Rocky Start. Hochul is off to a bumpy beginning of her new term. She won the November election by the narrowest of margins. Having come close to losing in an historic upset, she hardly has a mandate. In her first major move, she nominated Hector LaSalle for Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals despite major opposition. She failed to consult Albany power brokers who torpedoed his appointment. She antagonized leaders of the Legislature heading into the budget negotiations. Her spending plan calls for 5 Billion in new expenditures. She proposes to fund the excess by using up remaining federal COVID monies. After that is gone she faces deficits and tax increases. The Governor has proven herself to be a weak neophyte who lacks what it takes. Rocky Start. It will be a long 4 years with Hochul at the helm !!