friend Blog: Green Party Candidates Vow to Tackle War on Drugs and Mass Incarceration
Howie Hawkins, the New York gubernatorial candidate for the Green Party, joined with attorney General candidate Ramon Jimenez (Green), and prison reform/Occupy activist Cecily McMillan outside the Criminal Courthouse in Manhattan Thursday afternoon.
In addition to their established platform in environmental advocacy, Green Party candidates are now tackling social justice issues across the board. Today’s topic was the prison system.
“My administration would provide clemency to everybody incarcerated on nonviolent drug offences,” said Hawkins.
Breitbart News: New York Governor's Race Polarized over Common Core
Lisa Rudley, whose children attend the Ossining school district in Westchester County, said she believes frustrated parents will not support Cuomo, and, instead, will vote for either Astorino or Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who is also against the Common Core standards.
“I think you will see a lot of votes that otherwise would have gone to Cuomo who will go to Astorino and Howie because of this issue,” said Rudley, who is co-founder of New York State Allies for Public Education. “I think parents are more engaged than ever.”
Ed Notes Online: VOTE HOWIE HAWKINS/BRIAN JONES AND GREEN PARTY FOR GOVERNOR by Beth Domino, President of Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association
Cuomo has been a governor who incites communities to doubt school professionals and prefers to blame teachers instead of providing badly needed resources and support. Many believe that Cuomo has done the most substantial damage to our public system than any governor before him.
Challenging the Governor is Westchester County Executive Republican candidate Rob Astorino. While some have taken notice of Mr. Astorino’s anti-common core platform, a simple scratch beneath the surface reveals a candidate who puts all his faith in charter schools and would further decimate schools through a reduction of state aid. Equally alarming is Astorino’s opposition to teacher tenure, as well as, his vow to eliminate the Triborough Amendment.
Fortunately, there is an alternative this year to both Mr. Cuomo and Mr. Astorino. Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins and his running mate for Lieutenant Governor, Brian Jones have produced an education platform that is completely in sync with what we believe and know to be sound education policy.
October 15, 2014
Ithaca Journal: N.Y. Gov candidate Hawkins rallies in Ithaca
Hawkins supports banning hydraulic fracturing, freeing all non-violent drug offenders from prison, stopping fossil fuel infrastructure construction, increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour, single-payer health care and ending corporate personhood, among other issues.
Dan Hoffman, of Ithaca, attended the Hawkins rally in Press Bay Alley, off Green Street, and took a free Hawkins yard sign to display at his home.
“I’m very concerned about hydrofracking and about climate change and social inequity, and he seems to be the candidate who is most directly addressing that and proposing solutions that are in line with what I’d like to see,” Hoffman said.
New York Observer: Few Die-Hard Fans Turn Out For Andrew Cuomo’s Book Signing
Allen Roskoff, the president of the Chelsea-based Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, was also in line to apparently antagonize the governor. The liberal activist, whose club recently snubbed Mr. Cuomo for his Green Party opponent Howie Hawkins, also fumed about Mr. Cuomo’s lack of clemency granted to prisoners since he was elected.
“He’s heartless,” Mr. Roskoff said.
CBS New York: New York Gov. Cuomo Delivers Top 10 On Letterman
Meanwhile, a recent Quinnipiac University has Cuomo ahead by 20 points in the New York gubernatorial race. The survey gives the Democratic incumbent 51 percent of the vote, with the Westchester County Executive getting 31 percent and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins picking up 9 percent.
Newsday: Letter: Green Party avoids fusion ballots
The Green Party is an independent party with its own values. Our gubernatorial candidate, Howie Hawkins, is a true alternative.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Ralph Nader to headline NYC event for Howie Hawkins in the race for governor
Ralph Nader is hosting another rally to support Howie Hawkins, of Syracuse, the Green Party candidate for governor. This time, the event is in New York City.
October 14, 2014
Brian Lehrer Show, WNYC, NPR, New York City: Howie Hawkins' Run for Governor
Our interviews with the general election candidates for Governor continue. Howie Hawkins, running on the Green Party line, talks about his bid.
NY1, Inside City Hall with Errol Louis: Green Party Candidates Make Case Against Democratic Party
Green Party Candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins and Green Party Candidate for State Attorney General Ramon Jimenez told Errol Louis why they think New York progressives should turn their backs on the Democratic party.
AP: Fracking a political issue in NY
Pennsylvania drilling sites are emerging as destinations for political pilgrimage for candidates for governor in New York as politicians and voters alike weigh in on whether to allow the technique called hydraulic fracturing for natural gas.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins opposes the drilling technique, also called fracking, and last week toured drilling sites in Pennsylvania to highlight what he says are negative health and environmental impacts….
"I'm the only anti-fracking candidate," Hawkins told reporters Monday. "Cuomo is sitting on the fence waiting for the election to be over."
New York Post: WFP tensions rise over Cuomo-backed Women's Equality Party
With disaffected leftists upset at Cuomo, WFP officials are conceding privately that the Green Party will likely surpass the WFP’s vote totals with little-known UPS worker Howie Hawkins as its gubernatorial candidate.
Newsday: Filler: Want big ideas? Listen to Howie Hawkins and Michael McDermott
Spend an hour talking to New York gubernatorial candidates Howie Hawkins of the Green Party or Libertarian Michael McDermott and you will not be bored. Both support actual ideologies they express honestly. And you don't have to agree with them, particularly on tactics, to recognize that their goals deserve discussion.
Hawkins wants 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2030, and plenty of government funding to ensure it. McDermott sees the same future of sustainable energy dominating and fossil fuels waning, but via the free market, not government subsidies. And both oppose hydrofracking for natural gas in New York. They don't sort of think that maybe if the interminable studies officials have ordered not to be finished ever get finished, then with certain safeguards designed by supertintelligent robots, it might be or might not be safe to blah blah blah.
Mid-Hudson News: Green candidate says the race for governor can be three-way
Howie Hawkins concedes he lacks one critical attribute in his quest to become governor of New York – name recognition. That he acknowledged up front during a campaign visit to Newburgh on Monday.
Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, said that even with just three weeks to election day, the ‘recognition’ deficit can be overcome. He’s counting on the one debate, October 22, in Buffalo....
Daily Freeman, Kingston: Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for NY governor, says he can overcome lack of name recognition
Hawkins predicted voters will understand him better ‘When they find out what I stand for.”
“One of the things we need is full funding for the schools,” he said. “We can’t balance the state budget on the backs of the schools and then give tax breaks to the very rich.”
Among the small group attending his rally across from Newburgh City Hall on Monday was Tim Brown, president of the Valley Central Teachers’ Association. Brown agreed with Hawkins’ assessment that both Cuomo and Astorino miss the mark on education.
“It’s not sustainable, and what they do is they keep pushing the cost down to the local taxpayer, saying, ‘We cut at the state level’, which is true, but somehow it has to get funded, which really pits the taxpayer against the school district,” Brown said.
Hawkins said that’s creating a “dual school system: separate and unequal.”
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Hawkins: tracking industry is "winging it"
Hawkins recently visited a northern Pennsylvania region that’s experienced an energy rush using the drilling method known as fracking….
"I really got a sense that this is an industry winging it as it goes up in Pennsylvania, not really sticking strictly with the safety requirements and the consequences were devastating," he said to reporters on a conference call….
Hawkins first called for a statewide ban on fracking in 2010, when he first ran for governor.
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Howie Hawkins wants to do away with standardized testing
The Green Party candidate for governor, Howie Hawkins, doesn’t just want to do away with the Common Core education curriculum, but as much standardized testing as possible.
That dislike for Common Core is one of the few things Hawkins and Republicans can agree on. Both he and the GOP candidate for governor, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, want to see the national benchmarks for English and math learning be revoked.
"I’m different than Astorino. He’s talking about setting up our own standardized tests and assessments in New York. And I think we just have to get away from that and let the teachers teach and let them design the assessments," he said.
He says New York is too big for statewide standards, though Hawkins admits he wouldn’t be able to eliminate standardized tests the federal government mandates.
"Let the local teachers and parents and school boards, the people who care the most about their local school children, make decisions about standards, curriculum and assessments," Hawkins said.
Legislative Gazette: Dems in danger of losing three upstate Senate seats
Tkaczyk's district is also the only congressional or state Senate district polled by Siena where Republican challenger Rob Astorino leads Andrew Cuomo in the gubernatorial race. Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, is polling at 11 percent in that district, suggesting he is taking a chunk of the area's progressive vote away from Cuomo.
October 13, 2014
Newsday: Andrew Cuomo Leads Rob Astorino 54-33 on Long Island: Newsday/News12/Siena College poll
Cuomo, a Democrat, garnered 54 percent compared to Astorino’s 33 percent in a survey of likely voters in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins received 5 percent....
Hawkins said his 5 percent share is many times better than the 0.5 percent he attracted from Nassau and Suffolk counties in the election four years ago. He said he believes his opposition to Common Core is resonating with Island parents and teachers.
NY Daily News: Green party candidate for Attorney General calls for investigation into lobbyist working for FreshDirect
This Green Party candidate is seeing red.
Ramon Jimenez, a Bronx lawyer and Green Party candidate for Attorney General, called on the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics to investigate the actions of a lobbying firm representing FreshDirect in its bid to move to the Bronx.
In the complaint, filed Friday, Jimenez accuses the lobbyist, The Parkside Group, of contacting Mayor de Blasio’s office on behalf of the online grocer and not properly disclosing its activities to the ethics commission.
Capital New York: Hawkins: Ditch Common Core and statewide standards
“My position is we need to opt out of Common Core because it’s dumbing down education,” Hawkins said. “It’s forcing our teachers to teach to the test. That whole high-stakes testing regime, which is part of Common Core, is a big drain on time and money in schools.
“We should let the local teachers and parents and school boards make the decisions about standards, curriculum and assessment,” he continued.
WAMC, NPR, Albany: Howie Hawkins Weights In On Fracking, Common Core
Hawkins also visited arguably one of the year's most explosive issues: Common Core. He believes part of the key to education reform is less testing and more equitable, full funding for education.
"And that whole high-stakes testing regime, which is part of Common Core, is a big drain on time in the schools as well as money to administer the program. We should let the teachers teach. Let the local teachers and parents and school boards, the people who care most about their local schoolchildren, make the decisions about standards, curriculum and assessments."
WIVT, News Channel 34, Binghamton: Poll numbers for Hawkins rise
New York State's Green gubernatorial candidate is polling at record highs. Howie Hawkins has 9 percent of the potential vote according to a recent Quinnipiac Poll.
He has said he is the only candidate truly opposed to fracking and who is also committed to a progressive agenda.
Hawkins said his numbers are significant, because it shows at least some people in New York are ready for a change.
"We're getting a very good response for a progressive third party candidate we have higher poll numbers than candidate running statewide in New York History received in vote. If we just maintain what we have, we'll set a record and that will say something," said Hawkins.
Hawkins and a group of fractivists went to several drilling sites in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania last week to talk about the potential negative impacts that fracking can have.
WETM, NBC, Channel 18, Elmira: New York Governor Candidate Stands by Commitment to Ban Fracking
The Green Party Candidate for Governor of New York stands by his position to ban fracking if elected in November.
Howie Hawkins visited Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania last week to tour hydrofracking sites. He said meeting with neighbors living near those sites confirmed to him to dangers associated with drilling.
WNYT, NBC, Channel 13, Albany: No Columbus Day holiday for gubernatorial candidates
For the three candidates vying to win the governor’s race in New York State, Columbus Day was no holiday.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins released a statement on Monday about a trip he took to Pennsylvania last week. Hawkins says he visited an area where they are drilling for natural gas using hydraulic fracturing. He says he met with residents whose water has been polluted by the drilling operations, and he wants fracking banned in New York State.
Watertown Daily Times: Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins on north country issues
“Hopefully with a good vote that’ll be our calling card to go organize people who will see us not just as a protest vote every four years but as an ongoing third major party in the state, which will really open up the political debate,” Mr. Hawkins said.
Mr. Hawkins visited Times offices recently, making the drive from Syracuse in the Hyundai Accent that doubles as his campaign office, and spoke about his “Green New Deal” for New York, which would raise the minimum wage in the state to $15 an hour, establish a publicly funded single-payer health care program and provide public works jobs for the unemployed.
WWTI, ABC, Channel 50, Watertown: New York Governor Candidate Stands By Commitment to Ban Fracking
The Green Party Candidate for Governor of New York stands by his position to ban fracking if elected in November. Howie Hawkins visited Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania last week to tour hydrofracking sites. He said meeting with neighbors living near those sites confirmed to him to dangers associated with drilling. People he spoke with told him they have to buy their water, because their wells have been contaminated for years.
Daily Freeman, Kingston: 3 proposals on the state ballot this Election Day
Beside the marquee race of Cuomo vs. Astorino vs. Hawkins, voters next month will have a opportunity to cast ballots on redistricting, having the Legislature go paperless, and borrowing $2 billion for schools.
Legislators quietly put the three ballot proposals in place for the November 4 election, hoping they would win approval without much controversy, especially for a plan to heap more debt on New York taxpayers.
The proposals will appear on the reverse side of the paper ballots that now are used, requiring voters to remember to turn the page over to vote yes or no three times after marking their choices in the races for governor, which pits incumbent Andrew Cuomo against Republican Rob Astorino and Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins.
WNYT, NBC, Channel 13, Albany: Campaigning continues three weeks ahead of Election Day
Political campaigning continues with elections three weeks from Tuesday. The Green Party's candidate for governor, Howie Hawkins will speak about his trip to gas drilling fields in Pennsylvania Monday. He visited the Keystone State last week.
WNYT, NBC, Channel 13, Albany: No Columbus Day holiday for gubernatorial candidates
For the three candidates vying to win the governor’s race in New York State, Columbus Day was no holiday.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins released a statement on Monday about a trip he took to Pennsylvania last week. Hawkins says he visited an area where they are drilling for natural gas using hydraulic fracturing. He says he met with residents whose water has been polluted by the drilling operations, and he wants fracking banned in New York State.
October 12, 2014
Progress Queens: In Queens, Green Party candidates Jones and Jimenez talk about issues, momentum
Green Party candidates Brian Jones and Ramon Jimenez appeared at a meet and greet with voters in Woodside, Queens, earlier today.
An over-flow crowd showed up to meet the candidates at Flynn’s Garden Inn, and when it came time for the candidates and other community organizers to deliver their remarks, the gathering had to move to a larger space in an outside patio that was still not large enough to accommodate the huge turn-out.
Journal News, Lower Hudson Valley: Cuomo, Astorino differ on Common Core
Lisa Rudley, whose three children attend the Ossining school district in Westchester County, said she believes frustrated parents will be hard pressed to support Cuomo. And much of their support could go to Astorino and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who also supports rescinding the Common Core.
"I think you will see a lot of votes that otherwise would have gone to Cuomo who will go to Astorino and Howie because of this issue," said Rudley, a Briarcliff Manor resident who is a co-founder of New York State Allies for Public Education, a coalition of parent groups. "I think parents are more engaged than ever."
Hawkins has called on the state to withdraw from both Common Core and Race to the Top, instead calling for standards written by in-state teachers.
Independent Political Report: Village Independent Democrats Endorse Howie Hawkins
The progressive Village Independent Democrats endorsed Green Party Governor candidate Howie Hawkins at their Friday endorsement meeting.
It is the first time in the venerable club’s history that it has endorsed a third party candidate for any office.
Times Herald-Record, Middletown: Letters: Green candidate Hawkins easy anti-fracking choice
If on the other hand, you are ethical and sane, and thus not into toxicity and poverty, especially for yourself, vote Howie Hawkins for governor on the Green Party line. It doesn’t get any easier than this, people. Come Election Day, go Green!
Gotham Gazette: The Week Ahead in New York Politics
Governor Cuomo will be at Barnes & Noble in Union Square on Wednesday evening to promote his new memoir - and his opponent Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins will have a presence outside the store.
October 11, 2014
NY Daily News: Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins working to woo Democrats unhappy with Cuomo
The only thing standing between Gov. Cuomo and his hopes for a resounding victory on Election Day might be a 61-year-old United Parcel Service worker from Syracuse.
Howie Hawkins has taken a leave of absence from his job unloading UPS trucks to run as the Green Party candidate for governor.
Casting himself as the “progressive choice” in the race, he has gained traction among Democrats unhappy with Cuomo for embracing tax cuts and charter schools, and for not banning fracking, a gas-drilling technique.
“Cuomo is weak on his left,” Hawkins said. “I am working hard to earn those votes and I am hearing from a lot of those people that they are coming to me.”
Register-Star, Columbia and Greene Counties: Letter: Level the Playing Field
Hawkins and the Green Party lack the rich coffers of the Democratic and Republican parties, yet it is clear that the Green Party’s progressive agenda excites a significant number of voters. Hawkins calls for a publicly-funded, single-payer health care program for all New Yorkers, free tuition at SUNY and community colleges, a moratorium on home foreclosures, no new fossil fuel infrastructure, and a Green New Deal to create jobs and protect the environment. Unlike Cuomo, Hawkins and the Green Party support an unconditional ban on fracking. The Green Party opposes the petroleum “bomb trains” transporting highly explosive crude oil from North Dakota through local communities, including Catskill.
October 10, 2014
WCNY, PBS, Central New York: Insight interview with Howie Hawkins
Susan Arbetter sits down for what we hope to be a three part "introduction" to the gubernatorial candidates running for governor in the state of New York. We kick off our first part with Green Party candidate and Syracuse's very own, Howie Hawkins.
Capital New York: Last progressive standing
Howie Hawkins is never too busy to hear from the people. As he travels from place to place to hear the needs of the public, Hawkins never hurries the people along, instead he listens to what they have to say.
City Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson explained that city officials had turned water back on at two occupied structures where days earlier they had evicted tenants and shut off the flow because the landlord, who lives in a nearby suburb, was thousands of dollars in arrears.
Hawkins asked questions and listened to about 10 minutes of bitching, nodding along and asking about the neighborhood.
“I heard about this, and it sounded like Detroit. My platform is about economic human rights—education, jobs, health care—I didn't think I had to say water,” he said, sliding into a critique of Cuomo's policies about cities. “Money's going downtown to stimulate business, and it's supposed to trickle up here, but it's not.”
This gets into Hawkins platform, which he would outline later to roughly 85 Siena students who heard him in part because it seemed to be a class requirement. Hawkins would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour through a wage board he says he could appoint if elected.
He would establish single-payer health care and increase aid to both schools and municipalities, gaining money by raising taxes on the rich, ending pro-business tax break programs and effectively re-imposing New York's stock transfer tax, which is currently rebated. Finally, he would create jobs by spending public money on green infrastructure—the “Green New Deal.”
New York Observer: Howie Hawkins Says ‘It’s Open’ Whether Zephyr Teachout Will Back Him
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor and the self-described “last progressive” in the race, said today he recently had a conversation with liberal darling Zephyr Teachout about a possible endorsement.
“We talked about a week ago for a half hour. Good conversation, on issues, how to advance the politics of the state. I got the impression she’s not going to endorse Cuomo and it’s open whether she’ll endorse me,” Mr. Hawkins told the Observer outside a criminal courthouse in Manhattan where he was holding a campaign event.
“She’s making her own political calculations. I would welcome her support and I’m really working hard to get the people that voted for her in the primary to vote for me in the general because I’m the last progressive on the ballot,” he added....
The third place finisher in that Democratic primary, comedian Randy Credico, already endorsed Mr. Hawkins. With more money, staff and name recognition than when he ran for office four years ago, Mr. Hawkins is hoping an unexpectedly strong showing can boost the standing of his party and liberals in New York State.
October 9, 2014
The Graduate Center Advocate: Graduate Center Student Runs for Political Office: Q & A with Brian P. Jones
A longtime member of the International Socialist Organization, Jones is running as an independent with the Green Party of New York State. Jones taught elementary school in New York City public schools for nine years prior to pursuing his PhD and has been active in the struggle against the privatization of education, budget cuts, and school closures. He is one of the founding members of the Movement of Rank and File Educators and co-narrated the film The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman. His current research focuses on the history and politics of the black struggle for education in the United States. Francisco Fortuño Bernier conducted this interview on 18 September, 2014.
Time Warner Cable News: Howie Hawkins Tours PA Fracking Sites
Gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins took his campaign across the border Thursday, focusing on one of his main platforms, stopping hydrofracking in New York. Alexa Green was on hand as he toured several natural gas drilling sites in northeastern Pennsylvania.
WITV, News Channel 34, Binghamton: Green Party gubernatorial candidate takes anti-fracking tour
The Green Party's gubernatorial candidate and former Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan took an anti-fracking tour Thursday. They were joined by several other fractivists and Green Party members.
Howie Hawkins said he is the only candidate in the race who is really opposed to the drilling process.
Hawkins and the small crew went to several spots in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania where fracking operations have been done or are currently in process. They talked with people who live nearby.
"I've come to see what may be in store for New York if fracking is permitted. We've got all of the infrastructure for fracking up in New York State, even the waste from here is getting dumped up in New York State, permitted by our Governor, Governor Cuomo," said Hawkins.
AP: Debate set for New York governor's race
A date is set for a debate in New York's governor's race. The debate is scheduled for Oct. 22 in Buffalo. It will feature Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican Rob Astorino, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Michael McDermott. The debate is sponsored by The Buffalo News and WNED/WBFO of Buffalo and will be televised.
AP: New York’s race for governor coming to Buffalo
The New York governor candidates debate is scheduled to take place on Oct. 22 in Buffalo. The October debate will include Howie Hawkins, Michael McDermott, Rob Astorino and Gov. Andrew Cuomo. This is likely to be the only debate prior to the Nov. 4 election because Astorino refused to participate in a debate over the radio, offered by Cuomo in favor of a televised debate.
Central New York Vision: Gov. Cuomo and Kathy Hochul Visit Southwest Community Center
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins held a news conference outside of the rally site at SWCC to say that Cuomo’s economic policies are a “slap in the face to working-class women he has neglected as governor, especially women on welfare and minimum wage workers.”
October 8, 2014
Capital Tonight: Hawkins on Higher Poll Numbers, Debates
Wednesday’s Quinnipiac poll showed Andrew Cuomo still far ahead in the race for governor, with 51-percent of voters supporting him and Rob Astorino getting 31-percent. And the poll also showed Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins getting nine-percent of the vote – which his campaign says is a record high for a progressive third party candidate. Hawkins joined us to talk more about his campaign and the upcoming fracking tour.
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: For lieutenant governor, Green Party's Hawkins chose education activist
When Howie Hawkins began his second run for governor as a member of the Green Party, he says he found education to be a key issue, so that’s where he looked for a running mate.
"We had a checklist of items that would make the ideal candidate," he said. "And my running mate, Brian Jones, he added to the list. He checked every box."
AP: Only one debate planned for NY governor's race
It looks like New York voters will have only a single opportunity to see the candidates debate before this year's gubernatorial election. Republican Rob Astorino says he won't accept an invitation to a one-on-one public radio debate with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo that was tentatively set for later this month. That leaves a single televised debate in Buffalo with Cuomo, Astorino, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Michael McDermott.
Syracuse Post-Standard: How Cuomo raised $22 million from 331 donors
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has raised nearly $45 million this campaign cycle -- and $22 million of that came from 331 donors, according to an analysis from the New York Public Interest Group.
Read another way, 81 percent of Cuomo's donors gave $10,000 or more, the report says. Less than 7 percent came from donors giving less than $1,000. [Actually, 0.72 percent came from donors of less than $1,000.]
What about Republican challenger Rob Astorino's money tales?
Jimmy Vielkind @JimmyVielkind: NYPIRG's @mahoneyw crunched the #nygov fund-raising numbers. @RobAstorino has had 17 donors give more than $40K; Cuomo has had 331
A new poll out this morning shows Cuomo's lead just 20 points over Astorino; this new poll includes Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who is drawing 9 percent of the state's vote.
WNBF radio, Binghamton: Hawkins To Tour Pennsylvania Fracking Sites
Speaking on WNBF Radio’s Binghamton Now program Wednesday, Hawkins said he’ll visit northern Pennsylvania with anti-fracking activists....
The Syracuse resident said he’s seen fracking sites from a distance as he traveled on Interstate 81. Hawkins said he “thought a spaceship had landed” as he witnessed the nighttime scene of gas being flared from a well. He said the “whole sky was lit up” by the flaring process....
Hawkins said he’ll be joined in the Susquehanna County tour by former Binghamton mayor Matthew Ryan, an outspoken fracking opponent.
Quinnipiac University Poll: Women Give Gov. Cuomo Big Lead in New York, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds
A 32 percentage point lead among women propels New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to a 51-31 percent lead over Westchester County Executive, Rob Astorino, the Repulican challenger, with 9 percent for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. With Hawkins out of the race, Gov. Cuomo leads Astorino 55-34 percent, the independent Quinnipiac University poll finds. This survey of likely voters can not be compared to prior surveys of registered voters.
In the three-way match up, women back Cuomo over Astorino 54 – 25 percent, with 8 percent for Hawkins. Men support Cuomo over Astorino by a slight 44-39 percent, with 10 percent for Hawkins. Cuomo leads Astorino 80-4 percent among Democrats, with 8 percent for Hawkins, and 44-33 percent among independent voters, with 15 percent for Hawkins. Repuplicans back Astorino over Cuomo 43-27 percent, with one percent for Hawkins.
New York Post: Women bolster Cuomo's big lead in polls
Democratic incumbent Andrew Cuomo holds a commanding lead in the governor race — thanks to women. Female voters back Cuomo over Republican rival Rob Astorino by 32 percentage points — 57 percent to 25 percent, a Quinnipiac University poll found Wednesday. Among men, Cuomo leads by just five points — 44 percent to 39 percent. Overall, Cuomo leads Astorino 51 percent to 31 percent with 9 percent preferring Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
WWNY TV 7, Fox, Norther NY: New Poll Shows Cuomo With 20-Point Lead
A new poll suggests New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo can thank female voters for the commanding lead he has over Republican Rob Astorino. The Quinnipiac University survey released Wednesday gives the Democratic incumbent 51 percent of the vote, with Astorino getting 31 percent, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins picking up 9 percent. Cuomo leads Astorino by 32 points among female voters. Men favor Cuomo too, but by a five point margin.
Capital Tonight Morning Memo: Q-Poll: Cuomo 51, Astorino 31
Gov. Andrew Cuomo leads his Republican opponent Rob Astorino by 20 percentage points, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday morning. The poll found Cuomo receives the support of 51 percent of voters polled compared to Astorino’s 31 percent. Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, received 9 percent.
Without Hawkins in the race, Cuomo leads 55 percent to 34 percent. Cuomo’s lead in the August Quinnipiac poll was wider, when the governor led Astornio 56 percent to 28 percent. Hawkins was not included in that poll.
Gotham Gazettte: The Eye-Opener: Cuomo Eyes Second Term Trade Travel
Speaking of that re-election, a new poll shows Cuomo with a 20-point lead over his closest rival, Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. According to the poll, Cuomo leads Astorino 51-31 percent, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins at 9 precent. Cuomo does not seem likely to get the backing of former primary rival Zephyr Teachout, who told Gotham Gazette Tuesday of endorsing Cuomo, "It's hard to see it happening," and cited his lack of support for Democratic State Senate candidates as a key reason.
WNYT, NBC, Channel 13, Albany: Gubernatorial candidate to speak at Siena College
Howie Hawkins of the Green Party says the two party system has failed New Yorkers.
WNYT, NBC Channel 13, Albany: Gov. Cuomo stumps at Plug Power
But he and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins said there needs to be more debates to answer these questions and settle their differences. But they say the governor has not been willing to face off.
"That just shows the contempt he has. It also shows he's deathly afraid," Astorino said.
"I want more debates. One debate is not enough to cover all the issues of the four candidates in an hour," said Hawkins.
Auburn Citizen: Consentino: Could Cuomo become a 'minority' governor?
The wild card is still the Green Party’s Howie Hawkins. The question is whether those who voted for Professor Teachout will go to him, stick with the governor because he is a Democrat, or just stay at home. In the end, a combination of the first and last, along with a strong showing by Mr. Astorino, could still allow the governor to win, but get less than 50 percent of the vote.
Albany Times Union: 331 big donors boosting Cuomo
What's one way to make nearly $45 million?
Raking in donations of $40,000 or more from more than 300 people is a good way to start.
A New York Public Interest Research Group analysis released Tuesday shows Gov. Andrew Cuomo has amassed nearly half the $44.9 million in campaign cash he has raised since December 2010 from just 331 donors.
Albany Times Union: Hawkins wants three debates
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins was in Albany Wednesday, calling for three debates that would include Gov. Andrew Cuomo as well as Rob Astorino.
Hawkins also predicted that Cuomo might allow hydrofracking after the November elections, saying “He’s sitting on the fence until after the elections.” A recent story in Capital NY outlined how Cuomo had edited and delayed an important fracking study. He plans to tour fracking sites in Pennsylvania on Thursday.
Green Party Press Release: NY Green Howie Hawkins to Tour Fracking Sites in Pennsylvania
Howie Hawkins, Green candidate for New York Governor’s race will be taking a tour of fracking sites in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania on October 9. During the tour Hawkins will visit with the families that have been negatively impacted by fracking. Hawkins has extended an invitation to Gov. Cuomo and the media to witness the impact fracking has upon the land, water and individual health.
Newsday: Liberal candidate for gov offers fresh, big-picture proposal
ALBANY — Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins on Wednesday offered one of the freshest — and probably most comprehensive — proposal in the race.
The liberal candidate who registered a surprising 9 percent in Wednesday’s Quinnipiac University poll said New York is the most segregated state in the nation according to housing and school statistics. The way he would address that issue which isn’t part of this year’s election debates would encompass much of his platform:
“We need to have a new public housing program that is different from the old ones,” he said an Albany news conference. “Instead of the old high rise, concentrated projects that tend to put minorities in poor communities and increase segregation, we should have ... smaller scaled scatter sites [with] mixed income so middle class people see this as a good option.”
He said that would take down the walls of segregation today, which he said isn’t based on racial bias, but by class.
But his proposal wouldn’t stop there.
“We can also make it a clean energy program by having them have solar rooftops, green roofs, micro-wind and building materials that sequester carbon,” said Hawkins, who works for a trucking firm in Syracuse. “So it would be a jobs program, and affordable housing program and energy program as well as a desegregation program.”
He said white families “would be happy to have Barack Obama on one side and Eric Holder on the other, but they don’t want the problems from the ghettos and barrios coming in.
“So I think what it takes is political leadership to reassure people that bringing us together would be a positive for all of us,” he said.
October 7, 2104
Newsday: Port Jefferson Station teachers endorse Green Party candidate for governor
A Long Island teachers’ union local unit that has been critical of Democrat Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has endorsed the Green Party candidate for governor.
The Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association will back Howie Hawkins, according to his campaign.
The local union has criticized the controversial Common Core academic standards and tests, which Cuomo backs, and endorsed liberal critic Zephyr Teachout in the September Democratic primary. So its decision to back Hawkins isn’t a surprise.
Independent Media Central New York: SOS! Save Our Public Schools - Brian Jones, Green Candidate for Lt. Governor, Speaks Out in Syracuse (Video)
“Public education in New York is under attack during Cuomo’s tenure as governor. New York schools are the most segregated schools in the country and they’re woefully underfunded. Additionally, the Common Core based test-and-punish regime currently being pushed in schools can be used to hold students back, deny them diplomas, fire teachers, and close schools. Instead of the privatization schemes pushed by Cuomo and Republican candidate Rob Astorino, Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones are calling for fully funded, quality public education, qualitative assessments instead of the punitive high stakes testing model, and an end to the attack on teacher’s unions.”
Syracuse Post-Standard: Live chat with Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, Green Party candidates for governor, lieutenant governor
Transcript of hour long live chat.
CNYCentral.com, CBS/NBC/Fox, Syracuse: Hawkins and Jones call for increased state funding for schools
The Green Party gubernational team of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones called Tuesday for full funding of New York State schools. Hawkins and Jones, an elementary school teacher in NYC for 9 years, have been endorsed by teacher and parent organizations, as well as education advocate Diane Ravitch.
Time Warner Cable News: Green Party Candidates Focus on Education
The Green Party ticket said its time to boost funding, while changing the way that money is distributed to school systems across New York.
"We need, rather than a competitive system, pitting schools against each other over test scores, we need a system that embraces all children. We need to move toward a system that it actually really doesn't matter that much where you send your child, because the schools are more or less the same. You can expect the same high level of quality, no matter where you cross that school threshold. And, right now, in this state, it matters a lot where you send your child," said Brian Jones.
Time Warner Cable News: Two Republican County Executives Endorse Gov. Cuomo
Cuomo still has some work to do on his left flank, however. He faced a surprisingly strong challenge from little-known Fordham Law School professor Zephyr Teachout, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins faults him for not doing more on school funding.
"When Cuomo says we spend more per capita, the fact is a lot of school districts are grossly underfunded," Hawkins said.
Hawkins said he would seek to increases taxes, especially on the wealthy, to help fund education.
"What we would do is restore full funding, the full foundation aid that is court ordered and constitutionally mandated by this state and we would do it be restoring progressive taxation," said Hawkins.
Gotham Gazette: Teachout on Cuomo Endorsement: 'It's hard to see it happening'
There seems to be a chance Teachout could endorse Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, whose stances on many issues, including fracking, closely align with Teachout's.
AP: NY governor's race may feature just 1 debate
New York voters may have only a single opportunity to see the candidates debate before this year's gubernatorial election. Republican Rob Astorino says he won't accept an invitation to a one-on-one public radio debate with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo that was tentatively set for later this month.
That leaves a single televised debate in Buffalo with Cuomo, Astorino, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Michael McDermott.
Albany Times Union: A.M. Roundup
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a debate: Tucked away in a Monday statement from Rob Astorino was the nugget that the Republican candidate has accepted the chance to debate Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a televised event sponsored by the Buffalo News and WNED, the Western New York public broadcaster. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian nominee Michael McDermott will join in. No date has been set.
Albany Times Union: 331 big donors boosting Cuomo; $22.2 million lift from business, financial elite
What's one way to make nearly $45 million?
Raking in donations of $40,000 or more from more than 300 people is a good way to start.
A New York Public Interest Research Group analysis released Tuesday shows Gov. Andrew Cuomo has amassed nearly half the $44.9 million in campaign cash he has raised since December 2010 from just 331 donors. As a percentage of the candidate's campaign haul, Cuomo's big-money donations of more than $40,000 dwarf those brought in by Republican Rob Astorino — who snagged just 17 donors with that kind of generosity.
According to NYPRIG, Cuomo has raked in $22,191,108 from big-money donors so far, or 49 percent of all his donations in this election cycle. In contrast, donors to the Cuomo campaign who gave less than $1,000 represented the smallest percentage — just $324,075, or 0.72 percent.
The largest number of Cuomo donors (1,794) gave between $1,000 and $2,600.
The list of Cuomo's most munificent backers includes powerful names. At the top was Leonard Litwin, a 99-year-old billionaire real estate developer who gave $1 million through various holdings. Prominent corporate names include Cablevision and its holdings ($250,000), the engineering consulting firm Clough Harbor & Associates ($150,000), Comcast/NBC ($121,600) and CBS ($65,000).
Other notable individual donors include billionaire financier Carl Icahn ($50,000), and billionaire supermarket mogul and former New York City mayoral candidate John Catsimatidis ($89,165) and his wife, Margo ($46,396).
Journal News, Lower Hudson Valley: For Cuomo, 81 percent gave $10,000 or more
Large donors have fueled Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s campaign warchest, with 81 percent of his money coming from people who gave him $10,000 or more, a report by the New York Public Interest Research Group said today. Nearly 50 percent of Cuomo’s donors gave $40,000 or more, NYPIRG said after a review of campaign filings Friday.
WXXI, NPR, Rochester: Plans Finalized for Gubernatorial Debate in Buffalo
Four candidates for New York governor will face off in a debate in Buffalo on Wednesday, October 22.
The 60-minute debate, "Election '14: The Race for Governor," sponsored by WNED|WBFO and The Buffalo News, will be held at the WNED|WBFO studios in downtown Buffalo at 8 p.m.
The debate, which will be offered to public radio and television stations across the state….
The debate will include Republican Rob Astorino, Democratic incumbent Andrew Cuomo, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Michael McDermott. It will be the only televised debate in the 2014 gubernatorial race.
Buffalo News: Gubernatorial debate set for Oct. 22 in Buffalo
Plans for a debate among two major and two minor party candidates for governor has been finalized for Oct. 22 in Buffalo, and could be the only face-to-face encounter of the 2014 gubernatorial campaign.
The Buffalo News and WNED/WBFO of Buffalo announced Tuesday that they will co-sponsor the hourlong event at the Ch. 17 studios in Buffalo, to be broadcast statewide on the PBS network, New York’s public radio stations, and streamed live on BuffaloNews.com.
The 8 p.m. debate will be broadcast locally on WNED-TV and WBFO-FM 88.7.
Invitations have been accepted by incumbent Democratic Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Republican Rob Astorino, as well as Howie Hawkins of the Green Party and Libertarian Michael McDermott.
Read Media.com: The Capital Connection, Oct. 7, 2014, by Alan Chartock
There aren't enough union voters or progressives who want more spending to vote against Cuomo and even if they wanted to vote for someone other than Cuomo, who would they vote for? Of course there is the Green Party candidate, Howie Hawkins, who is polling rather well for a Greenie. But there is no way Hawkins is going to win because he won't be getting many Republican votes.
In the end, crafty Machiavellian Cuomo had the tax thing all figured out. I guarantee that if he runs for President, he'll use the same playbook.
NCC News, Newhouse School, Syracuse University: Howie Hawkins' Green New Deal
Hawkins is running for a second time to become governor of New York. His impressive 2010 election put the Green Party of New York back on the ballot. Hawkins hopes this second go at the governor’s race will induce more debate on important issues and put the Green Party as a viable option to the traditional two party system.
October 6, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Howie Hawkins, Green Party gubernatorial candidate, meets the editorial board (Video)
Hawkins is running on the same platform: a "Green New Deal'' that includes a $15 minimum wage, a WPA-style jobs program to reach full employment and a more progressive tax structure that includes restoring the stock transfer tax.
He's in favor of opting out of the Common Core state learning standards, banning hydrofracking and converting the state's fossil fuel infrastructure to "green'' sources of energy like solar. He would revisit the NY SAFE Act to better balance public safety and the rights of gun owners.
Rather than give businesses incentives to stay or expand, Hawkins would help them by cutting property taxes, lowering energy costs and taking health care costs out of their hands entirely by creating a statewide single-payer system.
In addition to scrapping the Common Core, Hawkins would improve schools by restoring aid cut during the state's economic downturn, encouraging desegregation through voluntary interdistrict transfers and returning curriculum decisions to local school boards.
New York Environment Report: Howie Hawkins & Green Party Challenge to Cuomo: We Need a “Green New Deal”
...in an election year that has been dominated by environmental issues like fracking, the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Sandy, and what to do about climate change, the Green Party candidate for Governor, Howie Hawkins, is resolutely carrying his message across the state….
Hawkins is proposing that New York State switch entirely to renewable sources of energy by 2030. A conversion of this scope would not only create jobs, Hawkins says, it would also make energy more affordable.
Hawkins also argues that the state’s public sector can be rebuilt without raising taxes on the vast majority of New Yorkers. This includes New York’s lead environmental agency, the Department of Environmental Conservation, which has lost hundreds of staff members in the last four years.
The Chief-Leader: Letter: Workers Under Attack
Others argue that if we don’t vote for Cuomo, we might get Republican Rob Astorino elected Governor. Well, the Legislature is likely to remain Democratic in spite of that party’s bad habit of fielding candidates who are under indictment or being sued. So as long as that remains the case, Astorino will not be able to be the next Scott Walker even if he wants to. But even better, you can actually vote for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Albany Times-Union: All candidates should debate
Third-party candidates like Howie Hawkins of the Green Party must be included in all debates, and they need to be televised. A New York Now poll found 96 percent of respondents agreed. From being a real working man for higher wages, dropping high stakes testing, fairer tax policy, workers’ rights, full clean energy and a fairer political process without candidates being excluded, Hawkins is the only progressive choice on the ballot.
NY State of Politics: A Debate Was Actually Agreed To Today
Team Astorino buried the lede earlier today in its Putin-better-on-debating-than-Cuomo news release: The Republican’s gubernatorial campaign has agreed “tentatively” to one televised debate in Buffalo that the Cuomo campaign signed up for late last month.
The debate would be broadcast on public television and sponsored by The Buffalo News. It would include Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian candidate Michael McDermott.
WBFO, NPR, Buffalo: Green Party Lieutenant Governor candidate visits Buffalo
New York's Green Party is pressing hard against Governor Cuomo from his political left as it seeks to hold its place on the election ballot."We have to return to a more progressive tax structure," said Brian Jones, the Green Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor….
Jones is a veteran New York City teacher now doing graduate work on urban education. Speaking to WBFO's Chris Jamele, Jones challenged the current wealth structure in New York. [Includes 4:33 minute audio interview]
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Hawkins pushing $15 minimum wage in race for governor
"The economy is 2.7 times more productive per capita," he said. "In other words, as workers, we produce almost three-times more for every hour we work, but our wages have been stagnant. The economy can afford to pay us a living wage."
Hawkins made his case to a wage board from the state labor department taking comments on whether to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers.
He also says the state needs to crack down on wage theft.
"We know from national studies that one-third of low wage workers experience wage theft every week. We have a two year, 15,000 case backlog in New York state," he said.
Hawkins says more money in people’s pockets will increase buying power and offset the increased overhead for employers.
Tory Record: Siena poll shows Amedore leads Thaczyk by 10 points in 46th Senate district
The district covers all or parts of five counties, from Montgomery down to Ulster….
Meanwhile, in the race for governor, the poll found voters in this district favored Republican Rob Astorino over incumbent Democrat Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo by a 43-35 percent margin, with 11 percent for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
“This is the first state senate or congressional district Siena has polled where Astorino leads Cuomo,” Greenberg said. “Astorino leads among Republicans bigger than Cuomo does with Democrats, largely because 17 percent of Democrats say they’re supporting Hawkins. And Astorino – who has a break even favorability rating – has a 13-point lead with independents over Cuomo – who has a two-to-one negative favorability rating.
Poughkeepsie Journal: Monday's News Summary, Oct. 6. 2014
Dutchess County Legislator Sue Serino, R-Hyde Park, is leading state Sen. Terry Gipson, D-Rhinebeck, by 12 points in the race to represent the 41st state Senate District, according to a Siena College poll. In the district, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a slight lead over his challenger, Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, 45 to 42 percent, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins garnering seven percent, according to the poll.
EmpireStateNews.net: Republicans lead incumbent first-term Democrats in three State Senate races
Three State Senate Democrats are facing their first reelections…. The Siena College poll looks at all three races.
Seeking his first reelection, incumbent Democrat Terry Gipson is facing a 12-point deficit against Republican challenger Susan Serino, who leads 52-40 percent, according to a new Siena College poll of likely voters in the 41st Senate District, covering parts of Dutchess and Putnam Counties. Governor Andrew Cuomo is slightly edging Rob Astorino 45-42 percent, with seven percent for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins….
In a rematch of the closest State Senate election from 2012, Republican challenger George Amedore leads incumbent Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk 52-42 percent, according to a new Siena College poll of likely voters in the 46th Senate District, covering all or parts of five counties, from Montgomery down to Ulster. Astorino leads Cuomo 43-35 percent, with 11 percent for Hawkins….
Republican challenger Rich Funke enjoys a comfortable 25-point, 57-32 percent lead over incumbent Democratic freshman Ted O’Brien, according to a new Siena College poll of likely voters in the 55th Senate District, covering parts of Monroe and Ontario Counties. Cuomo leads Astorino by 10 points, 47-37 percent, with seven percent for Hawkins.
Legislative Gazette: Hawkins: Let everyone debate and televise it
In a phone conference with reporters, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins stressed the importance of having the opportunity to debate the incumbent Andrew Cuomo and the Republican challenger Rob Astorino.
During the conference, Hawkins said there is a need for an independent commission in New York state that would ensure debate opportunities for all candidates, or at least clear guidelines spelled out by campaign finance laws.
Hawkins also supports the creation of a full public campaign financing system that would also be granted power to set the schedule and terms of debates. "Until now, we've been seeing Cuomo setting all the terms," Hawkins said.
Rochester City Newspaper: The Week Ahead…the Green Party's Brian Jones is in town
Brian Jones, the Green Party’s candidate for lieutenant governor, will be in Rochester today for an education forum. The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Inner Faith Tabernacle, 32 York Street.
Jones, who is the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, will kick off the event by discussing the candidates’ education platform. Then a panel of education activists will lead a discussion of what a progressive urban education system should look like, according to a press release. The panel includes activist and retired Rochester city school district teacher Howard Eagle, and Carla Walker, a city resident and parent activist.
October 5, 2014
New York Times: At Churches in Brooklyn and Queens, Cuomo Leaves Campaign Bubble
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party’s candidate for governor, also tried, unsuccessfully, to attend the rally in Syracuse. Mr. Hawkins said he had been turned away by representatives of Mr. Cuomo, without explanation. “They weren’t talkative,” he said.
Mr. Hawkins lives in Syracuse and works for U.P.S.; his supporters brought a pedicab to the community center where the governor held his rally.
“I’d have invited him to take a tour around the neighborhood,” Mr. Hawkins said.
October 4, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Howie Hawkins shut out of Andrew Cuomo campaign event in Syracuse
Video: Howie Hawkins believes his agenda would better help women, especially working women, than one advocated for by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Hawkins, of Syracuse, said he had RSVP'd to the event, as supporters were instructed to do. Other people who didn't register were allowed inside the Southwest Community Center, as long as they showed identification.
But Hawkins was refused entrance to the indoor event. He said he had planned to listen to Cuomo. He was hoping to invite Cuomo for a ride around the South Side neighborhood on a pedicab, Hawkins' answer to Cuomo's bus tour through Upstate today.
Time Warner Cable News: Cuomo Hits the Campaign Trail, Hoes to Build More Support Among Women Voters
The governor and his lieutenant governor candidate took to a bus, cruising the Thruway from Albany, to Syracuse, to Rochester. But they were urging potential voters to refrain from voting for them as Democrats. Instead they came to urge support for the new ballot line -- the Women's Equality Party.
"And we've got a ballot line that's not a party. It's just branding. It's advertising," said Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor.
The Green Party candidate for governor showed up outside the Cuomo event and was prevented from going inside. The primary goal of the new party is supposedly the passage of Cuomo's 10-point women's equality platform. Hawkins argues that could already have happened.
"We could have had 9 of the 10 items on the women's equality agenda, because the Senate was willing to pass it. But they held those items hostage to the 10th item, which is about abortion rights," said Hawkins.
New York Times: Cuomo Pledges 'Progress' in an Second Term, With the Details Still to Come
This week, a researcher for the New York Public Interest Research Group, Bill Mahoney, examined the websites of Mr. Cuomo; Rob Astorino, the Republican candidate for governor; and Howie Hawkins, the Green Party’s nominee in the race, to assess the expansiveness of their respective policy plans.
By Mr. Mahoney’s assessment, Mr. Hawkins led the way with 9,389 words, followed by Mr. Astorino, with 3,264 words. Mr. Cuomo devoted zero words to policy proposals.
WBAI, City Watch: Ramon Jimenez Interview
First 20 minutes of show. Ramon Jimenez, the Green Party candidate for NY Attorney General, discusses the fight to keep Hostos Community College open, clemency for non-violent drug offenders, criminal justice reform, and the failure of the present Attorney General to criminally prosecute those who stole $1 million from Puerto Rican Day parade.
Poughkeepsie Journal: Editorial: Voters deserve televised gubernatorial debates
At this point, a reasonable (and realistic) compromise should be made: The public should be entitled to see at least three televised debates and at least one, if not two, should include Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian nominee Michael McDermott.
October 3, 2014
Utica Observer-Dispatch: Hawkins touts his Green New Deal plan for state
Clean energy, raising the minimum wage, legalizing some drugs.
Howie Hawkins says he has a plan for New York. And he outlined that plan Thursday while sitting down with the Observer-Dispatch’s Editorial Board. Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, said his Green New Deal would complete the vision of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal….
The latest from the gubernatorial campaigns, an update on the Ebola case in the United States, and a mimimum wage hearing held in Syracuse featuring Green party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Hawkins: Would raise NY minimum wage to $15 an hour if governor
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins today will call for a $15 an hour minimum wage for New Yorkers.Hawkins call for a higher wage rate comes as state officials hold a public hearing on whether to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers….
Hawkins, as governor, would eliminate the exemption for tipped workers, as he says seven other states have done.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Live chat with Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, Green Party candidates for governor, lieutenant governor
Join us for a live chat over lunch Tuesday with Green Party candidates Howie Hawkins, running for governor, and Brian Jones, running for lieutenant governor. Hawkins and Jones will take Syracuse.com reader questions together for an hour, starting at 11:30 a.m
Hawkins, of Syracuse, is a well-known voice in progressive politics in Central New York….
Jones is a New York City educator and activist. He wrote in a New York Times opinion piece earlier this year:
"...Teacher tenure laws need to be strengthened because the country is bleeding teachers -- especially in large urban districts. Between 40 and 50 percent of teachers nationwide leave the job within five years. If 40 percent of all doctors or lawyers quit within five years, I'm guessing we wouldn't be asking why they have it so good."
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Syracuse mayor: Maffei, Katko should focus on substance
[Syracuse Mayor Stephanie] Miner says New Yorkers should be able to hear more from the Green Party candidate for governor, but she stopped short of advocating for him to be included in all debates…. she says voters would benefit from having the Green Party’s Howie Hawkins on stage.
"Howie is articulate, brings a point of view and has a real policy-based campaign," she said. "And I think that the voters of the entire state would be better off served if they heard more policy-based arguments and discussion in the debates."
Longtime Syracuse resident Hawkins is running for governor for the second time. He’s won support from a quarter of Syracuse residents, according to a recent Siena College poll.
Huffington Post: "In 'Politics Before People,' Andrew Cuomo 'Exceeds Proficiency Standard'" by Alan Singer
The state teachers' unions, which traditionally endorse Democrats, are sitting out this election campaign. Recently NYSUT announced endorsements and refused to name a candidate for Governor. This will cost Cuomo both money and manpower in the campaign.
Educational advocate Diane Ravitch, who worked in the earlier Bush administration and with Bill Clinton, has endorsed Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate challenged Cuomo in the general election.
Capital New York: Howie Hawkins raising more money than 2010
Howie Hawkins has raised more than five times the amount of money for his 2014 gubernatorial run as he did for his effort four years ago, which he says is a sign that his candidacy is being taken more seriously.
“More people take us as a credible campaign, so they're willing to give us contributions,” Hawkins said by phone, ducking out of a state board that is holding a hearing on whether or not to raise the minimum wage for workers who rely on tips. (Hawkins thinks all workers should be paid at least $15.)
“I don't know what the average numbers were compared to July, where my average contribution was a hundredth that of Andrew Cuomo's. But the better we do, the more people want to support us,” he said.
Capital New York: Astorino and Hawkins latch on to Cuomo's upstate bus tour
Governor Andrew Cuomo will spend Saturday on an three-city upstate bus tour, and his opponents plan to give him some company.
The Cuomo-created Women's Equality Party will conduct the tour with stops in Albany, Syracuse and Rochester, where Cuomo and his running mate, Kathy Hochul, will continue their push to sew up the women's vote and highlight the contrast between their position on abortion rights and that of Republican candidate Rob Astorino.
On Friday, Astorino's campaign announced it will be tailing the bus in a van, attacking Cuomo for quietly standing by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver as he took heat for sexual assault scandals in his chamber.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins said he would invite Cuomo on a Pedicab tour of a decrepit neighborhood in Syracuse.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Cuomo bus tour hits Rochester Saturday
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins said he'll hold his own event when Cuomo comes to Syracuse and "offer to give Cuomo a pedal-powered tour of his Syracuse neighborhood to see firsthand how Cuomo's policies are exasperating inequality."
Time Warner Cable News: New Drive to Push Tipped Workers' Wage Higher in NYS
"The major parties, they keep giving tax cuts to the rich. Trickle down. It don't trickle down," said Howie Hawkins, a candidate for governor.
Even a candidate for governor, pressing for a higher minimum wage, urged the wage board to consider a change.
"We need a bottom up approach. And, you know, if you're an employer, you may have small business. You may have five employees. You got to pay them more, but you may have 500 customers who've got more money to spend at your business," said Hawkins.
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Says Cuomo Will Continue Austerity Budgets
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins criticized Gov. Andrew Cuomo for a letter sent out by his budget chief this week that calls on agency heads to submit spending plans that show no increase in year-over-year spending.
“During Cuomo’s first four years, he has been starving local schools, state workers, teachers, local government, and essential programs of needed funding in order to support lower taxes, handouts and subsidies for his wealthiest campaign contributors. His directive shows that his second term will just be more of the same failed economic policies that has left many New Yorkers in a recession,” Hawkins said in a statement.
October 2, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins: Tip workers need a pay raise from NY (Commentary)
As governor, I would use the Wage Board to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The 1963 March on Washington demanded a $2 minimum wage. Today that would be $15.55 when adjusted for inflation.
I agree with groups like the National Organization for Women and the Food Chain Workers Alliance that want to eliminate the tip deduction that allows employers to pay tipped workers less than the minimum wage. Seven states have already ended this sub-minimum wage. The poverty rate among tipped workers is one-third lower in these states than in those that didn't make the change. Among workers of color, it is one-half lower.
October 1, 2014
Auburn Citizen: Our view: Cuomo playing games with debates
The Green Party is not a one-and-done publicity stunt. Its backers have a very specific platform that resonates with people all over the country, and their candidates need to be included in the entire election process....
Having just one televised debate in a state of nearly 20 million people is not enough of an opportunity for voters to really get to know the differences between their choices for governor. Cuomo should agree to more debates. And Astorino, Hawkins, McDermott and Cohn should all be allowed to participate in them.
Albany Times Union: Debate spins whirl gubernatorial races
"Once again, we're having the perennially inane debate about debates," said Hawkins, who as things stand would be included in the Buffalo debate along with Libertarian nominee Michael McDermott.
"What we really need is an independent commission ... that could set up a series of debates," said Hawkins….
Hawkins called the two newly proposed debates a step up from those of four years ago, though he acknowledges that was a low bar to clear.
"When (former Minnesota governor) Jesse Ventura ran and was elected after being lower in the polls than I am now before debates, there were eight debates in the state," Hawkins said. "Ventura was able to persuade the voters that he was the best candidate. That's needed to counteract that selling of elections.
"Cuomo's got all this money," he said, referring to the governor's formidable $25 million campaign war chest. "He's spinning his image in the media with paid advertising that the rest of us can't come close to competing with. That is not an interactive debate. That is just advertising, and that's no way to run elections."
WNYF, Fox, Channel 7, Watertown: Green Party Candidate For Governor Visits Watertown
"I'm representing the 99 percent of us who work for a living and the other two parties are representing the 1 percent and they're bought and paid for and the political representatives of the 1 percent do what the 1 percent wants that paid for their campaigns," said Hawkins.
Socialist Worker: The Greens are gaining steam in New York
HOWIE HAWKINS' Green Party campaign for New York governor is surpassing expectations--and raising the banner of social justice during an otherwise dismal election season.
With a little over a month to go before the election, Hawkins and Brian Jones, who is running for lieutenant governor, have made strides in pulling together a bloc of people and organizations fed up with the status quo under Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo--at a time when, according to a Wall Street Journal/Marist poll, nearly half of New Yorkers think the state is moving in the wrong direction.
Newsday: Newsday/News 12/Siena College poll – State Senate District 7
Do you have a favorable opinion or an unfavorable opinion of Howie Hawkins? If the election for governor was held today, who would you vote for if the candidates were Cuomo, Astorino, and Hawkins?
New York Observer: Bronx Pols Seek New Rules for Disclosing Evidence in Criminal Cases
Joining the Democrats was Ramon Jimenez, a Harvard-educated attorney who has long acted as an advocate and activist in the Bronx–and who is now challenging Democratic Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on the Green Party line. Mr. Jimenez pressed the overarching racial issues even harder than his predecessors at the podium outside the courthouse.
“We stand on the steps of a building that I sometimes call ‘the house of pain.’ I call it the ‘house of pain’ because every step in the criminal justice process is prejudiced and discriminating against us. Every aspect, every aspect, whether to go to trial, plea bargaining, sentencing, parole, probation, the whole criminal justice system stinks!” Mr. Jimenez said. “Beyond this cause, we need real, dramatic change in the criminal justice system.”
September 30, 2014
Acronym TV: Corporations Causing Climate Change Should Be Taken Over By The Public | Howie Hawkins Interview
Howie Hawkins, Green Party Candidate for N.Y. Governor, sits down with Dennis Trainor, Jr. of Acronym TV on the eve of the largest Climate march in history to discuss his campaign. 4:15 minute interview.
Diane Ravitch blog: I Apologize to the League of Women Voters of New York State
The other day, I wrote a post chastising the League of Women Voters for planning a debate that included only Governor Cuomo and Republican candidate Rob Astorino. I thought it was unfair to exclude Howie Hawkins, who is running on the Green Party ticket.
I received the following response from Laura Ladd Bierman of the League of Women Voters of NYS:
The League of Women Voters of NYS, with its partners from WABC/TV, Univision and The Daily News, has been negotiating with the gubernatorial candidates to organize a televised debate in NYC. Based on the state League’s policies, the debates would have to include at least Cuomo, Astorino and Hawkins for the state League to be a co-sponsor. While two other debates have been offered to the candidates by other sponsors, our offer still stands.
Daily Orange: Students, New York gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins rally for divestment at SU
Around 80 members of the Syracuse University community gathered on the steps of Hendricks Chapel Tuesday afternoon with one goal: to end the university’s reliance on fossil fuels. They were joined by Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, who was the final speaker of the rally and spoke for about six minutes.
“You can make a difference. Don’t ever believe you can’t. So keep on keepin’ on,” Hawkins said….
“I want to divest the whole damn economy from fossil fuels,” Hawkins said.
Newsday: Lane Filler: Governor's race and Potemkin politics
There are minor parties in the race representing ideas. You can tell because they have their own candidates. Howie Hawkins -- a beacon of sanity in the 2010 gubernatorial debate that featured Jimmy "Rent Is 2 Damn High" McMillan -- is running for the Earth-loving Greens.
NY State of Politics: Not Exactly a Campaign of Ideas
It’s been nearly a month since the general election season officially kicked off and so, far at least, there has been little airing from either candidate as to what they would do for the next four years.
Instead, both campaigns of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his Republican rival Rob Astorino have traded barbs either through surrogates, TV commercials or in opposition research made to paint the other guy as corrupt.
Consider this chart from the brilliant Bill Mahoney of the New York Public Interest Research Group, showing how many words on the campaign websites are devoted actual policy ideas for the next four-year term:
At this point, the wonk of the race is Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Albany Times Union: Hawkins: Put the debates on TV and include me in all of 'em
Howie Hawkins has something to say about the debate about debates.
The Green Party candidate for governor held a conference call with reporters Tuesday morning to call for approval of an independent commission — part of campaign finance system — to set up debates for governor and for inclusion in the debate proposed by the Wall Street Journal and WNYC and also for that debate to be televised.
AP: Hawkins: all NY gov debates should be televised
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins says the debates in the New York governor's race should be televised and should include all candidates qualified for the ballot.
New York Public Radio: Debates Still in Flux
“We’re not raising the kind of money Cuomo is, but we’re raising enough money to put field staff out,” said Hawkins, who says he has a daily public campaign schedule. “We’re running as serious a campaign as we can.”
Hawkins says ideally he would like to see an initial debate featuring all of the candidates on the ballot, and then ask the public to decide which candidates they’d like to see again in subsequent debates.
Albany Times Union: Dem report: Astorino's 'pay-to-play' contributions
While Cuomo and Astorino are busy bashing each other, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is bashing both. From his campaign:
Green gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins responded today to reports from both the Cuomo and Astorino campaigns about the other candidate engaging in pay-to-play contracts given to major campaign contributors.
“For once Cuomo and Astorino are both right — and both guilty. They are both right about the other participating in pay-to-play contributions-for-contracts. They are both hypocrites for calling out the other for unethical transactions in which they themselves participate,” Hawkins said.
Gannett: Cuomo, Astorino trade barbs over pay to play
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins labeled Astorino and Cuomo as "hypocrites," saying their campaigns are both fueled by big-money interests. He said the state needs a broad public-campaign-financing system to limit money in politics.
The Environmental Issue, Media Alliance for People and the Planet, Ithaca College: Gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins envisions a Greener future
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor of New York, spoke Sept. 12 at Ithaca College about the need to unify people to make positive political change.
September 29, 2014
Buffalo News: Hawkins sees gubernatorial run propelling Green Party
When Howie Hawkins ran for governor in 2010, his fledgling Green Party scored a significant milestone by netting enough votes to qualify for “permanent” ballot status – barely.
Now Hawkins is scoring as high as 9 percent in some polls, and the longtime Syracuse activist is hoping this year’s candidacy will further cement his Greens as a force in state politics.
Hornell Evening News: Hawkins brings Green dream to Alfred
Green Party candidate for Governor of New York State Howie Hawkins brought an "out of the box" style of looking at public policy issues to the streets of Alfred Sunday. In addition to Alfred, Hawkins made campaign stops Sunday at Pollywogg Holler in Phillips Creek and a private residence in Hinsdale….
Hawkins believes that he has a distinct advantage over his opponents on the issues of tax fairness, school funding and energy, insisting his policies would free up funding to address those issues.
CBS New York: Astorino's New TV Spot Mimics 1964 'Daisy Girl' Ad To Attack Cuomo
A recent poll shows Cuomo continuing to hold a big lead over Astorino. Fifty-four percent of likely voters in the survey support Cuomo’s re-election bid. Twenty-nine percent favor Astorino and nine percent back Hawkins.
September 28, 2014
Utica Observer Dispatch: Our View: Candidates can help effect change in voting attitudes
Astorino and Cuomo seem to be locked in a battle over which candidate can come up with the nuttiest advertisement. Recently, Astorino accused Cuomo of killing unicorns, locking Santa Claus in a chimney and pushing Humpty Dumpty off a wall. Cuomo, meanwhile, implied that Astorino would be a lousy governor because he’s a Miami Dolphins fan. Guess what? Nobody cares. None of this nonsense matters a smidgen to New Yorkers. New Yorkers want jobs. New Yorkers want lower taxes. New Yorkers want safe communities to raise their children. Interestingly enough, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins seems to be sticking to the issues in his mission to become governor. Hmmm. Imagine that. The issues.
New York Times: Activist Is Celebrated at the College He Helped Save
Ramon J. Jimenez insists he does not live in the past, even if his office furniture does. Dingy and worn, it is vintage 1970s décor, evoking the era when he arrived in the South Bronx. He was an Afro-wearing, radical, Harvard-trained lawyer for whom causes and people were more important than billable hours and prestige.
That Mr. Jimenez works above a bar and a tattoo parlor on East 149th Street should be a tip-off that he has not changed. His desk is in the reception area. The walls are covered with portraits of his heroes like Nelson Mandela and Roberto Clemente. He listens to everyone who trudges up the battered, creaky staircase and enters his office with a look of hope or, sometimes, desperation.
A few nights ago, he ventured across the street to celebrate his 66th birthday at Hostos Community College, whose very existence is due, in part, to him. Though he played down his role, others gathered inside the school’s cafeteria to honor him were glad to recall how he helped lead a protest and a 20-day takeover in 1976 that averted the closing of the college because of New York City’s fiscal crisis….
Mr. Jimenez decided this year to accept the nomination to run as the Green Party’s candidate for attorney general….More important, he said, he wanted to make a statement and perhaps inspire some Latino or African-American youngsters to follow in his footsteps.
Herkimer Evening Telegram: Green gov candidate: I'm only progressive running
Hawkins has run for local office many times and it showed during the church appearance. With his white beard and blue blazer, he came off as a regular guy able to speak in number-heavy sound bites on political polls and tax policy. He is running on issues that resonate with the left, including a ban on hydraulic fracturing, a $15 minimum wage and more progressive tax structure (“Tax the Rich - Share the Revenues” reads his web site).
Socialist Alternative: NYC Climate Forum and the Next Steps for Left Politics
More left candidates than in recent memory are running and gaining momentum, from Socialist Alternative’s Jess Spear in Washington State to Green Party member and union activist Howie Hawkins in New York. If prominent figures like Bernie Sanders and Karen Lewis stepped forward to organize a conference, then it would give further momentum to left political action and deepen the debate about the role of the Democrats.
Gotham Gazette: The Week Ahead in New York Politics
Word from the campaign of Gov. Andrew Cuomo is that the governor and his Republican opponent, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, will debate at least twice: once one-on-one over the radio (in New York City via WNYC and The Wall Street Journal) and once along with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and Libertarian Party candidate Michael McDermott on TV from Buffalo. Dates have not been determined yet, but the debates are expected to occur in mid-October. It's unlikely there will be others, and the Astorino campaign is not happy that there likely won't be a one-on-one TV debate. (There are going to be five candidates on the gubernatorial ballot in November, the fifth is Sapient Party candidate Steve Cohn).
September 27, 2014
Latin Post: Few New York Latinos Rate President 'Excellent,' Majority Believe State Is in Recession
The latest Marist College Institute for Public Opinion poll revealed 25 percent of New York's Latinos said President Obama has done a "good" job. Seventeen percent of Latinos in New York State said Obama has done an "excellent" job as president. The largest plurality, 32 percent, said his performance has been "fair." Meanwhile, 22 percent of Latinos said he's done a "poor" job….
Among the state's likely voters, 54 percent favored Cuomo to Astorino's 29 percent, while Hawkins received 9 percent. Eight percent of likely voters surveyed were undecided….
Among non-white likely voters, 64 percent would vote for Cuomo, while support for Astorino dropped to 15 percent. Hawkins received 13 percent. Whites also favored Cuomo with 50 percent, but Astorino had better figures with 35 percent. Hawkins received the support of 7 percent of whites.
NY City Lens: The Activist Who Ran for Governor
Having just come out of a primary campaign as candidate for governor of New York, you would think Randy Credico, 60, would take a break from public engagements and accord himself some leisure time. But no; he was still out there, on the campaign trail, sort of. Just recently, for example, he said he had to go to a rally in Albany for Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for New York governor. So Credico wasn’t going to be available for an interview.
AP: Gov. Cuomo agrees to 2 debates in re-election bid
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday that he will participate in two debates ahead of the November election — one in New York City with his GOP opponent and another in Buffalo that would include two third-party candidates, too….
Hawkins, who placed third in the 2010 race, said Cuomo's suggested debate lineup shows he wants to exclude the Green Party from the New York City debate because he may be vulnerable there to a challenge from the left. He said Cuomo is including the third parties in the Buffalo debate to diminish Astorino's chances in more conservative western New York.
"I don't think it's right," Hawkins told The Associated Press. "By any reasonable standard I should be included (in all the debates). The people have a right to hear from all of us. This should be about more than tactics."
NY1, Time Warner Cable News: Cuomo Accepts Debate Invitations
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins also accepted his invitation to participate in the Buffalo debate, but took issue with his exclusion from the downstate debate. Hawkins said in a statement, "The law should be changed so that if you want to run for office in New York State, you have to agree to participate in a series of public debates with all candidates who meet the legal requirements to be on the ballot."
Capital New York: Cuomo accepts two debate invitations
After months of challenges by his Republican and Green party opponents, Governor Andrew Cuomo's campaign publicly accepted invitations to two debates to be held next month.
A one-on-one debate between Cuomo and his Republican opponent, Westchester County executive Rob Astorino, will be held in New York City, sponsored by WNYC and the Wall Street Journal. A second debate, in Buffalo, will feature Cuomo and Astorino as well as Libertarian candidate Michael McDermott and Howie Hawkins, the Green Party nominee. That debate will be sponsored by The Buffalo News and WNED-WBFO….
Hawkins' campaign manager Ursula Rozum said Hawkins has accepted an invitation to the Buffalo debate, but should also be included in the New York City forum because the Green Party has earned a permanent ballot line.
Auburn Citizen: Cuomo accepts invitations to participate in Buffalo, New York City debates
Hawkins, like Astorino, has also called for debates. He received seven percent of the vote in the latest Siena College poll and believes that all candidates, including minor party challengers, should be allowed to participate in the debates.
"Voters are not satisfied with the two choices they hear about from paid ads and the news," Hawkins said in a statement Wednesday. "They want open debates where all the candidates have the opportunity to lay out their vision of how to improve our state. It is time for Cuomo and Astorino to agree to open debates."
Daily Voice, Rye: Cuomo Agrees To Two Gubernatorial Debates Pending Astorino Acceptance
Precise dates for the mid-October debates were not announced. The debates are scheduled to be held in New York City (between Cuomo and Astorino) and in Buffalo, with Libertarian Party candidate Michael McDermott and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins joining Cuomo and Astorino, according to the reports.
Newsday: Cuomo, Astorino camps spar again over debates
Democrat Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's campaign said Saturday he is willing to participate in two election debates, but Republican foe Rob Astorino rejected the terms as "insulting to the people of New York State" because their only faceoff would not be televised.
Cuomo's spokesman said the governor agreed to two debates:
A two-way, radio-only encounter with Astorino, the Westchester County executive, in New York City sponsored by WNYC public radio and The Wall Street Journal.
A televised Buffalo debate that would also include the nominees from the Green and Libertarian parties, Howie Hawkins and Mike McDermott sponsored by public media outlets WBFO-WNED and The Buffalo News.
September 26, 2014
Diane Ravitch's Blog: My Choice for Governor and Lt. Governor of New York: Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones
I am casting a protest vote for the first time in my life. I am voting for the candidates of the Green Party, Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones. I voted for Zephyr Teachout in the Democratic primary for three reasons: her position on education, on public integrity, and on the environment. And these are the reasons I will cast my ballot in November for the Green Party.
Newsday: Education advocate Diane Ravitch endorses Hawkins for governor
Ravitch was once considered a potential challenger to Cuomo for the liberal Working Families Party. Instead, she supported Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham law professor, who lost to Cuomo in a contentious floor fight for the important minor party endorsement in May.
Hawkins has been seeking to attract Teachout’s supporters since she lost the Democratic primary to Cuomo. In the rematch, she won a surprising 34 percent of the vote to Cuomo’s 62 percent. Teachout hasn’t made any endorsement for the general election.
“I voted for Zephyr Teachout in the Democratic primary for three reasons: Her position on education, on public integrity, and on the environment.,” Ravitch said on her blog Friday. “These are the reasons I will cast my ballot in November for the Green Party.”
NY State of Politics: Ravitch Endorses Hawkins
Diane Ravitch, the education policy expert and advocate who was briefly floated as a possible candidate for governor on the Working Families Party ballot line, has endorsed Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and his running mate, Brian Jones….
Ravitch pointed to Hawkins’ opposition to hydrofracking, support for a full-time Legislature that would ban outside employment for state lawmakers and full foundation aid for public schools.
AP: Siena poll: Cuomo leads Astorino by 29 points
The Siena College survey released Friday shows Cuomo with 56 percent of the vote compared to 27 for Astorino, the Westchester County executive, and 7 percent for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Polls have consistently shown Cuomo well ahead in his bid for a second term. His favorability rating, however, dipped from 57 percent last month to 55 percent, the lowest since Cuomo took office.
NY Daily News: Andrew Cuomo has edge over his gubernatorial challengers with 29-point lead: poll
Cuomo maintains a large 56%-27% lead over Republican challenger Rob Astorino. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is polling at 7%.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Cuomo leads Astorino by 29 points, but job performance rating is low, poll says
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a 29-point lead over Republican challenger Rob Astorino even as he hit his lowest job performance rating as governor, according to a Siena College poll out this morning.
A poll of likely voters put Cuomo ahead of Astorino 56 to 27 percent. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, of Syracuse, had 7 percent of the vote. Ten percent were undecided, the poll said.
New York Public Radio: Cuomo ahead in governor's race, but new polls shows weakness
A new poll finds that six weeks before elections, Gov. Andrew Cuomo maintains a double-digit lead against his Republican opponent, but the governor’s job performance rating has hit an all-time low.
The Siena Research Institute poll finds Cuomo continues to be around 30 points ahead of Republican challenger Rob Astorino, leading 56 to 27 percent. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins received seven percent.
Hornell Evening News; Wellsville Daily Reporter: Hawkins brings campaign to area
The Green Party of Allegany, Steuben and Cattaraugus counties will welcome Green Party New York gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins during three local campaign appearances this Sunday, Sept. 28.
Capital New York: Jimmy McMillan knocked from governor's race
The State Board of Elections has invalidated the Rent is Too Damn High party, ruling unanimously that petitions submitted by perennial schtick candidate Jimmy McMillan contained too many photocopied pages to meet the 15,000 signature threshold.
...Governor Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic incumbent, on Friday suggested any debates in this year's election cycle should include any candidate whose slot on the ballot is legally secured.
After the board's ruling on Friday, that would be Cuomo on the Democratic, Independence, Working Families and Women's Equality lines; Westchester County executive Rob Astorino on the Republican, Conservative and Stop Common Core lines; Howie Hawkins on the Green Party line; Steve Cohn on the Sapient Party line and Michael McDermott on the Libertarian Party line.
Ballot Access News: Rent is 2 Damn High Party, and Life & Justice Party, Removed from New York Gubernatorial Ballot
Cuomo says he believes any gubernatorial debate should include all five candidates. Astorino says he believes Hawkins should be in the debates.
Politics on the Hudson Blog: Five candidates, 10 ballot lines for NY governor
With Jimmy McMillan getting tossed off the ballot earlier today, the state Board of Elections on Monday will certify five candidates on 10 lines for governor in the Nov. 4 election….
Four years ago, Cuomo insisted all on seven gubernatorial candidates to participate in the one debate he agreed to. Today, he suggested that all candidates on the ballot should again be allowed in the debates -- even as Astorino has called on one-on-one debates. So they all may be coming to a TV near you soon.
NY1, Time Warner Cable News: Cuomo Still Not Committing to Debate Specifics
Teachout, of course, was legally on the ballot as well, but Cuomo seemed to be suggesting that third-party candidates like Howie Hawkins of the Green Party be included, as he insisted on in 2010.
Politics on the Hudson Blog: Cuomo hints at debates with all the candidates
Cuomo added that while it will be up to the campaigns and the proposed sponsors of the debates to decide the ground rules and who is included, he said it’s hard to exclude the third-party candidates, which already includes Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and potentially others.
NY State of Politics: Cuomo Leans Toward Third Party Candidates in Debates
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins has pushed to be included in any televised debates. A Siena College poll released today shows him polling at 7 percent.
But in recent days Astorino has indicated Hawkins should be included in a debate, potentially as Republicans see the chances of the Green Party nominee capturing liberal supporters of Zephyr Teachout, the Fordham Law School professor who challenged Cuomo for the Democratic nomination this month.
“I do believe Howie Hawkins has a role in these debates,” Astorino said this week….
Cuomo in the interview today said the questions over a debate are being worked out by the campaigns “literally as we speak.”
Pressed if Hawkins should be specifically included in the debate, the famously hands-on governor said, “It’s not really up to me.”
NY Daily News: Editorial: The in artful dodger: Cuomo’s debate games demean democracy
After the Daily News and partners proposed a three-way among Cuomo, Astorino and Hawkins, the governor’s campaign suggested The News could partner with WNYC in a radio debate. That didn’t fly here.
September 25, 2014
Schenectady Daily Gazette: Editorial: Voters can learn a lot from debates
The two major-party candidates, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Rob Astorino, haven’t even officially agreed on how many debates will be held, if any. They also haven’t agreed on whether third-party candidates like Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins will be invited to participate. Time is slipping away.
Socialist Worker: What's a 'real' Democrat by Aaron Amaral
Credico seems to share principled concerns around anti-Zionism, anti-racism and anti-corruption with the Green Party campaign of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones for New York governor and lieutenant governor, which I support, and Guerrero does, too. Credico deserves credit in making a principled decision to support the Hawkins/Jones campaign, even though he ran in the Democratic primary. This is in sharp contrast to Teachout, who has failed to make an endorsement, presumably out of fear for her future in the Democratic Party machine. (Notably, her running mate Tim Wu had no such concerns, and has already endorsed Cuomo.)
September 24, 2014
AP: Poll: Gov. Cuomo Maintains Big Lead Over Challenger Rob Astorino
Fifty-four percent of likely voters in the survey support Cuomo’s re-election bid. Twenty-nine percent favor Astorino, the Westchester County executive, and nine percent back Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins….
The survey, released Wednesday, was conducted by Marist College in partnership with The Wall Street Journal and NBC 4 New York.
Capital New York: Cuomo Leads, Falls
CUOMO LEADS, FALLS—New Marist poll shows Cuomo 54-29 lead over Astorino—Wall Street Journal’s Erica Orden: Cuomo holds a wide lead over his Republican challenger even as the governor's job-performance rating has fallen back to its lowest point since taking office, according to the results of a Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist College poll. In the first public poll since the Democratic primary earlier this month, the governor holds a 25-point margin in the race among likely voters, with 54 percent of poll respondents supporting Cuomo, 29 percent supporting Astorino and 9 percent for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. http://on.wsj.com/1rj3cE7
Syracuse Post-Standard: Cuomo on health dept. hydrofracking study -- 'Not going to rush them'
Cuomo holds a 25-point lead over Republican Rob Astorino among likely voters, a new poll from the Wall Street Jounral, Marist and NBC 4 found. (The poll also shows Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, polling at 9 percent statewide.)
WHAM, 1180 AM, Rochester: Cuomo Ahead As Election Draws Near
Fifty-four percent of likely voters in the survey support Cuomo's re-election bid. Twenty-nine percent favor Astorino, and nine percent back Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. The poll also found that Cuomo's approval rating is down to 42 percent among registered voters, matching his lowest rating since taking office.
The Journal News, Lower Hudson Valley: Letter: Include Green Party candidate for governor in debates
This constituency has a right to have its progressive voice represented in any and all upcoming gubernatorial debates.
Among candidates still actively pursuing the governorship, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins of Syracuse may best present this progressive point of view. All New Yorkers, regardless of political persuasion, should look forward to his inclusion in upcoming debates.
Auburn Citizen: Cosentino: Should Hawkins be in the debates?
For Cuomo, it will be hard to say “no” to the Green Party nominee, since four years ago, polling much lower, Hawkins was on the stage with a phalanx of gubernatorial candidates, including Cuomo, who was running for a first term. The results of this month’s Democratic Primary make it clear that Cuomo has soft support on his “left.” What he does not need is someone like Hawkins, who is now touting himself as the one true “progressive” in the race, siphoning off votes – which he will do more easily if he is given a platform to speak from – especially on the issue of hydrofracking, where there is political support to be gained. What “creative” argument could Cuomo use this year to deny such a spot, even though he might reasonably not want Hawkins on the same stage?
Hawkins may not win in November, but he can shake up the race – a reason for both candidates to look at and consider how his being on the same stage with them will impact their own campaigns.
Green Party Watch: Greens turn out in big numbers for People’s Climate March (pics & video)
Green Party members and candidates from across the United States and Canada joined a large Green contingent in the People’s Climate March in New York City on September 21st.
Before the march began, volunteers in Howie Hawkins for NY Governor t-shirts worked the massive crowd, while past and present Green candidates including Jill Stein, Cheri Honkala, Elizabeth May (Canadian Green MP), Howie Hawkins, Brian Jones (Hawkins’ running mate), and Eugene Puryear (for DC City Council) fired up marchers at an impromptu rally.
Over 150 Greens marched with Hawkins, Jones, and Ramon Jimenez (for NY Attorney General), chanting “We are unstoppable – a Green world is possible”, “We’re gonna beat back the frack attack”, “No more poison and pollution – we need a solar revolution”, and more, drawing cheers from the assembled crowd.
On the following day, Greens including Howie Hawkins joined the Flood Wall Street sit-in to protest the financial corporations that are funding the dirty energy behind climate change.
WAMC, NPR, Albany: Boehner Attends Fundraiser For Stefanik, Evades Protesters
Earlier this month, former presidential candidate Ralph Nader spoke in Glens Falls to support Funiciello and Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins. With Blue Dog Democrat Owens retiring, the swing district is up for grabs as the parties bring out their heavy-hitters.
September 23, 2014
Wall Street Journal: Cuomo Holds Wide Lead Over Astorino; But Governor's Job Approval Rating Falls Back to Lowest Point Since Taking Office
In the first public poll since the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, the governor holds a 25-point margin in the race among likely voters, with 54% of poll respondents supporting Mr. Cuomo. The Republican, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, pulls 29% and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins gets 9%.
Diane Ravitch's Blog: New York: Shame on the League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a debate between gubernatorial candidates in Néw York. For some reason, only Governor Cuomo and Republican challenger Rob Astorino have been invited. The Green Party and other qualified parties were not invited. This is not right.
Binghamton University Pipe Dream: Progressives offer promising alternative to Cuomo; Green Party Platform tackles corruption and economic instability
Hawkins’ campaign includes a drive toward economic democracy and a Green New Deal. He wants to launch a massive infrastructure project to revitalize New York’s infrastructure by becoming completely fossil fuel-free by 2030. He wants to fund these projects by restoring the progressive tax structure that New York had in the 1970s, which would give 95 percent of New Yorkers a tax break and allow local governments to reduce local property taxes. Perhaps most ambitiously, he wants to start a New York state bank. This idea is modeled after North Dakota’s state bank, which is partially responsible for having the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
Focus on Albany: An update from Howie Hawkins
Green Party candidate for Governor of NY Howie Hawkins shares his thoughts on the NYS primary and the cliamte change march in NYC.
Utica Observer Dispatch: Astorino hopeful he can unseat Cuomo
Ursula Rozum, campaign manager for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, said Astorino and Cuomo’s economic policy are very similar and that Hawkins is the “only candidate for governor that is 100 percent opposed to hydro-fracking.”
“Howie might be the underdog at the moment, but as soon as people hear and see his platform they want to get behind his campaign,” Rozum said.
NY State of Politics: A Green Year?
Hawkins is a proven vote getter: In 2010, he received more than 50,000 votes on the Green Party, thus securing ballot status for the party this time around. Without having to spend time petitioning for the ballot, the Hawkins campaign has been putting its efforts into field work and fundraising. As Hawkins has gained strength in the polls, Astorino has shifted from being opposed to the Green Party candidate’s participation in a debate to being open to the idea.
OccuWorld: Howie Hawkins on 100% Clean Energy in 15 years, Safe Act
Howie Hawkins, Green Party of NY Gubernatorial Candidates talks to Reason on being called “the only adult in the room” on 100% Renewables, Safe Act during People’s Climate March NYC.
Building Bridges, WBAI: Highlights From Sunday's Peoples Climate March
Howie Hawkins interview runs from 31:30 to 39:30 in the program.
Hot Indie News: Howie Hawkins, Hot Indie News Interview @ Flood Wall Street Citizen Action, NYC - 22 September 2014
7 minute interview.
Hot Indie Media: Howie Hawkins, AFP Interview @ Flood Wall Street Citizen Action, New York, NY - 22 September 2014
1.5 minute interview.
September 22, 2014
OccuWorld: Brian Jones Howie Hawkins Rally the Green Party at People’s Climate March NYC
Brian Jones Howie Hawkins Rally the Green Party of NY at People’s Climate March NYC. Fighting for Climate Justice, fighting King CONG (Coal, Oil, Nukes and, Gas).
Time Warner Cable News: Cuomo Still Faces Questions About Endorsement of Republican State Senator
But when seeking the Working Families Party endorsement in May, Cuomo delivered a videotaped message to the delegates promising to campaign for a Democratic majority in the state Senate.
"He said the next day the important thing is that I got the ballot line. And he seemed to walk back what he agreed to. That video he did looked like a hostage video. And he is not happy. So, I don't think they can take those promises to the bank," said Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins.
NY Daily News: Zephyr Teachout says she doesn't expect to endorse in governor's race, but will decide late October
After giving Cuomo a scare in the fight for the minor union backed Working Families Party nomination in May, Teachout won nearly 35% of the vote in the Sept. 9 Demorcratic primary. The only liberal candidate still on the ballot is Howie Hawkins, who is running on the minori Green Party line.
Uncovered Politics: Green Party's Howie Hawkins Polling at 24% in Syracuse
A new poll out today from Siena College shows the Green Party’s New York gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins running strong on his home turf. The survey of 598 likely voters in the Empire State’s 24th congressional district shows Governor Andrew Cuomo leading Republican challenger Rob Astorino by 44% to 32%, with Hawkins drawing the support of 15% of voters.
In the city of Syracuse, where Hawkins has made numerous bids for local office over the years, the Green candidate collects an impressive 24% of the vote. Hawkins received more than 5% of the vote in Onondaga County during his 2010 run for governor, his best showing in that race.
Hawkins fell just short of winning a seat on the Syracuse city council in 2011, losing by fewer than 100 votes.
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Hawkins polling well in Syracuse, hampers Cuomo's lead over Astorino
Siena pollster Don Levy says Hawkins is carving into Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's support in the Syracuse area's congressional district. But Hawkins' support isn't helping Republican candidate Rob Astorino, who Levy says is getting consistent support across the state.
"He continues to poll about 32 percent in this district," Levy said. "Statewide, his overall number right now in terms of the polling, is not a great deal higher than that. So really what seems to have happened here is that Mr. Hawkins has taken votes away from the governor, but they haven't moved over to Mr. Astorino."
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Poll shows Democrat Dan Maffei has 8-point lead over Republican John Katko
Sienna Research Institute Director Don Levy says geographically, there are no surprises in this poll.
Levy says voter turnout in the city of Syracuse is key for Maffei, but a lopsided lead for Andrew Cuomo in the big race on the ballot, for governor, could keep Democratic voters home. However, Levy says there is one wildcard on that front: the Green Party gubernatorial candidacy of Syracuse’s Howie Hawkins.
“Howie Hawkins is pulling 24 percent in Syracuse. So there’s clearly a possibility that as opposed to maybe an Obama enthusiasm in the past, a Hawkins enthusiasm, most especially in Sryacuse may bring out a certain degree of vote that could in fact benefit Dan Maffei,” said Levy.
Legislative Gazette: Green party candidate wants a seat at upcoming gubernatorial debates
"It would be a major disservice to the progressive majority in New York to exclude the only progressive choice on the ballot," Hawkins said. "By any reasonable debate standard-support demonstrated by poll numbers, a serious statewide campaign, being the only progressive option on the ballot — I should be included in the debates."
Albany Times Union: ICYMI: Hawkins talks of debate inclusion on ‘NYN’
Karen DeWitt of New York State Public Radio talks to Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins on this week’s episode of “New York Now,” the award-winning co-production of WMHT and the Times Union. Hawkins discusses his platform and his desire to be included in any debates involving major-party candidates Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Rob Astorino.
WABC-TV, Channel 7, New York City: Protesters march to Wall Street for sit-in over climate change
Their targets were Wall Street and big polluters. "Fossil fuels is burning up the planet. So that's why we're here," said the Green Party's Howie Hawkins.
New York Observer: Climate March: Hundreds of Thousands March as de Blasio Reveals Greenhouse Gas Plan
Also participating were the Green Party and its gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, delegations from several colleges, environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and Natural Resources Defense Council, indigenous dancers in traditional garb and headgear, a number of out-of-state liberal organizations, activists from several foreign nations and a large complement of radical socialist and communist parties–all marching to the usual protest accompaniment of acoustic guitars, drums, horns and whistles.
Socialist Worker: The climate justice call echoes across the globe
Marching behind Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein's Global Climate Convergence contingent and in front of the ecosocialists of System Change Not Climate Change, the New York state Green Party drew in supporters from across the state for a contingent of nearly 150. Marching among them were Green candidates for governor and lieutenant governor of New York Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones. Their campaign is connecting to the desire for an electoral alternative to the status quo--in order to fight around ecological questions, among many other issues.
September 21, 2014
Siena Research Institute: In Tight Swing District Maffei Leads Katko By 8 Points
Andrew Cuomo leads Rob Astorino 44-32 percent, with Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins garnering 15 percent district-wide and 24 percent of the vote in Syracuse.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Cuomo leads Astorino by 12 points in Syracuse, Central New York
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate from Syracuse, would get 15 percent of the vote in the district, the poll found.
Glens Falls Post-Star: Editorial: Green Party, Howie Hawkins deserve a chance to be heard
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor of New York, is a soft-spoken middle-aged man with a lifetime of political experience.
He showed up at The Post-Star office earlier this week without a single handler, running on five hours of sleep but still able to reel off detailed positions on issues including global warming, the gap elimination adjustment, corporate welfare and Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.
....He is a legitimate, thoughtful candidate who should be included in any gubernatorial debates.
Newsday: Green Party's Howie Hawkins runs to Cuomo's left
Running to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's left in the Nov. 4 election, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins wants to pull in voters who backed Zephyr Teachout in the Democratic primary. So here was Hawkins, 61, of Syracuse, in front of a big Pathmark in East Harlem on Friday, doing his best to drum up interest, one pedestrian at a time….
Consistent with his party’s platform, Hawkins opposes fracking, favors heavier taxes on the rich, criticizes high-stakes public school testing and calls for a return to state revenue-sharing to relieve property taxes. He says: “The Common Core rollout and its link to high-stakes testing got everybody up in arms in the inner city, the suburbs, and rural areas. I think there’s more energy around that issue than even the fracking issue — even upstate.”
Poughkeepsie Journal: Primary results a referendum on tracking
With Cuomo still on the fence about fracking and his Republican challenger Rob Astorino firmly in favor of fracking, the anti-fracking position come November will be left to Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor.
Watertown Daily Times: Hawkins: stop fracking, promote clean energy, adjust the state tax rates
He said the state should keep revenue from the stock transfer tax, which the state has rebated 100 percent since the early 1980s.
“It’s maybe the only tax in the world that they collect and give right back,” he said.
He said state education funding should be more equitable for rural and inner-city schools.
Watertown Daily Times: Undaunted, republican Astorino sees path to finish line in governor's race
A WWNY-TV7 News/Siena College poll showed Mr. Cuomo leading Mr. Astorino 44-35 percent, with 12 percent of the vote going to Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor.
Watertown Daily Times: It ain't easy being Green
Mr. Hawkins is talking about housing, education, fair trade and the environment.
He has some populist but potentially popular proposals for an adjustment to the state’s income tax (the very wealthy would pay more, but 95 percent of the state’s residents would see a tax decrease).
His most “green” proposal is a plan to reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels, which isn’t such a radical idea.
Gotham Gazette: The Week Ahead in New York Politics
Green Party gubernatorial candidate "Howie Hawkins closes out his four day Climate Change campaign tour in New York City with an appearance at Zuccotti Park...in support of #FloodWallStreet. Hawkins will also discuss his plan for 100% clean energy by 2030 and the stock transfer tax," according to a release from Hawkins' campaign.
September 20, 2014
AP: Green gov candidate: I'm the only progressive running
The Green Party's Howie Hawkins bills himself as the last progressive standing in the New York governor's race.
Hawkins is running to the left of heavy-favorite Gov. Andrew Cuomo at a time when liberal Democrats are signaling dissatisfaction with the governor. While a surprisingly strong primary challenge from college professorZephyr Teachout fell short this month, voters stirred up this summer are still out there and Hawkins is working to get them.
"He knows he's vulnerable on his left, I mean seriously vulnerable," Hawkins said of Cuomo at an event in Albany this past week.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Hawkins on Green Party ticket for governor
Hawkins, a former Marine and UPS worker, has been a longtime political activist since the 60's and was once a member of the Socialist Party. He sees himself as a working man and its that type of person he thinks is needed in government. Although, he said the working person is "alienated and disgusted" with the political parties they're offered.
"Their attitude is, 'They're bought and paid for, Democrat and Republican,'" Hawkins said. "'It don't matter what I do. They're going to do what they're going to do and they're going to line their own pockets. They don't know my life, they don't know who I am, they've never been to my community.' ... That's why we need a Green Party."
Hawkins criticized Cuomo on the roll out Common Core, the SAFE Act, and questioned the governor's position on fracking.
"He's dropping like a rock," Hawkins said of the governor. "He's made people angry about what he's done to the public employees, both contracts, firings, and under staffing public services. He's made people angry especially about the schools. The roll out of Common Core with high stakes testing attached to it. I don't care whether you go to underfunded inner-cities or the well funded suburban schools. Parents and teachers are up in arms." Hawkins supports delinking Common Core from high stakes testing.
Uncovered Politics: A Lucky Corner: Credico Campaigns with Hawkins in Harlem
Like many New Yorkers, Credico believes it’s time for a change. It’s time to shake up the corrupt, two-party establishment in Albany.
Hawkins thinks so, too, which is precisely why he took his no-frills, no-nonsense, issues-oriented campaign to badly-neglected Harlem yesterday.
“It’s a good place to meet voters, it’s not like upstate rural New York,” said Hawkins, who hails from Syracuse. He said the voters in Harlem were being taken for granted by the Democrats and were virtually ignored by the Republicans.
September 19, 2014
City & State: Winners and Losers 9/19/14
Howie Hawkins - Andrew Cuomo tarred Rob Astorino this week for being a—gasp!—Miami Dolphins fan. Astorino retorted with the charge that Cuomo kills unicorns, which, apparently, is some sort of satire. That’s right, post-primary the gubernatorial race has degenerated into silly season. Fortunately, while the governor and his GOP challenger go at it like they’re vying to become president of a frat, there is at least one candidate in the race conducting himself like a grown-up. Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, has hammered away at the issues—imagine that—and his surprising poll numbers seem to reflect that people appreciate him elevating the discourse—or just really don’t want to vote for the other guys.
New York Now: Green Party Nominee for Governor Howie Hawkins
Howie Hawkins, Green Party nominee for governor, explains why he thinks he, not Governor Cuomo, is the best progressive option for New Yorkers. The first time he ran for office in 2010, he garnered 1.3% of the vote. The latest Siena College poll showed him at 12%, a number he thinks qualifies him for debates. Also, we discuss the week's headlines at an extended Reporters Roundtable.
Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Cuomo foes pounce on fracking indecision
With no major-party candidate backing a fracking ban, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is hoping to pick up some support. Teachout had called for an outright fracking ban, and Hawkins is hoping his message appeals to those who backed the upstart Democrat.
In a letter to supporters this week, Hawkins said his support for a ban is nothing new.
"I called for a ban on fracking for natural gas as the Green gubernatorial candidate in 2010 at a time when most environmentalists urged a moratorium so that the health and environmental impacts of fracking could be studied," Hawkins wrote.
New York Observer: Hawkins and Credico Try to Woo Harlemites
“The rich people, like you said, they don’t care about anybody,” said Angel Rodriguez, who said he would cast his ballot for Mr. Hawkins. “We got to vote for working people, because the rich people only come to the poor neighborhood when it’s election time. The people here are poor, they have no jobs!”
Albany Times Union: Howie Hawkins wants a debate microphone
Don’t miss this week’s episode of “New York Now,” the award-winning co-production of WMHT and the Times Union. This week’s highlights: Karen DeWitt of New York State Public Radio talks to Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins about his platform and his desire to be included in any debates involving major-party candidates Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Rob Astorino.
Capital New York: Astorino denounces Cuomo ad, engages on abortion
Astorino has said he and Cuomo should have one-on-one debates, while Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins has lobbied to be included.
Astorino said he was open to including Hawkins in a debate.
“I’m not adamantly opposed,” he said. “I do believe that the governor and I need to have a one-on-one. But there are five opportunities already where we’ve gotten invitations, and I don’t see why Howie couldn’t be invited to at least one of them.”
September 18, 2014
Capital Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Interview with Howie Hawkins
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins was here earlier this week picking up the endorsements of both Ralph Nader and Randy Credico. We spoke with him about a whole spectrum of issues from energy development to upstate cities.
WAMC, Albany, The Capital Connection: Interview with Howie Hawkins
WAMC's Alan Chartock speaks with Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate running for Governor of New York.
New York Now: Interview with Howie Hawkins
While most polls call it a two dog race for governor between Andrew Cuomo and Rob Astorino, Green Party Nominee Howie Hawkins wants to remind people there is another option.
Hawkins is our guest in-studio this week where he explains why he thinks he, not Governor Cuomo, is the best progressive option for New Yorkers.
Albany Times Union: Editorial: Send back the clowns
The real voice of reason in this race comes instead from left field, from Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who has waged a consistently serious race and who on Wednesday issued a call for his fellow candidates to stop arguing about sports teams and debate issues like jobs, health care and climate change.
He’s right. This needs to be an election about the issues that really matter to New Yorkers, about which candidate has the ideas and a vision to best guide the state for the next four years. Not about who can out-snipe the other or manufacture a controversy.
Glens Falls Post-Star: Howie Hawkins makes his case, and the Greens'
“A strong Green vote will give the progressives leverage in the next Legislature. That’s what we hope to do with this election,” he said.
Hawkins, a UPS worker from Syracuse, is one of seven candidates on the Nov. 4 gubernatorial ballot, and the only officially recognized third party candidate that is not also on the Democratic or Republican line.
“I would argue we’re the third major party, or on the verge of being so,” he said.
Time Warner Cable News: Green Party Gubernatorial Candidate Questions Terry Pagula's Actions
While most politicians have been quick to praise the Pegulas and their bid to buy the Bills, the Green Party candidate for governor is raising questions about where Terry Pegula got the money.
Howie Hawkins says it's a scandal that Terry Pegula is buying the Bills with proceeds from hydrofracking.
September 17, 2014:
Glens Falls Post-Star: Hawkins: 'I'll take any votes I can get.'
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins said he doesn’t mind if people vote for him as a protest to major party candidates.
“I’ll take any votes I can get,” he said Wednesday, in a meeting with The Post-Star editorial board. “At first you’re a protest vote, and then you’re a viable competitor. You’ve sort of got to climb the ladder and be persistent,” he said.
NY State of Politics: Hawkins: ‘Scandal’ That Bills New Owner Is Fracking Rich
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins thinks there are “real issues” to debate about the NFL, but which candidate roots for what team is not one of them….
“While the rest of the country was debating the issues of domestic violence, child abuse and the NFL, Cuomo spent his campaign dollars photoshopping Astorino’s son out of a sport attack ad,” Hawkins noted. “Rather than debating which sports teams we follow, we should be debating jobs, health care and climate change.”
...According to Hawkins, the “real scandal” related to the Buffalo Bills is that the team’s new owner, Terry Pegula, made his money in fracking – the controversial natural gas drilling process to which the Green Party is vehemently opposed.
Auburn Citizen: Cosentino: The second round of debate game in governor's race
Now that the Democratic Primary is over, Campaign 2014 can now move on to its next mini-drama: how many gubernatorial debates will there be and who will be able to participate in them. Last week both Republican nominee Rob Astorino and the Green Party’s Howie Hawkins were quick to try to nail down debates with Governor Andrew Cuomo.
MSNBC: 'We need people to run against Hillary'
But despite her strong opposition to Cuomo’s “corporatist” agenda, Teachout didn’t rule out endorsing him. When asked whether she’d support Cuomo or Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins in the general election, Teachout hedged, saying her current focus is squarely on winning back the New York Senate for Democrats.
Teachout is not shutting the door on another chance to represent New Yorkers herself, though….“I am definitely going to run for office again.”
WICB, Ithaca College Radio: Interview with Howie Hawkins
September 16, 2014
Schenectady Daily Gazette: Editorial: For Astorino: Full debates, tax returns
The second stumble is his insistence that only he participate in debates with Cuomo — without the presence of other candidates like the Green Party's Howie Hawkins. One of the reasons why government is corrupt and ineffective is because it's controlled by the two major parties.
Denton Publications, North Country: Hawkins: "We're running to win"
Hawkins cited Zephyr Teachout’s lashing of Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary last week that saw the law professor rout the incumbent in 30 upstate counties, garnering 34 percent of the vote.
“It was a repudiation by the base of the Democratic Party against Cuomo’s policies,” he said. “I’m going to work to hard to earn the support of Teachout and Randy Credico voters.”
The lifelong activist currently works at a UPS transfer station in Syracuse. He said this experience on the frontlines allows him to tap into the sentiments of the working class.
“I talk to people all the time at my job and go door-to-door,” he said. “The majority are not voting because they’re totally disgusted. They think politicians are bought, so what are they going to do? It’s our intention to appeal to them.”
New York State Public Radio: Future of Fracking Will Influence November Election for Governor
The Green Party candidate, Howie Hawkins, is against hydro fracking in the state under any circumstances.
Capital New York: The W.F.P.'s Cuomo dilemma
W.F.P. leaders are now trying to entice Teachout's supporters to vote (for Cuomo) on their line. At the same time, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is pitching himself as the left's anti-Cuomo choice in the general election.
Capital Tonight: NY1/Cap NY/Siena Poll Shows Grimm Narrowly Leads Recchia
In the race for governor, Democratic incumbent Andrew Cuomo leads Republican Rob Astorino in the district 60 percent to 28 percent, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins receiving 3 percent of the vote.
Socialist Worker: "Causing trouble for Cuomo" by Julian Guerrero
Teachout has said she won't endorse a candidate until the end of October, just before the election--which will allow her to avoid criticism for lining up behind Cuomo, as she is expected to do.
That leaves Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones as the only significant progressive alternative to Cuomo and Rob Astorino, the Republican sacrificial lamb running against him. Anything the left can do to connect the anti-Cuomo sentiment from the primary to support for the Hawkins-Jones challenge will be a step forward for independent politics and the struggles to come in New York.
Utica Phoenix: Green Candidate Howie Hawkins Visits New Hartford
There was a rally supporting Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor, on September 7 at the Old Path Farm in New Hartford. Mr. Hawkins answered a wide variety of questions on several issues important in the Governor’s race to a crowd of about 100 people.
September 15, 2014
Capital Tonight with Liz Benjamin: Howie Hawkins and Ralph Nader interview
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins got some campaign assistance this past weekend from the party’s best known national name – former presidential candidate Ralph Nader. The pair joined us for an exclusive interview, where they talked about the Green Party’s future in New York and why they say debates matter so much.
WHCU Morning Newswatch, Ithaca: Hawkins makes his case to progressives
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins explains why he is the only true progressive in his race.
Fred Dicker Live from the State Capitol: Howie Hawkins Interview
Howie Hawkins interview is in the last 20 minutes of the program.
NY Post: Fred Dicker: Insiders say de Blasio could beat Cuomo
Cuomo is also known to fear that Teachout might refuse to endorse his candidacy, or that she’ll back Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, and siphon away Democratic votes.
Time Warner Cable News: 2014 Election Could Be Green Party Breakthrough
After years of being ignored by the media and the major parties, Green Party candidates believe 2014 may be the election cycle where their issues are heard.
Party candidates said concerns over income inequality and workers rights are at the forefront of the campaign, thanks to the economic recession.
Newsday: Green campaign seeks liberal vote to pressure Cuomo
“This is a progressive state and the progressive voice ought to be in debates,” Hawkins said. Hawkins is opposed to drilling for natural gas upstate and wants the state to commit to an energy plan with more renewable energy including solar, wind and tidal power.
The Chief-Leader: Letter: Can't Vote for Cuomo
Others who attacked Teachout said she is not qualified and claim Cuomo has been a competent Governor. Competent at what? Do we want someone who’s competent at helping only one percent of the population? We see how Bloomberg’s “competent management skills” left a mess that Mayor Blasio now has to clean up.
Since Democratic voters again nominated the Republican who calls himself a Democrat, I will again do what I did in 2010: vote for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. I want the guy who’s too “incompetent” to screw workers.
Yes, if enough people follow my lead, he can win. A person not having a lot of money does not mean you can’t vote for him.
New York Public Radio: Green Party candidate wants in on debates
The Green Party candidate for governor wants to be included in debates. Howie Hawkins says he is the only candidate left in the race to represent the state’s progressives.
Hawkins, a Syracuse area UPS worker and Teamsters union member, says “by any reasonable standard” he should be included in any debates for the governor’s race that feature major party candidates Democrat Andrew Cuomo and Republican Rob Astorino.
“There a lot of progressives in New York,” Hawkins said. “Their candidate should be in the debates.”
Legislative Gazette: Green Party candidate: 'Let me debate.'
"It would be a major disservice to the progressive majority in New York to exclude the only progressive choice on the ballot," Hawkins said. "By any reasonable debate standard — support demonstrated by poll numbers, a serious statewide campaign, being the only progressive option on the ballot — I should be included in the debates."
Gotham Gazette: The Week Ahead in New York Politics
Teachout, who returned to the classroom the night after the primary, has also said that she does not plan to endorse in the gubernatorial general election until the end of October. Expect Cuomo, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins to all continue to push for the support of those who backed Teachout in the Dem primary.
NY State of Politics: LIVE - September 15, 2014
Ralph Nader was in town Sunday to support Green Party Candidates. Meanwhile, Rob Astorino says Howie Hawkins deserves a spot in the debate if he's polling well.
NY State of Politics: Astorino Warms to Hawkins in Debate
With Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins piercing through double-digits in public polls, Republican candidate for governor Rob Astorino says he is open to including the third-party candidate.
“You’ve got one of two people who can win the race – Andrew Cuomo or me. We’re the major party candidates,” Astorino said in a Capital Tonight interview on Friday. “I think it’s potentially up for discussion at the time of the debates, if Howie Hawkins is doing very well then maybe it should be considered.”
Hawkins has polled statewide at 10 percent, and in two congressional districts — the NY-19 and the NY-21 — Hawkins receives 12 percent of the vote in a race including Astorino and Democratic incumbent Andrew Cuomo.
Capital Tonight: Friday Night and What's Ahead - 9/15/14
Astorino says Green Party Candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins should be invited to debates.
September 14, 2014
AP: Nader speaks at Howie Hawkins' event in Albany
Ralph Nader is stumping for the Green Party's New York gubernatorial candidate. The consumer activist and political gadfly says in an appearance in Albany on Sunday that New Yorkers have a "marvelous chance" to break new ground by voting for the Green Party.
AP: Ralph Nader in Albany: 'Break new ground' by voting for Howie Hawkins, Green Party in NY
The consumer activist and political gadfly spoke at a Unitarian church in Albany to praise Howie Hawkins, of Syracuse, and to help him raise money for his third-party bid. Nader also touted the Green Party candidacy of northern New York congressional candidate Matt Funiciello.
"You have a marvelous opportunity ... to break new ground and send a message all over the country," Nader told a crowd of more than 100 people.
Capital New York: Nader stumps for Hawkins
Calling for New Yorkers to reclaim their state from a "grotesque" two-party system that serves politicians and their "corporate paymasters," Ralph Nader endorsed Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins at a Sunday evening event in Albany.
In an hour-long address, Nader called on listeners to back both Hawkins and the Green Party's candidate for Congress in New York's 21st district, baker Matt Funiciello. Both candidates are currently polling just above 10 percent, according to two Siena polls released this week, and Nader said they're the best option for breaking the grip of the two-party system.
Time Warner Cable News: Ralph Nader Hosts Fundraiser for Howie Hawkins, Matt Funiciello
Ralph Nader, the former Green Party presidential Candidate, is making his way to the Capital Region Sunday.
Nader is hosting a fundraiser for the Party's gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins and congressional candidate Matt Funiciello.
Uncovered Politics: Cuomo Rival Endorses Green Party's Hawkins
Political satirist Randy Credico, who finished a distant third in last Tuesday’s Democratic gubernatorial primary in New York, has thrown his support to the Green Party’s Howie Hawkins in the general election.
Credico, who unofficially garnered 19,045 votes — or slightly less than four percent of the total — against Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s primary, said that he was endorsing the Green Party candidate because he and Hawkins share many of the same progressive values.
“We are on the same page politically,” said Credico, a longtime critic of state’s infamous Rockefeller drug laws who campaigned in the Democratic primary on a platform calling for a $15 per hour minimum wage, Medicare-for-All, free SUNY and CUNY tuition, legalization of marijuana, a state-owned bank, and lower subway fares and bridge and tunnel tolls — all of which are issues long championed by the Green Party nominee….
“If Zephyr Teachout isn’t a fake out, if she has any integrity at all and is truly progressive, then she will join me in endorsing Howie,” said Credico, who rarely minces words.
NY State of Politics: Ralph Nader Tours Capital Region for Green Party Candidates
Howie Hawkins, meanwhile, is playing a much bigger game, bringing Nader’s national influence into the race for Governor. According to the campaign, during two events in the capital region, Nader raised more than $6,000 for the gubernatorial candidate. While that’s pocket change compared to the Governor’s $35 million+ war chest, Hawkins says he’s grateful Nader is on his side leading into November.
“His whole career, people respect the fact that he stood up for the people against corporate abuse. I think that’s an issue, as he was saying, that cuts across left and right. People don’t want to be exploited, defrauded, misused or abused. So, it’s great to have his support.”
September 13, 2014
Albany Times Union: Fred LeBrun: Depth of voter dissatisfaction remains to be seen
The state's leading pundits had the primary as a "liberal revolt" by those who feel the governor has drifted too far to the right and needed to hear a message, but expect that these voters will come right back into the Cuomo fold in November when faced with a conservative alternative on the ballot like Astorino.
Well, the pundits got it wrong. Oh sure, there were plenty of burned liberals who voted for Teachout, and Teachout was an appealing candidate in her own right. Now Howie Hawkins of the Green Party should rightfully inherit those disillusioned progressives.
Ithaca Voice: Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for NY governor, speaks at IC
Zephyr Teachout, a left-wing primary challenger to Cuomo, lost to him last Tuesday. But Hawkins — similarly attacking Cuomo on his left flank — was undeterred.
“If you put the issues and my platform on paper, next to [Andrew] Cuomo’s and [Rob] Astorino’s and remove the names and party labels, my platform would win,” Hawkins said.
New York's governor may have won a comfortable margin in the Democratic primary, but his challenger's stronger-than-expected performance shows he faces difficulties with environmentalists, state workers and voters critical of his handling of corruption.
AP: NY primary exposes Cuomo's problems with the left
New York's governor may have won a comfortable margin in the Democratic primary, but his challenger's stronger-than-expected performance shows he faces difficulties with environmentalists, state workers and voters critical of his handling of corruption.
September 12, 2014
AP: Astorino, Hawkins call for debates in NY gov race
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's two main election rivals repeated their call for debates Friday — though they disagree on who should participate.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins says Friday that he should be included in debates along with Cuomo and the Republican candidate, Westchester County executive Rob Astorino. He pointed to recent Siena College polls in two congressional districts that show he's gaining ground.
"We shouldn't limit debates to the candidates of the wealthy and special interests," Hawkins said. "By any reasonable fair and objective criteria, I should be included in debates."
Astorino, the Westchester County executive, has proposed a series of debates against Cuomo, a Democrat, to be held around the state before the November election. He has said third party candidates shouldn't be permitted and on Friday called the race "a two-horse race."
Cuomo refused to debate his primary opponent, law professor Zephyr Teachout. He won Tuesday's primary 62 percent to 34 percent.
Teachout said Friday that Hawkins should be allowed to debate.
Capital Tonight: @CapitalTonight
Astorino: "I think that's a possibilty" when asked if he would debate @HowieHawkins
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Ralph Nader Interview
Consumer advocate and former Presidential candidate Ralph Nader on Howie Hawkins’ campaign for Governor. Nader will be in upstate New York this Sunday.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Nader in campaign for Hawkins, respect people who work their hearts out for you
"You've got to do your part," he told WCNY's Capitol Pressroom host Susan Arbetter."Voters vote one at a time. And you've got to respect the people who work their heart out for you like Howie Hawkins has."
Hawkins got another boost this week when a poll in a Congressional District near Albany showed 12 percent of voters would go for him in November.
Journal News, Hudson Vally: Gibson leader Eldridge by 24 points in 19th CD race
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, meanwhile, held only a 39 percent to 36 percent lead in the district over his Republican challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins was supported by 12 percent.
City and State: Credico Backs Hawkins for Governor, Prods Teachout to follow Suit
Activist and comedian Randy Credico, has thrown his support behind Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins. Credico, who with 99.6 percent of precincts reporting, received 19,045 votes statewide—or 3.6 percent of the vote—told City & State that he is endorsing Hawkins because, “[Gov. Andrew] Cuomo is conservative, Hawkins is progressive. We are on the same page politically. Voting for Howie is a great opportunity to move a progressive party past the stale WFP and the Democratic Party, which is a dead rabbit.”
Credico also prodded his erstwhile primary rival to back Hawkins, saying, “If Zephyr Teachout isn’t a fake out, if she has any integrity at all and is truly progressive, then she will join me in endorsing Howie.”
The Daily Freeman: Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for NY governor, to attend education rally Saturday in New Paltz
NEW PALTZ - Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, the Green Party candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively, are scheduled to attend a “Rally for Kids and Schools” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Hasbrouck Park on Mohonk Avenue.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Nader to campaign with N.Y. Greens this weekend
"Nader will help get us attention, and that will help our campaign strategy," Hawkins, a UPS worker and Teamster, told the Enterprise. "What I'm offering is more popular and supported by the people of New York than what Cuomo and Astorino are offering."
Glens Falls Post Star: Debates will boost Greens' candidacy, Nader says
Nader, Funiciello and Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins will speak at a rally at noon Sunday at Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls.
WNBG, Channel 12, Binghamton: Green Party candidate stops in Binghamton
"I want to be in the debates. I want every voter in the area to know I am the progressive alternative on the ballot in November," said Hawkins.
Hawkins is now trying to rally up support for a Green Party climate march, taking place in New York City on September 21.
WIVT, Channel 34, Binghamton: Green Party gubernatorial candidate visits Binghamton
Hawkins said Cuomo is scared to debate him. "After the primary he wants to debate, but he only wants debate his conservative Republican opponent Rob Astorino. He doesn't want me in the debate. That's because he knows I'm going to take a lot of votes from his left. But, I think by an objective standard I should be in those debates. 12 percent in the polls," said Hawkins.
WICV, Channel 40, Fox: Gubernatorial Candidate Talks About November Election
"I want to be in the debates. I am the progressive alternative. It is an obligation of the media I believe to let the people know that they have an alternative," said Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins.
September 11, 2014
Albany Times Union: Gibson, Stefanik leading in 2 polls
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins took 12 percent in both districts.
The Journal News, Hudson Valley: Gibson leaders Eldridge by 24 points
The Time Warner Cable News/Siena College poll of likely voters in the 19th Congressional District covering parts of the mid-Hudson Valley, the Catskills region and the Albany suburbs found Gibson leading Eldridge 57 percent to 33 percent. Only 10 percent were undecided….
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, meanwhile, held only a 39 percent to 36 percent lead in the district over his Republican challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins was supported by 12 percent.
AP: Rough Primary Gives Hope To NY Gov. Cuomo’s Foes
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins said disaffected Democrats should support him in the November election. Hawkins finished third in the 2010 race.
"We will work to win the vote of all the principled progressives who invested their hopes in the Teachout campaign," he said.
WXXI, NPR, Rochester: Howie Hawkins: Governor Afraid to Debate Him
With a third to 40 percent of the vote against him, Hawkins says that shows New Yorkers are dissastisfied with Cuomo's conservative economic policies, his tax cuts for the rich and funding cuts to schools.
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: Green Party gubernatorial candidate says primary results could help his campaign
A UPS worker from Syracuse, Hawkins believes the primary results highlight Cuomo’s weakness among progressive Democrats, saying it validates his reason to run this fall.
"Voters want an alternative to Andrew Cuomo, that they’ve rejected his policies, and I think it’s good news for my campaign,” Hawkins said.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Cuomo spent $60 per vote in election cycle; Teachout, $1.57
Now Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins wants to seize Teachout's momentum -- and her endorsement. Teachout's campaign told me Wednesday that she was reserving her thoughts on the fall elections.
Albany Times Union: Editorial: Mr. Cuomo's next hurdle
As he heads to the November election against Republican Rob Astorino and Green nominee Howie Hawkins, Mr. Cuomo needs to talk about good government again, passionately, thoughtfully and — after four years of failure on this count — convincingly.
Substance.com: Should the Victims of the War on Drugs Receive Reparations?
A drug war Truth and Reconciliation Commission along the lines of post-apartheid South Africa is a radical idea proposed by the Green Party. Substance.com asks their candidates for New York State's gubernatorial election to tell us more.
September 10, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Howie Hawkins: Teachout's strong showing against Cuomo good news for Green Party
Hawkins, of Syracuse, says his platform to shift the tax burden to wealthy New Yorkers, fight against hydrofracking and impose a higher minimum wage should appeal to most of the 180,000 voters who supported Teachout on Tuesday.
"I'm the anti-Cuomo vote," Hawkins said. "If that was a progressive vote, I'm the last one on the ballot."
Syracuse Post-Standard: Why Teachout did so well Upstate, and why it won't matter to Cuomo come November
To the Green Party, the spoils
In the end, it's Howie Hawkins that could be Tuesday's big winner. [Siena pollster Steven] Greenberg said he wouldn't be surprised if half of Teachout's votes go to Hawkins. If that happened, it would triple the support the Syracuse candidate got in the 2010 gubernatorial race.
Time Warner Cable News: Howie Hawkins Says Primary Shows Cuomo Vulnerability
Hawkins says he finds himself now reaching out to voters who supported insurgents Zephyr Teachout and Timothy Wu. He says he needs to dissuade them from the idea that stage two of their protest is to vote for the governor on the Working Families Party line to send a message.
"I think the message there is, take us for granted. A vote for Cuomo on the Working Families line is still a vote for Cuomo," said Hawkins.
He wants to enlist Teachout in the effort ahead.
"Yes, I'm going to ask her for her support. I'm really going to work hard to get the people who voted for her to vote for me. I think if it's an anti-Cuomo vote, I'm the anti-Cuomo vote. If that was a progressive vote, I'm the last progressive vote left on the ballot," said Hawkins.
Albany Times Union: Cuomo: 'I believe we will have debates'
“There’s two people now who can win: Me or Andrew Cuomo,” the Westchester County executive said. “That’s who the public should be listening to — a substantive debate on the issues and not a circus, which is what Cuomo wanted four years ago so he didn’t have to speak.”
The 2010 debate Astorino referenced included multiple fringe candidates.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins refuted Astorino’s comments later in the day. He said that he is closer to Astorino than Astorino is to Cuomo in the polls and that he should be included in debates.
Latin Post: Election 2014 Results
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, whose attorney general running mate is Ramon Jimenez, says disaffected Democrats should support him in the November election.
The Nation: How Zephyr Teachout Taught Democrats a Lesson in Democracy
Cuomo still has to get through the general election and stave off the inquiries into his behavior around the Moreland Commission. Republican Rob Astorino no doubt smells blood, and Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, on the Green Party ticket, will be looking to scoop up voters on the left who can’t bring themselves to vote for Cuomo even on the Working Families Party or the brand-new Women’s Equality Party ballot lines. (The Women’s Equality Party was pushed by Cuomo, among others, as both a consolation prize after the State Senate failed to pass the Women’s Equality Agenda and, presumably, as a way to bring disaffected women voters back into his fold. It is also seen as a swipe at the Working Families Party.)
Capital New York: Celebrating for two, Hochul claims underdog status
The clearest play for Teachout's dissenters might be to support Cuomo on the Working Families Party line. The labor-backed W.F.P. gave its line to Cuomo after he pledged to help Democrats re-take the State Senate. It flirted with endorsing Teachout, and she and some of her supporters believe the party—and its permanent ballot line—is a strong and lasting force for dragging New York's political discourse to the left.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins' campaign manager said “we've reached out to their campaign a little bit, but there's no indication either way.” If Teachout were to throw herself behind Hawkins, she would consolidate the left-flank, anti-Cuomo vote. This would likely doom Teachout's future in mainstream New York politics.
Capital New York: Asked about Cuomo support, Teachout talks Senate
Teachout said she and Cuomo had a “very short call” last night when she called him to concede the election, but the topic of support was not discussed. Teachout's campaign has criticized Cuomo's coziness with donors and his handling of corruption issues. The Green Party has already reached out to ask Teachout to support its candidate, Howie Hawkins.
“I'll be letting folks know about that in the next day or so. So, keep your ears open if you're interested,” Teachout said.
AP: Rough primary gives hope to Cuomo's foes
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins says disaffected Democrats should support him in the November election
WHCU Radio, Ithaca: Hawkins: "In a 3-way race, 40 percent can win"
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins says now that Tuesday night’s primary results are in, the green party ticket is the only progressive option on the ballot. The candidate for governor of New York made the comments Wednesday in a conference call with reporters.
Hornell Evening Tribune: Letter: Hawkins stands up for average New Yorkers, is he off his rocker?
This same Howie, a second shift UPS worker near Syracuse proposes a state funded WPA jobs program to employ unused labor to meet community needs in public works and services. Howie must have been struck up side the skull with a manhole cover. Doesn’t he realize that we need those monies to keep our bankers in high cotton.
Socialist Worker: Kick the frackers out
ANTI-FRACKING campaigners in New York have held the line against the national obsession for drilling for the past six years….
Now, fracking is an election issue in New York state--finally! After six years of aggressive campaigning against the introduction of natural gas fracking in the state, the campaign has gotten a new burst of support from contenders vying to replace Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, said this election is a referendum on fracking, when he visited fracktivists in the Southern Tier.
Buffalo ArtVoice: The First Amendment Club invites You and All Good Environmentalists to a Meet & Greet with Green Gubernatorial Candidate Howie Hawkins!
Hawkins is the only gubernatorial candidate that openly opposes fracking. Zephyr Teachout and Tim Wu exceeded all expectations in Tuesday’s primary. It ain’t over till it’s over. If Hawkins, Astorino and Cuomo each receive a third of the votes it’ll be a free-for-all in November. Vote Green – you’ll breathe better at night.
September 9, 2014
NY Daily News: Andrew Cuomo defeats Zephyr Teachout in primary for governor that exposes rift with liberal voters
But Baruch College political scientist Doug Muzzio said the results Tuesday hurt Cuomo in New York and nationally.
“There’s no way that this can’t be interpreted as a blow to Cuomo,” Muzzio said. “He had all the traditional advantages: a huge money lead, huge instutional support, the major power brokers.
“Her candidacy was really a catalyst for all the people Cuomo has angered the past four years,” he said. “You can’t argue with more than a third of the vote, no matter how small the turnout.”
The big question going forward, he said, is what will Teachout’s supporters do in the general election? Do they hold their nose and vote for Cuomo, back minor Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins or not vote at all?
Legislative Gazette: Nader to campaign for Green Party
Consumer advocate and former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader will be in the Capital District on September 14, promoting candidates on the Green's statewide ticket.
The Green Party lineup includes Howie Hawkins for governor, Matt Funicello for Congress in the 21st Congressional District, and Theresa Portelli for state comptroller. Issues to be addressed include minimum wage, stock transfer taxes, climate change and single payer health care.
Washington Post: New York's crazily complicated ballots -- and what they mean for Andrew Cuomo
The lefty Green Party might be more nationally familiar than some of these other parties, but it doesn't have much sway in New York. It only barely made the 50,000 vote cut-off in 2010 to automatically end up on this year's ballot.
One reason why the Green Party doesn't have much support? It doesn't play with fusion tickets in the same way as other minor parties in the state. While the Working Families, Conservative and Independence parties used to field their own candidates far more often a few decades ago, they've realized that pressuring existing (and potentially more powerful) candidates has been far more useful in ensuring their continued existence.
Howie Hawkins, a UPS worker who cleared 50,000 votes as the Green nominee in the 2010 governor's race, is trying again this year.
September 8, 2014
WBAI, Haskins in the Morning: Brian Jones Interview
Interview on Green gubernatorial ticket platform and education policy runs from 1:43 to 1:54 in the show.
Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: "Ban Fracking, Build Clean Energy" by Howie Hawkins
The race for governor is a referendum on fracking. I am the only candidate for governor now on the November ballot who wants to ban fracking and build 100 percent clean energy by 2030.
If Gov. Andrew Cuomo wanted to ban fracking, he would have done it by now. Instead, he sits on the fence, waiting for the election to be over. If he wins re-election by a big enough margin to turn to his presidential ambitions, he likely will approve fracking in order to conform to the national Democrats' pro-fracking consensus.
Republican Rob Astorino wants to frack New York. But he must know fracking harms our air, water and health, because as Westchester County executive, he signed a law to ban fracking waste from being treated in his own county.
WGY, Capital District: Hawkins Wants More Green in Your Pocket
On Friday, Sept. 5, Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor, was in Albany for the Labor Day Parade and said that as Governor he would unilaterally raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour.
“The raise will inject billions of dollars into the purchasing power of the state's working class. That would be far more effective in stimulating the state's economy than Governor Cuomo squandering public money on tax breaks for big business and the rich,” Hawkins said.
CounterPunch: "The Limitations of the Liberal Class: Zephyr Teachout's Sad Rearguard Campaign" by Peter LaVenia
An assault on neoliberalism will require moving beyond the illusion any candidate of the anguished professional liberal class has the desire or ability to lead such an attack. It would mean an immediate move to pass a raft of pro-worker legislation….Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, supports these very measures and is polling at 7% even before any debates – though the media’s focus on Teachout would have you believe otherwise. A significant vote for Hawkins might even make the Greens the third party on the New York State ballot, putting a party squarely opposed to corporate control and influence-peddling as the alternative to Democrats and Republicans.
Legislative Gazette: Greens unveil plan for fixing schools
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, outlined his education platform last week, defining education as a basic human right and calling for an end to segregation in the public school system.
Along with his running mate for lieutenant governor, Brian Jones, a former Harlem elementary school teacher and active union member, Hawkins supports expanding public education from full-day Pre-K through college and increasing state aid to local schools.
September 7, 2014
Time Warner Cable News: Green Party Gubernatorial Candidate Meets with Voters
NEW HARFORD, N.Y. -- Green party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins met with voters ahead of November's elections on Sunday. Hawkins spoke about a plan for the state called the 'Green New Deal.'
WKTV, NBC, Utica: Howie Hawkins pays visit to New Hartford
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins drew a crowd of about 100 to a New Hartford farm on Sunday.
Auburn Citizen: Upstate members of Congress back Cuomo-Hochul in final days before Democratic primary
There are minor party candidates running for governor, including Green Party challenger and Syracuse resident Howie Hawkins. Hawkins ran for governor in 2010 and received 59,906 votes, which secured an automatic spot on the ballot for the Green Party.
September 5, 2014
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: A 'Green New Deal' to rebuild New York" by Howie Hawkins
As a working teamster running for governor, I believe that state government ought to raise the living standards of working New Yorkers, especially in struggling upstate cities like Rochester and my home town of Syracuse. Since 1980, the share of all income in New York going to the richest 1 percent has increased from 10 percent to 35 percent. Meanwhile, as middle-income jobs have declined, the schools and public services we use have been cut while our taxes have gone up in order to pay for tax cuts for the rich.
"Insight," WCNY, PBS: Labor Now [including Howie Hawkins interview]
Labor now. This week’s Labor Day holiday may have commemorated Big Labor’s achievements. But unions are still pushing for reforms - some, right here in upstate New York. We’ll go to work on it… next on Insight. [Hawkins interview runs from 7:00 to 15:30 in the program.]
September 4, 2014
NY Daily News: No on Cuomo
Brooklyn: The editorial board of the New York Daily News endorses Cuomo? That seals it: This cuckoo is voting for Zephyr Teachout on Tuesday, and, if she loses, Howie Hawkins in November. Steven E. Blume
Albany Times Union: Candidates debate Cuomo -- without him
Earlier this week, Cuomo caught flak for saying that he has been part of debates that were a disservice to democracy. He has continued to refuse to heed calls from Teachout, Astorino and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins to debate.
Democracy Now!: New York Candidates Zephyr Teachout, Randy Credico, Tim Wu on Challenging Cuomo & Money in Politics
JUAN GONZÁLEZ: And, Randy, I would think that on many of these issues, you and Zephyr Teachout would agree, but you’re running against her, as well as against Cuomo. Could you talk about the differences that you see between you?
RANDY CREDICO: There’s a lot of differences, a lot of differences that we have. Like I said, she’s a mainstream Democrat. When this is over, if I lose on Tuesday, I’m supporting Howie Hawkins in the Green Party. She hasn’t ruled out supporting Andrew Cuomo, in spite of his corruption….
Diane Ravitch Blog: New York: Parent and Educator Groups Blast Cuomo
A large coalition of parent and educator groups in New York State developed a scorecard for voters in the Democratic primary on September 9 and the general elections in November. They concluded that Governor Andrew Cuomo was the candidate likeliest to support privatization of public education….New York State Allies for Public Education (NYSAPE), a coalition of more than fifty parent and educator advocacy groups throughout the state, released a scorecard http://www.scribd.com/doc/238348598/NYSAPE-Gubernatorial-Candidate-Scorecard-2014 comparing the key education positions of the candidates running for Governor.
Washington Post: New York's crazily complicated ballots, explained
The lefty Green Party might be more nationally familiar than some of these other parties...It doesn't play with fusion tickets in the same way as other minor parties in the state….Howie Hawkins, a UPS worker who cleared 50,000 votes as the Green nominee in the 2010 governor's race, is trying again this year.
Capital New York: 'Rent is Too Damn High' candidate faces ballot challenge
And while it's unclear if McMillan's base was united by anything other than smirks or agreement that rent is, after all, high, it's plausible his presence would draw from the same pool as anti-Cuomo votes on the left. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is poised to capture that portion of the electorate. Cuomo is running on the Working Families Party line.
Rome Sentinel: Candidates jockey for ballot position in a variety of primary races Tuesday
At the top of next week’s ballot, heavily favored Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo faces a challenge from Fordham University law professor Zephyr R. Teachout and comedian and drug law critic Randy A. Credico for the Democratic nomination. The winner will face Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins in the Nov. 4 general election.
The Democratic primary race for lieutenant governor is between former Buffalo Congresswoman Kathy Hochul and Tim Wu, a Columbia University professor. The winner will face Chemung County Sheriff Chris Moss and Green Party candidate Brian P. Jones in November.
North County Public Radio: Funiciello: "I am the genuine Candidate" in NY-21
Matt Funiciello: We need to have something like the WPA again. Ralph Nader had suggested a green jobs program. Howie Hawkins is running on that platform for governor, where we look at public transportation within the Park, we look at rebuilding the railroads. We look at and try to fund sustainable energy like photovoltaics. Why are we not exploring that? Public utilities—these are things that actually benefit human being who live right here in upstate New York we could be spending federal money on, and it would give us jobs that are sustainable.
September 3, 2014
Truthout: The Fight for Universal Pre-K: New York Charts a Checkered Path Toward Equal Early Education
Free all-day programs can also be a lifeline to parents struggling with sky-high child care costs, points out Brian Jones, a former New York City elementary school teacher, current Green Party candidate for lieutenant governor of New York State, and parent of a young child approaching preschool age. "You easily can pay more than your rent just in child care," Jones said. "What a lot of people have to do is choose between work and child care - then, when you lose those years working, it's harder to maintain professional contacts, the connections that we all know are so essential to not only getting a job, but advancing in your job."
...Even the difference in pay between pre-K and kindergarten teachers is significant. And Jones attributes that difference to the gendered nature of the work.
"People who do this kind of caring work are so notoriously not cared for in our society themselves. The very act of caring is so gendered, that type of work is so overwhelmingly female and then their supposed 'natural' inclination to do it is almost used against them when they want to ask for decent wages and benefits and working conditions," he said. "I think that's part of what's always at play when we see people who do caring work who are systematically mistreated, underpaid and underserved themselves."
September 2, 2014
ICEUFT Blog: ICE Recommends Teachout/Hawkins for Governor
If Teachout doesn't win the primary against the anti-teacher Andrew Cuomo, we will advocate for Howie Hawkins of the Green Party in the general election.
Glens Falls Post-Star: Nader visiting Glens Falls to back Green candidate
Green Party congressional candidate Matt Funiciello on Tuesday announced details of former presidential candidate Ralph Nader’s upcoming visit to Glens Falls.
Nader, Funiciello and Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins will speak at a rally at noon Sept. 14 at Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls.
AP: Voters could see 12 ballot lines for governor
Six parties have an automatic place on the ballot: the Democratic, Republican, Independence, Conservative, Working Families and Green parties. The Democratic, Independence and Working Families parties are supporting the re-election of Gov. Andrew Cuomo; the Republican and Conservative parties are backing Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Howie Hawkins, who finished third in 2010, is again running as a Green Party candidate.
Seeking to join them are the Women's Equality Party started by Cuomo's campaign, the Stop Common Core Party announced by Astorino and the Life and Justice Party, a group started by Michael Carey, its gubernatorial candidate, to oppose abortion rights and advocate for disabled people in state facilities….
New York state election law allows candidates to run on multiple party lines, letting candidates like Cuomo and Astorino get their names on the ballot more than once while appealing to specific voter segments.
September 1, 2014
Time Warner Cable News: Annual Labor Day Parade Marks End of NYS Fair
The question is, will rank and file union members be there for Cuomo on both primary and election days after the talk of disappointment?
"I'm not seeing them mobilize. They're not enthusiastic, because his budgets have been very conservative," said Howie Hawkins, a candidate for governor.
Hawkins and others claim Cuomo should be worried about the outcome on Sept. 9.
Schenectady Daily Gazette: Colonie Labor Day event with a purpose
Tables were also set up for gubernatorial candidates Howie Hawkins and Zephyr Teachout. Teachout and her running mate, Tim Wu, are facing a Democratic Primary against Andrew Cuomo and his lieutenant governor candidate, Kathy Hochul, on Sept 9.
Hawkins, the Green Party nominee for governor, stopped by in the afternoon after walking in the Labor Day parade at the New York State Fair in Syracuse.
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Interview with Howie Hawkins
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins has a long history with both the labor and social justice movements and continues to work as a teamster for UPS. Hawkins joined us this past June just after the labor-friendly Working Families Party endorsed Governor Cuomo. [10-minute interview begins half way through the recording.]
Gotham Gazette: The Week Ahead in New York Politics
At 8 p.m. on Thursday, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins will hold a conference call on climate change.
August 30, 2014
WNYT TV-13 (NBC, Albany): Green Party candidate running for Congress in the North Country
Matt Funiciello, owner of the Rock Hill Bakehouse Café, 19 Exchange St., is running against Republican Elise Stefanik and Democrat Aaron Woolf. "I'm running on the basis that, enough of us are aware that maybe if we vote for someone who doesn't take corporate money, that person will advocate for things that actually benefit us," Funiciello said.
Funiciello supports expanding Medicare to include everyone from birth to death: universal health care that would eliminate Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as "Obamacare." And Funiciello wants to raise the tax cap on Social Security so that income between $117,000 and $250,000 is no longer tax-exempt. He said that would keep the program solvent….
Former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader and current Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins will join Funiciello at a fundraiser here on September 14.
August 29, 2014
Counterspin, FAIR-Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting: Interview with Brian Jones on Teacher Tenure
Audio interview with Brian Jones runs from 9:00 to 18:30 minutes in the program.
Newsday: Ralph Nader to campaign for Green Party's Howie Hawkins
Nader will be in the Albany area Sept. 14 to support the liberal Green Party ticket of Hawkins for governor and Brian Jones, a teacher and actor who is running for lieutenant governor.
August 28, 2014
Against the Current: A Green New Deal for New York by Howie Hawkins
In January 2014, when we wrote the first draft of our election campaign plan for governor and lieutenant governor of New York, we set down what we thought were four ambitious goals. But as the campaign has unfolded, it appears we aimed too low. We have revised our goals upwards.
The Corning Leader: Ban fracking, drilling waste in New York
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, says Gov. Andrew Cuomo has "brought fracking to New York, even though he hasn't approved drilling." Under Cuomo's watch, pipelines, gas storage facilities and gas-fired power plants are being built in New York, Hawkins said, even though Cuomo has kept the state's de facto moratorium on horizontal hydraulic fracturing in place since he was elected in 2010. "He is setting up the infrastructure for fracking," Hawkins said during a press conference Thursday at the Southeast Steuben County Library in Corning.
Time Warner Cable News: Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins Stops in Chemung County
One candidate for New York's top post is making sure twin tiers residents know where he stands on hydrofracking. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins toured areas around the Chemung Landfill Thursday. Hawkins says he would ban fracking in New York and prevent the import and treatment of out-of-state drilling waste. The Chemung County Landfill has been at the center of debate as county lawmakers plan to expand the landfill, which could pave the way for more drill cuttings to enter from Pennsylvania.
Elmira Star Gazette: Hawkins rails against fracking in New York
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins visited the Elmira-Corning area Thursday to repeat his pledge to ban fracking if he's elected New York's next governor. The day after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout canceled her Elmira appearance, Hawkins met with residents living near the Chemung County Landfill who are concerned about the frack drilling wastes being taken there.
WENY-TV, ABC/CBS/CW2, Horseheads: Hawkins Tours Chemung Landfill
Lake Placid News: Gov. Cuomo cuts ribbon at Upper Jay firehouse
Meanwhile, Hawkins issued a press release during the governor's visit criticizing post-Irene recovery efforts that waived environmental regulations and let local crews resculpt streams unnaturally. Hawkins said Cuomo and state environmental officials should issue regular reports outlining the status of the recovery efforts for water resources.
"The appearance of Governor Cuomo in the Adirondacks today unfortunately reminds us of the unnecessary destruction that was done to untold streams following Hurricane Irene due to Governor Cuomo's unwise waiving of environmental protections in the recovery effort," Hawkins wrote. "The state needs to revive its emergency response plan to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in the future."
Journal News, Lower Hudson: Green Party candidate knocks Astorino for 'patronage games'
“You have Cuomo trying to intimidate witnesses in the Moreland Commission scandal, you got Astorino using tax funded jobs to reward his supporters," Hawkins said in a statement Wednesday. "Both claim they are the anti-corruption candidates. They really are just foxes wanting to guard the hen house. To clean up corruption, we need a clean sweep in Albany and bring in the Greens."
Syracuse Post-Standard: NY Minute: Ralph Nader coming to campaign for Howie Hawkins
Ralph Nader is coming to Albany on Sept. 14 to stump for Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, of Syracuse.
August 27, 2014
NY State of Politics: Nader to Campaign for Hawkins
Former presidential candidate and consumer advocate Ralph Nader will campaign next month in Albany with Green Party gubernatorial hopeful Howie Hawkins. Nader is due to speak at the Unitarian Church in Albany on Sept. 14 at 4:30, organizers announced.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Cuomo revisits new Upper Jay firehouse, Whiteface highway
Meanwhile, Hawkins issued a press release during the governor's visit criticizing post-Irene recovery efforts that waived environmental regulations and let local crews resculpt streams unnaturally. Hawkins said Cuomo and state environmental officials should issue regular reports outlining the status of the recovery efforts for water resources.
"The appearance of Governor Cuomo in the Adirondacks today unfortunately reminds us of the unnecessary destruction that was done to untold streams following Hurricane Irene due to Governor Cuomo's unwise waiving of environmental protections in the recovery effort," Hawkins wrote. "The state needs to revive its emergency response plan to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in the future."
August 26, 2014
WNYT TV-13 (NBC, Albany): Green Party candidate calls for oil train moratorium
The Green Party candidate for governor is calling for a moratorium on oil shipments by rail. Howie Hawkins wants New York to go 100 percent clean renewable energy by the year 2030.
Hawkins says he endorsed Tuesday's protest by the Green Party and others at the governor's mansion in Albany. The groups oppose transporting oil to the Port of Albany, with tanker cars passing within a few feet of housing projects in the South End.
Capital Tonight Morning Memo: Hawkins: Me Too
Astorino and Teachout plan their own debate -- a Sept. 4 radio event on WNYC -- without Cuomo. But there is at least one candidate feeling left out: Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins.
He achieved automatic ballot status this cycle when Hawkins gained more than 50,000 votes. This time around, his campaign hasn't let up on opportunities for fundraise and organize, especially off of slights like not being included in a debate. Hawkins's campaign this morning released a fundraising email in an effort to garner contributions from the debate diss.
Elmira Star-Gazette: Candidate for governor Hawkins in area this week
Glens Falls Post-Star: Nader to campaign for Green Party candidates in Glens Falls visit
Former presidential candidate Ralph Nader will visit Glens Falls on Sept. 14 to campaign with Green Party congressional candidate Matt Funiciello and Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, and to promote Nader’s new book.
August 25, 2014
Newsday: Finally, a governor's race debate - sort of
Zephyr Teachout, will debate with Republican nominee Rob Astorino on Sept. 4. The WNYC-FM debate will be held during the Brian Lehrer show….
The deal for the debate, however, drew fire from Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
“Cuomo is ducking everyone and Astorino is ducking me,” Hawkins said. “The big losers are the voters who don’t hear the candidates debate the issues. Instead they get subjected to Cuomo’s $40 million Madison Ave. onslaught of media ads. We need more than Pepsi vs. Coke commercials.”
NY State of Politics: Astorino: Cuomo 'Disrespecting Democratic Process'
And while he’s called for debates in upcoming general election contest, Astorino has said he wants a one-on-one debate with Cuomo — a slight that Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins says is unfair, especially considering he is nearing 10 percent in some public opinion polls.
The Journal News, Lower Hudson: Rob Astorino, Zephyr Teachout set to debate Sept. 4
But it won't be just Astorino and the Democratic candidate on the gubernatorial ballot this fall.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins will also appear, while five other non-major-party candidates filed petition signatures last week to create their own ballot lines. Hawkins is set to appear on the ballot because he gained more than 50,000 votes in the gubernatorial election last year; the independent candidates still could face a legal challenge that could knock them off the ballot.
WRGB CBS 6, Albany: Credico gears up for primary challenge against Cuomo
Credico says he will spend the next two and a half weeks meeting people throughout the state. He says if he loses in the primary he will throw his support behind Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
August 24, 2014
Rambin' with Roger blog: Governor Teachout? Governor Hawkins?
I suspect, if Teachout loses, a lot of disaffected Democrats, irritated by Cuomo’s Working Families Party endorsement, the Moreland Commission debacle, and a general irritation with the governor is a bully, will vote for Hawkins, especially if they feel it won’t cause Astorino to win.
August 23, 2014
WBAI, City Watch: Howie Hawkins Interview
10:00 am show in the August 23 archive. Interview runs between 10:19 and 10:45 am.
Shaleshock Media: Thumbs up for Howie Hawkins!
5 minute video interview: Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins is running against Cuomo in the general election. All the big Democrats are for fracking, as evidenced by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand. Come November, unless Cuomo doesn’t win the primary which he finds unlikely, Howie Hawkins will be the only candidate for governor who is for a ban on fracking and for 100% renewable energy in New York State by 2030, with all the jobs potential that can realize.
August 22, 2014
Aljazeera America: "No mo' Cuomo" by Ari Paul (Op-Ed)
Cuomo will face Teachout in the Sept. 9 primary, and if he wins, rank-and-file Teamster and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins and [Republican] Astorino in November.
WRVO, NPR, Central New York: State Fair hydrofracking protests draw activists and politicians
If Teachout and others fail in their bid to topple Cuomo in the September primary, then the job falls to Hawkins, of Syracuse, who also ran for governor four years ago.
"The reason I came in third in 2010 is I called for a ban when most of the movement was calling for a moratorium," Hawkins said. "Some were even saying that fracking and natural gas would be a lesser evil than coal. After the election, this group popped up with a ban for fracking. Groups that had a moratorium position now called for a ban. We moved the debate. And when we come to November, I’ll likely be the only ban-fracking candidate on the ballot, and I think it’s going to make a big difference.”
Hawkins also expects to get the anti-fracking vote in the general election.
“I think that along with the schools, this is the biggest issue in the campaign," Hawkins explained. "I mean look at this, this is the most energized movement along with the fight against high stakes testing and funding schools, across the state.”
Syracuse Post-Standard: 5 gov candidates, 2 sausage sandwiches & a rack of ribs
Cuomo ducked questions about whether he'd accept an invitation to debate Teachout, saying he'd let the campaigns decide.
Wait a minute, says Hawkins. If Astorino is willing to debate Teachout, then what about me?
Capital New York: Cuomo (and challengers) on display at State Fair
Teachout, Hawkins and Credico all stopped by an anti-fracking rally that drew 100 people to the fair's gate. Speakers chanted and banged on drums; Credico and Teachout worked the margins of the rally, while Hawkins mixed behind the speakers.
Teachout said it was “getting embarrassing” that Cuomo would not commit to debate her, while Credico attacked her for refusing to back Hawkins in the (likely) event that she loses her primary. Hawkins called for the state to stop investing in natural gas pipelines he said pave the way for fracking. The plan afterward, his campaign aide said, was to “probably get some lunch and pet some goats or something.”
Ithaca Journal: Green Party gubernatorial hopeful to visit Ithaca
Hawkins, 61, of Syracuse, supports banning hydraulic fracturing, stopping fossil fuel infrastructure construction, increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour, single-payer health care and ending corporate personhood.
August 21, 2014
Capital Tonight: Why PEF Didn't Support Challengers To Sampson, Libous
[PEF president Sue] Kent wouldn't say whether the union would wind up endorsing Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins should Cuomo win the Democratic primary next month.
"Right now, our whole focus is on the Democratic primary," she said. "There's a finite number of voters who are going to come out."
Labor Press: NYS Labor Groups Defy Governor DINO; Is Revolution Far Behind?
“This isn’t something you get as of right,” Steve Allinger, legislative director, New York State United Teachers, later said on the convention floor. “It reflects a consensus view that there just isn’t support for a candidate for governor.”
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party Candidate for New York State governor, acknowledged that his worker-championing party will probably have to start winning more elections at different levels of government before they can hope to garner major union support.
“They’re not going to stick their necks out until they see us as a significant factor,” Hawkins said. “But the rank and file also needs to push our unions to look at the Greens.”
In contrast to his 2010 gubernatorial run when he placed third in a field of seven, but couldn’t get in the door, the Teamster turned candidate says that many labor unions are now at least “listening and interested” in his Green Party campaign.
According to Allinger, the most important thing for the AFL-CIO is to “galvanize grassroots labor support for candidates we’re passionate about, and make a difference in the lives of our members.”
“Obviously, there are people with differing views,” Allinger said. “Some people do support the governor. Some don’t. Some support Howie Hawkins. You have to keep an open mind.”
Capital Tonight: Happening Today
At 12:30 p.m., organizations, farmers and residents gather to rally for a ban on hydrofracking statewide, Main Gate, The Great New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse. (Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins will attend, and will then hold a press conference at 1 p.m.)
Time Warner Cable News: Four Candidates Join Cuomo for Governor's Day at NYS Fair
The challengers said there are still some issues that could change things dramatically.
"I think Preet Bharara has the answer to that. If he comes through with some indictments, I think it's a whole new ball game. And those of us running against Cuomo have to bring that forward," said Howie Hawkins, a candidate for governor.
Time Warner Cable News: Protesters, Rain Great Cuomo at State Fair
Republican Rob Astorino and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins are also hoping to pick up some voter support at the fair.
Syracuse Post-Standard: In race for governor, Astorino says NYS Fair sausage sandwich has a 'kick to it'
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for New York governor in 2014, holds a ban fracking sign outside the New York State Fair on Aug. 21, 2014. Hawkins participated in an anti-fracking protest on the day that Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited the fair.
NY State of Politics: Extras
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and two of his three daughters got drenched at the State Fair.…and yes, he ate the sausage. (And he was not alone).
Albany Times Union: Hawkins to Astorino: How about our debate?
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins is calling out his Republican opponent Rob Astorino for an apparent inconsistency in his attitude toward participation in debates.
“If Rob Astorino is so committed to having Andrew Cuomo debate Zephyr Teachout in the primary, why is he so opposed to debating me in the general election?,” Hawkins asks in a statement. “After all, I am polling a little better than Teachout, and I am closer to Astorino in the polls than he is to Cuomo."
Albany Times Union: Many fingers point over debates
Also Thursday, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins chided Astorino for failing to agree to debates that include the third-party candidate — a format that would tend to dilute the potential anti-Cuomo impact of such an event.
"If Rob Astorino is so committed to having Andrew Cuomo debate Zephyr Teachout in the primary, why is he so opposed to debating me in the general election?," Hawkins asked in a statement.
Proud did not respond to a request for comment. Astorino has also offered to debate Teachout one-on-one before the Sept. 9 Democratic primary.
A three-way matchup in this week's Quinnipiac University poll showed Cuomo at 52 percent, with Astorino at 27 percent and Hawkins bringing up the rear at 7 percent.
Hawkins finished third in the 2010 election, and took part in a slightly chaotic Hofstra University debate that included all seven gubernatorial candidates on the ballot.
Queens Chronicle: Community Events
Queens Green Party campaign, support Howie Hawkins for Governor and Brian Jones for Lt. Governor of New York as an alternative to Democrats & Republicans. Thurs., Sept. 4, 7 p.m., All Saints Episcopal Church, 43-12 46 St., Sunnyside.
August 20, 2014
Quinnipiac Poll: Gov. Cuomo Is Part Of New York Corruption Problem, More Voters Tell Quinnipiac University Poll; But Issue Has No Impact As Gov Tops Challenger 2-1
If the election for Governor were being held today, and the candidates were Andrew Cuomo the Democrat, Rob Astorino the Republican, and Howie Hawkins the Green Party candidate, for whom would you vote?
Cuomo 52%, Astorino 27%, Hawkins 7%
Syracuse Post-Standard: NY voters' dim view of Cuomo's anti-corruption effort don't erode Cuomo's 2-1 lead over Astorino
89 percent haven't learned enough about Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins to form an opinion.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Cuomo to vist New York State Fair Thursday
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins will hold a news conference in front of the main entrance to the state fair at 1 p.m. Hawkins will attend an a rally earlier in the day at the state fair against hydraulic fracture drilling
Albany Times Union: Poll: Cuomo still leads, but Astorino's profile rises
Quinnipiac’s data shows Teachout with a lower unknown rating than recent polls from Marist and Siena have shown. Eighty-eight percent of voters say they don’t know enough about Teachout, and her favorable-unfavorable rating is 6-5.
For what it’s worth, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins has nearly identical numbers. His favorable-unfavorable is 6-5, while 89 percent of voters say they haven’t heard enough about him.
Washington Times: Voters say N.Y. Gov. Cuomo part of government corruption problem, not solution
Many voters still don’t know about Mr. Cuomo’s opponents. Fifty-one percent don’t know enough about Mr. Astorino to form an opinion, and about nine in 10 voters haven’t heard of either Zephyr Teachout — who is challenging Mr. Cuomo in the Democratic primary — or Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
Species and Class: Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins discusses animal treatment
The same domineering institutions, ideologies, and sensibilities that rationalize the domination of human by human also rationalize the domination of nature, including non-human animals. In order to harmonize society with nature, we must harmonize human with human. The fight against the mistreatment of animals, like the fights against racism, sexism, and exploitation, are part of the fight for a humane ecological society.
When we fight for the economic human rights to decent jobs, living wages, publicly-funded health care, a good education, affordable housing and public transit, and clean energy and a sustainable environment, we are fighting for a society in which the well-being of each is dependent on the well-being of all of its sentient creatures, human and non-human alike.
August 19, 2014
Time Warner Cable News: Astorino Unveils His Job Plan in the Southern Tier
Green party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins also disagrees with Astorino's stance on hydraulic fracturing saying there are better and safer ways to create jobs.
News Channel 34, Binghamton: Gubernatorial Candidate Astorino Visits Binghamton
August 18, 2014
AP: New York voters could see crowded ballot this fall
In 2010, Cuomo ran on three lines. This year, he's seeking to run on four: the Democratic Party, the Independence Party, the Working Families Party and the Women's Equality Party, a new line created by his campaign this year.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, the Westchester County executive, hopes to run on three lines: the Republican Party, the Conservative Party and a line he hopes to add called Stop Common Core.
Both campaigns say their efforts to add a new ballot line are meant to galvanize support around important issues — but Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins questioned whether they help voters.
"I think it confuses the picture," he said. "To put up single-issue ballot lines to get votes, it just dilutes the ballot."
August 16, 2014
Newsday: NY leaders' Israel trip called 'good politics'
In contrast, Cuomo's rivals have questioned whether the trip was a way to break away from a tough political stretch.
The governor has been facing heat for his administration's possible interference with an anti-corruption commission, often referred to as the Moreland Commission.
"As governor, he should be facing up to his interference with the Moreland Commission," said Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins. "This seems like just another bad attempt to change the topic."
Glens Falls Post Star: Hawkins to campaign with Funiciello
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins will campaign with congressional ticket mate Matt Funiciello next week.
Funiciello said Saturday that he and Hawkins are planning a rally and press conference in front of the General Electric Co. plant in Fort Edward, which the company is closing.
August 15, 2014
CNY Vision: Hawkins Faults Cuomo for Delaying Convening of Minimum Wage Board, despite post-Moreland News Release
Cuomo delayed announcing the formation of a minimum wage board for more than a year after being directed to do so by the state legislature. Hawkins said the July 24 announcement on the minimum wage board was part of the flurry of press releases he issued in a desperate attempt to divert attention after the NY Times ran an in-depth story on interference by the Cuomo administration in the Moreland Commission on Public Corruption.
The Nation: How Zephyr Teachout Became a Contender
Teachout is not a radical at heart. “I’m a down-the-line Democrat,” she said onstage, and has repeated it in interviews. Unlike Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones, the Green Party’s candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, or Kshama Sawant, who won election as a socialist to Seattle’s City Council, Teachout doesn’t boldly trumpet socialist policy. Yet it’s still amazing how radical a simple populist Democrat sounds.
Time Warner Cable News: Unions Make Endorsements--But Not for Cuomo
But also challenging Cuomo for liberal hearts and minds in the general election is Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate. He says that if Teachout loses the Democratic primary, those voters will back his candidacy.
"I expect most of them will come to our ticket. I think Cuomo, the people who are voting for him know who Cuomo is and they're against him," Hawkins said.
Hawkins ran in 2010, hitting the 50,000-vote threshold to achieve automatic ballot status for the Green Party this year. Hawkins says this time around, his candidacy is being taken seriously by the press and key labor officials.
"The media thought that we'd come in last. We came in third out of seven. And I think we're getting now a lot more respect from the unions," Hawkins said.
Hawkins also met with the state teachers union's leadership as well as the Public Employees Federation. While he didn't come away with endorsements, he says that's a switch from four years ago.
"The fact that the Green Party is included now with the unions is a change, we're getting the respect now that we didn't get in 2010," he said.
August 14, 2014
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Howie Hawkins and Zephyr Teachout Interview
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins and Democratic Party hopeful Zephyr Teachout join me in the studio.
Albany Times Union: Wage Action Urged
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, speaks during a news conference on Thursday at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. Hawkins accused Gov. Andrew Cuomo of failing to convene a minimum wage board.
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Heartened PEF Considering His Candidacy
Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins on Thursday said the fact he’s been meeting with the state’s major labor unions for a potential endorsement is a sign his candidacy has gained a new level of support.
Hawkins has met with the leadership of the statewide teachers union NYSUT as well as the Public Employees Federation about potential endorsements….
Hawkins was in Albany today to meet with PEF, a labor group that represents mostly white-collar workers, and to hold a joint interview with Zephyr Teachout, the Fordham law professor challenging Cuomo on the Democratic ballot line.
He also held a news conference knocking Cuomo’s tipped-workers minimum wage board as “cynical” after it was announced when the governor’s office was fending off new allegations surrounding the Moreland Commission controversy.
Should Teachout and comedian-activist Randy Credico lose next month, Hawkins expects their voters to cross over to his side.
“I expect most of them will come to our ticket,” he said. “I haven’t heard anyone say I’m going to vote for Teachout and then I’m going to vote for Cuomo.”
He added: “I would encourage Democrats to vote ABC — Anybody But Cuomo.”
NY State of Politics: Inside NYSUT's Endorsement Process
Pallotta said he believes the governor wanted NYSUT’s endorsement, but was a little vague on whether Cuomo had formally sought the union’s nod, saying: “We’ve spoken with the different candidates…we’ve spoken with the governor, and he understands our situation and needs, as did (Green Party candidate) Howie Hawkins, and (Cuomo’s Democratic challenger) Zephyr Teachout.”
As for Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, the Westchester County executive, Pallotta said his name was brought forward, but “not as much” as Hawkins and Teachout were mentioned.
Afro Universe: NY Teacher's Union Staying out of Governor's Race
New York’s powerful teachers’ union will sit out of this year’s governor’s race. The union says Thursday it won’t endorse Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, his liberal primary challenger Zephyr Teachout, Green Party hopeful Howie Hawkins or Republican Rob Astorino. The union has sparred with Cuomo over teacher evaluations, the Common Core standards and his support for charter schools. Teachout and Hawkins both hold positions more in line with the union, but they’re far behind Cuomo in name recognition and fundraising. Union executive vice president Andrew Pallotta says members fiercely debated the endorsement but decided in the end to stay out of the race. The union also sat out of the 2010 gubernatorial race.
NY State of Politics: Credico Arrested, Again
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins issued a statement calling for Credico’s “immediate release” and the dismissal of all charges against him.
“Americans have the constitutional right to videotape cops in public places,” Hawkins said. ”Such taping is critical to help reduce the problem of police violence against citizens, particularly people of color and those who politically dissent. Such as the recent videotaping of the police killing Eric Garner.”
Capital New York: Randy Credico charged with menacing politics officers
Howie Hawkins, a Green Party candidate, issued a statement on Thursday morning condemning Credico's arrest and calling for his release.
“Americans have the constitutional right to videotape cops in public places. Such taping is critical to help reduce the problem of police violence against citizens, particularly people of color and those who politically dissent,” Hawkins stated.
Independent Political Report: Howie Hawkins: Free Randy Credico, Arresting for Taping Cops Unlawful
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for Governor, called today for the immediate release of fellow candidate Randy Credico and the dismissal of all charges.
Credico was arrested and detained over night in New York City when he began to videotape two white men aggressively stopping a Black man. The men, who were apparently plain clothes transit cops, then arrested Credico.
WNYT TV-13 (NBC, Albany): Challengers react to Cuomo trip to Israel
Howie Hawkins doesn't have to worry about a primary. He's seeking the Governor's office as the Green Party candidate in November.
He also questions the Governor's trip to Israel, especially his turning down an offer to meet with Palestinians.
"And I found it morally offensive, given all the civilian deaths on the Palestinian side, that they go there and give unconditional support to what Israel did," Hawkins said. "I think neither side is above criticism and we should not give unilateral support to one side or the other."
AP: NY teacher union won't endorse in governor's race
The union, which didn't make an endorsement in the 2010 race either, has sparred with Cuomo over teacher evaluations, the Common Core standards and his support for charter schools….
Teachout and Green Party hopeful Howie Hawkins hold positions more in line with the union, but they're far behind Cuomo in name recognition and fundraising.
CBS New York: NY Teachers' Union Staying Out of Governor's Race
New York’s powerful teachers’ union will sit out of this year’s governor’s race. The union says Thursday it won’t endorse Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, his liberal primary challenger Zephyr Teachout, Green Party hopeful Howie Hawkins or Republican Rob Astorino.
The union has sparred with Cuomo over teacher evaluations, the Common Core standards and his support for charter schools.
Teachout and Hawkins both hold positions more in line with the union, but they’re far behind Cuomo in name recognition and fundraising.
Auburn Citizen: NYSUT, NY's powerful teachers union, doesn't endorse Cuomo or Astorino in race for governor
New York State United Teachers opted not to endorse Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican challenger Rob Astorino or any of the minor party contenders, including Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
August 13, 2014
Albany Times Union, Capitol Confidential: Teachout, Hawkins to woo PEF leaders
It sounds like gubernatorial candidates Zephyr Teachout, who is challenging Andrew Cuomo on the Democratic line and Howie Hawkins on the Green Party, will go before the executive board at the Public Employees Federation.
Here’s a notice that PEF members have been receiving from union President Susan Kent:
"Good Afternoon,
I met with gubernatorial candidates Andrew Cuomo, Rob Astorino, Zephyr Teachout and Howie Hawkins and invited each of them to address the meeting of the PEF Executive Board on Thursday, August 14th from 10:00 AM to noon. At this time, Zephyr Teachout and Howie Hawkins have accepted my invitation."
Capital New York: Teachout declines to weight in on Israel
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins criticized Cuomo for making the trip. But Teachout would only parry Dicker's questions by saying, in various ways, that she's focused on New York.
Socialist Worker: Israeli apartheid's Democratic champions
This year, there will be some independent candidates on the ballot who stand in support of Palestine. In New York, socialists Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones are running on the Green Party ticket for governor and lieutenant governor against Andrew Cuomo….
In a statement released in the midst of the worst bombing, the Hawkins-Jones campaign declared, "We denounce Israel's ongoing slaughter of the people of Gaza...As governor and lieutenant governor of New York State, we can--and will--support the efforts to Boycott, Sanction and Divest from Israeli firms. New York State must divest from its financial relationships with the State of Israel until it ceases the systematic and ongoing violation of Palestinian human rights."
August 12, 2014
WRPI Troy: Brian Jones on The People's Business
Brian Jones will be a guest on the People's Business on 91.5 FM in the Capital District this morning at 8 AM at www.wrpi.org on the internet. Brian attended the teachers' rally in Albany last night.
Newsday: Cuomo opponents give some criticism, some support for Israel trip
“I hope he has a good trip, and I look forward to engaging in a debate when he gets back,” said Zephyr Teachout, Cuomo’s opponent in the Democratic primary in September.
Cuomo so far won’t commit to any debates.
“The Democrats and Republicans have proved themselves incapable of being an honest broker for peace,” said Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. “They blindly stand with Israel no matter how outrageous its crimes against the Palestinian people.”
Hawkins criticized Cuomo for leaving Albany during a conflict that has eroded some of Cuomo’s popularity and cut into his still huge lead in the polls. Cuomo has been accused in press reports of interfering with the Moreland Commission on corruption as it sought to investigate his allies. Cuomo, however, said he considered the interaction necessary advice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is investigating.
“As governor, he should be facing up to his interference with the Moreland Commission,” Hawkins said. “This seems like just another bad attempt to change the topic.”
Newsday: Cuomo and legislative leaders say no state money spent on Israel trip
"Cuomo is not yet running for president,” said Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, referring to talk among Cuomo’s supporters that he could seek the presidency in 2016.
Then Hawkins criticized the Democrat for leaving Albany on a high-profile trip amid a conflict that has hurt Cuomo's poll numbers. Cuomo has been accused in news reports of interfering with the Moreland Commission on corruption, although he said he considered the interaction necessary advice. The U.S. attorney’s office is investigating.
“As governor, he should be facing up to his interference with the Moreland Commission and blocking the clean up of corruption at the state Capitol,” Hawkins said. “This seems like just another bad attempt to change the topic.”
Capital New York: Cuomo slated to meet Neanyahu, won't vist Gaza
Cuomo's Republican opponent in the November election, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, has called the trip a “good thing.” Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, though, criticized the junket.
"Cuomo is not yet running for president. As governor, he should be facing up to his interference with the Moreland Commission and blocking the clean up of corruption at the State Capitol. This seems like just another bad attempt to change the topic," Hawkins said. "The Green Party has always condemned attacks on civilians by any side. The reality is that Israel has turned Gaza into an open prison camp. The Democrats and Republicans have proved themselves incapable of being an honest broker for peace because they blindly stand with Israel no matter how outrageous its crimes against the Palestinian people. We need to elect Greens so that the US can join the rest of the world in supporting peace in the Middle East, starting with an end to the illegal occupation.”
WNYT TV-13 (NBC, Albany): Governor Cuomo Lead Delegation to Israel
Cuomo’s primary opponent, Zephyr Teachout, did not immediately comment on the trip to Israel. Republican Rob Astorino, speaking on Talk 1300 AM, said he has “no problem” with it.
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins differed sharply. “It’s morally offensive after the Israeli slaughter of more than one thousand civilian Palestinians,” he said in a statement.
NY State of Politics: Hawkins to Israel-Bound Cuomo: You're Not President (Yet)
Cuomo’s GOP opponent, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, declined to criticize the Israel visit in an interview with Fred Dicker on Talk-1300, saying that it’s important to show New York is united against terrorism.
Hawkins, who is polling at 6 percentage points according to this week’s Siena poll, obviously sees things a bit differently.
“The Green Party has always condemned attacks on civilians by any side. The reality is that Israel has turned Gaza into an open prison camp. The Democrats and Republicans have proved themselves incapable of being an honest broker for peace because they blindly stand with Israel no matter how outrageous its crimes against the Palestinian people. We need to elect Greens so that the US can join the rest of the world in supporting peace in the Middle East, starting with an end to the illegal occupation,” Hawkins said.
WAER, NPR, Syracuse: Can Education Issue and New Party Steer Voters Toward Trailing GOP Candidates in NY State Races?
A new Siena College poll does not have good new for the GOP, showing Astorino trailing Andrew Cuomo by more than 30 %, while Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins draws 6% support.
August 11, 2014
NY State of Politics: Here and Now
At 7:30 p.m., NYSUT holds a rally themed “public education, NOT private profits,” steps of the state Education Department, 89 Washington Ave., Albany. (Green Party LG candidate Brian Jones will attend).
NY State of Politics: Siena Poll: Cuomo Takes A Hit, But Moreland Not on Voters' Radar
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his office’s involvement in an anti-corruption panel, Gov. Andrew Cuomo continues to hold a wide, 32 percentage-point lead over his Republican challenger Rob Astorino, a Siena College poll released this morning found.
It’s a small dent in a nevertheless commanding lead for Cuomo, who also holds a broad lead in fundraising and name recognition versus Astorino.
The poll found Cuomo would defeat Astorino, the Westchester County executive, 58 percent to 26 percent. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins netted 6 percent.
Time Warner Cable News: Siena Poll: Moreland Controversy Not Hurting Cuomo's Favorability
A Siena College poll on Monday found the governor still leads his Republican opponent Rob Astorino by 32 percentage points. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins polled at 6 percent. The poll found 67 percent of voters hadn't even heard of the Moreland Commission or the controversy surrounding it.
Long Island Politics: State Green Party Candidates Call Education a Human Right
In Open Letter from Howie Hawkins for Governor and Brian Jones for Lt. Governor to New York Teachers – Green Party recently called Education a Human Right.
Legislative Gazette: Cuomo unscathed by Moreland Commission stories; But the governor's favorability is at an all-time low
Meanwhile, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, is enjoying a slight uptick in the polls.
Of the registered voters who participated in the poll, 54 percent said they plan to vote for Cuomo, 23 percent said they will vote for Astorino, 7 percent said they will vote for Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, 16 percent are undecided and 1 percent said they plan to vote for an "other" candidate.
Legislative Gazette: This is very dangerous territory for Cuomo (Op-Ed by Alan Chartock)
If all of that isn't enough, there is a Green Party candidate, Howie Hawkins, who will certainly split the progressive vote. So why is Andrew trying to get Teachout thrown off the Democratic ballot? Theoretically, all he has to do is to stay shut and win but Cuomo is clearly scared and here's why.
August 10, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Green Party candidate wants debate after uptick in new poll
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party nominee for governor, renewed his call for debates after he rose to 7 percent in the latest NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist College poll released Tuesday.
Both Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his Republican challenger Rob Astorino dropped in the recent poll, the first after the Moreland Commission revelations in the new York Times broke on July 23.
"Voters have a right to hear where the candidates stand on the issues. I am facing two conservatives in the major parties who are out of touch with the needs and concerns of most voters. The more the voters hear about where the Green Party stands, the better I continue to do," said Hawkins.
August 8, 2014
NY State of Politics: Here and Now
Also at 11 a.m., Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins holds a news conference “to contrast his positions on schools, desegregation, and affordable housing with that of Republican Rob Astorino and Democrat Andrew Cuomo,” entrance to the County Office Bldg., 148 Martine Ave., White Plains.
August 5, 2014
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Says Poll Showing Merits Debate Spot
Hawkins said the improving poll numbers show he’s eligible for appearing in a debate.
“Voters have a right to hear where the candidates stand on the issues. I am facing two conservatives in the major parties who are out of touch with the needs and concerns of most voters. The more the voters hear about where the Green Party stands, the better I continue to do,” said Hawkins in a statement.
Latin Post: Moreland Commission Corruption Crisis Could Go 'Beyond Watergate,' Say Green Party Candidates
New York Green Party candidates for governor and attorney general were on the steps of Tweed Courthouse on Monday and said the corruption at the heart of the Moreland Commission goes far beyond Watergate.
"We are very glad to see [U.S. Attorney] Preet Bharara doing an independent investigation of what the Moreland Commission started to investigate, and crimes that may have been committed subsequently," said Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for New York governor. "Many are saying this is like Watergate, that the cover up may be worse than the crime, but that's debatable because the crimes are very serious -- we are talking about pay-to-play, what is bribery. Now under our elections laws it may be legal bribery but bribery none the less."
Legislative Gazette: Green Party's Hawkins calls for gubernatorial debate after uptick in recent poll
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party nominee for governor, renewed his call for debates after he rose to 7 percent in the latest NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist College poll released Tuesday.
Albany Times Union: The impact of Moreland on the polls
The third-party candidates are still hanging on to small percentages of the vote, though there is a mountain to climb to get to Cuomo’s level.
Seven percent of voters statewide said they would vote for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. The number stays the same among voters who have heard about the Moreland controversy.
Epoch Times: Cuomo Still Dominant in Polls After Moreland Dustup
The results of the investigation have become a rallying point for Cuomo’s opponents after the New York Times published a lengthy front-page evisceration of the governor’s dealings with the Moreland Commission.
Teachout, who is to the left of Cuomo politically, held a joint press conference with Rob Astorino to attack Cuomo for corruption. Previously she had called on the governor to resign, if he knew about his top aide’s actions.
More stridently, the Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins said the corruption surrounding the Moreland Commission “goes far beyond Watergate.”
Legislative Gazette: Morelandgate not harming Cuomo's reelection chances, according to new Marist poll; But the governor's favorability rating reaches all-time low
Of the registered voters who participated in the poll, 54 percent said they would vote for Cuomo, 23 percent said they would vote for Astorino, 7 percent said they would vote for Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate, 16 percent are undecided and 1 percent said they would vote for an "other" candidate.
August 4, 2014
New York Observer: Green Party A.G. Candidate: Donovan Too Close to Cops to Handle Garner Case
Ramon Jimenez–a Green Party challenger to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman–today argued that Republican Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan is too intimately tied to law enforcement to prosecute the officers involved in the chokehold homicide of Eric Garner.
Epoch Times: Green Party Candidate to Still Run in Teachout Primary Upset
“We have our differences,” Hawkins said. “She’s for partial, I’m for full public campaign financing. I think we need co-ops, public enterprises, a state bank, not just helping small business startups.”
August 3, 2014
NBC New York: Cuomo Holds Wide Lead Despite Anti-Corruption Panel Controversy: NBCNY Poll
Cuomo, who is running for his second term in November, leads Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino 54 percent to 23 percent, a new NBC 4 New York/The Wall Street Journal/Marist College poll found. The Green Party candidate, Howie Hawkins, got 7 percent.
August 1, 2014
North Country Public Radio: Hawkins advocates full-time legislature and public finance of campaigns
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who is running for governor, says it's a good thing that federal prosecutors are investigating Governor Cuomo. Hawkins spoke yesterday on the public radio program Capitol Pressroom.
Buffalo News: Letter: Include all candidates in gubernatorial debates
Howie Hawkins of the Green Party should be included in all gubernatorial debates. Rob Astorino is currently challenging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to debates, but Hawkins has a much different perspective on the issues than either Cuomo or Astorino, who tend to agree on conservative economic issues.
July 31, 2015
Latin Post: Moreland Commission Fallout: Critics Say Governor Cuomo May Have Interfered with Corruption Probe
Bronx civil rights activist, Ramon Jimenez, and the Green Party candidate for Attorney General has criticized New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for what he says is an ongoing failure to prosecute corruption. The Green Party had called for the Moreland Commission to investigate a claim that special interests had donated tens of millions of dollars to Cuomo. They maintain Cuomo's office squashed the Commission's effort to subpoena the Real Estate Board of New York, whose members donate enormous sums. Those same interests, according to Project Vote Smart, have donated more than $230,000 to Schneiderman.
"Schneiderman stood silent when Cuomo disbanded the Commission, even though all the members of the commission were sworn in as deputy attorney generals. When Cuomo contradicted his original statement about the role of Commission, Schneiderman didn't say peep," said Jimenez. "Corruption permeates the State Capitol, but Mr. Schneiderman can't seem to find any to prosecute."
The Week: Don't vote for Andrew Cuomo
Cuomo's support on the left has always been fairly weak. With the governor on the back foot, now is the perfect time to make a real effort to defeat him. In the Democratic primary on Sept. 9, he is being challenged by Zephyr Teachout, who narrowly lost the Working Families Party nomination. And in the general election, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is worth supporting.
Capitol Pressroom: Howie Hawkins Interview
15 minute interview starts 30 minutes into the show.
Capital Tonight: Hawkins Weighs In On Moreland Commission Mess
If elected Governor of New York state, Green party candidate Howie Hawkins says his first act in office would be to revive the Moreland Commision. Hawkins says he is glad US Attorney Preet Bharara is looking into Cuomo’s anti-corruption commission. Hawkins joined us from Syracuse to talk more about this and taking money out of politics.
Focus on Albany: Howie Hawkins talks about the Moreland Commission
Green Party Candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins shares his thoughts on the Moreland Commission.
July 30, 2014
Talk 1300 Radio, Fred Dicker Live from the State Capitol - Howie Hawkins Interview
15 minute interview starts 15 minutes into the show.
Jewish Political News and Updates: Green Party Gubernatorial Candidate Condemns Israel’s ‘Gaza Slaughter,’ Supports BDS
“As Governor and Lt. Governor of NY State, we can — and will — support the efforts to Boycott, Sanction and Divest from Israeli firms,” the two long shots, but recognized figures, said. “New York State must divest from it’s financial relationships with the State of Israel until it ceases the systematic and ongoing violation of Palestinian human rights.”
July 29, 2014
WBIX, Utica - Kheeler in the Morning: Howie Hawkins Interview
Howie Hawkins is the Green Party Candidate for Governor. Hawkins addresses the Moreland Commission and Eric Schneiderman’s role in it as well. Although Governor Cuomo is a strong candidate, there are some holes including fracking, common core, etc.
WHCU, Ithaca - Hawkins speaks against corruption
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins offers a clear distinction between his leadership and Andrew Cuomo’s
Skaneatales Press: Howie Hawkins challenges Cuomo, Astorino in gubernatorial race
Though he’s seen varying levels of success, Hawkins feels compelled to keep running.
“[It’s because I have] this historical perspective on what we need and having been involved in movements that you think you’re getting nowhere and suddenly explodes,” he said. “I saw it in my life in the ‘70s with the anti-Vietnam War movement and really earlier with the Civil Rights Movement. In the ‘70s, it was the anti-nuclear movement, the ‘80s the anti-apartheid movement, the ‘90s the global justice or what they call anti-globalization, and then in the 2000s these massive anti-Iraq War demonstrations. So I’ve seen how little groups are agitating and people may like what you’re saying, but they’re not coming out with you, then suddenly everybody wants to be there with you. I think at some point we’re going to see that in the electorate. We’ll have an electoral insurgency where we’ll have an independent, progressive third party.”
July 28, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Cuomo's critics pile on following Times story
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins also released a statement Wednesday criticizing Cuomo for his alleged tampering in the commission's affairs.
"Mr. Cuomo's behavior, including deceiving the public as to the workings of the Commission, falls far short of the minimum ethical standards for the highest elected official in our state," Hawkins said.
"While we are encouraged that the U.S. Attorney has picked up investigations dropped by Cuomo's disbanding of the Commission, this story makes clear the urgent need for an independent criminal and ethical investigation of the activities of Mr. Cuomo, starting with the enormous amount of massive campaign contributions he has raised during his tenure," Hawkins added.
July 26, 2014
Truthout: How's He Doin'? Bill de Blasio After Six Months by Danny Katch
It is premature, however, to declare that de Blasio and the Working Families Party have succeeded in shifting the state Democratic Party to the left. As Jarret Murphy in The Nation noted, "The governor walked away with what he wanted. The [Working Families] party got an IOU." In an ominous sign of the strength of that IOU, Cuomo started walking back some of his promises within days of the agreement. Cuomo - and now the Working Families Party - will continue to face electoral opposition from his left, first from Zephyr Teachout in the Democratic primary, then from the Green Party's Howie Hawkins in the general election.
Access Hollywood Live: Cuomo Corruption Report
Cuomo's Democratic rival, Zephyr Teachout, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins both say the [NY Times] report could change the tenor of the upcoming election.
July 25, 2014
CBS/AP: Gov. Andrew Cuomo under fire for meddling in corruption investigation
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins called for an immediate independent investigation of Cuomo and his campaign war chest with more than $35 million, calling him the kingpin of New York's "pay-to-play political culture driven by large checks."
NY Daily News: Letter - Let him be heard
Manhattan: Howie Hawkins of the Green Party should be included in any gubernatorial debates. He calls for a $15 minimum wage, universal single-payer health care, a ban on hydrofracking and a Green New Deal to create 100% renewable energy for New York by 2030. While Cuomo has millions of dollars from his Wall Street backers to flood the airwaves with ads to make him look good and his opponents look bad, voters need real information — an opportunity to hear each candidate challenged on their campaign slogans and forced to answer the difficult questions they would prefer to avoid. Give democracy a chance, and include all candidates in the debates — including Hawkins. Mindy Rosier
Syracuse Post-Standard: Anger and cheers for Syracuse mayor who would welcome migrant children awaiting deportation
Long-time community activist Howie Hawkins, who is running as the Green Party candidate for governor, said after the meeting that he thought opening a federal shelter might help the North Side by creating a few jobs and some economic activity at a vacant campus.
But he said the issue is tinged with fear, noting that several audience members raised concerns that teens crossing the border might be part of the violent international Mara Salvatrucha gang, or MS-13.
"There are some people on the North Side who are really scared,'' Hawkins said. "And I think they have misinformation, like they think all these MS-13 kids are going to take over the neighborhood. These kids aren't going to be running around the neighborhood. They're basically going to be on lockdown.''
July 24, 2014
WRVO: Green Party gubernatorial candidate wants to debate Cuomo, Astorino
“The biggest contributors to Gov. Cuomo are those who are getting contracts and tax breaks for developments in Syracuse," Hawkins said. "Schwartz interfered with the Moreland Commission and then Cuomo shut it down. We have tax cuts for the rich which isn’t, I don’t think, about economics. It’s about corruption."
The Journal News: #lohudreacts: Common Core
The protests against Common Core come from conservative circles as well as liberal-leaning bastions of union support. In fact, Fordham law professor Zephyr Teachout, who is challenging Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a Democratic primary, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, blast Common Core.
July 23, 2014
AP: Criminal probe of Cuomo administration urged
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins called for an immediate independent investigation of Cuomo and his campaign war chest with more than $35 million, calling him the kingpin of New York's "pay-to-play political culture driven by large checks."
Albany Times Union: Reaction to NYT's Moreland bombshell rolls in
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins called for an investigation into “the activities of Mr. Cuomo starting with the enormous amount of massive campaign contributions he has raised during his tenure. This investigation needs to examine the funds that Governor has raised — and spent — for various party and independent committees that he has controlled, as well as the potential misuse of public funds to promote his candidacy.”
Time Warner Cable News: Gov. Cuomo's Adversaries and Ethical Watchdog Groups Pounce on Moreland Report
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who registered six percent in that poll, says it could turn the election's focus to ethics.
"This just corroborates what we already had an inkling was going on. I came out here saying we need a debate on jobs, but after reading that we need a debate on ethics and campaign finance reform," Hawkins said.
Time Warner Cable News: Green Party Candidate for Governor Wants Investigation into Cuomo, Moreland
Hawkins is also raising questions about a report from the Syracuse Post Standard which indicates the governors largest political donations have come from business people who've received lucrative contracts on state projects in recent years.
July 22, 2014
Jacobin Magazine: More Than a Protest Vote by Ari Paul
It points to a theme Hawkins has talked about before: mainstream unions and the Working Families Party are good at mobilizing people, but he wants to organize. The former are very good at emailing members when a campaign is around the corner and can get them to sign a petition or write their representative when need be. But organizing is a year-round project and, unlike mobilizing, is a two-way relationship, in which everyday citizens speak their minds and develop their own political strategies, and realize that they’re not a person with a grievance but a part of a community that lacks a political voice.
Or, as Jones puts it, “I hope that this campaign becomes a place where people can find a political home.”
July 21, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Poll: Cuomo has 'enormous' lead over Astorino, but not so much Upstate
The poll also included Howie Hawkins, of Syracuse, the Green Party candidate for governor, at 6 percent. Of those polled, 81 percent did not know him.
Auburn Citizen: Siena Poll: Cuomo continues to hold big lead over Rob Astorino in race for governor
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, a Syracuse resident who first ran for governor in 2010, entered the race in April. In the poll released Monday, six percent of voters said they would vote for Hawkins, up from four percent in last month's poll.
Jewish Political News and Updates: Cuomo Leads Astorino By 37 Points; Loses Some ground Among Jewish Voters
Astorino, on his part, remains unknown to most voters. He has a 20-19 percent favorability rating, with 61 percent having no opinion. Howie Hawkins has a 9-11 percent favorability rating and Zephyr Teachout, Cuomo’s primary challenger, has a mere 6-8 percent favorability rating.
Capital New York: Siena poll: Cuomo keeps 37 point lead over Astorino
Zephyr Teachout, the former Howard Dean aide and law professor, who submitted petitions to run against Cuomo in a Democratic primary, is still unknown to 86 percent of the voters. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins is unknown to 81 percent of likely voters.
Legislative Gazette: Green Party Gubernatorial Candidate raises more dough
Hawkins received contributions from more than 650 individuals, or a median donation of $35 and an average of $77 per donor. Hawkins, in a press release, promoted his donation figures as a sign that he has strong support among working class New Yorkers.
July 18, 2014
WBAI, Haskins in the Morning: Brian Jones Interview
10 minute interview starts at 1 hour, 20 minutes into the show.
July 17, 2014
The Bullet: The Working Class and Left Politics: Back on the American Radar by Dan La Botz
In New York State, Howie Hawkins will be running again for governor on the Green Party ticket, against incumbent Democrat Andrew Cuomo and the Republican nominee. While a Green Party member, Hawkins runs as an open socialist, critical not only of his political rivals, but also of the banks and corporations and the capitalist system.
July 16, 2014
WBNG 12 Action News, Binghamton: Astorino: 'Cuomo is sending the state into a downward spiral'
Republican candidate for Governor Rob Astorino is calling out incumbent Andrew Cuomo for a debate in the Southern Tier. He challenged Cuomo to meet him in Binghamton for a head-to-head debate at a press conference Wednesday afternoon….
The Republican said Cuomo is the only person he wants to debate, and does not want to involve third party candidates, like Howie Hawkins.
July 15, 2014
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Brian Jones Interview
Green Party Lt. Governor candidate Brian Jones discusses education policy.
New NY 23 blog: Hawkins Says Astorino Afraid To Debate a Progressive; Renews Call for a Gubernatorial Debate Focused on Education
Would Howie Hawkins make a good Governor? Who knows? Certainly it takes more than progressive political views to be an effective Governor, particularly when some in the NYS Legislature have radically different ideas. Skills useful for herding cats would be valuable in NYS politics. Still, those who may agree with Howie Hawkins’ political views might do well to consider voting for him for Governor this fall. At the very least it will help the Green Party maintain its line on the ballot.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Republican candidate Astorino challenges Cuomo to one-on-one debate
Astorino has said he opposes having third-party candidates who achieved ballot access to be included in any debate, a position that Syracuse native and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins takes issue with.
July 14, 2014
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Sees Green
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins announced late last night that his 2014 fundraising has already surpassed the entire amount he raised for his 2012 bid, which garnered more than 50,000 votes and won his party automatic ballot status for four years.
More than 650 donors have contributed to the Green candidates’ effort, with an average contribution of $77 and a median contribution of $35.
Auburn Citizen: Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins raises $50,766 — more than his entire 2010 campaign
Hawkins didn't miss the opportunity to take a swipe at Cuomo, the Democratic incumbent who has a $33 million war chest. Cuomo's campaign hasn't released his July fundraising figures.
"Cuomo has the billionaires and millionaires from high finance, big real estate and big business," Hawkins said. "He isn't promising his campaign contributors that he is going to raise the minimum wage, ban fracking, make health care a right, fully fund our public schools or opt out of Common Core-aligned high-stakes testing. He is promoting more handouts and tax cuts for the 1 percent and access to the second floor at the Capitol."
Legislative Gazette: Greens hope to top third parties this November
If the poll results hold in the general election, the Green Party would likely be granted the third party line on the statewide ballot for the 2016 and 2018 elections, ahead of the Working Families, Conservative and Independence parties.
If the Green Party wins the third party line, it will be the first time that a party which doesn't cross-endorse has held this privilege since the 1936 elections. During that election, the Socialist Party lost its third line having held the position since 1918. The party received fewer votes than the American Labor Party ticket, a Socialist Party splinter group, which endorsed Democratic incumbent Gov. Herbert Lehman who went on to win the election.
July 13, 2014
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Zephyr Teachout looks for 'opening' against Cuomo
And Teachout isn’t the only candidate who may appeal to liberals. Howie Hawkins, a Syracuse resident, is running on the Green Party line.
In 2010, Hawkins gained nearly 60,000 votes — eclipsing the 50,000-vote threshold required to keep the Green Party on New York ballots.
Hawkins said there are multiple goals to his campaign, including retaining the Green Party’s ballot line and promoting the party’s agenda.
“We want to have a stronger base so we can go back to local elections and win more local offices,” Hawkins said. “That’s the way we establish our legitimacy and confidence with the voters to then contest for higher office with a record.”
July 12, 2014
Green Left Weekly: United States: Socialist conference backs new red-green alliances
New red-green electoral alliances, a turn to ecosocialism and a deepening of the US International Socialist Organization's rethink on feminism were key features of the ISO's well-attended Socialism 2014 conference in Chicago.
The Green Party in the US ― which is relatively weak and more left-wing than previously ― is part of a new push for red-green-independent union election tickets. Such alliances build on past campaigns, such as the ISO's work with the late Peter Camejo on the 2004 Ralph Nader-Camejo US presidential campaign.
ISO members speak very positively of this collaboration and credit it with shaping their approach to elections.
In New York, the ISO's Brian Jones is Hawkins' running partner for the race, running for lieutenant governor.
Hawkins, who has been attacked as an “unreconstructed socialist” by the corporate media, told the conference that the only part of the charge he objected to was “unreconstructed”.
The Hawkins-Jones ticket comes up against hated neoliberal Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo.
July 11, 2014
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Says Astorino Is Scared To Debate Him
Astorino said in a radio interview Friday morning that he didn’t want the “cast of characters” that were allowed on-stage in the 2010 gubernatorial debate. He added that a 10 percent or 15 percent threshold in public opinion polls could be a determining factor.
But Hawkins, who helped the Green Party achieve automatic ballot access four years after receiving more than 50,000 votes, says he’s technically running closer to Astorino than Astorino is to Cuomo in a recent Marist College poll.
In that poll, Astorino received 24 percent of the vote, with Hawkins getting 6 percent. Cuomo has a large lead of 59 percent.
WHCU Morning Newswatch: Howie Hawkins Interview
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins discusses campaign fundraising, political corruption, education and energy insecurity in New York. Plus, he will be at Thompson Park in Ithaca on Sunday from 2 until 4pm.
July 10, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Moss: 'Common Core' line offers choice to vote for candidate or convictions
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor who lives in Syracuse, said the concept is nothing more than a 'bait and switch' plan to entice people enraged over the Common Core to vote for what he called the Republicans agenda of underfunding and privatizing education.
Time Warner Cable News: Astorino Challenges Gov. Cuomo To Series of Debates Across New York
But Astorino doesn't support holding forums that include third party candidates who make the ballot, including Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who received more than 50,000 votes in 2010.
WAMC Capitol Connection: Howie Hawkins Interview
WAMC's Alan Chartock interviews Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for Governor of New York.
July 9, 2014
Capital Tonight with Liz Benjamin: Brian Jones Interview
Green party candidate for Lieutenant Governor discusses his campaign.
Ballot Access News: New York Gubernatorial Poll Shows Green Party Nominee Howie Hawkins at 6%
On July 9, a Wall Street Journal/Channel 4 poll was released for the New York gubernatorial race. It shows Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins at 6%. See it here. If the actual results in November are even close to what the poll shows, the Green Party almost surely would then be granted the third line on the ballot in 2016 and 2018, ahead of the Conservative, Working Families, and Independence Parties. That would be the first time since 1936 in which a party that doesn’t cross-endorse Democratic and Republican Parties nominees enjoyed the third line on New York ballots. The Socialist Party lost the third line in November 1936, having had it since 1918.
CNY Vision: "July 4th and the Meaning of Democracy" by Howie Hawkins
WBNG 12 Action News, Binghamton: Meet Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins
Hawkins said if he's elected governor, he would increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. That's just one of the parts of what he calls his "Green New Deal."
He referred to the deal as the basic human rights and economic security measures every New Yorker should have. It includes a universal healthcare plan, more public jobs when the private sector is struggling and affordable housing.
"...we call it the Green New Deal because we say we want to ban fracking in New York and build out a 100 percent clean energy system over the next 15 years," said Hawkins.
News Channel 34, Binghamton: Green Party Gubernatorial Candidate Visits Binghamton
Hawkins says he supports a living minimum wage of $15 per hour and higher taxes on the rich so that the state can provide more aid to struggling local municipalities….
Hawkins also says he's the only candidate who favors an all-out ban on hydrofracking. He says a switch to renewable energy could also benefit our area's struggling economy.
Time Warner Cable News: Howie Hawkins Makes Campaign Stop in Binghamton
Hawkins used the opportunity to attack current Gov. Andrew Cuomo on the issue of minimum wage….Hawkins also talked about other Cuomo policy decisions he disagrees with, like suspending the Moreland Commission and fracking.
July 8, 2014
NBC New York: Cuomo Leads by Wide Margin in Governor's Race
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins drew support from six percent of voters.
Wall Street Journal: Cuomo Maintains Huge Lead Over Astorino, Poll Shows
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo holds a commanding 35-point lead over his Republican challenger in this fall's general election, according to a new Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist poll—the first since the conclusion of the legislative session and the start of campaign season.
Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, leads Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino 59% to 24% among registered voters statewide, and third-party candidate Howie Hawkins receives 6%, the poll found; Mr. Astorino has virtually the same total as he did in March.
Time Warner Cable News: Syracuse Environmental Groups, Officials Call for Closer Scrutiny of Trains Transporting Oil
"I would put a moratorium on these shipments until we get the proper containers. The ones we have now are easily punctured and can explode. Or these double hulled containers. They're starting to replace the fleet but their going at their own sweet time," said Howie Hawkins, a candidate for governor.
Time Warner Cable News: Syracuse Environmentalists Warn of Disasters Aboard Oil-Carrying Trains
The man who will represent the Green Party on this year's ballot for governor, says New Yorkers should rise up and demand that shipping companies and the government come clean.
"Until the federal government let's us inspect what's in these shipments. It's not just oil. On grounds of Homeland Security they're keeping it a big secret. We don't know what's going through Syracuse," said Howie Hawkins.
Legislative Gazette: Astorino hopes to run on the 'Stop Common Core' line; Green Party candidate calls him the 'Jimmy McMillan of education reform'
The Green Party, which endorsed Howie Hawkins for governor, released a statement saying the effort to create a "Stop Common Core" ballot line was largely a "fraudulent bait and switch effort."
"Rob Astorino is the Jimmy McMillan of education reform. He states the obvious — stop Common Core — but still doesn't make any sense," Green Party Candidate Hawkins said. "They may stop Common Core, but they will keep looting schools by underfunding public schools and pushing privately-managed charter schools and profligate contracts with testing firms."
Green Party Lt. Gov. Candidate Brian Jones added that "To paraphrase Shakespeare, 'Privatization by another name will disenfranchise just as many.' Perhaps they should just rename it 'We don't like teachers or unions.'"
Legislative Gazette: Cuomo announces plan to reduce HIV infections
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins said while he is supportive of the governor's initiative, more funding and reforms are necessary, particularly when Cuomo's previous budget cut proposals are taken into account.
July 7, 2014
WIVB-TV, Channel 4, Buffalo: Anti-drone activists promote solar energy
The Green Party candidate for Governor of New York claims the idea would bring jobs and money to Western New York.
Candidate Howie Hawkins said, “You know the sun shines and the wind blows, and that energy just needs to be harvested. It’s cost is near 0 marginal cost, so that’s the way to go.”
WFBO, Buffalo: Green Party candidate visits Buffalo
Hawkins says the proposal for a drone base here is a way to avoid the military budget cuts that are on the way. "Most of the politicians in New York are like trying to hold back time," he said. "You know, we are getting out of these wars in the Middle East. There's going to be downsizing. Let's get ahead of the curve and find a way to put people back to work. Let's declare war on climate change. One of the thing we can do is put these solar panels in and a solar panel factory out on a military base."
July 6, 2014
Buffalo News: Green Party candidate for governor campaigns in Buffalo
“When I come to Buffalo,” he said, “I go out in the neighboroods and see the abandoned buildings and the unemployed people and the people that really need help.
‘We need a bottom-up economic development approach, not trickle-down, which never trickles down to the neighborhoods.”
July 4, 2014
Time Warner Cable News: Politicians Reach Out to Voters on the 4th of July
It's a scene repeated at thousands of local gatherings across the country. People lined the streets of their home town; local politicians walking and speaking and saying hello.
"I want to change some things, but you've got to recognize what's good and it's also an opportunity to meet people. Talk to them about the election," said Howie Hawkins, candidate for governor.
Popular Resistance: "July 4th, The Meaning of Democracy" by Howie Hawkins
On this Independence Day, it is time to declare our independence from the oppressive King Georges of our time in the oligarchy of the super-rich and their bought and paid for political representatives in the Democratic and Republican parties. The oligarchs have two parties. It’s time we had one of our own.
Brian Jones reads Frederick Douglass's "Fourth of July Speech, 1852"
July 3, 2014
Diane Ravitch blog: Green Party Supports Teacher Tenure in New York
Howie and the Green Party support progressive taxation, fully-funded schools, renewable energy, single-payer health care, $15 minimum wage and a New York that works for the 99%.
The Journal News (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam counties): Gov says he wants STAR tax break dollars back from wealth New Yorkers
Three candidates seeking to oust Cuomo – Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, Fordham Law professor Zephyr Teachout and Green Party hopeful Howie Hawkins – last week had called on Cuomo to act.
July 2, 2014
WHCU Morning Newswatch: The Anti-Fracking Candidate
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins has an update on his campaign and makes the case that he is the only one on the ballot who supports a statewide fracking ban.
July 1, 2014
Socialist Alternative: Building 15 Now Nationally A Call to Action!
15 Now marched in the “St. Patrick’s Day for All” parade, and we have held two ener- getic rallies and marches, joined by Green Party candidate for Gover- nor Howie Hawkins, who has made $15 a key demand in his race for governor.
June 30, 2014
Daily News: NY pols cheer hydrofracking ruling -- and seize chance to push Gov. Cuomo
And putting an even sharper political point on it, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins called out Cuomo in a statement of his own: “If Cuomo wins re-election and turns to his presidential ambitions, he is not going to be challenging the pro-fracking consensus of the national Democratic party. Cuomo will not ban fracking. I will,” he said.
Socialist Alternative: Endorsement of Cuomo Divides Working Families Party
In the governor’s race, there is an independent left candidate, Howie Hawkins of the Green Party. A member of the Teamsters and a long-time fighter for workers’ rights, expanded public services, and environmental action, Hawkins puts the $15 minimum at the center of his platform, as well as a massive public works program and an end to hydro-fracking and charter-school expansion. He also takes zero money from corporations (see full platform here). For New York workers and youth fed up with the status Cuomo and with the WFP leadership for supporting him, Howie Hawkins and the 15 Now campaign provide a fighting alternative.
North Country Public Radio: NY21: Baker turned Green Party candidate "angry in a nice way"
Funiciello says he's running to win the North Country's House seat, hoping to follow in the footsteps of other maverick members of congress like Bernie Sanders and Ron Paul.
A long-time business-owner and founder of the Rock Hill Bakehouse in Glens Falls, Funiciello says he hopes to peel away disgruntled voters who in the past might have backed Republican or Democratic candidates….
"I'm honestly running to win." He says Greens are running more credible candidates, including gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins.
June 29, 2014
The Journal News (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam counties): Millions of ineligibly received STAR dollars fall into abyss
Those who received the benefit through fraud – such as claiming it on two houses at the same time – have been required to pay back the state, with interest. But those who received the tax break during a year in which they earned more than $500,000, have not….
The question is whether any of that money will ever be recouped. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office did not respond to questions about what his administration would do to recover the money….
All three candidates looking to challenge Cuomo this year – from Republican Rob Astorino, to Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins to Zephyr Teachout, the Fordham Law professor trying to run against Cuomo in a Democratic primary – say they'd get the STAR money back.
June 27, 2014
Focus on Albany: A Conversation with Howie Hawkins
Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for Governor, discusses his campaign and shares his thoughts on the legislative session.
June 24, 2014
MSNBC: Green Party candidate for New York governor: I can win this
New Yorkers are hungry for an alternative to Cuomo, says Hawkins, who points to an April 2014 poll in which a generic nominee from the left-leaning Working Families Party (WFP) commanded 24% to Cuomo’s 39%.
“I think we’re the ticket that 24% is looking for,” Hawkins told msnbc. “They just haven’t found us yet. When they find us, we’ve got a real race.”
Corrente: MSNBC actually gives a Green candidate, Howie Hawkins, some coverage
Cuomo must really be shitting the bed.
Poughkeepsie Journal: Green Party candidate stops in New Paltz
Asked why he wanted to be governor, Hawkins, speaking shortly before he addressed supporters, responded, "Full employment, quality education, a living wage, these are things that people expect ... the Democrats haven't got it done ... we need a new party in charge to do things people expect us to do."
Mid-Hudson News Network: Howie Hawkins, Green Party gubernatorial candidate, brings campaign to Ulster County
Hawkins’ told local supporters that his platform includes guaranteeing jobs for all – be they private or public sector -- a $15 per hour minimum wage, universal healthcare, fully funded public schools, eliminating the Common Core education standards and providing 100 percent clean energy by 2030.
June 23, 2014
NY1 - Inside City Hall with Errol Louis: Green Party Candidates Take Shots at Opponents in Race for Governor
Green Party Candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins and his running mate, Green Party Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Brian Jones joined Inside City Hall to take some shots at Governor Andrew Cuomo, Zephyr Teachout and the leadership of the Working Families Party.
June 20, 2014
Brooklyn Eagle: Could LICH cost Cuomo the election?
Already, I know of two Democratic clubs that voted “no endorsement” for governor rather than endorsing Cuomo. Few of these Democrats would vote for Astorino, but a good number of them might vote for Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
June 19, 2014
WBTA (1490 AM, Batavia): Green Party Gov. Candidate Shows Optimism in Bergen
A recent poll showed that a progressive candidate could cut significantly into the incumbent Democrat’s lead, giving that fresh option a chance.
Hawkins says he can be that candidate.
“We stand for progressive policies that benefit working people,” he said. “I think that’s what that poll says people are looking for. Those are the people who understand Cuomo’s been very conservative economically. He’s underfunded schools, he’s giving tax breaks to the rich and they’re looking for an alternative."
The Batavian: Green Party candidate campaigns in Bergen
Hawkins also had strong words about hydrofracking. He said the job impact estimates for the controversial natural gas drilling process are greatly exaggerated.
“No one denies the environmental dangers of fracking,” he said. “What’s not being communicated well is the economic benefits of going to 100 percent clean energy by 2030 far outweighs any economic benefits we could get from fracking. The most outlandish estimates I’ve seen from pro-fracking flacks from the industry is 200,000 jobs. We’re talking about 4.5 million jobs over the next 15 years (with clean energy). A lot of those are manufacturing, a lot of those are construction; those are good paying jobs. You want an economic boom? Go with clean energy.”
WETM-TV, NBC, Bath: Green Party Member Files Paperwork Against Notary in Petition Controversy
[Green Party member files charges against Republican operatives for illegal dirty tricks]
CORNING, N.Y. (WETM-18) – A local member of the Green Party who had his name fraudulently circulated for a possible run in the 23rd Congressional District is taking action against the man responsible.
Darin Robbins says he has filed paperwork with the New York Department of State, looking to have Aaron Keister’s notary public license revoked. WETM first brought you this story back in May, when magazine Mother Jones said “shenanigans” were being pulled in the district by a Republican operative.
Keister, who is a registered Republican and lives in Corning, signed petitions that were circulated to put two Green Party members on the ballot in the 23rd District, but neither person had given him consent to do so. When we spoke to him at his home last month, Keister originally said he did not know what we were talking about in regards to the petitions, and then said he had no comment.
Robbins says because the petitions were circulated and signed fraudulently, he wants Keister’s notary license taken away.
Jacobin Magazine: Electoral Strategy for the Left by Jennifer Roesch
In New York, Teamster and long-time labor and environmental activist Howie Hawkins is running for Governor on the Green Party ticket. He has teamed up with long-time educator and socialist Brian Jones to run a campaign that puts a defense of public education, the fight for racial justice and working-class demands like the fight for a $15 per hour minimum wage.
Hawkins is running against Rob Astorino, a far-right Republican with no real chance of winning, and front-runner Andrew Cuomo, the current governor who is a right-wing Democrat with presidential ambitions. Cuomo spent his first term attacking public sector unions, undermining funding for public hospitals and pursuing an education deform agenda that funded charter schools, pushed high-stakes testing and undermined public schools.
June 18, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Hawkins: Keep lawmakers in Albany
Hawkins said that the governor should bring lawmakers back into extraordinary session every week to resolve major issues, some of which Hawkins called Cuomo's "six promises." These include the Dream Act, women's equality, minimum wage, marijuana reform, wage theft, a farmworker's bill of rights, climate change and public campaign finance and ethics reform.
"If lawmakers just want to sit there each week and read the newspapers and emails rather than work with their colleagues, that would be their choice," Hawkins said. "Given the high rate of convictions among state lawmakers for political corruption, it would probably be safer for taxpayers to keep them in detention at the Capitol anyway."
June 17, 2014
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Critics rip using environmental funds for new TZ Bridge
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins said, "Pete Seeger must have rolled over in his grave."
"EFC President Matt Driscoll's claim that this loan will not divert from other clean water projects is hard to believe from my city of Syracuse. We have had nearly 300 water main breaks so far this year," Hawkins said in a statement. "The sewers are just as old, with lots of breaks and cave-ins, overflows when it rains, and backups into homes and businesses. When the Mayor of Syracuse asked Governor Cuomo for just $16.5 million for emergency infrastructure repairs in this year's budget, he did not come through for us."
Time Warner Cable News: Astorino Unveils 10-Point Ethics Proposal in Albany
It's the first major policy proposal from [Astorino's] campaign, which so far has focused on building his name recognition. Despite all that, a Siena College poll found he continues to trail Cuomo, 57 percent to 21 percent, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins drawing 4 percent.
Buffalo News: Letter - Democrats, Republicans are hopelessly corrupt
Any New Yorker who cares about protecting our families, air and water from the demonstrable harms of fracking and the corporate takeover of our democracy needs to vote for the Green Party, with Howie Hawkins for governor.
June 16, 2014
WBAI Interview with Howie Hawkins
15 minute interview starts at 36 minutes on the Haskins & Hennelly Show at 7:00 am, June 16 in the WBAI archive.
Capital New York: Cuomo up, with a wide lead
Cuomo leads his Republican challenger, Westchester County executive Rob Astorino, by a 57-21 margin, with Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins drawing four percent.
Auburn Citizen: Sienna Poll: Cuomo Holds 36-Point Lead Over Astorino
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins was backed by 4 percent of voters.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Poll: 7 of 10 NY Republicans don't know Rob Astorino, their gubernatorial candidate
When it comes to name recognition, the Syracuse-area statewide candidates also have some work to do. Only 9 percent of those polled had favorable opinions of Howie Hawkins, the Green Party's candidate running for governor, and Republican Bob Antonacci, the Onondaga County comptroller running for state comptroller.
Legislative Gazette: Liberal Democrat to challenge Cuomo for ballot line
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins said "Teachout's entrance into the Democratic Party primary should be used to broaden rather than narrow the political debate in New York."
June 13, 2104
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Questions Teachout’s ‘Ballot Hopping’
“The narrative from Teachout’s candidacy will be to reinforce rather than replace the two-party system of corporate control. Even when she sought the WFP line she focused on the Democrats. What we need instead is to build a party of the 99% to win living wage jobs for all, action on climate change, an end to the new Jim Crow, and making health care a right,” said Hawkins.
June 12, 2014
Diane Ravitch blog: Debating the Vergara Decision in the New York Times
This is a debate about the Vergara decision in the New York Times "Room for Debate," featuring Eric Hanushek and Michael Petrilli supporting the decision, and Brian Jones and me criticizing it.
Brian Jones, by the way, is running for Lieutenant Governor of New York on the Green Party ticket, with Howie Hawkins running for Governor.
Finger Lakes Times: Letter - Roll On, Howie Hawkins, Roll On
June 11, 2014
New York Times: Op-Ed - Protections of Teacher Tenure Do Not Hurt Students by Brian Jones
K-12 teachers with tenure do not have a job for life. What “tenure” means, for them, is due-process procedures for dismissals with cause, instead of capricious or at-will dismissal from their duties. I've spoken to countless teachers from Southern states who are afraid to do the things that New York City teachers do all the time – write blogs, write letters to the editor, even show up to a rally – because they could lose their jobs for speaking out. All working people should have such protections.
America's Work Force Radio: The only daily labor radio program in America
On the radio show today we had Dr. Jill Stein, 2012 Green Party candidate for President, and she talked about the NY Governors Race and why it’s the Green party, and not the Working Families Party, that’s really working for our families!
June 10, 2014
Gotham Gazette: Filling the Progressive Void: Hawkins' 2014 Mission
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins came to Albany last week to declare his belief that thanks to the divisive nature of the Working Families Party's endorsement of Gov. Andrew Cuomo he has become the go-to candidate for progressives and union members disenfranchised by Cuomo's centrist politics.
The Daily News (Genesee, Wyoming & Orleans counties): Green Party candidate slate in Bergen June 19
Hawkins says he plans to challenge the 1-percent tag team of Cuomo and Republican nominee Rob Astorino on economic, climate change and criminal justice issues.
June 9, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Badass teachers like Hawkins
The New York Badass Teachers Association announced its endorsement of Green Party candidate for governor, Howie Hawkins. The organization aims to reduce or eliminate the use of high stakes testing, increase teacher autonomy in the classroom and work to include teacher and family voices in legislative decision-making processes that affect students.
CNY Central: 'Eat to Live Food Co-Op' says promising re-opening date was a mistake
"It's better than hopeful. It's just a matter of sticking with it and getting it done. So this is not a hope. This is a project that will get done," says Hawkins. It's a project with the vision of bringing fresh food to the so-called food desert.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Green's Howie Hawkins not worried about effect of South Side food co-op problems on governor's race
Hawkins pointed out that Eat to Live won a grant from Empire State Development, the state's main economic development agency….It would be in Cuomo's interest to see Eat to Live succeed as well, Hawkins said.
"On this one, we're in it together," he said.
Hawkins lives on the city's South Side near the Eat to Live Store. The co-op was meant to provide access to fresh groceries in an impoverished area that's been described as a food desert. Hawkins said the board is committed to reopening the store.
The Batavian: Green Party candidate makes stop in Bergen on June 19
The Green Party candidates have dubbed their platform, the Green New Deal. Hawkins says he plans to challenge the 1-percent tag team of Cuomo and Republican nominee Astorino on economic, climate change and criminal justice issues. Hawkins also wants NY to go carbon free with a 100-percent clean renewable energy by 2030, while providing a public living wage job to any New Yorker who needs one.
The Greens selected NYC Educator Brian Jones to highlight their opposition to Cuomo's education policies promoting privatization of the education system, including his promotion of the Common Core agenda and charter schools. The Greens are seeking full funding to meet the educational needs of New Yorkers, including free tuition at CUNY and SUNY.
June 6, 2014
Buffalo News: Op-Ed - State’s draft energy plan does too little to forestall environmental disaster by Howie Hawkins and Steve Breyman
New York State faces a fateful choice over its energy, environmental, and economic future.
It can chose a 21st century upgrade to clean energy and create a sustainable prosperity that protects our climate, cleans our air, and revives our economy. Or it can continue to rely on a 19th and 20th century fossil fueled energy system that will leave it battered by climate change, poisoned by pollution, and economically stagnant while other states and nations pass it by as they adopt the new sustainable technologies of the 21st century.
June 5, 2014
Daily News: Wake-Up Call
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins believes that the Working Families Party’s controversial decision to throw its support behind Gov. Andrew Cuomo provides a clearer choice for voters seeking an alternative to both major parties this fall.
Times Union: A.M. Roundup
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins chided the Working Families Party for endorsing Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and said he was the only viable third-party alternative.
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Howie Hawkins Interview
15 minute interview on Green New Deal, energy policy, and WFP nomination of Cuomo.
Time Warner Cable News: Cuomo Sings a Different Tune Regarding Bipartisanship
For liberals, Cuomo's work with Republicans has led to economic policies they oppose, including tax and spending cuts and support for charter schools.
"We need an independent left that puts those issues before the people directly. They want to elect more Democrats, we want to elect more independent progressives," said Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor.
After two polls found a liberal alternative to Cuomo could eat in to his victory over Republican Rob Astorino, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins said he can be that alternative.
"I think those voters, I'm the candidate they were looking for. And when Working Families threw in the towel and cross-endorsed Cuomo, those voters are coming to me," said Hawkins.
New York Observer: Green Party Gubernatorial Contender: ‘Double Digits Is Within Our Reach’
Mr. Hawkins said last night that he believes netting 10 or more percent of the vote in November is not out of the possibility because of liberal dissatisfaction with Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
“First of all, we got these polls, 24 percent for an unnamed Working Families candidate, I'm a working teamster with a name–those voters think I’m the candidate they’re looking for,” Mr. Hawkins said on Capital Tonight, referring to polls that showed a Working Families Party-backed candidate could cut into Mr. Cuomo’s margin of victory.
Legislative Gazette: WFP strife gives hope to Green Party
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor, said at a press conference last Wednesday that the decision by the Working Families Party to endorse Gov. Andrew Cuomo "has made this election even more interesting for us" and opens up the possibility of him winning in the election.
Some members of the WFP are still angry at the endorsement and Hawkins has been working to recruit those members to create a third-party groundswell to challenge the major parties.
"The Working Families Party pretty much threw in the towel for progressive politics from their point of view for this year, and left our candidacy as the progressive option on the ballot in November," Hawkins said.
Vice Magazine, Noisey blog: What Do New York's Prospective Governors Think of Governor's Ball?
Candidate: Howie Hawkins
Political party: Green
Favorite album: Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
First concert: The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Santana at the Fillmore West
If you were governor, what type of ball would you throw? "I would throw a Jubilee Ball to celebrate canceling the debt of students and predatory mortgages. People could bring their loan papers to shred into confetti and write their balloon payments on actual balloons. We'll end prohibition of cannabis, so people can celebrate as they see fit…."
June 4, 2014
NY1: A Big Fight at the Very Minimum
With the WFP nomination handed to Cuomo, disgruntled liberal Democrats really have nowhere to go except the Green Party's Howie Hawkins.
NYS Public Radio: Green Party Candidate says His Chances Are Improving
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party nominee for governor calls the Working Families Party endorsement of Governor Andrew Cuomo a “sell out” and he says the nomination does not address the lingering concerns about the Governor on the left.
NYS Public Radio: Cuomo Says He's Proud of Lack of Partisanship in Albany
Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins, who stopped in Albany as part of a statewide swing, says the Working Families Party is no longer in a position to criticize the governor over any perceived contradictions.
“After Working Families gave him the nomination, they gave him all the power,” Hawkins said. “They don’t have any leverage.”
WRVO (NPR, Central New York): Howie Hawkins says Green Party has a shot at victory
Hawkins cites polls saying a union-backed third party candidate could earn more than 20 percent of the vote, which is on par with the Republican Party candidate, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. "Well, I’m a working Teamster with a name," said Hawkins.
WAER (NPR, Syracuse University): Howie Hawkins Hopes to Capture Former Cuomo Supporters
Hawkins says progressive voters feel Cuomo can't be trusted after flip-flopping on positions and walking back on promises made to the WFP.
NCC News (Syracuse University): Howie Hawkins Looks to End Winless Streak
Not five minutes into his statement, Hawkins let out a clear signal that he was not just running to get his name out there: “It’s a long shot, but actually we could win this election,” Hawkins said.
WNYT TV-13 (NBC, Albany): Hawkins argues discord on the left improves his chances for Governor
Howie Hawkins was not seeking the Working Families Party nomination for Governor, but argues he's been helped by last Saturday's open argument at the convention in Colonie.
"And it opens up the possibility, not only of us getting a double digit vote, which is more than we ever thought possible when we started this campaign, but under some scenarios, we could even win it," Hawkins told reporters at a Capitol news conference.
Socialist Worker: WFP - Selling their soul to Cuomo
Fortunately, for New York voters this November, there's a much better alternative to voting for Cuomo, whether as a Democrat or the WFP nominee. The Green Party is running Howie Hawkins, a working Teamster from Syracuse, for governor, and Brian Jones, a union teacher from New York City, for lieutenant governor.
The Blot Magazine: Working Families Party Ensures Cuomo’s Re-Election as NY Governor
The Green Party has backed Howie Hawkins as its nominee, a graveyard-shift worker for UPS in Syracuse, N.Y. Last time, he got 59,906 votes as the Green candidate.
Capital New York: Howie Hawkins on the WFP’s ‘favor’ to Greens
Capital Tonight with Liz Benjamin: Green Party's Howie Hawkins on How WFP is Helping His Campaign
As we discussed Tuesday on the show, the Green Party candidate for governor says people should consider this year’s race a true three-way contest. And now with what is going on with the Working Families Party, Howie Hawkins says he is expecting to attract more supporters in his campaign. Hawkins joined us to explain.
Albany Times Union: Hawkins: The WFP got played by Cuomo
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins believes that the Working Families Party’s controversial decision to throw its support behind Gov. Andrew Cuomo provides a clearer choice for voters seeking an alternative to both major parties this fall.
“I think the Greens now become the standard-bearer for progressives that want to dissent from Cuomo’s conservative economic policies,” Hawkins said.
Newsday: After other liberal party backs Cuomo, Green candidate hopes to woo progressives
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, seeking to unite disaffected Democrats and liberals, said he’s the lone progressive candidate left in the field after the labor-backed Working Families Party decided to endorse Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
“I think they probably did us a favor,” Hawkins said at a State Capitol news conference. “They handed the torch to us for the progressive movement.”
“I want to say to progressives: Let’s speak and act and organize for ourselves, and not rely on elites who sell us out,” Hawkins said, calling the WFP/Cuomo agreement a “Machiavellian deal.”
June 3, 2014
Time Warner Cable News: Green Party Candidate for Governor: 'We Could Win This Election'
The Green Party candidate for governor of New York said Tuesday that the experts are making a mistake if they continue to view this year's race as a traditional two-way contest.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Howie Hawkins: NY's Green Party 'could win this election' (includes video)
Hawkins' optimism comes as the state's union-backed political faction, the Working Families Party, formally endorsed Cuomo last weekend. Some Working Families members are angry over the endorsement. Hawkins wants them to join his effort to elevate his third-party candidacy onto debate stages and into news cycles to challenge the major parties.
Capital New York: ‘Badass’ teachers endorse Green Party’s Hawkins
CounterPunch: New York's Fateful Choice: What’s Wrong With Cuomo’s Energy Plan? by Howie Hawkins and Steve Breyman
New York State faces a fateful choice over its energy, environmental, and economic future.
It can chose a 21st century upgrade to clean energy and create a sustainable prosperity that protects our climate, cleans our air, and revives our economy. Or it can continue to rely on a 19th and 20th century fossil fueled energy system that will leave it battered by climate change, poisoned by pollution, and economically stagnant while other states and nations pass it by as they adopt the new sustainable technologies of the 21st century.
Socialist Worker: Should socialists run as socialists? A debate:
Socialists should run as socialists
What campaigns do we need now?
Keeping the goal in mind today
WXXI (Rochester): Connections: A Conversation with Howie Hawkins
Audio, 52:31 - In this hour, we continue our series of interviewing candidates for prominent political offices. We talk to Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate for governor.
June 2, 2014
Diane Ravitch blog: Cuomo Won the WFP Endorsement by Promising to Act like a Democrat
To many progressives, Cuomo is Governor 1%. As Peter Goodman suggests, they have a choice: Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones of the Green Party.
The Nation: The Working Families Party Plays it Safe by Endorsing Andrew Cuomo for Governor
Some Teachout supporters believe that, having sided with the governor, the party will now lose some grassroots support to the Green Party and its candidate, Howie Hawkins.
In These Times: Will Cuomo Keep His Promises?
And there's another candidate to Cuomo's left in the race—Howie Hawkins of the Green Party, now running with teacher activist Brian Jones as his lieutenant governor candidate. On Sunday, after the news of the WFP's endorsement of Cuomo broke, Jones told In These Times, “Progressives are in an abusive relationship with the Democratic Party. They keep hoping the party will change, but it never does. Cuomo has made it clear that he supports the privatization of our schools and hospitals and the weakening our unions. The bulk of his financial support comes from the 1% and that's who he serves, not working families.”
NY State of Politics: Diane Ravitch promotes Green alternative
Diane Ravitch, who was floated as a potential WFP gubernatorial alternative, is confused as to why the party went with Cuomo. (She’s promoting the Green Party slate).
Syracuse Post-Standard: Howie Hawkins on 'quid pro Cuomo' and other reaction to the WFP deal
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins declared Gov. Andrew Cuomo's deal with the Working Families Party a "quid pro Cuomo" that will help the state's wealthiest residents at the expense of the middle class and poor.
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Knocks WFP’s Endorsement
Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins was decidedly not impressed with the Working Families Party’s decision to endorse Gov. Andrew Cuomo over the weekend.
Hawkins released a video knocking the endorsement and extended an olive branch to those within the WFP who backed Fordham Law professor Zephyr Teachout.
“We feel their pain over the Cuomo nomination. We are here for them,” Hawkins said. “We give them a place to organize and vote against the Cuomo agenda and for progressive policies.”
Ed in the Apple blog: The Principled Working Families Party Abjures Principles and Endorses Governor Cuomo: Who Should Principled Voters Support?
For those of us in the “anybody but Cuomo” frame of mind let me introduce you to Howie Hawkins, the Green Party candidate.
Legislative Gazette: Green Party pressuring Tkaczyk to co-sponsor farmworkers rights bill
The state's Green Party is calling on Sen. Cecilia Tkaczyk to support legislation that would establish a bill of rights for farmworkers, saying the senator should get behind the legislation because she ran on the party line in 2012.
Albany Times Union Editorial: Let the minors debate, too
No, we’re not talking about every self-anointed candidate. But voters ought to hear from candidates chosen by parties with permanent lines on the ballot. With Gov. Andrew Cuomo picking up the Working Families Party nomination this past weekend after some 11th-hour drama, he’ll be on the ballot with three lines (Democrat, Independence, Working Families) and Mr. Astorino will have two (Republican, Conservative). That leaves only the Green Party’s candidate, Howie Hawkins, this year, carrying a single party line among those guaranteed a ballot spot.
June 1, 2014
MSNBC: Cuomo makes pact for Working Families endorsement
Within hours of Cuomo’s victory at the Working Families Party convention, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins was already working to capture the votes of disaffected liberals. By inking a deal with Cuomo, said Hawkins, WFP “turned their back on their grassroots supporters and did the bidding of those who pay their bills.”
Vice Magazine: Influential Political Party Is Supporting the NY Gov. Who Stands for Everything It Opposes
But the lack of WFP challenger helps another third party leftist who could attract the WFP voters who were itching to break with Cuomo…. Howie Hawkins of the Green Party, who came in third in 2010 with 60,000 votes, believes that in a post-Occupy Wall Street landscape will be able to pull more support since he had almost no downstate campaign presence four years ago.
This time, the Syracuse-based UPS driver [truck unloader, actually - ed.] and Teamster activist chose as his running mate Brian Jones, a leader in the United Federation of Teacher’s dissident MORE caucus and is well known among city radicals.
Ganja News: Medical Marijuana & Legalization, a real solution, Howie Hawkins Green Party NY for Governor
Syracuse Post-Standard: Is Upstate left behind in Cuomo's deal with Working Families?
The Buffalo News: Cuomo’s move left throws Albany into turmoil
When it was certain Cuomo would pull off the Working Families Party backing late Saturday, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins called for disgruntled liberals to join his effort. “We feel their pain over the Cuomo nomination,” he said.
NY State of Politics: The Weekend That Was
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins decried the WFP’s endorsement of Cuomo, inviting disappointed progressives to support his candidacy.
May 31, 2014
NY State of Politics: No Deal Finalized Just Yet, WFP Says
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins has pointed out he’s already running as the liberal alternative to Cuomo.
Hawkins has raised the idea of running on the WFP ballot line himself, and in recent weeks reached out to the party to team up.
In a statement this morning, Hawkins said that regardless of what the WFP plans to do, he’ll be the liberal alternative to Cuomo come Election Day.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Working Families Party candidate seeking nomination to challenge Cuomo
The Green Party's gubernatorial candidate, Howie Hawkins, has asked the Working Families Party to join forces to challenge Cuomo, a Democrat running for his second term. A letter from Hawkins, of Syracuse, to the WFP went unanswered last week.
Time Warner Cable News: No Deal With Cuomo Yet, Working Families Party Says
Still, the fight over the ballot line has exposed a deeper rift within the WFP, which includes some of the state’s most politically influential labor groups.
Sources on Friday indicated that some labor groups might bolt from the WFP should it nominate Teachout. Cuomo has lined up the support of the major labor unions, including those within the party. A Teamsters source on Saturday said the seven Teamsters members who sit on the WFP’s state committee will cast their votes in favor of Cuomo taking the ballot line….
Nevertheless, Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins has pointed out he’s already running as the liberal alternative to Cuomo. Hawkins has raised the idea of running on the WFP ballot line himself, and in recent weeks reached out to the party to team up. In a statement this morning, Hawkins said that regardless of what the WFP plans to do; he’ll be the liberal alternative to Cuomo come Election Day.
“Looks like the WFP have rejected their version of Pierre Rinfret for a recycled version of Cuomo – Mario that is,” Hawkins said. “Getting a Democratic Governor to campaign for other Democrats is not an accomplishment if you are a independent third party. Regardless of how the WFP psychodrama plays out, the Green Party will remain the choice this November for progressives who support a $15 an hour minimum wage, living wage jobs, climate action, strong public schools, and an end to corruption at the State Capitol.”
May 30, 2014
Schenectady Daily Gazette: Editorial: Debates should be open to all
Also on the ballot this year is Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who led the Green Party charge for governor in 2010. While he only got 60,000 votes last time, his candidacy legitimized the Green Party to ensure its place on this year's ballot. He is a strong voice for budget reform, raising the minimum wage and education.
NY State of Politics: The WFP’s Gamble
For starters, the WFP risks losing its ballot line should a Teachout candidacy fail to take hold with liberals. After all, there is a liberal alternative already to Cuomo, Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, who secured more than 50,000 votes in 2010 to gain automatic ballot access this year.
NY State of Politics: Teachout Challenging Cuomo For WFP Line
The Green Party is also running its own liberal alternative to Cuomo, Howie Hawkins, who achieved ballot status in 2010 receiving more than 50,000 votes.
Syracuse Post-Standard: WFP candidate seeking nomination to challenge Cuomo
The Green Party's gubernatorial candidate, Howie Hawkins, has asked the Working Families Party to join forces to challenge Cuomo, a Democrat running for his second term. A letter from Hawkins, of Syracuse, to the WFP went unanswered last week.
City and State TV: Howie Hawkins On His Campaign For Governor
Video Interview: Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins discusses the Working Families Party's upcoming convention, his belief that the party could get as many as 250,000 votes and the declining political power of labor in the country in an interview with Morgan Pehme.
Rochester Business Journal: Most readers favor Astorino for governor
Comments: There are more than two choices, you know! Howie Hawkins is running for the Green Party again, and the Working Families Party might also run a candidate. Why not include other choices rather than your simple binary poll?
—Matthew D. Wilson
May 29, 2014
Souciant: A Movement Beyond Wages
Already, in New York, International Socialist Organization activist Brian Jones has joined as the lieutenant governor candidate on the Green Party ticket, with former Socialist Party candidate Howie Hawkins. This has already invited the attention of not only Socialist Alternative, but of the Democratic Socialists of America. Independent socialists, once wary of mingling with newspaper -selling sectarians, are taking notice. For once, it seems, there’s a desire for cross-pollination on the socialist left.
May 28, 2014
Socialist Worker: Declaring independence from the 1 Percent
This fall, among other campaigns, the Green Party ticket of Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones for governor and lieutenant governor in New York state will provide an alternative for voters who want a genuine choice besides a retrograde Republican and pro-corporate Democratic incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Auburn Citizen: Howie Hawkins: Diane Ravitch would be 'wonderful addition' to education debate in race for governor
Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins isn't sure where potential Working Families Party candidate for governor Diane Ravitch stands on all of the issues, but believes she could contribute a lot to a debate on education in this year's gubernatorial race.
AP: Astorino: No 3rd parties at New York gov debates
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins says voters deserve to hear from all the candidates who qualify to be on the ballot. He says Astorino should welcome his presence at the debates because a Green Party candidate is likely to take votes away from Cuomo.
CNY Central: Rob Astorino wants third party candidates, like Howie Hawkins, kept out of debates
AP: Cuomo faces liberal test in re-election bid
No Working Families Party candidate has stepped forward publicly to challenge Cuomo, but Green Party nominee Howie Hawkins said he'd welcome the nomination. While the two parties don't always agree, there's enough common ground to consider an alliance when it comes to fighting Cuomo, Hawkins said.
"Cuomo doesn't stand for their platform," he said. "They should nominate me and we'd have a united fight."
Buffalo Artvoice: Cuomo's Money Machine
Will the Working Families Party cave on their economic principals and endorse Cuomo or will they support another candidate such as Howie Hawkins from the Green Party who is in agreement with most if not all of the Working Families platform?
May 27, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Green Party Solidifies Ticket
"We are campaigning for a Green New Deal for New York, including full employment through public jobs for the unemployed, a $15-an-hour minimum wage, single-payer health care, fully funded public schools from pre-K through college, affordable housing and expanded mass transit," Hawkins said. The centerpiece of Hawkins' platform is to ensure 100 percent clean energy by 2030, which he says will create 4.5 million new jobs over the next 15 years.
NY State of Politics blog: Hawkins: WFP In A Bind
For Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, the internal battle in the Working Families Party over backing Gov. Andrew Cuomo shows the party is stuck in something of a bind between its establishment backers and rank-and-file members.
“Working Families is caught I think between their funding and institutional support and what their voting base wants,” he said in an interview.
Rochester City Newspaper: WFP undecided on Cuomo
Also unclear is whether the party might back a different candidate, and who that could be. The state Green Party, including gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, has reached out to WFP leaders. In a letter, the Green Party said that the parties’ leaders “should meet to discuss how we can work together for a united fight against the Cuomo agenda and for the policy goals we share.”
May 26, 2014
Time Warner Cable News: Candidate for governor suggests money focused on military spending be diverted elsewhere
May 24, 2014
Mayor Graham's View blog: Green's Howie Hawkins to Working Families Party: Let's talk about beating Cuomo
Jeffery Graham is in his fifth four-year term as Mayor of Watertown. Watertown elections are nonpartisan. Graham was enrolled in the Independence Party until 2010.
Once the WFP folds and endorses the Governor, this sets up Mr. Hawkins as the progressive on the ballot and ensures the Greens get the 50,000 votes to remain a party, and they could conceivably get to the D line if Andy on the WFP and Indy lines goes flat.
May 23, 2014
Albany Times Union: Hawkins to Tkaczyk: Have ‘decency’, back farmworkers
The 1,892 votes that Tkaczyk won on the Green Party line, Hawkins notes, proved crucial to her 18-vote win over Amedore, then a Republican assemblyman. The very least she can do, Hawkins says, is support the party’s agenda.
“It is long past time to give farm workers the same basic labor rights as other workers, and Tkacyyk should vote to correct this longstanding injustice,” Hawkins said.
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Wants A Sit-Down With The WFP
Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins, along with his running mate Brian Jones and party co-chairs, wants to meet with members of the Working Families Party in an effort to unite against the Democratic ticket led by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
CUNY Academic Commons, Tony's Thoughts blog: Howie Hawkins: Green Party Candidate for Governor of New York!
May 22, 2014
Newsday: Green Party plotting to defeat Cuomo
As Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was accepting the Democratic nomination for re-election Thursday, a liberal group was plotting to spoil Cuomo's party come November.
New York's Green Party reached out to the Working Families Party to explore a liberal coalition to defeat Cuomo. The Green Party's nominee for governor, Howie Hawkins of Syracuse, insists the effort could beat the Democratic governor.
Albany Times Union: Green’s Hawkins reaches out to WFP
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins would like to meet with the Working Families Party in plot out a strategy to fight what he terms Cuomo’s ”conservative agenda.”
Syracuse Post-Standard: Green's Howie Hawkins to Working Families Party: Let's talk about beating Cuomo
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins today reached out to the Working Families Party with one message -- let's team up to defeat Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
May 21, 2014
The Nation: How Teachers Are Fighting to Change One of the Most Segregated School Districts in the Country
Brian Jones, a former teacher and now an activist and Green Party candidate, warned, “Our schools are more segregated than most in the nation, and it's the charter schools and the privatization... that are causing that.” From an historical standpoint, he added, “We are literally fighting a civil rights battle, here. We are literally fighting in the footsteps of people who tried to figure out a way to end a system of separate and unequal education.”
Syracuse Post-Standard: Howie Hawkins' call for debates with all NY gov candidates falls flat, for now
May 20, 2014
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Howie Hawkins interview
Howie Hawkins officially received the Green Party’s nomination for Governor. He joined Susan Arbetter in the studio to discuss fossil fuel divestment, raising the minimum wage and why he is pushing for a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” for “victims of mass incarceration and the drug war”. 15 minute segment starts at 30 minutes.
Albany Times Union: Green: Justice system ‘very reminiscent of apartheid’
Calling the state’s criminal justice system and its lingering effects on convicted criminals “very reminiscent of apartheid South Africa,” social justice advocates on Tuesday morning delivered some 10,000 petition signatures urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to establish commission to help right those wrongs.
“We’re here because a crisis exists in New York state that few people are recognizing,” Alice Green, executive director of Albany’s Center for Law & Justice, said on the steps of the Capitol….
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, who attended the rally, said he would establish the commission on his first day in office — and that Cuomo would be wise to embrace it, too, if he truly wants win back progressives.
Legislative Gazette: Hawkins joins prisoner advocates to call for a Truth and Justice Commission
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins joined prisoners rights advocates Tuesday at the Capitol to call for a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission to address the issue of mass incarceration of minorities across the state….Hawkins criticized fellow gubernatorial candidates Rob Astorino and Cuomo for failing to acknowledge the need for the commission, calling their silence "complicity."
City and State: Green Party Looks To Open Line of Communication with WFP
Green Party passes resolution to send letter to Working Families Party looking to discuss similar views.
May 19, 2014
Albany Times Union: Justice advocates push for reconciliation commission
The commission is inspired by the one used by South Africa in the wake of the collapse of its apartheid segregation policies, and the petition drive began after the December death of former South African president and anti-apartheid crusader Nelson Mandela, said Alice Green, the center’s executive director.
Green, a former Green Party candidate for mayor of Albany, said Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins has already endorsed the plan. She said overtures have also been made to Cuomo, a Democrat, and Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino.
AP: Hawkins wins Green Party nod for New York governor
NY Chalkbeat: At weekend rally, a mix of opposition to Gov. Cuomo and state tests
“People see a lot of things going on in education as an attack on public education,” said Brian Jones, a former New York City teacher who is running for lieutenant governor in this year’s gubernatorial election on the Green Party line….
The event had some clear political overtones, starting with Jones’ presence. Many people at the rally said they were registered Democrats, but sought an alternative to Gov. Andrew Cuomo in November. They cited Cuomo’s recent embrace of privately-managed charter schools as one example of the threats facing public education.
No Struggle, No Progress blog: It's official. Howie Hawkins and Brian Jones nominated as Green Party candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor
WCDO Radio (eastern Southern Tier): Hawkins Wins Green Nomination for NY Governor
Howie Hawkins of Syracuse won the Green Party nomination for governor of New York again. Hawkins won the nomination on Saturday in Troy. In 2010, Hawkins received 59,906 votes, more than any other 3rd party candidate who ran against Democrat Andrew Cuomo. The centerpiece of the Green Party is a proposal to build a 100 percent clean energy by 2030, which they claim could create 4.5 million new jobs over the next 15 years.
May 18, 2014
Auburn Citizen: Not a fan of Cuomo? Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins hopes to appeal to liberal voters
Hawkins ran for governor in 2010 and received 59,906 votes, which secured an automatic spot on the ballot for the Green Party for four years. While one of the goals in this election is to retain the party's place on the ballot, Hawkins is aiming to get more support to help establish the party as a voice for the left.
Time Warner Cable News: Green Party nominates Hawkins for Governor
Jacobin Magazine: A Challenge to Cuomo by Brian Jones
My name is Brian Jones, and I am a longtime educator, activist, and parent in New York City. I am announcing my intention to seek the Green Party’s nomination for the office of lieutenant governor of the state of New York.
I am joining with Howie Hawkins, whom I hope the Green Party will nominate to run for Governor of the state of New York, in proposing a campaign that would challenge the policies and priorities of our current state government, of the Democratic and Republican parties, of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and of the millionaires who support him.
May 17, 2014
Albany Times-Union: In Troy, Hawkins gets Green Party nod for governor again
Syracuse Post-Standard: Green Party nominates Howie Hawkins for gubernatorial ticket
May 16, 2014
WNYT TV, Albany: Hawkins to accept Green party nomination for governor
May 13, 2014
The Indypendent: NYC Educator Runs for Lt. Gov: An Interview with Brian Jones
May 12, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Green Party candidate calls for 'clean money' public financing
The likely gubernatorial candidate for the state's Green Party, Howie Hawkins, is criticizing Gov. Andrew Cuomo for comments made in an op-ed piece published last week.
Writing in the Huffington Post, the governor, as Hawkins puts it, admitted defeat on comprehensive campaign finance reform when he wrote "We may not be able to shut off the spigot of money into the system."
[Hawkins] said Cuomo should "be calling for full public campaign financings and an amendment to the U.S. constitution to permit effective public regulation of election financing."
May 10, 2014
Perdido Street School blog: What That Meeting on Long Island Between Teachers Union Leaders and Cuomo Signifies
If Astorino can garner 40%+ in polls and a third party candidate like Howie Hawkins can take a few percentage points from him in the months leading up to Election Day, Cuomo will remain pliable and reasonable. But if we start seeing Cuomo with 60%+ re-election numbers in polls, he's less likely to feel the need to meet with the leaders of five small union locals who have been pushing anti-Cuomo protests and listen to them.
May 8, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: New York City public school advocate to run as lieutenant governor with Green Party's Hawkins
Socialist Worker: Offering New Yorkers a choice
May 7, 2014
AP: Green Party candidate to make run for lt. governor
A New York City educator says he'll seek the Green Party's nomination for lieutenant governor.
May 6, 2014
WRPI: The People's Business
Video: Howie Hawkins interviewed on The People's Business by Frank Mauro of the Fiscal Policy Institute, Brian McDonald of AFSCME, and Ron Deutsch on NYers for Fiscal Fairness.
Legislative Gazette: New push for state-funded health care
New York Health is endorsed by more than 75 physician, labor and social justice groups as well as Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins.
May 1, 2014
Ithaca Journal: Green governor candidate pushes tax reform
Howie Hawkins targets wealth inequality, fracking, testing.
WHCU/i100 Classic Rock: Green party candidate Howie Hawkins brings campaign to Ithaca
April 30, 2014
Lake Champlain Weekly: Thunder on the Left
Hawkins would seem to be the candidate of the Left that many progressives, including Democrats, seem to be thirsting for as an alternative to the at-best disappointing, at-worst infuriating reign of Andrew Cuomo.
Elmira Star-Gazette: Green governor candidate pushes tax reform; Howie Hawkins targets wealth inequality, fracking, testing
WHCU Radio: Green party candidate Howie Hawkins brings campaign to Ithaca
Hawkins said Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget and property tax relief plan is fiscally irresponsible, and places the burden on local governments.
“He’s giving tax cuts to the rich, and we are paying for it as working people,” Hawkins said.
April 28, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Working Families Party poll: Should party back Cuomo this year?
Meanwhile, some Green Party members are also seizing the moment to pitch their candidate Howie Hawkins as an option for the Working Families Party endorsement.
April 25, 2014
WSYR ABC 9: Newsmakers: Howie Hawkins
Opposition News: Greens Howie Hawkins launches Campaign for NY Governor
Long time socialist and lifelong grassroots political activist Howie Hawkins is turning his campaign for NY Governor up a notch. Running under the Green Party banner, the popular Syracuse progressive is no stranger to running for elective office. He’s been a recurring candidate over the years and in his bid for Governor four years ago, Hawkins received enough votes to automatically bestow major party status on the Green Party of New York....
“The left needs an independent voice, where we act and speak for ourselves,” Hawkins said, “Working people in this country aren’t voting because they’re so alienated from both parties. They’re funded by the one percent. And while they might give us working people a little lip service, they’re not acting on our behalf. And so, most of us have dropped out.”
The Green candidate for NY Governor then went on to bluntly and confidently tell the audience what the future holds for the Republicans and Democrats. Replying to a question about the Green Party’s strategy, in New York as well as the rest of the country, Howie Hawkins told the live, on-air interviewer, “We’re not just about influencing the Democrats and Republicans, or lobbying them. We’re about replacing them.”
April 23, 2014
Christine Noble blog: An Open Letter to the Working Families Party Leadership
Howie Hawkins is assured the endorsement of the Green Party, I think we need to give him a fighting chance and throw in with him as well.
Perdito Street School blog: Howie Hawkins Says Working Families Party Should Nominate Him To Take On Cuomo In General Election
Given the lame response Dan Cantor had to yesterday's Siena College poll release, I suspect WFP leaders are looking for any way they can to avoid rank-and-file calls to nominate a third party candidate and just simply (and quietly) put Cuomo's name on their ballot line.
April 22, 2014:
WHCU Morning Newswatch: Howie Hawkins Interview: New York's Other Candidate
Syracuse Post-Standard: A liberal candidate could draw votes away from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, poll finds
… if a Working Families Party candidate enters the race, 24 percent of voters polled said they'd back the third-party candidate over the current governor….A progressive candidate who belongs to a union already has entered the gubernatorial race. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, a Teamster from Syracuse, is in the race. He has said he is open to talking to the Working Families Party about a cross-endorsement, but has doubts that party really wants to challenge the governor.
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Says Siena Poll Affirms His Campaign
Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins was heartened by a Siena College poll on Tuesday that found a liberal, Working Families Party-backed candidate would garner up to 24 percent of the vote against Democratic incumbent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Rob Astorino….The WFP itself released a decidedly vanilla statement in response to the poll.
CounterPunch: Stop Capitulating, Start Converging - The Global Climate Convergence and the Independent Political Imperative
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party’s candidate for Governor of New York, sums it up: “The Democrats want to repeal the New Deal and the Republicans seem to want to repeal the Enlightenment.”
April 17, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Ursula Rozum to be Hawkins campaign manager, not a Congressional candidate
Rozum, 30, of Syracuse, received almost 8 percent of the vote in a three-way race for the 24th District seat in 2012. Dan Maffei, D-Syracuse, (49 percent) defeated former Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R-Onondaga Hill, (43 percent) in that election. Rozum ran a feisty third-party campaign in 2012, rejecting donations from political action committees while criticizing the major political parties and their candidates.
April 16, 2014
Brooklyn Downtown Star: Howie Hawkins, Green Party Governor Candidate
April 15, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Green Party gubernatorial candidate backs adoptee rights
Ithaca Journal: Letter: Hawkins plan would improve New York
Huffington Post: 15 Now to Starbucks's CEO: Pay Your Employees $15 an Hour!
With more than 60 people present, including Green Party gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins, the protesters filled the sidewalk in front of the Fulton Street Starbucks to demand that CEO Howard Schultz put his money where his mouth is and pay his employees a minimum wage of $15 an hour.
Urban Disaster Records: Video - Howie Hawkins, Where Does Cuomo Get His Money?
Labor Press: The Teamster Who Would Be Governor of NY State
April 14, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Free SUNY, Full-day Pre-K and $15 Minimum Wage Part of Green's Platform
NY1 - Inside City Hall with Errol Louis: Howie Hawkins Previews Campaign to Become Green Party's Candidate for Governor
CNY Vision: Rochester - Hawkins Announces for Governor in front of High School Slated for Closure
WBFO News: Hawkins Brings Green Campaign to Buffalo
CSEA - This Week in Albany: Howie Hawkins Announces Campaign for Governor
Green Party member Howie Hawkins announced his run for governor on Wednesday. Hawkins is a former Marine and a member of Teamsters Local 317 in Syracuse. Hawkins said that he opposes Governor Cuomo’s policies that disproportionately benefit the wealthy. As Governor, he would push for tax cuts for 95% of New Yorkers while increasing taxes for the very wealthy. He also called for an increase in the minimum wage to $15/hour, and a substantial increase in funding for schools.
April 10, 2014
WXXI News: Green Party gubernatorial candidate calls for a "Green New Deal"
The Journal News: Hawkins is Green Party's gubernatorial candidate again
April 9, 2014
Albany Times Union Capital Confidential: Gov candidate Hawkins pitches "Green New Deal"
Albany Times Union: Hawkins presents platform
Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter: Interview with Howie Hawkins on Campaign Announcement
Howie Hawkins segment starts half way through at 30 minutes in.
Urban Disaster Records: Video - Howie Hawkins, The Capitol Pressroom Interview
Newsday: Green Party candidate Hawkins calls for $15 minimum wage
Ithaca Journal: Hawkins announces campaign for Governor
Capital Tonight with Liz Benjamin: Howie Hawkins discusses his second run
Associated Press: Hawkins enters race for Governor of NY
Syracuse New Times: Hawkins Runs Again for Governor
Troy Record: Hawkins announces second run for Governor
Politics on the Hudson: Easy being green: Howie Hawkins runs again on Green Party line
WRVO (NPR-Oswego): Howie Hawkins begins second run for governor
Capital New York: Candidate runs as alternative to WFP for Cuomo-protest voters
April 8, 2014
Independent Media CNY: Howie Hawkins' Gubernatorial Campaign Announcement in Syracuse
Full speech and Q&A.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Five questions for Howie Hawkins, starting with why are you running for governor again?
2.5 minute video stump speech included in the link.
Time Warner Cable News: Howie Hawkins to seek Green Party nomination for Governor
April 4, 2014
CounterPunch: McCutcheon on the Hudson: Clean Money in Albany Now
Albany Times Union: Commentary - N.Y. Voters deserve a Clean Money System
April 3, 2014
City and State: Hawkins Will Run for Governor
Green Party activist Howie Hawkins is set to make a gubernatorial run after his 2010 campaign netted him 59,906 votes, enough to keep the party on the ballot for the coming election.
NY State of Politics: Hawkins Launching Green Party Bid Next Week
Syracuse-based Green Party activist Howie Hawkins is set to launch another bid for governor next week following a 2010 campaign that resulted in receiving 59,906 votes. Hawkins easily helped the third party achieve ballot access for this coming election by surpassing the 50,000-vote threshold….His candidacy in 2010 focused on broader investment in environmentally friendly technology as well as infrastructure and mass transit. He also supports ban on hydrofracking and the transition to a “carbon neutral economy” in 15 years.
April 2, 2014
Independent Media CNY: McCutcheon v. FEC Rally
Green candidate for NYS Governor, Howie Hawkins, addressed the media and demonstrators.
March 25, 2014
WAER: Cuomo Campaigns Locally for Property Tax Reform
But some disagree. Opponents like Green Party candidate for governor Howie Hawkins say Cuomo’s plan is a top-down, “one size fits all” approach that leaves local governments little say over decisions regarding municipal and school budgets and property tax levies. Hawkins points to the individual fiscal needs and specific circumstances for each locality that could get glossed over if the state were to influence the consolidation process.
Syracuse Post-Standard: NY Green Party candidate: Cuomo's property tax freeze not the solution
"A better way to cut property taxes would be for the state to pay for its mandates and let us, through our local governments, decide how much to cut property taxes and how much to fund our schools and services," Hawkins said in a statement released a couple of hours before Cuomo is scheduled to plug his property tax freeze plan in DeWitt.
March 24, 2014
Legislative Gazette: A progressive alternative to austerity is possible
Op-Ed by Howie Hawkins: "A more progressive tax structure would yield increased revenues to fund progressive priorities while providing tax relief to low and middle income New Yorkers. But such progressive policies are off Cuomo's agenda."
Socialist Alternative: $15 Minimum Wage: March 15 National Day of Action
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party Candidate for Governor, was among the speakers, publicly coming out in favor of $15 an hour minimum wage and denouncing Governor Cuomo as “Governor 1%”.
March 3, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Likely Cuomo challengers sound off on prison college plan: Astorino, Hawkins at polar opposite sides of the debate
Two potential challengers to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's re-election are at opposite ends of the spectrum on the governor's plan to provide college degree programs in 10 prisons throughout the state. Howie Hawkins, who ran on the Green Party ticket in 2010, says the program doesn't go far enough but likely Republican candidate Rob Astorino has denounced free education for New York's inmates.
In These Times: The Third Party That's Winning
Without endorsing Cuomo in 2010, the party feared it wouldn’t meet the 50,000-vote quota. Cuomo took advantage of the WFP’s position and pushed it to sign on to his whole agenda, which included tax cuts and worker pay freezes. Cuomo won easily and the WFP kept its ballot line, but it’s unclear whether he helped the party’s vote total. Sociologist and In These Timescontributor Peter Frase (full disclosure: my boyfriend) crunched the numbers and found that in virtually every county, Cuomo got fewer WFP votes than any of the party’s other statewide cross-endorsed candidates. By contrast, when Eliot Spitzer was cross-endorsed by WFP in the 2006 gubernatorial race, he garnered more votes on the WFP line than the party’s lower-level candidates. While there’s no way to prove with certainty that an independent WFP candidate would have crossed the 50,000-vote threshold, Frase notes that the Green Party got 59,906 votes for its independent candidate, Howie Hawkins—suggesting that it was possible for a third party to hold a ballot line with a Left challenge to Cuomo.
February 25, 2014
Legislative Gazette: Green Party's Hawkins: Educate every prisoner and make SUNY and CUNY free
'Every prisoner should have the opportunity to further their education, including higher education. Prisoners released with college degrees will have a much better chance of securing decent employment and successful reentry into society,' Hawkins said. 'If Cuomo's college for prisoners program is good, it should include all prisons, not just the ten prisons in the governor's proposal.'
February 24, 2014
CNY Vision: Howie Hawkins Lays Out His Plans for New York Prisoners
February 13, 2014
WRVO (NPR-Oswego): Hawkins running for governor again
February 11, 2014
Syracuse Post-Standard: Unions, Green Party NY leaders: Proposed tax breaks won't help poor, working class
Howie Hawkins, who is running for governor on the Green Party line, says the state should return to income tax brackets used 40 years ago. Back then, Hawkins said, the lowest earners in New York paid 2 percent in income taxes while the highest earners paid closer to 15 percent. The tax burden has switched, Hawkins said. Now, the lowest earners pay 4 percent of their income in taxes, and the richest pay 8.82 percent.
"Those of us at the bottom are paying twice the rates back in those days," Hawkins said.
Hawkins, of Syracuse, also wants to revive the stock transfer tax, a fee on investment trades that been rebated to financial institutions for years. With the extra money, he would increase school aid, create affordable housing, invest in renewable energy and create a job-guarantee program to match unemployed workers with government jobs.
Syracuse Post-Standard: Syracuse Green Howie Hawkins to challenge Gov. Cuomo second time
He wrote an essay after Cuomo's State of the State address called "Cuomo talks left, but walks right." Hawkins said Cuomo's tax reform package is "reactionary corporate welfare" and middle-class families will pay dearly for business tax cuts and StartUp NY tax-free zones.
Time Warner Cable News: Income inequality used locally to battle Cuomo's proposed
"And then they tell us, there's no money. That's because the rich don't pay their fair share anymore," said Howie Hawkins, a former Green Party gubernatorial candidate.
Howie Hawkins ran against Cuomo in 2010.
"If we went back to the income tax we had in the 1970s, 95 percent of us would get a tax cut. And, with what the top 5 percent paid, we'd have $8 billion more," said Hawkins.
February 6 and 13, 2014
WBAI interviews on Haskins and Hennelly- Drive Time for the 99%:
February 6 interview featured questions about Stop and Frisk, education funding, and progressive taxation: Play
February 13 interview discussed the fiscal crises of upstate local governments and school districts, universal pre-K, full employment instead of public worker layoffs, and military spending and drone wars: Play
January 28, 2014
Independent Media Central New York: Teach-In on the Trans Pacific Partnership
The Trans Pacific Partnership is a major trade pact, much bigger than NAFTA, being negotiated in secret by the US and many other Pacific Rim Countries. Learn more about the TPP and the threats it poses to our democracy. Speakers: Kevin Zeese, PopularResistance.org; Aly Wane, Syracuse Peace Council; Emily Bishop, New Yorkers Against Fracking; Aly Wane, Syracuse Peace Council; Frank Cetera, GMO Free CNY; Howie Hawkins, Green Party leader.
Howie Hawkins' presentation runs from 33:00 to 44:30.
January 22, 2014
CNY Vision: Divestment, Not Shareholder Resolutions
"Exxon Mobil will not change until public policy gives it no choice. Divestment, not shareholder resolutions, are needed to move the public and then public policy. Shareholder resolutions will not educate and inspire masses of people to speak up and act for a climate-safe energy transition because few hear about them. They are at best symbolic and far weaker as a symbol than divestment, in both meaning and the size of the audience."
January 15, 2014
Capital Tonight with Liz Benjamin: Hawkins on his 2014 run for governor
January 6, 2014
The Stand, South Side News, Syracuse: Going and Growing: Green Party gains support, pushes alternative third-party platform
Howie Hawkins and the Syracuse Green Party are looking ahead after the most recent election. Find out what it plans to do moving forward.
December 4, 2013:
Syracuse New Times: Power Outage
Even more important, Hawkins maintains, is the need to achieve “clean energy” to avoid an increase in global warming. He plans to raise the issue, with a strategy for statewide implementation, in a campaign for governor next year, which the Green supporters are lobbying him to make.