Ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s marketing campaign account paid a polling agency almost $68,000 earlier this 12 months to check his recognition as he plots a political comeback — together with eyeing a run for New York Metropolis mayor
Cuomo, the previous three-term governor who resigned in shame August 2021 amid a slew of sexual misconduct claims that he denies, paid the agency Expedition Methods $67,739 on January 20.
The aim? “Polling prices,” the Mates of Andrew Cuomo marketing campaign committee mentioned in its semi-annual report filed with the state Board of Elections.
He beforehand retained the polling agency in 2022.
Cuomo was a political outcast within the months following his resignation, however he has fought his means again to semi-relevance, beginning his personal podcast, founding a pro-Israel group that’s run adverts slamming pro-Hamas protesters and making appearances at church buildings and civic teams.
“I believe he’s working for mayor. I simply have that feeling,” mentioned the Rev. Ruben Diaz, the Donald Trump-supporting former councilman and state senator who had Cuomo communicate earlier than his group of Bronx Hispanic ministers after the Democrat left workplace.
Some sources assume Cuomo may soar into the race for mayor — even when it means difficult incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.
However Frank Seddio, the previous Brooklyn Democratic chief who’s pleasant with each Cuomo and Adams, mentioned the ex-governor is conserving his choices open and certain received’t run for mayor if the incumbent is within the race.
“If Eric just isn’t working, Andrew is the front-runner,” Seddio mentioned.
However Cuomo — who has spoken at Seddio’s Democratic membership and has dined with him — has “political ambitions” that would extent far past Gracie Mansion or Albany, mentioned the longtime ally.
“I imagine his final purpose is to run for president,” Seddio mentioned.
“I’ve identified Andrew since he was teenager — once I ran his father Mario’s 1977 marketing campaign for mayor in Brooklyn,” Seddio mentioned, referring to the late former Gov. Mario Cuomo.
“Andrew is without doubt one of the most sensible folks in politics. The sensible folks in politics are additionally essentially the most tough,” he added.
Cuomo, through a spokesman, declined touch upon his polling and referred The Publish to a dodgy remark he just lately made on the “Actual Time with Invoice Maher” present.
“Are you working for mayor or governor?” Maher requested.
“There can be no direct reply, I simply need you to know,” Cuomo quipped.
“I’ve no present plans to make plans.”
Other than the intercourse harassment scandals, a few of Cuomo’s choice in workplace have been criticized — placing recovering COVID sufferers discharged from hospitals into nursing houses in the course of the peak of the pandemic and approving the unpopular cashless bail regulation and congestion pricing.
Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) mentioned a Cuomo comeback must be taken critically, although he has shortcomings.
“Andrew Cuomo could be a formidable candidate for no matter workplace he decides to pursue. [But] he has one thing briefly provide — competence,” Torres mentioned.
“I’m merely commenting on Andrew Cuomo typically. I’ve no touch upon the mayoral election.”
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