Dems shouldn’t have to cheat in NYC.
These documented events occurred when George Pataki (R) was running in 1994: The polls had Governor Cuomo ahead by as many as ten points going into the final two weeks, but they then narrowed at the end. Pataki made an issue of Cuomo seeking a fourth term as governor and pledged to serve only two terms in office. Cuomo was helped late in the race by the endorsement of New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.[15] In the end, Pataki narrowly defeated Cuomo in the general election. Many, including Pataki himself, believed Howard Stern's endorsement of Pataki was a major reason for his win.[16] He finished with 48.8% of the vote to Cuomo's 45.5%, with independence candidate Tom Golisano finishing with 4.2%. Pataki made up for a soft performance in New York City by running up a decisive margin outside of it, especially among upstaters disenchanted with Cuomo. Pataki won all but one county outside the Five Boroughs.[17] Pataki became New York's first Republican governor since Nelson Rockefeller.[18]