How did someone like Pataki Beat Mario Cuomo for Governor ?

[JI7]

i never paid much attention to pataki but he was on one of the sunday shows today and there is nothing about him that is appealing. he isn't as offensive as ted cruz but there is an off putting blandness about him. i have to laugh just thinking about someone like him considering a run for president.

Mario CUomo was so much better in every way.

reminds me of Texas getting rid of Ann Richards for GW Bush. but at least in that case the state was very conservative and republican.

[hrmjustin]

1. It was a republican year and a 4th term is practically impossible for a governor here.

[tabbycat31]

2. 1994

Enough said.

(I vaguely remember this election, but I was not old enough to vote. Pataki was mayor of a town about 20 minutes from my hometown).

[edhopper]

3. He made a big campaign issue

out of capitol punishment. Cuomo would not betray his morals.
Pataki won, got the death penalty enacted,and exactly 0 prisoners were executed before it was overturned around 2007.
It wasa bullshit dog whistle issue. But New Yorkers fell for it.

[Historic NY]

4. Mostly he complained about Cuomo using the State planes..

to fly all over the place with State Police pilots. It was driven in the Mario was out of touch going into a 4th term...of course old George was the first to board one to take him home to Peekskill.