Comedians and some pundits have been having a field day with New York voters who seemed untroubled by the character flaws of some leading candidates in the upcoming Democratic primaries. But recent polls offer grounds for optimism that New York is home to some fairly sagacious voters.
The latest Quinnipiac Poll has Eliot Spitzer tied in the city comptroller’s race. He may have been hurt by the fact newspapers from the left, right and center — The New York Times, the Post and the Daily News — all gave Spitzer’s opponent, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, ringing endorsements. As strongly as they endorsed Stringer, they resoundingly dis-endorsed (if there’s such a word) Spitzer.
Likewise, disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner is virtually a non-factor in the mayor’s race with just 8 percent in the latest polls. He may not have enough support to force frontrunner Bill de Blasio, the public advocate, into a runoff with likely runner-up Christine Quinn or Bill Thompson. Here’s the story.
I don’t know what would possess a rational voter to support either Weiner or Spitzer. It appears the voters don’t know, either. Good for them. Now, if only they would vote as wisely on policy matters as they appear poised to do on character …
