Sometimes it’s the small things, the unforeseeable things, that end political careers.
In 1979, it was snow. Chicago Mayor Mike Bilandic, part of the Daley Machine, was defeated by primary challenger Jane Byrne, mainly because he failed to oversee cleanup after storms dumped 20 inches on the city.
It was the hassles of daily life, rather than lofty political ideals, that led voters to give Bilandic a thumbs-down.
Fastforward to today. Could plastic bags be the undoing of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has announced his intention to seek a fourth term in 2022?
Don’t laugh. I can’t tell you how many customers I’ve heard grumbling about “Cuomo and his cronies” in connection with the new state ban on plastic bags in stores.
Wegmans started the ban before the law’s March 1 effective date, so we’ve experienced the first wave of complaints. Carping has extended to social media, with countless gripes posted on Facebook, Twitter and NextDoor.
Will people get used to bringing or buying their own bags? Or will the outrage persist until 2022? We shall see.
Custom @NYGovCuomo shopping bags seen @Wegmans 😂#PlasticBagBan pic.twitter.com/9CmDELwMm3
— Aldo Giammusso 🍪 (@AldoGiammusso) March 1, 2020