It’s been almost three years because the begin of the COVID-19 pandemic and Republicans are turning unpopular mandates and lockdowns imposed by Democrats right into a political vulnerability forward of the midterm elections.
In races throughout the nation, GOP candidates have accused Democrats of needlessly shutting down faculties and companies, forcing COVID vaccines on the general public and firing staff who don’t comply, and violating parental rights by advocating youngsters put on masks and obtain the jab as a requisite to attend faculty.
They usually’ll do it once more, Republicans warn.
The problem has taken heart stage within the New York gubernatorial race, the place a late surge by Republican Lee Zeldin is critically threatening Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul’s try to win her first full time period.
Throughout their solely debate, Ms. Hochul gave a imprecise reply when requested if she backs a COVID vaccine mandate for public faculties.
The query got here within the wake of latest CDC tips recommending the vaccine’s inclusion within the 2023 immunization schedule for kids.
“Not right now,” Ms. Hochul mentioned. “I’m going to speak about parental management over this, however I’d additionally say it’s one thing that comes all the way down to the legislature. The legislature makes the dedication in session with well being consultants for subsequent yr.”
Mr. Zeldin seized on her ambiguous response.
“My opponent simply mentioned she is not going to mandate vaccines right now,” he mentioned. “Let me be clear to all of the mother and father who’re on the market. I cannot mandate COVID vaccines to your youngsters, ever.”
Republicans have wielded strict COVID insurance policies endorsed by Democrats as a weapon in races throughout the nation, significantly in swing states the place the GOP is searching for an edge in a divided voters.
In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp attacked Democratic opponent Stacey Abrams for endorsing prolonged lockdowns and masks mandates, which he largely eschewed whereas serving his first time period.
“Stacey Abrams mentioned I used to be flawed to ship folks again to work, to offer them the chance to make that selection themselves to stay to combat one other day,” Mr. Kemp instructed a crowd at a latest marketing campaign cease.
Georgia is amongst 21 states that ban pupil COVID-19 vaccine mandates, in keeping with the Nationwide Academy for State Well being Coverage.
In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’s anti-mandate stance has boosted him as he fends off Democratic challenger Charlie Crist. And he hammered Mr. Crist on the problem in a latest debate.
“Charlie Crist desires to power college students to get the COVID shot,” Mr. DeSantis mentioned. “We handed a invoice to forestall that. He opposed the invoice after we did it. I feel this can be a mum or dad’s resolution. I feel it’s flawed to power this on these youngsters. And so long as I’m governor, as mother and father, you’re gonna have the flexibility to make that call.”
The Nevada gubernatorial race between Democratic incumbent Gov. Steve Sisolak and Republican Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo can be tight. Mr. Sisolak has but to disclose if he plans to require COVID-19 vaccines for college youngsters.
Mr. Lombardo echoed his fellow GOP candidates.
“As governor, I’ll by no means mandate the COVID vaccine for kids in Nevada,” he mentioned on Twitter. “I belief mother and father to make one of the best resolution for his or her youngsters — interval.”
