BY: Liliana R Suarez, Senior Editor for World Liberty TV
Photography by Al Caplan (c)
“It’s going to be an exciting event to motivate Democratic voters,” Jay Jacobs, the New York State Democratic Party chairman, promised. “We’ve got to begin to energize our party.”
Dr Abbey with Jay Jacobs NY Democratic Party Chair
But beyond Clinton’s appearance — which may signal a more significant public presence for the former first lady and two-time White House hopeful — a long lineup of heavy-hitting Democrats is expected to descend on Midtown.
Governor Kathy Hochul
State Attorney General Letitia James, who is running for reelection held a reception on Wednesday evening, according to a tentative schedule.
Senator Charles Schumer
Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the No. 5 House Democrat, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are on tap to speak, too.
Hazel Dukes President NY NAACP
And Gov. Hochul, whose election campaign is buffeted by challenges from her right and left, is expected to cap the convention with a speech after Clinton around 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Dr Abbey with Gov Kathy Hochul
The speech will be focused on party unity, said Jerrel Harvey, Hochul’s campaign spokesman.
NYS Senate Andrea Stewart Cousins Majority Leader
In the spring gubernatorial primary, Hochul hopes to top Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Long Island moderate, and city Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a Brooklyn progressive.
L-R Lt Gov BrianBenjamin Gov Kathy Hochul Letitia James NYAG & Thomas Dinapoli NYSC
Hochul, a former congresswoman from Buffalo, assumed the state’s top government post in August after Gov. Andrew Cuomo, facing a mountain of sexual harassment allegations, resigned in disgrace.
Dr Abbey with Thomas Dinapoli NYS Comptroller
The governor holds commanding leads in the campaign, according to polling, but the race is still taking shape. Hochul is running to become the first woman elected New York’s governor.
She was endorsed Monday by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the second woman to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Clinton was the first.
Dr Abbey with Tom Suozzi NYS Gov Candiate & Diana Reyna Lt Gov Candidate
In the gubernatorial race, Williams has the backing of the left-wing Working Families Party and New York Communities for Change, an advocacy group.
Dr Abbey Holding up Sign
Suozzi’s campaign said he would announce his running mate on Wednesday morning in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a potential opportunity to add credibility to a campaign that has yet to get off the ground.
Dr Abbey with Jumanne Williams NYCPA & NYS Gov Candidate
“No one will work harder for the people of the Empire State,” Hillary Clinton declared in the keynote address at the convention in Midtown Manhattan. “She is a governor for all of us.”
Nominating Committee members
Hochul, a moderate from Buffalo, has proved popular in the early months of her administration, and has established yawning early polling leads in the primary. Jay Jacobs, the state Democratic Party chairman, suggested the governor has drawn benefits from her personality.
Dr Abbey with Vanessa Gibson Bronx Borough President
“She’s a nice person,” Jacobs said from the stage of the convention. “She cares about people.”
Mayor Adams, who has friendly relationships with both Hochul and Suozzi, said in November that he planned to endorse a candidate in the primary race.
Hillary Clinton
But he avoided touching the campaign during his speech at the convention, and he portrayed Democrats’ sometimes disparate perspectives as a strength of the party.
“Some say our party is weakened by this diversity — that holding up such a big tent requires too many arms,” Adams said. “I say no to that. It is our strength.”
Dr Abbey with Howard Teich Chair THE HOWARD TEICH NETWORK
The Other Candidates that were nominated were: Sen. Charles Schumer, State Attorney General Letitia James, Brian Benjamin, for Lieutenant Governor and Thomas P. DiNapoli for New York State Comptroller.
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