ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. David Paterson said Thursday he's prepared to run in a primary against anyone, including the more popular and better funded Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in this year's governor's race.
"I am running for governor, and someone's going to have to beat me, and if someone beats me, I'll support the Democratic candidate," Paterson said.
Then he appeared to take a shot at Cuomo, who hasn't yet said if he'll run and hasn't answered questions about how he would deal with deficits or other problems: "The reason there's all this orchestration is that when it really comes down to beat me, you have to live in the world I live (in), the world I've lived in for the last two years."
In past months, Paterson has often noted that he wouldn't seek election to the job he inherited after Eliot Spitzer resigned if the public or other Democrats signaled he shouldn't run. But days after campaign records showed he had a fifth of the funds that Cuomo has and still trails him by a wide margin in the polls, Paterson said he'd welcome a primary.
"Everybody who ran in November ... is facing a rather strong reaction from the public," Paterson said Thursday. "Ironically, in the same months, my approval from the public — which I usually don't talk about — has gone up."
A Siena College poll released this week found Paterson's approval rating rising for the third straight month, with 38 percent of registered voters having a favorable view of him. That's up 11 points from October when Paterson started fighting with the Legislature to cut spending that he said was needed to contend with a fiscal crisis.
"The lower your numbers, the easier it is to make them go up. ... I also think he's decided that good government is good politics, and his fiscal austerity approach is resonating," said Gerald Benjamin, a political scientist and former dean at SUNY New Paltz.
Although three times as many voters still prefer Cuomo over Paterson for governor, Paterson has gained on Cuomo since November. In the new Siena poll, Cuomo had a 59 percent to 21 percent edge over Paterson in a potential matchup. In November, Cuomo held a 75 percent to 16 percent lead.
Cuomo, the popular first-term attorney general and son of former Gov. Mario Cuomo, reported funds of $16.1 million. Paterson has $3 million.
Labor unions and others have been urging Cuomo to run for governor, a move that Paterson suggested Thursday may be "orchestrated."
"This whole idea that all these people got this idea at one time is rather hard for me to believe," Paterson said. "And what I would just point out is that while they're beating drums ... I'm working real hard and I'm going to get this budget done. And they can do whatever they like."
If Paterson steps down, it could eliminate a Democratic primary and clear the way for Cuomo, said Doug Muzzio, a politics professor at Baruch College.
Local News
Paterson willing to run in a primary against Cuomo
- Local News
-
-
Surplus funds keep After-School Program alive
The Moriah and Willsboro sites run by Adirondack Community Action Programs is not closing after all.
-
Montreal woman dies in Westport crash
Angela Pierre, 69, was ejected from the vehicle when its driver lost control on Interstate 87 in Westport.
-
Burlington hospital makes interim chief permanent
Fletcher Allen Health Care announced today that Dr. John Brumsted will move from interim to permanent president and CEO.
-
Recovery Center to hold open house
Smashing stereotypes and eliminating the stigma of mental-health issues has led to formation of a new place in Franklin County for clients to get wrap-around services to help them rejoin the community.
-
Ticonderoga faces severe school cuts
The district is starting its new budget process almost $2 million in the hole. Officials are seeking public input on the problem.
-
One injured in Plattsburgh house fire
A female suffered second- and third-degree burns in a fire at her South Catherine Street home early Sunday.
-
Plattsburgh's Sweet Adelines sing music of the heart
Sweet Adelines spread message of love on Valentine's Day with yearly singing valentines.
-
Love between the lines
Dr. Nell Irvin Painter of New Russia and Plattsburgh State's Dr. J.W. Wiley share historical and current viewpoints on interracial loving, American-style. INCLUDES VIDEO
-
NCCS wins CVAC cheerleading competition
NCCS wins first place for the eighth time in nine years
-
Cheerleading photos (2/12/12)
-
Tentative contract reached with officers
The deal with New York state would cover the 2,800 members of the New York State Correction Officers and Police Benevolent Association who typically work at specialized state centers such as the Sunmount Development Disabilities Services Office in Tupper Lake.
-
Lookback: Feb. 13-19
News stories from around the region from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago this week.
-
Of Interest: Feb. 13, 2012
Peru Central School Board to hold budget discussion; Dannemora to discuss highway post; Beekmantown School Board invites budget input; Willsboro School Board to discuss policies; Chazy School Board to discuss budget; SLCS Board to appoint clerk pro-tem; Keeseville Zoning Board cancels meeting; Elizabethtown-Lewis School Board to work on budget.
-
Gourds' shapes create interesting canvas
Georgette Bacon's gourd art is on display through March 10 at Foothills ARTSociety in Malone.
- February 12, 2012
-
NCCS wins CVAC cheerleading competition
NCCS wins first place for the eighth time in nine years
-
One injured in Plattsburgh house fire
A female suffered second- and third-degree burns in a fire at her South Catherine Street home early Sunday.
-
Plattsburgh's Sweet Adelines sing music of the heart
Sweet Adelines spread message of love on Valentine's Day with yearly singing valentines.
-
Ticonderoga faces severe school cuts
The district is starting its new budget process almost $2 million in the hole. Officials are seeking public input on the problem.
-
Surplus funds keep After-School Program alive
- Recent Article Comments
Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J.
First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers
Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash.
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland
Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots
Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill
Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria
Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
Greece Passes New Austerity Deal Amid Rioting
