Cuomo watch: Paladino makes a move

Carl Paladino's threat to run again for governor is probably music to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's ears.

In 2010, one of the best years for conservatives in recent memory, Paladino, the fiery Buffalo businessman, lost to Cuomo by 30 points.

His mulling a run on the Conservative Party ticket is more of a worry to Republicans who don't want a third-party candidate siphoning votes from the right or even finishing second, thereby costing the GOP patronage posts at county election boards and prime ballot position.

Two Republicans have said they are considering challenging Cuomo: Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Assemb. Steve McLaughlin (R-Melrose). -- Yancey Roy