Are we about to see AOC lose her seat in congress this November? Let’s hope so!
In a surprising turn of events on Tuesday, a lesser-known figure from Wall Street emerged as a contender in the primary race against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) in New York’s 14th Congressional District. Marty Dolan, a 66-year-old former Wall Street banker hailing from Westchester County, stepped into the spotlight, framing the upcoming election as a pivotal judgment on the incumbent’s perceived “Radical policies.”
Dolan, positioning himself as a newcomer in the political arena, highlighted the lack of substantial progress he believes Ocasio-Cortez has made for the constituents of New York. He criticized what he sees as a focus on abstract populist ideologies over tangible improvements for the district, characterizing the outcomes as mere “breadcrumbs” for New Yorkers. Dolan emphasized pressing issues such as bail reform challenges, public safety concerns, and the city’s financial burdens, including a ballooning federal debt and high marginal tax rates.
Asserting the need for a shift away from what he terms as radical approaches, Dolan stressed the importance of addressing pragmatic concerns facing the community. He condemned what he perceives as ineffective policies, labeling them as “scams” that fail to address the genuine needs of the constituents.
However, Dolan faces an uphill battle in his bid to unseat Ocasio-Cortez, who holds a substantial financial advantage, with $5.7 million in campaign funds compared to Dolan’s modest $58,000, mostly sourced from personal loans. Despite these odds, Dolan remains steadfast in his stance, citing dissatisfaction among residents, particularly regarding immigration policies and diversity initiatives championed by Ocasio-Cortez.
Dolan’s entry into the political fray gained attention when he initially planned to challenge Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) in the neighboring 16th Congressional District. His vocal opposition to the honoring of Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, in a Bronx middle school stirred controversy, as he confronted Bowman over the matter, questioning the rationale behind celebrating a convicted murderer.
As the race unfolds, Marty Dolan presents himself as a challenger seeking to address what he perceives as the shortcomings of the incumbent’s policies, promising a pragmatic approach to governance and a departure from what he views as radical ideologies.
