Trump touts economy in New York swing district ahead of midterms

(The Center Square) — President Donald Trump touted his economic policies and tax cuts and blasted New York Democrats Friday in a visit to the state’s most competitive congressional district aimed at rallying Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

The president joined Rep. Mike Lawler in the Hudson Valley’s 17th Congressional District where he gave voters a preview of his general election messaging amid growing discontent with the economy and declining poll numbers.

It was the first visit of a sitting president to Rockland County since 1976, when Democrat Gerald Ford visited the upstate New York region.

Trump ripped into the state’s democratic leadership, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, accusing them of pushing for policies that have contributed to illegal immigration, crime, rising energy costs and policies that are out of touch with the average New Yorkers.

“Unfortunately, in recent years this state has been held back by bad policies, bad politicians and foolish radic...