Sean Patrick Flaney is a Democratic supporter who declares himself a “practical and mainstream man.”
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is a left-wing star from a political outsider with a powerful social media megaphone.
Perhaps the two Democrats do not better describe the party’s duel faction in the war with itself on ideological and institutional issues, how to build up power, and above all, how to defeat the Republicans. Maloney, who represents the Hudson Valley District, is the chairman of the Democratic Parliamentary Campaign Committee and is tasked with protecting incumbents and making him a pillar of establishment. Ocasio Cortez, who represents Bronx and Queens, has a mission to push the facility to the left. 1 Approval of a Liberal challenger All at once.
The two troops clashed this week when Ocasio Cortez gave support to Alessandra Biaggi, a left-wing politician senator who was Maloney’s main opponent. Incumbents from the same party often frown on helping major challengers, especially within state delegations. However, Ocasio Cortez, who overthrew the incumbent of democracy in 2018, never adhered to such a rule. Her muscles and funding knowledge can be a major factor in racing.
This move changed the contest, already filled with powerful New Yorkers, and divided loyalty into a messy national democratic proxy war. There is a clear tension in the issues that separate the party’s moderates from the left, such as public security, Medicare for all, and funding tactics. Promoting these controversies is a more existential issue, such as how to pursue political survival in an increasingly devastating climate for political parties.
“This is a battle between two Democrats. One is young, dynamic and wants to make a difference quickly,” said Maloney, who once worked and remains neutral in the race. Former Governor David Paterson said. In contrast, Maloney said, “I’m currently emerging as a leader in the House of Representatives, and I’m thinking more about what’s going on with the party as a whole in November of this year.”
The battle will take place in New York’s 17th district, and below the new boundaries will include parts of the wealthy Westchester County outside New York City and the conservative Hudson Valley settlements. The district was recently repainted as part of the constituency change battle, and some Democrats were angry with Mr. Maloney. In addition, the competitiveness of the 17th district has increased, and stakes in major battles that voters candidates believe will be able to retain their seats have been raised. State legislator Mike Laura is expected to be a leading Republican candidate for the Primary on August 23.
“We have a great opportunity to win the Republican Party in November by boldly tackling our position for the working people,” Biaggi said in an interview.
But that may not happen in the support of Ocasio Cortez, warned Susanne Berger, chairman of the Westchester County Democratic Commission. Sponsoring Maloney.
Guide to the 2022 primary in New York
Republicans are seeing an opportunity to break into the general election race as prominent Democratic officials are trying to defend their records.
“They misunderstood New York-17 voters that it was a key point if they thought it would help them win in November,” she said. “Republicans will use their support as a weapon in November.”
Ocasio Cortez declined the interview request. Her spokeswoman, Lauren Hit, said that the district was competitive, “Because of the safety of eggs and guns in the hearts of voters, Senator Biage’s record kicks out enthusiastic voters in the midterm elections. This puts her in a unique position. “
Mr. Biage and Mr. Ocasio Cortez have been a political alliance since they defeated the incumbents of the Democratic Party in 2018 and gained attention. Biaggi, 36, is the granddaughter of Mario Biaggi, who was a member of Parliament for the 10th term from New York. Hillary Clinton, whose home in Chappaqua is now in the area, helped lead Mr. Biage’s wedding. Maloney, 55, has a connection with Clinton.He is at the White House of former President Bill Clinton Staff secretaryAnd he recently Marched with Mrs. Clinton According to a photo he posted on Twitter, at the Memorial Day parade in Chappaqua. A Clinton spokesman did not comment on their plans to support the race.
Maloney, who claims to be a “practical progressor in getting things done,” is considered a race favorite, but local party officials want both candidates to introduce themselves to the newly constructed district. Say there is something to do.Mr. Biage claimed that Mr. Maloney was too timid. Problems like healthcare — She supported Medicare for All and said, “Ideally private insurance would not be part of it.” She casts Maloney as being too close to corporate profits.
And at the moment of the Democratic-majority national crisis and frequent stalemate, she suggested that voters were feeling like candidates to “fight like hell for them.” ..
When Mr. Maloney first arrived in Congress after flipping over Republican seats in 2012, he was arguably more Centrism.. But his allies now say that lawmakers, New York’s first openly gay lawmakers who have long fought for LGBTQ rights and supported climate proposals endorsed by Ocasio Cortez, are moderate. I’m dismissing my thoughts.
In an interview, he said, “I believe in mainstream policies that are ready to go, such as protecting children from gun violence, protecting reproductive freedom and climate change.” (The Senate has put most of those priorities in a pinch.)
He has stated several times that he “respects” or “very respects” Ocasio Cortez, despite his support for Biage.
“I was the first co-sponsor of the Green New Deal and we talked about it — I always talk to her,” he said.
But as of Thursday, he confirmed, they hadn’t spoken since she Raised the outlook Last month, he said he should resign as DCCC chairman in a dispute over a constituency change that could tear the delegation apart. There was no effort to mediate between the two representatives, according to people in and around the delegation who were given anonymity to discuss personal conversations.
Hit, a spokeswoman for Ocasio Cortez, said they were “consensus, albeit different.”
After the state high court overthrew a map of parliament drawn by Democrats and a new map was released, Mr. Maloney was not a redrawn version of the current 18th parliamentary district. A little safe 17th district. He lives there — and Mr. Beardge intends to move there, but does not live — but the area is largely represented by Congressman Mondea Jones.
The leader of the campaign committee, who is entertaining the challenge to incumbent colleagues, has caused an explosive backlash, and Ocasio Cortez quotes the conflict of interests, citing conflicts of interest. Proposed Mr. Maloney needs to resign as chairman when pursuing such a challenge. Eventually, Jones decided to run in another district, avoiding Primary, but some members are still personally bristle in the episode.
Asked about a message to a disgruntled colleague, Maloney said, “I should have done better,” even though he emphasized that the district he chose was slightly safer for the Democrats than the other districts. I admitted.
“I also thought it would work and there was a way to avoid the primary between members, and that’s what we did,” he said.
He also, as chairman of the Commission, decided that his “heart” and his “focus” would protect the Democratic majority, even when he was navigating his own race. I promised to be there.
At the same time, Mr Maloney said he had ended his policy of blacklisting consultants or political parties to support candidates who oppose incumbents. This policy was an issue between leftist members and the DCCC.
Ocasio Cortez helped several challengers this year. One has been defeated and the other is slightly behind in the race towards recounting, which is a nuisance to some Democrats.
“The catastrophe after the change in New York’s constituency clearly shows why members shouldn’t lead Democratic parties,” said Kathleen Rice, a member of the House of Representatives in New York. However, she also seems to criticize Ocasio Cortez, complaining about “a particular member with a long history of challenging incumbents” who is stirring the pot.
“If stakes are so high, Democrats need to get together to maintain a majority, rather than encourage violence by Democrats,” she said.
When asked about criticism that Ocasio Cortez was overly enthusiastic about taking on his colleagues, Mr. Hit said he believed that lawmakers were not eligible to be re-elected “by default.”
Some nationally renowned Democrats have gathered around Mr. Maloney, who is near Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The list includes the chairman of Ohio’s House of Representatives Joyce Beity, Black Caucus, who said in an interview Thursday that she was supporting him.
Some of Maloney’s criticisms, as she pointed out, are work-related.
“You will never be happy, and you will be judged by victory,” she said.
New York Rep. Hakim Jeffries, Chairman of House Democratic Caucus, called Maloney “a diligent and respected member of the House who won several enthusiastically contested elections,” and voters “again. Returned to Washington. “
Asked if it was supportive, he just said the comment spoke for itself. But it reflected unmistakable signs of encouragement from party leaders.
The primary is scheduled for August. But for all the dramas surrounding the contest, some Democrats inside and outside the delegation are already immersed in the bigger problems in the ever-deteriorating political climate.
“When faced with the possibility of a tornado, former DCCC Chair Steve Israel said,” The breeze of anger is less important. “