New York Democrats and progressive advocates see an opening if the federal government closes its doors. The expectation is that freshman Republicans representing hotly contested districts will draw voter anger over both the shutdown melodrama and the potential cuts to federal spending. Rep. Brandon Williams in Central New York is already gaining attention. Two left-leaning groups, Economic Security Project Action and Empire State Voices, will launch a five-figure radio ad campaign this weekend to criticize Williams, who won a first term last year. The ad buy is taking aim at the effort to reduce federal spending and the effect that could have on New Yorkers. “The shutdown itself will obviously have a negative impact on families and hard-working New Yorkers,” Maria Martinez, the executive director of Empire State Voices, told Playbook. Democrats are sharpening their attacks against Republican incumbents ahead of a potential federal shutdown this weekend. “It’s clear who is to blame,” said Democrat John Mannion, who is running for the nomination to unseat Williams. “Sometimes, it’s hard to find where the fault lies. But in this case, it’s very clear.” More than 7,000 federal employees live in the district. Williams’ campaign pointed to a package of measures he’s supporting in a bid to curb the impact of a shutdown, including bills to pay to keep officers working at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He’s also sponsoring legislation to support pay for members of the military and prevent members of Congress from being paid if the federal government shuts down. Williams’ office announced on Thursday he would not take his salary if the government closes — a stance that was announced after he said the opposite in a TV interview (a misfire he blamed on being caffeine-deprived). “I oppose a government shutdown and am working minute-by-minute to ensure critical services remain open, our federal employees receive their well-earned pay and our military readiness isn’t compromised,” Williams said in a statement to Playbook. “I’ve also directed the House to suspend my pay, sharing the burden in the event of a shutdown; while I continue to be engaged in the fight to avert one.” New York is expected to host a half dozen battleground races next year as both parties vie for control of the narrowly divided Republican-led House. That leaves little room for error among New York Republicans who are seeking a second term in 2024 — a presidential election year that could draw out more Democratic voters, hurting GOP chances down ballot. In the Hudson Valley, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler has criticized hardline members of his own party during the negotiations. Lawler told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt this month he wasn’t elected to his battleground House district to “play stupid games” in the spending food fight. Lawler, like Williams, was elected last year to a seat Democrats will target as a pickup next year. HAPPY FRIDAY. You made it. The weekend calls. Thanks for reading! Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman. WHERE’S KATHY? Greeting parents and children at a daycare facility in Albany to highlight expanded child care benefits. WHERE’S ERIC? Attending a wake for an NYPD officer, calling in for an interview with a Caribbean music talk show, meeting with the head of the Diaspora Africa Forum, holding a public hearing and bill signing ceremony for two city bills. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t believe the right to shelter applies to a migrant crisis.” — Mayor Eric Adams, trying to limit new arrivals to the city.
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