Albany watch: Primary challenge could mean more money for Cuomo

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo could face a Fordham University professor in a Democratic primary -- and benefit financially in one important way.

Zephyr Teachout, who says Cuomo favors corporations and the wealthy, said she has submitted 45,000 petition signatures to qualify for a gubernatorial primary, more than three times the minimum required. The Cuomo campaign hasn't said yet if it will challenge the validity of the signatures.

If there is a primary, Cuomo could bring in new contributions. Deep-pocketed individual donors could give him up to $19,700 for that Sept. 9 race. If not, they would be limited to contributing $41,500 for the general election on Nov. 4.

-- Yancey Roy