Progressives Cheer NYT Editorial Board Endorsement of Zephyr Teachout for Attorney General

The New York Times editorial board just made “a wise choice” and endorsed Zephyr Teachout, the most outspoken progressive among the candidates in the Democratic primary for New York state attorney general.

Teachout, whose progressive platform includes abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ending cash bail, increasing access to the polls, and making fossil fuel companies liable for the climate crisis, is “an independent-minded lawyer unusually well prepared to curb abuses of power and restore integrity and pride to this office,” the Times writes. In fact, she “has written the book on political corruption—literally.”

“Even in the best of times the office [of attorney general] plays a critical role,” the Times writes, noting that its “influence is felt across the nation.” But of course, “These are not the best of times.”

“With the right leadership,” the endorsement continues, “the office could serve as a firewall if President [Donald] Trump pardons senior aides, dismisses the special counsel, Robert Mueller, or attacks the foundations of state power.”

“We believe that Democrats who are seeking a means of standing up to the Trump presidency and graft in Albany can find in Ms. Teachout their most effective champion for democracy and civil rights, good government and the environment, workers’ rights, fair housing, and gender equality,” the editorial board concludes.