Cuomo watch: Upping his profile upstate

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has been barnstorming upstate to promote tourism. It's also where his approval ratings are lowest heading into next year's re-election campaign.

Cuomo rafted in the Adirondack Park, fished the St. Lawrence River and, most recently, drove his own Corvette around the track at Watkins Glen International speedway.

He's been to the Buffalo area nine times since June, not related to tourism.

Local officials appreciate the attention, and it's sure to score the governor some points with upstate voters. The trips are also a way to show Cuomo as an Average Joe, hale and hearty.

-- Yancey Roy