Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is up for reelection on Tuesday, November 8, spent Saturday night on Long Island campaigning for Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican contender for governor of New York.
In his opening remarks, DeSantis told the crowd he finds it “wonderful in politics” when people aren’t forced to pick the “lesser of two evils.” For this reason, they should back a candidate like Lee Zeldin, who is both formidable and viable.
Just sent to me from the Lee Zeldin rally in NY.
Look at this crowd. pic.twitter.com/KstB6cr5Rn— Darla Shine (@DarlaShine) October 30, 2022
What Matters to New Yorkers
The typical style of his speech included DeSantis asking why all these New Yorkers were migrating to his state and what could be done about it.
He began by contrasting his own approach to COVID management in Florida with that of New York’s Democrat Party. Then, he added that Zeldin would make New York a “law and justice state” like Florida.
DeSantis also pointed out that Zeldin would get rid of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, addressing what polls are showing to be New Yorkers’ most significant or second-biggest (behind inflation) issue.
LIVE NOW with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a Massive Rally on Long Island! https://t.co/woUp5TvbGY
— Lee Zeldin (@leezeldin) October 30, 2022
He claimed Democrats are to blame for the crime epidemic. The government reduced police funding, eliminated cash bail, and appointed renegade prosecutors who refuse to uphold laws with which they disagree.
Inevitably, some of their streets will be less secure than others. Some residents may naturally lack the confidence to carry out even the most fundamental tasks.
Given that DeSantis is now engaged in a reelection campaign, this is somewhat more extraordinary than Glenn Youngkin’s scheduled presence there Monday night. The following week, on Tuesday, he will be on the ballot.
Democrats haven’t fielded a credible candidate to challenge DeSantis in a campaign that was expected to be competitive, so he’s emboldened to do this.
Sure Win For DeSantis
All four recent polls show him with double-digit leads against Charlie Crist, the former Republican governor who was mercilessly roasted by DeSantis in last week’s debate.
That’s quite an accomplishment, considering how many members of the regional and national press are no longer DeSantis supporters.
DeSantis may be up by double digits, but his campaign team likely doesn’t enjoy having to sacrifice him for non-Florida causes so close to the election, even if it’s just for one night.
Though DeSantis plays well with others, as evidenced by his work this year to bolster his state party in both local elections and the redistricting effort.
He is not like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who made agreements with Democrats to ensure his reelection and then left his state party in ruins.
Although just mere days before his own reelection, DeSantis went up to New York. This highlights the reality that while the Florida campaign is not close at all, the New York race is, and this focus can only benefit Zeldin.
Nobody saw that coming after DeSantis’s 2018 victory over Andrew Gillum (D), which was as close as a whisker.
This article appeared in The Political Globe and has been published here with permission.
