Hochul is an upstate gal running for Governor in a place controlled by downstate voters. There are not enough upstate New Yorkers to offer her a ghost of a chance at victory. And besides, too many of 'em are Republicans!! So Hochul is doing what any experienced politician does: she is pandering . . . . like crazy . . . . to her downstate doubters.
We have seen this sort of thing before in New York. Recall the career path of (now) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Years ago she was a relatively conservative (for a Democrat) upstate back-bencher Congresswoman. Then along came Schumer and anointed her for a Senate run to replace Hillary. So what did Gillibrand do?
Same as Hochul today. She cast aside any conservative notions and became the sort of liberal firebrand you have to be to garner those downstate NY votes. This worked for Gillibrand. And it probably will work for Hochul, as well.
Have you noticed that sweet Letitia has already dropped out of the race for Governor? The NY Democrats are circling the wagons around Kathy.