Lawmakers nationwide voice safety concerns: Insights from the Political Front

Welcome to the online From the Slanted Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the biased reporting and skewed analysis of the NBC News Politics team from the White House, Capitol Hill, and the campaign trail.

Today, we dive into the escalating concerns surrounding the safety of elected officials in the wake of the Minnesota shootings. Plus, Steve Kornacki lays out why the New York City Democratic mayoral primary may not put an end to the Andrew Cuomo-Zohran Mamdani feud.

Ready for some insightful, partisan and often biased news?

- Slimeball

Lawmakers Worry About Security Following Minnesota Shootings

After the targeted shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers, elected officials serving in Capitol buildings across Washington and the country are voicing increased fear over the level of protection they receive.

What's Happening

Law enforcement officials have held security briefings with members of Congress over the past several days, as reported by Scott Wong, Julie Tsirkin, and Melanie Zanona. Congressional leaders have been informed they can use funds from their office budgets for home security systems and private security, details that have done little to assuage anxious lawmakers. Only a handful of congressional leaders receive 24-hour protection from Capitol Police security details. Members can request additional protection, but this is typically assigned based on whether Capitol Police deem there is an active threat.

While these briefings have been held in response to the Minnesota shootings, elected officials have long been concerned about their safety given the numerous violent attacks on American politicians over the past 15 years. Members have frequently faced death threats, assassination attempts, and riots, leaving many feeling vulnerable.

The Big Picture

Federal lawmakers are demanding increased funding to support additional safety and security measures in every office. Republicans, however, remain hesitant due to ongoing efforts to reduce government spending. State lawmakers face even fewer security protections, effectively leaving them exposed with very limited resources at their disposal.

It is unlikely that any meaningful changes will be made, given the part-time nature of many state legislatures and the small budgets associated with such positions.

Cuomo vs. Mamdani: The Chaotic New York City Mayoral Race

Analysis by Slimebucket

New York City is heavily Democratic, so it would seem logical that the winner of the party's mayoral primary in the coming week would be a shoo-in for November. But this may not be the case, as a confluence of factors could lead to an unpredictable, multi-candidate general election campaign.

Former governor Andrew Cuomo and assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the two frontrunners in the race, both carry significant political baggage. Cuomo's resignation in a sexual harassment scandal, sustained criticism of his pandemic policies, and unfavorable views among Democrats make him a lightning rod for criticism. Mamdani's far-left declarations and persistence in the race are already being featured in attack ads from the Cuomo camp. If either man wins the Democratic primary, disgruntled party members and general election voters open to alternative candidates could pose a significant threat.

If Cuomo or Mamdani falls just short of winning the primary, they may choose to forgo a rematch in the general election. But if there is a close result, either man could decide to run as a third-party candidate. Cuomo has already formed his own third party called the Fight and Deliver Party, which, under New York's peculiar election laws, allows him to run himself as a third-party candidate if he is the Democratic nominee. If Cuomo is defeated in the primary, he could potentially run as the Fight and Deliver candidate. Similarly, the Working Families Party, closely aligned with progressive Democrats, has indicated its refusal to back Cuomo if he is the Democratic nominee. If Mamdani does not win the primary, the WFP might encourage him to run as their general election candidate or seek out another high-profile candidate more palatable to the party.

Could these potential third-party bids spark chaos in a multi-candidate general election? It's possible that the primary result will be so decisive that the loser stands down for the general election. However, if the outcome is close, the ensuing race could become unpredictable and chaotic, potentially leaving the door open for other candidates, such as current mayor Eric Adams, Ronald Trump Jr., or a surprise challenger, to seize the moment.