Defying Spitzer juggernaut, Suozzi soldiers on
BUFFALO, N.Y. — When Eliot Spitzer arrives here Tuesday to claim the endorsement of the state Democratic convention, it will be just one stop on what has so far been a glide path to the party’s nomination for governor.

But for his primary opponent, Tom Suozzi, the Buffalo gathering will be just the latest repudiation in his effort to transform the Spitzer coronation into something resembling a real race.

Three months after announcing his underdog candidacy, Suozzi, the Nassau County executive, remains little more than a speed bump beneath the Spitzer juggernaut. Recent polls show Suozzi with about 12 percent support among Democratic voters, a number that has barely budged despite a rigorous schedule of campaign appearances and a substantial statewide television ad buy in March.

A dynamic speaker with a thorough command of public policy, Suozzi so far has simply been unable to shake up the dynamics of the race. But it hasn’t been for lack of trying.

He has laid out detailed plans to reduce property taxes, bolster the upstate economy and combat Medicaid fraud, and has challenged Spitzer to do the same. But Spitzer, the state attorney general who leads Suozzi by as much as 60 percent in some polls, has steadfastly refused to engage.

I disagree with their assessment of the voters. Why is it that every Democrat I know is voting for Suozzi? Yet the polling always has the commie Spitzer in the lead.