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State Republican Chairman Ed Cox’s quick dismissal of talk that state Senate GOP Majority Leader John Flanagan might run for governor in 2018 left some in his party “stunned” and “frustrated.”
Cox on Thursday when asked about Flanagan said he hadn’t heard such talk and doubted it was true . He wouldn’t say whether he thought the Long Island Republican would be a good candidate.
Patrick McCarthy, a former state party executive director, was among those who couldn't understand why his party leader publicly dissed Flanagan, the state's highest ranking elected Republican.
At least two Republicans lay some of the blame for the recent uproar on Flanagan himself. They say if he knew word was leaking out that he is considering a gubernatorial run, he should have alerted Cox, who those close to him say was taken by surprise when asked about it by reporters shortly after the report surfaced.
Flanagan also should have behind the scenes lined up supporters to speak in favor of him, the two Republicans agreed.
The GOPer said a Flanagan candidacy would face significant hurdles, particularly among upstaters who are angry he allowed Gov. Cuomo's controversial SAFE Act gun control to make it to the floor for passage. The insider said if Flanagan wants to have a chance to win upstaters back, he'd bring legislation to the floor to repeal the SAFE Act this year.
NYS GOP chairman's diss of Flanagan upsets some Republicans
Cox on Thursday when asked about Flanagan said he hadn’t heard such talk and doubted it was true . He wouldn’t say whether he thought the Long Island Republican would be a good candidate.
Patrick McCarthy, a former state party executive director, was among those who couldn't understand why his party leader publicly dissed Flanagan, the state's highest ranking elected Republican.
At least two Republicans lay some of the blame for the recent uproar on Flanagan himself. They say if he knew word was leaking out that he is considering a gubernatorial run, he should have alerted Cox, who those close to him say was taken by surprise when asked about it by reporters shortly after the report surfaced.
Flanagan also should have behind the scenes lined up supporters to speak in favor of him, the two Republicans agreed.
The GOPer said a Flanagan candidacy would face significant hurdles, particularly among upstaters who are angry he allowed Gov. Cuomo's controversial SAFE Act gun control to make it to the floor for passage. The insider said if Flanagan wants to have a chance to win upstaters back, he'd bring legislation to the floor to repeal the SAFE Act this year.
NYS GOP chairman's diss of Flanagan upsets some Republicans
