“I’m with her!”
That’s what a growing cast of surrogates are publicly saying in support of Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) in recent days amid a stand-off with legislative leaders over a state budget expected to exceed $252 billion.
As for Hochul herself: the bully pulpit in the Capitol gathered dust until Thursday night after most lawmakers left for the week. Republicans were gleeful, while she let allies fight for her policies.
“Governing by surrogate might work for political cover, but it doesn’t inspire confidence,” state Sen. George Borrello (R) said in a statement.
Hochul wasn’t looking for drama this year ...