In Advance of Primary, Candidates Turn Attention to New York

Politics got serious in New York this past week with both Chappaqua resident and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Brooklyn-born Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders making campaign stops in the Empire State.

The Democratic primary, which usually doesn’t factor into selecting a nominee, may actually make a difference when New Yorkers go to the polls April 19.

And with the Republican primary could also help determine who will head the ticket at the general election.

"I can't remember the last time New York mattered in a single presidential primary, much less two," said Republican consultant William F.B. O'Reilly.

"The stakes are significant on both sides of the aisle. Bernie Sanders could get a huge momentum boost with a tighter-than-expected run here, and both John Kasich and Ted Cruz may be able to walk away with some delegates in Donald Trump's home state," he said.

"There's little doubt that Trump will prevail here, but there's a sliver of a chance that lightning could strike here for Bernie Sanders. That's the race to watch," O'Reilly said.

Clinton made a campaign stop at Purchase College in Harrison Thursday, and Sanders visited the Bronx.

The polling numbers are telling us that New York State will remain in the blue column as far as the November general election goes.

A Quinnipia Univerisity poll released Thursday matched up the Republican and Democratic candidates.

Both Clinton and Sanders came out on top when paired with the Republican candidates for president.

Clinton beat both real estate mogul and reality television star Donald J. Trump and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. She edged out Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

Likewise, Sanders beat all three Republicans.

For the complete poll information, go here.

Photos by Gage Skidmore via Flickr / Creative Commons.

Patch Staff Writer Lanning Taliaferro contributed to this report.