Cuomo and Paterson's United Front - New York Times

They have been friends, members of New York’s political aristocracy and rivals — sometimes bitter rivals — for the state’s highest office. But on Tuesday, the departing governor, David A. Paterson, and his successor, Andrew M. Cuomo, presented themselves as partners.

Meeting at Mr. Paterson’s office in Manhattan, the two emerged for a mild-mannered news conference, during which they cracked jokes, told tales and discussed the challenges ahead.

Mr. Paterson led off with a story about the time the two men and their families went rafting together in the Adirondacks; he wondered aloud whether Mr. Cuomo had ever imagined that they would both ultimately serve as governor. He also praised Mr. Cuomo for his campaign warnings to New Yorkers that the state would continue to face tough economic challenges in the years ahead.

“Rarely has a statewide candidate for governor or senator or anything such as that been so honest and so pragmatic about the future,” Mr. Paterson said.

Mr. Cuomo repeatedly called Mr. Paterson a friend and thanked him for his service amid one of the worst economic crises to face the state.

“I thanked him on a personal level, for his hospitality and his courtesy and his professionalism all through this transition,” Mr. Cuomo told reporters.

He also joked that Mr. Paterson had agreed to find $8 billion or so in extra savings to help balance next year’s budget, one of the hardest tasks Mr. Cuomo faces in the months ahead.

“That really exceeded the friendship to the tune of $9 billion,” Mr. Cuomo said, drawing laughs.

It was a far cry from the tension and jockeying between the two men and their allies this year, when Mr. Paterson planned to run for election in his own right and Mr. Cuomo was widely expected to challenge him in a primary. Mr. Paterson ultimately abandoned his bid, leaving a clear path for Mr. Cuomo to win the Democratic nomination and, ultimately, the election.

Mr. Paterson professed no hard feelings.

“I feel very assured being replaced by someone I think is going to do an excellent job,” Mr. Paterson said. “If he had walked in with a baseball bat, I might’ve thought a little differently. I’m really good with all of it. Really, what I’m thinking about is the privilege it was to serve this state.”

Mr. Cuomo chimed in: “I don’t see myself as replacing Governor Paterson. In public service, you serve at a moment in time.”

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Cuomo Blasts Opponents Remarks Along Parade Route - NY1

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Carl Paladino's latest remarks about gays brought a sharp response Monday from his Democratic opponent. NY1's Josh Robin filed the following report.

Andrew cuomo isn't mincing words when it comes to what Carl Paladino said to a small group of observant Jews Sunday.

"They were divisive. They were the worst cynical politics, trying to pit people against one another," Cuomo said.

The Republican believes children shouldn't be "brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option." He was also slamming Cuomo for taking his daughters to the city's Gay Pride Parade, which he says is too graphic.

"I don't think I'm going to accept parenting advice from Mr. Paladino," Cuomo said.

Until now, Cuomo has had trouble fully winning over gay rights groups. In separate appearances along the Columbus Day Parade Route this weekend, he was apparently relishing the ability to slam Paladino's statements which come as the city reels from an anti-gay attack in the Bronx involving gang members.

"New York celebrates our diversity. Today we have parades to celebrate diversity, today we have the Columbus Day -- the Italian parade. We have the Gay Pride Parade. We have the Israel Day Parade. We celebrate our diversity. You're not going to make it a negative. Not going to play one off against the other. We won't let it happen in New York," Cuomo said.

Meanwhile, people along the parade route were giving Cuomo a warm reception. While it was supportive, it was not overly enthusiastic.

"He knows politics. He's in the business before, his father was too. He's qualified. He's the best qualified," said one parade goer.

"He's not an angry man. he looks very good," said another.

"He's the same city as my city in Italy, that's why I like Cuomo -- Mario Cuomo, Andrew Cuomo, Matilda Cuomo," said a third.

Cuomo marched a few paces ahead of Paladino -- a position the Democrat no doubt would like to hold come Election Day.

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