Cuomo yet to name lieutenant governor running mate

TROY - Andrew Cuomo, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, said Tuesday that he has selected a lieutenant governor running mate - but declined to identify the individual.

After being endorsed here by state Independence Party leaders, Cuomo said, "There's nothing I want to say today on the lieutenant governor." The state Democratic convention is expected Wednesday to consider nominations for the No. 2 job in Albany.

The unanimous backing of the Independence executive committee dashed the hopes of Republican gubernatorial candidates. Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and former Rep. Rick Lazio both ran with Independence support previously, and Levy had talked of trying to secure the ballot line again.

But party chairman Frank MacKay said Cuomo's "New NY Agenda" of overhauling state government and reviving the economy was compelling. Asked about Levy and Lazio, MacKay, of Rocky Point, said, "We believe we are standing next to the man who speaks to the independents."

Levy, through a spokesman, said he was "not concerned" that the Independence ballot line would go to Cuomo, currently state attorney general. Levy recalled his successful race for county executive in 2003 where he had one ballot line to his opponent's four.

A Lazio representative didn't immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.

In Troy Tuesday, Cuomo said he wanted a lieutenant governor "who could be governor . . . if something would happen."

He added the person must have "manifested competence, performance and integrity" in their current job.

Among the frequently mentioned candidates are Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Yonkers, former federal prosecutor Denise O'Donnell of Buffalo and Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy.

The declared candidates are Christopher St. Lawrence, supervisor of Ramapo Town in Rockland County, and Democratic fundraiser Bill Samuels.

Agenda

The following is a tentative agenda for New York State Democratic Committee 2010 State Convention in Rye Brook:

Wednesday

7 a.m.: Breakfast hosted by Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand

8:45 a.m.: Convention called to order

12:30 p.m.: Lunch hosted by Attorney General Candidate Kathleen Rice

1:30 p.m.: onvention reconvenes

7-9 p.m.: Reception hosted by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and the New York State Democratic Committee

8:30-midnight: After-party hosted by Westchester County Democrats and DL21C

Thursday

9:30 a.m.: Convention reconvenes

1 p.m.: Convention adjourns