Cuomo: Chris Christie didn't meddle in NY guv's race

ALBANY -- Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo apparently thought enough about reports concerning a possible Republican challenger from Westchester County that he had a conversation with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie about it.

Cuomo, in a conference call with reporters on a range of topics, made the unusual disclosure that he spoke to his Republican New Jersey counterpart Monday morning.

Though the reason for the call wasn't immediately clear, Cuomo said they discussed reports that Christie encouraged Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, to consider running for governor in 2014.

"I spoke to Gov. Christie this morning, who told me the exact opposite" Cuomo said, providing no further detail.

Christie, coming off a re-election victory, met with Astorino at the Republican Governors Association conference last week in Arizona. Astorino, who is weighing a run, has said he was heartened that the party isn't writing off 2014 to the Democrats.

Astorino has become a top Republican prospect after he handily won re-election in a Democrat-majority county earlier this month. After his win, he attended Somos el Futuro, the annual conference of New York State and city officials -- a notable appearance because the event typically draws very few Republican visitors.

Astorino and state Assemb. Steve McLaughlin (R-Schaghticoke) are the two Republicans who so far have said they are considering challenging Cuomo next year.