By MARK O'BRIEN
LATHAM, NY -- Many democrats at Thursday night's Albany County Democratic Committee Meeting seemed to agree that this election year is about moving forward, past problems like the current budget crisis at the Capitol and last year's State Senate coup. And while they say Andrew Cuomo is a big part of that, there is growing speculation that a political fixture in the Capital Region could be one to help make that happen.
Word is that Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings is under consideration as Cuomo's running mate for lieutenant governor. Cuomo has yet to announce formally that he is running for governor, but that is widely expected to happen next week at the State Democratic Convention in Rye Brook.
"I've heard that, too, but he's playing that card close to his chest," said Dan McCoy, Chairman of the Albany County Democratic Committee.
Others at the meeting had heard talk of a Jennings consideration, too.
"Jennings' name is out there, and I'm glad to see that because it reflects on our area, as well," said Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari (D-Cohoes).
"If you look at the way the ticket is shaping up, and the need for an upstate presence beyond [Sen.] Kirsten Gillibrand, certainly Jerry would qualify," said Assemblyman Jack McEneny (D-Albany).
Cuomo and Jennings are close personal and political friends. Last fall, Jennings 2009 – Jennings' campaign committee – donated $10,000 to Cuomo 2010. Cuomo endorsed Jennings' run for a fifth term as Albany mayor in 2009, which Jennings won. But while state party leaders speak highly of Jennings, they stop short of saying much more.
"Whether Mayor Jennings is the Lieutenant Governor or not, I can tell you he's going to be a leader in this state with the Cuomo administration," said Charlie King, Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party, and was a keynote speaker at Thursday's meeting. King, another close friend of Cuomo's, was himself a running mate with Cuomo during the latter's first run for governor in 2002. But when asked whether Jennings indeed is being considered for the lieutenant governorship, King answered with a chuckle, "That's all I can say if you want me to remain the director of the Democratic Party."
Jennings was not at the meeting. News 10 was told Mayor Jennings was unavailable as he was out of town.
There is no word on when Cuomo might announce a running mate, but Albany County democrats said they hope that person will be at their next big event: a picnic on July 17 in Colonie that Cuomo is already committed to attending.
As for the candidates endorsed at Thursday night's meeting: Assemblymen Ron Canestrari, Tim Gordon, Jack McEneny, and Bob Reilly; State Senator Neil Breslin; Congressman Paul Tonko; U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer; State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli; and, Kathleen Rice for Attorney General. Committee members also passed a resolution urging the nomination of Cuomo for Governor.
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