Cuomo hints at guv-run announcement in late May

ALBANY - Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the presumed Democratic nominee for governor, appeared Friday to refute speculation that he will announce his candidacy next week.

Cuomo hinted he could wait until late May for the state Democratic Committee's nominating convention in Westchester. No other Democrat has declared for governor, while three candidates are seeking the Republican nomination.

"The calendar is that the political conventions are held at the end of May," Cuomo told TALK 1300 radio here. "Why don't we adhere to the calendar that's been established and served this state well for many, many years?"

Rumors have swirled that Cuomo would kick off his second gubernatorial run in advance of the Democratic Rural Conference meeting, slated for April 30-May 1 in Niagara Falls. The gathering includes a straw poll that has become an early indicator of candidates' strength with the party rank and file. It was unclear Friday whether Cuomo would keep his commitment to attend this year's DRC meeting.

Cuomo said he was focused on his job as state attorney general. "I think it's fair to say that the governmental activities are very intense. This may be the most intense period I've had in my three years."

Earlier this week Cuomo filed civil charges against state Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx) claiming he looted more than $14 million from his charity health clinics. Cuomo also has spent three years exposing the "pay-to-play" culture surrounding the state pension fund under former Comptroller Alan Hevesi.

"Politics and this office do not mix well," Cuomo said. "I understand the calendar. I get it . . . Remember the general election is in November."

His comments came in the wake of a poll showing voters are impatient with his reticence.

The Siena Research Institute found 49 percent of voters want Cuomo to declare his intentions, while 36 percent said he can wait.