GARDEN CITY – The GOP’s likely nominee to run for lieutenant governor made the case Tuesday that he’s ready for a statewide political run after a career in law enforcement.
Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood was introduced by his running mate, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, during a WABC radio interview on Tuesday — saying his law-and-order background has him ready for the big race.
“In law enforcement, it is kind of a lot like politics,” Hood told host Sid Rosenberg. “If you don’t have the support of the people, than you have nothing.”
Hood was elected Madison County sheriff in 2018 after a lifelong career in law enforcement – first at the Syracuse Police Department for 22 years before serving in the Onondaga District Attorney’s office as an investigator.
“Just like politics, it’s exactly the same thing. If they trust you, they confide in you, they’re going to work with you and for you, and you’re going to be successful,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to this,” he added.
Blakeman said Hood, the only upstate elected official to appear on the statewide GOP ticket, will help drive his agenda of trying to boost economic growth across the state.
“I’ve got an economic plan to make people prosperous by putting more money in their pocket. She’s offering free bus rides and free child care. Free child care for what? For people who don’t have jobs,” Blakeman said.
“I mean, it’s just ridiculous,” he said.
Hood, a father of three and grandfather of two, said the mass exodus of people leaving upstate is personal to him.
“I have a daughter and she went to another state to live. If we can’t lower taxes and get our our people to stay here, we’re in trouble,” he said.
Hood was formally tapped by Blakeman Monday after his previous pick, Fulton County Sheriff Michael Giardino said he got cold feet and suddenly dropped out.
Hood appeared on stage alongside Blakeman for the first time at a rally during the state’s nominating convention Monday evening, but declined to take questions from reporters.
