BUFFALO, N.Y. — Some Republicans in New York have questioned whether Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is prepared to take over for Gov. Andrew Cuomo should he resign or be impeached and removed by the Legislature after the attorney general's report on sexual harassment allegations.
Former Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Len Lenihan thinks the answer is simple.
"I don't think there's a better prepared person who's ever going to assume that office than Kathy Hochul," Lenihan said.
Lenihan, who's known Hochul for three decades, said it's in her nature to be prepared, and her experience in elected office at every level of government will help. He believes her work around the state helped drive the administration's policies and priorities.
"She may not be visible with Andrew every day, but she's been visible in that administration every day. Every department head, every key official, Kathy Hochul has been on the phone with daily," he said.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who was county comptroller when Hochul was clerk, also has faith in her ability to run the state.
"I know she could easily step into the role of governor and I think that it's fair to say that if that did happen, we would have a friend in Albany no matter what we're talking about," Poloncarz said.
Lenihan believes Hochul has not always been front and center because she doesn't need the spotlight and Cuomo has commanded it. This year, he said it didn't make sense for her to go in front of the camera much, although she continued to travel the state.
"She is not one to try to succeed at somebody else's peril," Lenihan said. "She did the dignified thing. She stepped back, let everybody take on whatever issues needed to be raised, what things had to be investigated. I think she handled it perfectly. Anything else she would have looked like an opportunistic politician waiting to win a big office."
He also said if Hochul does become governor, people should not assume it will be only for the remainder of this term. Lenihan said while she will likely be challenged by downstate Democrats, she has already won two statewide races against New York City, candidates as well as a congressional seat that favored Republicans.