Murphy Calls On Opponents To Condemn Latest Cuomo Remarks

JEFFERSON VALLEY, NY - As the ballooning scandal now known as "greatgate" reached its third day, Governor Andrew Cuomo's latest attempt to walk-back his statement that America "was never that great" drew further condemnation after the Governor called his statement "inartful." Senator Terrence Murphy, noting that inartful did not qualify as an apology, said "Anyone who doesn't think america is great shouldn't be running for office."

"We are now on day three and there has been no apology from Governor Cuomo for saying that 'America was never really that great'," Senator Murphy said. "With all due respect Governor, tell that to our veterans who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms, and their families. It is troubling to me that after this long, my opponents still remain silent on the Governor's comments. Will they join me in calling on him to apologize?"

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, a Democrat running for Attorney General, called the Governor's comment "stupid." Upstate Democratic Congressional candidate Anthony Brindisi has already said that "the governor is wrong, America is great." One of Senator Murphy's opponents, Peter Harckham, was recruited into the race by Governor Cuomo and is in fact endorsed by him.

Harckham's online fundraising solicitations and social media presence continue to operate without condemnation of the Governor's remarks, noted Martha Ruiz Jiménez, the spokesperson for the Committee to Elect Terrence Murphy. Harckham's Democratic primary opponent, Robert Kesten, also remains silent despite announcing he signed a fossil fuel pledge.

"The only announcement or day of action we need from either of these campaigns is one where Mr. Harckham and Mr. Kesten call on Governor Cuomo to apologize for his offensive remarks," Ruiz Jiménez said. "Does their silence mean they agree with this abhorrent statement? Or do they plan to join Senator Murphy in calling on the Governor to apologize?"

The most recent poll regarding this issue found that only 7% of registered voters agree with the statement that "America was never great." The Governor is a resident of the 40th Senate District in the town of New Castle.