For the first time in years, New York might matter for Republicans in the presidential primary election. “I don't believe that Donald Trump struck a knockout blow to his opponents last night,” said Erie County Republican Committee Chairman, Nick Langworthy.
Of course there's still a lot up in the air between now and April 19, including both Ohio and Florida where some 165 delegates are at stake. “If, for some reason Trump stumbles and doesn't carry those state on March 15, then this could very well go into April and perhaps all the way to the convention,” Langworthy added.
Jack O'Donnell is a political analyst. He too said New York could remain relevant for the GOP. He said both Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are fighting for second and if they are still in the race in April, New York will matter. “If that's the case, New York, with the amount of delegates we have at stake here will be a very important race for them,” O’Donnell said.
O'Donnell said the Democratic race is Hillary Clinton's to lose. So, he said New York won't have much of an impact in the democratic primary.
But what about the general election? If Trump and Clinton face off in November, could Clinton be vulnerable here? Some, including Langworthy said yes. “I think there's the best chance we've had since Ronald Reagan was President. I mean, there's an extraordinary amount of support for him here in our community.”
Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner said not so fast. ”There's a lot of what if's here. There's a lot of speculation but I think she's going to do very well in NY and particularly in WNY.”
Most agree. You need only look at history to show the deep blue roots of New York. The last time New York voted Republican was in 1984. “Donald Trump has a play in the Republican Primary here in NY.I don't think he has any chance in beating Hilary Clinton in the G.E.in NY.”
