In the News: Grant Reeher

"The sense of tradition is very strong in the Senate—there's a level of mutual respect and having each other's back," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, about Senate Republicans' support of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, says that, compared to other recent presidents, Trump’s pardons appear "more politically oriented. He is focusing on people whose political actions are consistent with his own, in that they have been advancing points of view that he shares, or working toward his goals."

"If something big is revealed—an impeachable offense by the president—that could be a significant factor in creating a blue (Democratic) wave," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute. On the other hand, he says, if the investigations end with nothing really significant or new "it gives power to President Trump's narrative that it has all been a witch hunt, which could give Republicans a boost."

"It has obviously been an enormous distraction for the administration," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science. "Whatever the amount of political capital [Trump had], it has been diminished."

"With the mid-term congressional elections coinciding with the gubernatorial primary contest, Nixon and Cuomo are both seeking to project themselves as 'resister in chief',” says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

"Certainly, he [President Trump] won't be shy about using executive powers—that will be the same—but Obama also used his remaining time, especially in his second term, to exercise the rhetorical presidency," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

"There are a lot of things that make it tough for mayors to emerge as presidential candidates and I think its because of the fact that their records are always going to be impeachable, and the constituencies that they tend to represent have a harder time being seen around the rest of the country," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science. 

"Of all the problems to have, having the whole Albany culture of corruption attached to him [Cuomo]—and it will be attached to him—is one of the worst problems to have," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

"If...Dana Balter is hammering away at the idea that the 24th could play a role in flipping the House of Representatives, it may be harder for him [incumbent John Katko]," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute. "But he comes in with a lot of advantages, particularly if we look back at past elections."

"The interesting question it raises is whether the seat will change parties," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute. "That’s possible, given the district enrollment," adding "and with the Senate closely split, this particular election could become very important."

"New York City and the surrounding region is a much bigger stage, so political figures emerging from there are often already statewide and even national figures because of that," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science.

Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, says "It could be something that could actually raise her [Miner] name recognition and expand her possibilities for the future" about former Syracuse mayor Stephanie Miner's run for governor of NY. 

"[Representative John Katko] has taken some high-profile positions and votes against Trump and the Republican leadership that strengthen his bona fides as a moderate and an independent voice—which is a good fit with the district," says Professor of Political Science Grant Reeher. "[Stephanie] Miner can no doubt see that, and to risk being beaten badly would probably end her elective political career. Taking on a strong governor in a primary doesn't pose the same downside risk."

"Whatever damage takes place here would not happen in a vacuum," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science, about the unwritten rule in the Capitol, often called the Bear Mountain Bridge Compact, that dictates: "What happens in Albany stays in Albany."

"There’s resistance to change in procedures when there is a vested interest in the way things are being done," says Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, says Democrats have benefited so far from positive press coverage but that it could be harder to attack the bill if taxpayers start to see some benefits in their paychecks.