A look at potential presidential candidate Andrew Cuomo
ALBANY, N.Y. — A look at New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s preparations for a potential 2016 presidential campaign:
Nondenial denial: Concerning a presidential poll suggesting New Yorkers prefer Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., to him: “It said Chris Christie has better numbers for president than I do. Yeah, because he’s running for president, and I am not.” — November 2013.
Writing a book: Yes. Coming in 2014 from HarperCollins. “Profound moments” of the New York governor’s first term in office plus “a full and frank account” of his private life.
Go to Iowa: No. Has stayed close to home, avoids most travel that would feed speculation of campaign ambitions.
Go to New Hampshire: No.
South Carolina: No.
Foreign travel: Yes, but not lately. Visited Israel twice in 2002 when running for Democratic nomination for governor.
Meet the money: Yes, attended a December 2011 California fundraiser held for his 2014 governor’s re-election campaign by advocates of same-sex marriage. Cocktails: $1,000 a ticket, dinner; $12,500 a ticket. Facing little opposition in 2014, he’s socked away millions for the campaign.
Networking: Sparingly. Rarely leaves New York. Did not appear at Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., last year, choosing instead to hold a side event for New York delegates at a Charlotte hotel. Skipped national governors meeting in August.
Hog the TV: No, mostly avoids it, prefers radio. After being named sexiest 55-year-old by People magazine in November, called into the CNN show hosted by his brother, Chris, to rub it in. Asked why he doesn’t go on Sunday news shows, he told The New York Times, “Then you would say I’m running for president.”
Do something: 2014 budget proposal calls for tax cuts for homeowners and businesses in highly taxed areas. In 2013, pushed through nation’s first gun-control law after the Newtown, Conn., school massacre. Led New York’s effort to legalize same-sex marriage in 2011. Minimum wage boost, on-time budgets, teacher standards.
Take a national stand: Environmentalists nationally and the energy industry are closely watching his pending decision whether to allow fracking in upstate New York counties near the Pennsylvania line.
Baggage: Trumpets “remarkable string of accomplishments” in the state but record-high poll numbers have fallen to lowest yet. State economy grew at slower pace than national rate in 2012. Deflection: “I’m focusing on running this state and doing it the best I can. And that’s all there is to that.” Cuomo’s first marriage to Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, ended in a public and bitter divorce in 2005. Cuomo lives with Food Network star Sandra Lee.
Shadow campaign: Overshadowed by Hillary Rodham Clinton’s shadow campaign. Considered a likely contender if Clinton ends up not running.
Social media: Few if any personal tweets; Facebook also generated primarily by staff.