Hochul says Stefanik would've been tougher GOP opponent than Blakeman in surprising swipe at rival

Democrat New York Gov. Kathy Hochul suggested Rep. Elise Stefanik would have been a tougher Republican opponent than GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman this fall, prompting the Nassau County executive to fire back by comparing the incumbent to Disney villain Cruella de Vil while blasting her record. Hochul made the remarks during an interview with Newsday's editorial board after she was asked whether Stefanik, who publicly considered running for governor before declining, would have been