Cuomo visits flood-ravaged Adirondack town

Visiting weather-related disaster scenes is a staple for governors. Ex-Gov. George Pataki excelled at it, particularly with a 1998 ice storm that paralyzed much of the North Country. Governors can demonstrate empathy by spending time, not only with local officials but also with residents, and show they can deliver much-needed assistance.

Failing to show can be politically damaging. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo took his first such tour of duty Friday when he visited Moriah, an Adirondack town hard hit by flooding. Two bridges collapsed and dozens of area roads were closed after several days of heavy rain.

"It was breathtakingly bad," he told local reporters of what he saw. Asked if it would be difficult to find money to help, Cuomo said: "We'll do whatever we need to do."

-- Yancey Roy