By Josh Sommers
Posted: December 18, 2009
Turn on one of the network television channels and you’re likely to see one of Gov. David Paterson’s latest commercials. A political TV campaign in December is a rarity.
But Paterson, heading a state government in financial ruin during the worst recession in a generation, wears his incumbency like an albatross around his neck. Many have written off Paterson, with kingmakers and TV talking heads pointing to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo as the next likely New York governor. Even President Obama, according to several published reports, has privately asked Paterson to step aside for the 2010 election.
You know where you stand
If Paterson wants to have any chance in winning his party’s nomination for next year’s election, he has to move the needle now.
Paterson’s latest vocal push back against Albany dysfunction and tough talk about the state budget has earned some points with the public. His open and direct style is defining. With this governor, you know where you stand.
Paterson has taken his show on the road, talking to key stakeholders around the state. As chairman of one of the region’s economic development organizations, I recently joined a discussion with the governor. His approach and message about the state’s financial crisis and direction was compelling (although I wanted better answers on issues such as the future of the Empire Zone and the MTA payroll tax).
A blunt, pragmatic approach
Paterson has also had a lot of success making sure the news media carries his message. He has managed New Yorker’s expectations, and spread the negative P.R. burden from the state’s financial shortfall with the Senate and Assembly.
You may find Paterson’s latest TV ads inspiring, showcasing his tough talk to unions and corporations, while acknowledging his past mistakes. Just like the news articles and TV sound bites, the ads also leverage Paterson’s blunt, pragmatic approach to putting New Yorker’s first. He does this while perceptions of Albany lawmakers are that they can’t seem to run a kid’s birthday party without having a fight.
This comprehensive image and political campaign has paid some needed dividends for Paterson. His campaign team is reaching the public by leveraging news media coverage and paid advertising, while enlisting grass-roots support with key influences.
According to the Quinnipiac poll, if a Democratic primary were held during the survey period of this week’s released data, Cuomo would top Paterson 60 to 23 percent. It is likely over for him. But Paterson’s campaign has made some in-roads, and while a long shot, the next few months will be fun to watch. Besides, in New York, anything is possible.
