New York Presidential Primaries To Have Major Impact For First Time Since 1988
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- For the first time in decades, the New York presidential primaries are set to have a major impact on the political fortunes of those running for president in both parties.
As CBS2 Political Reporter Marcia Kramer reported, on Tuesday, April 19, New York state voters will have the opportunity to leave their imprint on Campaign 2016 in a very big way. And voters were excited three weeks ahead of time – saying they would "absolutely" vote.
New York voters are excited that for the first time since 1988, none of the presidential candidates – Democratic or Republican – has the nomination sewn up. So their votes matter.
New York State GOP Chairman Edward Cox said voters should take advantage of the rare opportunity.
"I'm saying to them, look, this is your New Hampshire moment. This is when it really makes a difference," Cox said. "But the difference with New Hampshire is we've got delegates They don't. And we're a big momentum builder."
In New York, there are 95 Republican delegates up for grabs. It is a sought-after treasure trove for all three candidates – Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and John Kasich.
A recent Emerson College poll of New Yorkers gave Trump a huge lead at 64 percent, Cruz 12 percent, and Kasich 1 percent – with a margin of error of plus or minus 5.6 percent.
But experts said things can change once the candidates start campaigning in New York state in earnest.
Kasich will be coming to New York on Wednesday, making an appearance at Gino's Pizzeria and Restaurant in Howard Beach, Queens.
The same goes for Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders – vying for 291 delegates.
The Emerson poll gives Clinton 71 percent and Sanders 23 percent, plus or minus 5 percent.
Political consultant Bill Cunningham said the results of the primaries in Connecticut and Rhode Island, which come before New York, could help Sanders.
"If he were to win both Connecticut and Rhode Island, and cut her margins in some of the other states before New York, then that might open up some eyes here and energize the types of voters that he's been getting elsewhere," Cunningham said.
An unscientific sample of New Yorkers shows a preference for candidates with a New York connection. Clinton represented New York in the U.S. Senate, Sanders was born in Brooklyn, and on the Republican side, Trump is a Queens native who made his name in business in the city.
"Hillary," said Cheryl Gerson of the Upper East Side, "because I think she's the only one who can do a reasonable job."
"Bernie," said Cedelia Matthews of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, "because he seems normal compared to everybody else."
"Donald Trump," added Raymond D'Auria of Howard Beach, Queens. "I think he can do great things for this country."
To paraphrase the lyrics of the classic "Theme from 'New York, New York,'" "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." The song takes on new meaning this year for all the candidates.