I'm a politically-minded person. I briefly majored in political science before switching my major while studying at SUNY Buffalo State and have voted every year since I turned 18 in 2018. Typically I vote with a mixed ballot; voting for candidates irrespective of party, preferring to judge by ideology and behavior.
However, 2023 was the first time I voted straight Democratic - and local results reflected a large shift away from the Erie County GOP. I'd like to provide some constructive criticism for the Erie County Republican Party.
It feels as though the ECGOP is suffering from a personal disconnect with several voting groups in Western New York. Looking at their candidates, I see little-to-no representation of minorities, working-class folks without a political/legal/executive background, or moderates willing to criticize former President Donald J. Trump. Considering that Black, Gen-Z, and women voters are becoming so meaningful in constructing an effective voter base; the ECGOP's lack of outreach to these groups is a poison pill. I heard so many people claim they didn't even know who Chrissy Casilio was, or what she was running for.
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In the very state that gave you Nelson Rockefeller, Joel Giambra, and George Pataki - the ECGOP continues to double down on Donald Trump, Carl Paladino, and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
In doing so, they will continue to suffer electoral defeats, and fail to capitalize on plentiful opportunities to provide centrist and center-right voters with a meaningful option come election season.
James Speaker
Buffalo