ALTONA, N.Y. (WCAX) – Republican candidates made their pitch to North Country voters Saturday as the June primary election approaches.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman made his first public appearance in the North Country, where he criticized electric vehicle mandates and said he would end New York’s sanctuary state status.
“State government shouldn’t be spending eight billion dollars of the taxpayers money on New Yorkers, illegal migrants, who just got here for 15 minutes,” Blakeman said. “So, if I am going to invest, I am going to invest in healthcare for New Yorkers and things like that.”
The Nassau County executive said he wants New York to tap into natural gas reserves to help lower utility prices.
“So we need to drill that natural gas, number one,” Blakeman said. “Number two, we have to to have an all of the above approach to energy. I am not against green energy but it shouldn’t be the sole source of energy.”
Assemblyman Robert Smullen, who is running for the 21st Congressional District seat, joined Blakeman in the North Country.
While Blakeman has received President Trump’s endorsement, Smullen has not. The president endorsed business owner Anthony Constantino ahead of the primary.
Smullen said Constantino is unfit for the job and received the endorsement based on his ties.
“My opponent is paying Roger Stone, who is a paid political consultant, who, tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars and Roger Stone has a relationship there that was utilized to be able to get this endorsement,” Smullen said.
Constantino said he earned the endorsement because of his support for Trump.
“He lies as easily as he breathes,” Constantino said. “He’s a disgrace, he should drop out. He should apologize to the President and to Roger Stone, who is a great American and great friend of mine.”
Smullen received both the Conservative and Republican state party’s endorsement.
“I am in this race to win it,” Smullen said. “I am confident I am going to win this in June and I will be on the ballot in November.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s campaign said Hochul is “lowering costs, investing billions to keep families safe, and standing up to Donald Trump – while Bruce Blakeman is offering the opposite.”
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