“Why do the ‘Pubs even bother? Like sending a marshmallow to put out a bonfire.”
Because anything can happen between now and November. If the Republicans did not have a candidate on the ballot and for some reason, Andrew Cummo had to step aside, we would lose any ability to contend for the seat.
Second reason, Since there is a candidate in NY, Andrew Cummo cannot be traveling the country stumping for other candidates.
At this time in 1994, George Pataki was about in the same position vs. Mario Cuomo as Rob Astorino is now vs. Andrew, David vs. Goliath. In a big Republican year, Pataki ousted the entrenched Cuomo from his governorship. He won re-election twice thereafter. Could history repeat?
Astorino is articulate enough to get across a basic conservative message, but his big challenge will be to get his message out, and that in New York requires megabucks.