Gun control and political favoritism were among the topics that elicited pointed exchanges as New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman faced off against Republican challenger John Cahill in an often-contentious debate Thursday night at Hibert College outside Buffalo.
The hour-long debate was carried live on NY1 News, NY1 Noticias, and Time Warner Cable News stations across the state.
Cahill, a former top aide to Governor George Pataki and previously the state’s environmental commissioner, accused Schneiderman of failing to effect positive change following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. He noted Schneiderman’s support of the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act that resulted from the shootings, and said that the law had been a burden on law enforcement and gun owners.
“I believe the rights of all New Yorkers should be respected, and that includes lawful gun owners,” Cahill said.
In response, Schneiderman described how he had worked with gun show operators to close loopholes in the law that allowed criminals easier access to firearms.
Cahill also asked Schneiderman to pledge that he would never run for higher office, saying that the attorney general’s office should not be a political stepping stone. Schneiderman didn’t respond directly, but similarly asked Cahill to disclose recent clients from his private practice to ensure there would be no potential conflict of interest with energy companies and other clients that as attorney general he would have to regulate.
When Cahill pressed him forcefully on the issue, Schneiderman responded, “I am the top law enforcement officer in the state, and I would appreciate a little respect.”
Schneiderman at one point worked to tie Cahill to the conservative tentpoles of the Republican platform, including opposition to abortion and gay marriage.
“Yes I am Catholic, but I will uphold the laws of the state,” Cahill said. “I will uphold New Yorkers’ rights to reproductive healthcare and same-sex marriage.”
“It’s not enough to sit back and wait,” Schneiderman replied. “This is the time to defend women’s rights.”
Heading into the campaign, Schneiderman was thought to be the most vulnerable of the three Democratic incumbent statewide officials seeking re-election. But he has maintained a big lead in polls throughout the fall.
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