Andy Cuomo can't win on an even playing field because he is not qualified for this office. That's why he is dependent on a single powerful union.
It certainly surprises people that the governor and his wife and others would use that kind of language. It doesn't help him with Republican voters. He comes across as just another New York politician who doesn't share their values.
He's an easy target. New Yorkers are centrist by nature. One has to presume Senator Clinton is a candidate for president and the strategic imperative here (in 2006) is to pile up big numbers.
She needs to spend a lot of time in portions of the state who match the profile of those in the Midwest, which she will need if she runs for president in 2008. If she can win them over in New York, she can win them over in Ohio.
She needs to do better with white Catholic men from the Midwest.
It's a lot of money. She has a reputation; she commanded a high price. But this is not a presidential campaign. A typical amount is $12,000 to $15,000 for a campaign manager. For a consultant to do specific tasks, a lot less.
Michael Bloomberg wants to be a stimulator and a provider and to leave a city that has major development ongoing. It's business, business and business. He wants to force development and in doing so help the private sector in creating jobs.
Presidents of the United States don't allow themselves to be pushed around.
Snyder waged a tough campaign. But the edge usually goes to the incumbent in elections.
Plan to see Sen. Clinton - post-2006 - spending a lot of time in the Midwest.