Cuomo watch: Crosscurrents on cross-endorsements

Expect Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to push for more changes in the wake of New York's political-corruption scandals. A big question is whether he'll seek to end cross-endorsements, which keep minor parties afloat.

Only eight states permit cross-endorsements -- that is, one party backing a candidate from another. And just four of those, including New York, allow a candidate's name to appear on a ballot under different party headings.

Critics say cross-endorsements lend to political patronage and give minor parties outsized influence. Some insiders think Republicans and Democrats want to eliminate cross-endorsements, but have been reluctant to make a move, because trying to kill them but failing would have long-term ramifications.-- Yancey Roy