‘Long-shot, but certainly still in the conversation’ — Political analyst Marc Sandalow weighs in on the possibility of Stefanik becoming Trump’s running mate.
By Molly Ormsbee | WNBC 5
WASHINGTON, DC — One day after the presidential primary in New York state, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump came out as the clear winners in a largely symbolic race.
Low voter turnout was expected across New York. According to local election officials, more than 1,000 voters in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties turned out to cast a ballot on Tuesday.
“I applaud the 450,000 New Yorkers who went out and vote, even though both Trump and Biden had locked up their nominations weeks ago.
“But let’s put this in perspective. In a state of 13 million registered voters, that’s a turnout rate of roughly 3.5% percent. That is not terribly much,” political analyst Marc Sandalow said.
“In November 2020, 70% of New Yorkers showed up for the elections. So, in that sense, it was a tiny turnout,” Sandalow said.
But even with a 3.5% turnout, Sandalow says more New Yorkers voted yesterday than the entire state of New Hampshire for the first in the nation primary.
“That’s why there are an awful lot of people who question why it is that New Hampshire goes first,” Sandalow said.
As people watch the presidential race, questions remain over who Trump will pick as a running mate.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, from New York’s 21st Congressional District, has been floated as a potential choice. She’s consistently been loyal to Trump.
But analysts say the “convention of wisdom” in Washington leads them to believe it’s a long shot.
“If you look at the betting markets, which, believe it or not, are very good predictors of things right now, they have her as a one-in-nine shot. So long shot, but certainly still in the conversation,” Sandalow said.
Stefanik’s position as the 4th ranking member of the House makes her a viable option, according to Sandalow, as well as her ability to raise money.
But he says Sen. Tim Scott, Gov. Kristi Noem, and the former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard are still higher on the list. ##