Inez Stepman of the Independent Women’s Forum fills in for Jim on the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch. Join Inez and Greg as they discuss what they hope will soon be the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas, a major economic policy blunder by the Democrat running for governor in Virginia, and a surprising dead heat in the 2026 New York governor’s race.

First, they welcome reports that Hamas has agreed to release the living hostages and the remains of the rest as part of Phase 1 of President Trump’s Middle East plan. Inez cautions against celebrating until the hostages are actually home but credits Trump for getting Hamas sympathizers in Qatar and Turkey to pressure Hamas into accepting the deal.

Next, they highlight Virginia Democratic gubernational nominee Abigail Spanberger openly supporting a 2020 law passed and signed by Democrats that mandates all energy in Virginia must be renewable by 2050. There are two problems with that. There's no indication that will be feasible. And if it is, energy costs will skyrocket by thousands of dollars per year for the average customer. Inez argues that Spanberger is another Democrat falsely branded as a moderate despite her progressive record.

Finally, they break down new polling that shows New York Gov. Kathy Hochul locked in a statistical tie with her likely GOP challenger, Rep. Elise Stefanik. Hochul's endorsement of Zohran Mamdani for mayor in New York City does not appear to be resonating well throughout the state. 

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