(Rochester, N.Y.) – Monroe County Republicans were extremely pleased with Election Day results, having overcome Democratic challengers and a series of corruption scandals. Some officials even claimed a mandate from voters.
“I absolutely think it’s a mandate, and it comes with a huge responsibility,” said County Executive Maggie Brooks. “I think people are angry. I think they're uncomfortable with what's going on in Washington. I don't think they're happy with New York City control of our state.”
“Well, no. I don't think so,” said Rochester Institute of Technology political science Professor Paul Ferber. “Did the supervisor of Irondequoit lose because of dissatisfaction with Obama? I doubt it.”
In addition to failing to gain control of the legislature, Democrats were unable to topple the Sheriff and the Greece supervisor. Two incumbent supervisors were defeated.
“I think decisions were made in Gates for what was best for Gates and not thinking strategically about how this was going to flip the legislature one way or another,” said Nazareth College political science Professor Timothy Kneeland. “I’m not even sure the average voter was part clued into that.”
Voter turnout could have given Republicans an edge. It was historically low – an estimated 32 percent countywide.
“The Democrats always do better when there's huge turnout. But Democratic voters aren't always consistent voters. Republican voters tend to be the most persistent and consistent,” said Kneeland.
“It’s like an elastic band. The party that stretched it really well in the presidential election, is going to snap back a bit in the next year,” said Ferber.
Another factor hurting Democrats in countywide races was the lack of a mayoral contest in the city. Mayor Robert Duffy was unopposed. Turnout in the city was estimated to be slightly above 20 percent.
“I would say it was a good night for the GOP. I wouldn't say it was a great night, because in fact what they did was they kept the status quo,” said Kneeland.
