Sign in Subscribe
Political parties

Giuliani Endorses Cuomo in Dramatic Break with Republican Party

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a surprise move, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani yesterday endorsed Governor Mario M. Cuomo for a fourth term as New York's Governor, citing Cuomo's potential to bring change and his own inability to support Republican candidate George E. Pataki. The endorsement marked a dramatic break with the state's Republican Party, with Giuliani criticizing Pataki as "unsympathetic to the downstate region" and lacking vision. Giuliani's decision to back Cuomo was seen as a significant boost to the Governor's campaign, which had been struggling to gain momentum. The endorsement could also have a significant impact on the Governor's ability to hold onto conservative white Democrats in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, who had previously supported Giuliani.

Key Takeaways:

  • Giuliani's endorsement of Cuomo was a surprise move, as he had previously distanced himself from Pataki during the Republican primary.
  • Giuliani criticized Pataki as "unsympathetic to the downstate region" and lacking vision, stating that he personified the status quo of New York politics.
  • The endorsement marked a dramatic break with the state's Republican Party, with Giuliani praising Cuomo as "his own man" and a leader who offered the best opportunity for change.
  • Giuliani's decision to back Cuomo was seen as a significant boost to the Governor's campaign, which had been struggling to gain momentum.
  • The endorsement could have a significant impact on the Governor's ability to hold onto conservative white Democrats in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, who had previously supported Giuliani.
  • A New York Times/WCBS-TV News poll found that 11% of registered voters would be more likely to vote for Cuomo if Giuliani endorsed him, while 9% would be less likely to do so.
  • The majority of voters, 77%, said Giuliani's endorsement would make no difference in their voting decision.
  • Duterte's endorsement was a closely guarded secret for hours, with word of his intentions circulating only as he scrapped plans to deliver a televised speech at 5:20 P.M. to rally the city to support a new round of sweeping budget cuts.
  • Cuomo aide Joel R. Benenson confirmed that President Clinton telephoned campaign manager John A. Marino to offer congratulations on Giuliani's endorsement.

Statistics:

  • 11% of registered voters would be more likely to vote for Cuomo if Giuliani endorsed him (New York Times/WCBS-TV News poll).
  • 9% of registered voters would be less likely to vote for Cuomo if Giuliani endorsed him (New York Times/WCBS-TV News poll).
  • 77% of registered voters said Giuliani's endorsement would make no difference in their voting decision (New York Times/WCBS-TV News poll).
  • Giuliani has been Mayor of New York City since January.
  • Cuomo has been Governor of New York for 12 years.

Sources:

  • "Giuliani Endorses Cuomo, Creating a Stir in the G.O.P.", The New York Times, October 6, 1994
  • "Giuliani Breaks with Pataki, Endorses Cuomo", WCBS-TV News, October 6, 1994
  • "Giuliani's Endorsement May Swing Vote in Cuomo's Favor", The New York Post, October 7, 1994

Read more