Cuomo watch: Amending NY's constitution

Amending the New York State Constitution requires approval from two consecutive legislatures and then a referendum. On the issue of legalizing and siting casino gambling around the state, the second passage -- after last week's initial step -- may require a heavier lift and more specifics, some suggested last week.

"I fully expect it will not be as easy," said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who supports the change, in a news conference in Albany Thursday. "This is not an easy topic on any level . . . It will be, I'm sure, a very lively, active, lobbyist-filled discussion next year. And the conversation with people on the amendment itself, if we get to that point, that's going to be an active dialogue with the people . . . It will be challenging next year."

-- Dan Janison