In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Michael Henry, the Republican candidate for the New York attorney general position, laid out his case against the incumbent Democrat, Letitia James.
He argued that her tenure has been detrimental to the state's economy and the daily lives of its residents, and that his campaign offers a viable alternative.
"Crime and affordability," Henry stated, outlining the two primary concerns of New York voters. He believes that many New Yorkers are unaware of the significant role the attorney general's office plays in regulating policies that directly impact the cost of living in the state. According to Henry, the current office, under James, has stifled economic growth in New York.
"The way she and her bureau chiefs, deputy bureau chief, and the attorneys in the office, who all serve under the discretion of the attorney general, have really crippled the New York State economy," Henry asserted. He expressed particular concern over the rising energy costs and what he perceives as a "far-left agenda" propagated by James.
Henry criticized the Democrat governor, Josh Shapiro, for encouraging New York energy companies to operate in Pennsylvania, while neglecting the untapped energy resources within New York. He argued that exploiting these resources could significantly reduce energy costs and stimulate the state's economy.
"Letitia James has been wreaking havoc on the daily lives of New Yorkers, and in many instances they just don't even realize it," Henry claimed, emphasizing his commitment to exposing the damage he believes James has inflicted on the state's residents.
Despite losing to James in the 2020 election, Henry's 45% vote share was one of the best performances by a Republican candidate in the state in recent history. Although he had no initial plans to run again, the current state of affairs compelled him to reconsider.
Henry criticized the state's reliance on inefficient renewable energy sources and the dismissal of three thousand correctional officers by James and Kathy Hochul. He also highlighted the ongoing drug crisis and the struggles faced by the agricultural sector.
Henry is convinced that New Yorkers need an "outsider" candidate who is not intimidated by James. He accused James of using her office to target political opponents and ignoring the issues that matter most to hardworking families. "And she's forgotten that the New York state attorney general is the people's lawyer, and it's not the enforcer for the Democrat National Committee," Henry added.
On the issue of crime, Henry criticized James for her lack of cooperation with local law enforcement, particularly in Republican areas. He believes that New Yorkers are increasingly frustrated with the crime situation.
James, who has been charged with mortgage fraud, has dismissed the charges as politically motivated. However, Henry challenged this narrative, pointing out inconsistencies in her mortgage applications.
"People have seen her awkwardly stumble through these press conferences off the cuff, and now we've seen her ethical issues," Henry said. He argued that James cannot claim ignorance or incompetence in these matters.
"So she cannot have it both ways, and she's going to be held accountable this time, and we're seeing it on a daily basis," Henry concluded.
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