Blakeman should apologize to all NY women

Politics is a full contact sport. I know, I played it.

But, recently, I saw an image on a campaign sign that should offend every New York woman and the families who love them.

Republican Governor candidate Bruce Blakeman’s campaign produced a sign with Governor Kathy Hochul portrayed as Elphaba Thropp, the wicked witch of the west in the Wizard of Oz, complete with green face and black hat.

The sign carries the line: “Ditch the Witch.”

While the sign might excite some in the GOP base, the sign carries a horrid misogynistic message that degrades all smart, creative, assertive women in New York.

For centuries, smart, assertive women, with decisive and powerful skills, were described by envious men as “witches.” Some were burned at the stake. Others banished and degraded.

But New Yorkers know the truth. We have an abundance of strong, motivated, decisive women in New York—a woman United States Senator, the Attorney General, numerous members of the state Senate and Assembly and office holders from both parties throughout the state. We have had women county executives—including Republicans Maggie Brooks right here in Monroe County and Joanne Mahoney in Onondaga.

None of them are witches. No one would call them that.

Kathy Hochul can assert herself, defend her work as governor and argue—persuasively in my judgment—for another term.

Bruce Blakeman can make his case against her but using a centuries old stereotype that degrades all New York women is a form of gutter politics that needs to be shunned.

To the GOP candidate and his team: “Ditch the Witch Pitch!” and apologize to all New York’s women.

Richard Dollinger
Former Democratic state senator and chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party

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