Cuomo aide trying to slow Kennedy bid

Published: Jan. 7, 2009 at 8:49 AM
"RING OF FIRE: THE EMILE GRIFFITH STORY"

NEW YORK, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- An aide to New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has urged Democratic Party leaders to not support Caroline Kennedy for a vacant U.S. Senate seat, sources say.

Two sources, including a prominent upstate New York Democratic Party official, told The New York Times that Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco has asked party activists not to embrace Kennedy for the job, even though Cuomo has insisted he his staying out of the running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton.

New York Gov. David Paterson, a Democrat, will make the selection on who will fill out Clinton's unexpired term. Kennedy is actively lobbying for the appointment, but Percoco has been stoking opposition to her among labor leaders and upstate party activists, sources told the Times.

"(Percoco) said, 'Don't you think it should be someone who understands upstate? Don't you think it should be someone with experience? Shouldn't it be somebody who knows New York better?'" the unnamed Democratic operative told the newspaper. "They've been trying to feed people."

An unnamed labor leader told the Times his conversation with Percoco didn't include a direct admission that Cuomo was seeking the Senate seat, but was implied.

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Watercooler Stories
Jockstrip: The world as we know it.
Your Daily Horoscope
The almanac
Helicopter Moms: We are the champions
NBA: Golden State 146, Minnesota 105
NBA: New Orleans 112, LA Clippers 84
fark
Police officer: your breath test shows no alcohol, enjoy the rest of your night. Driver: Thanks...
Make sure your cell phone is locked so you don't accidentally dial numbers. Numbers like 911. While...
Photoshop these spirited students
Bunnies with penis implants. Hugh Hefner not amused
In a prelude to 2012, North and South Korea are shooting at each other
We miss George Bush because Obama has been attacked by a vampire. Or something like that