Ex-Syracuse mayor may run for governor as independent

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, center, speaks during a press conference where Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York, left, and Zephyr Teachout, right, pitched an ethics reform blueprint plan on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y. less Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, center, speaks during a press conference where Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York, left, and Zephyr Teachout, right, pitched an ethics reform blueprint ... more Zephyr Teachout, right, listens to Susan Lerner executive director of Common Cause New York, left background, and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, foreground, prior to holding a press conference where the trio pitched an ethics reform blueprint plan on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y. less Zephyr Teachout, right, listens to Susan Lerner executive director of Common Cause New York, left ... (more)

Mario Cuomo loomed large over NYS Democratic convention

Gov. Cuomo's father, former three-term Gov. Mario Cuomo, passed away more than three years ago, but his presence loomed large at last week's Democratic state party convention. Cuomo's mother, Matilda Cuomo, former Vice President Joseph Biden, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez and others all warmly discussed Mario Cuomo during their remarks before delegates and tied the governor to him and his legacy.

New York GOP picks Molinaro for governor

Republicans meeting at the state convention in New York City nominated Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro as their candidate for governor Wednesday and offered a scathing critique of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is seeking a third term in office. Molinaro presented himself as a person who overcame the odds.

Hillary Clinton to address New York Democrats

Clinton plans to address New York state Democrats at the party's nominating conv... HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Hillary Clinton plans to deliver the keynote address at a gathering of Democrats in New York state on Wednesday that comes at an especially tumultuous time for a party torn apart by scandal and challenges from its left wing. The former secretary of state, U.S. senator and Democratic presidential nominee will speak on the first day of the two-day gathering at Hofstra University.

Clinton: Democrats can win with bold ideas, core principles

Democrats can win elections and stand up to Washington Republicans by sticking to their core principles when it comes to education, health care, equality and the environment, Hillary Clinton told a friendly crowd at the New York state Democratic convention on Wednesday. The remarks from the 2016 Democratic nominee for president came as Democrats look to make big gains across the country in the fall elections.

Laborersa union backs Tish James for Attorney General

Adding to her growing list of early endorsements, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James has added the support of the 40,000-member New York State Laborer's Union in her bid to become Attorney General, James' campaign told the Times Union. The endorsement is the latest for James from a labor organization that happens to have a good relationship with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who went to bat for building trades workers during the debate over renewal of the 421-a tax abatement for real estate developers in 2015.

US Postal Service issuing scratch-and-sniff stamps

EXCLUSIVE: Meghan's father is seen for first time since missing her wedding as he buys a Frappuccino after heart surgery amid family pleas to new Duchess to fly him to UK for Palace visit 'This was as set up and fake as it gets': Outrage over Kendrick Lamar calling up white fan to sing HIS lyrics and then kicking her off stage when she says the N-word Teen, 15, who started Eagle Creek fire and scorched 48,000 acres of forest is ordered to pay 'absurd' $36m - as judge issues him with payment plan 'We are beyond Watergate': George W. Bush's ethics czar says there is more 'abuse of power' evidence against Trump than there was against Nixon REVEALED: Pedophile and Republican fundraiser plotted to make millions out of access to Trump - by charging Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi for turning president against rival Qatar Do you need a break from your partner? Sexologist shares the rules to make ... (more)

Hillary Clinton to headline NY Democratic convention

The former U.S. senator, secretary of state and presidential contender will speak at the gathering Wednesday. The party is meeting for two days this week at Hofstra University on Long Island to nominate candidates for governor, attorney general and other offices up for election this fall.

Gov. Cuomo announces more money for ‘holistic approach’ to fight MS-13 on Long Island

Back in January, President Trump gave his State of the Union and mentioned the threat of Central American gang MS-13, which has spread inside the U.S. thanks to lax immigration policies. At the time, there was some pushback from mystery-hacking victim Joy Reid who went on MSNBC to say, "he makes it sound like the biggest issue in the United States, the biggest threat is MS-13, a gang nobody that doesn't watch Fox News has ever heard of."

Source: Rep. Maloney exploring potential run for attorney general

A source close to Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney said Wednesday that the third-term Democrat is considering running for New York attorney general in the wake of Eric Schneiderman's resignation, a surprise this week that has set off a burst of competition for an office that was not on the political radar.

NY lawmakers begin task of replacing disgraced attorney general

New York lawmakers on Tuesday began the task of selecting the state's next attorney general, hours after two-term Democrat Eric Schneiderman's stunning downfall amid allegations that he physically abused four women. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said after a closed-door meeting with fellow Democrats who control the chamber that they discussed the protocols of appointing a successor to Schneiderman, but haven't talked about specific candidates.

Lawmakers begin task of replacing disgraced Schneiderman

New York lawmakers on Tuesday began the task of selecting the state's next attorney general, hours after two-term Democrat Eric Schneiderman's stunning downfall amid allegations that he physically abused four women. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said after a closed-door meeting with fellow Democrats who control the chamber that they discussed the protocols of appointing a successor to Schneiderman, but haven't talked about specific candidates.

Attorney general resigns after 4 women accuse him of abuse

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who held himself out as a champion of women and a liberal foil to President Donald Trump, resigned from office after four women accused him of physical violence during intimate encounters. It was a swift and stunning fall for a Democrat who had pledged to use the power of his office to hold others accountable for abusing their power.

Eric Schneiderman, New York’s Attorney General, Resigns Amid Assault Accusations

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who has risen to prominence as an antagonist of the Trump administration and a defender of women's rights, abruptly resigned Monday night, hours after four women accused him of physically assaulting them in an article published by The New Yorker. "It's been my great honor and privilege to serve as attorney general for the people of the State of New York," Schneiderman said in a statement.

N.Y. AG Eric Schneiderman, #MeToo champion accused of violence, resigns

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who positioned himself as a combatant of sexual harassment and abuse in the #MeToo era and a major opponent of President Donald Trump, abruptly announced his resignation Monday after four women accused him of physical violence and illicit drug and alcohol use. Schneiderman, a Democrat, stepped down hours after a New Yorker article was published Monday evening detailing allegations that he repeatedly slapped, choked and degraded women with whom he had been romantic.

Cuomo proposes banning offshore drilling in NY’s waters

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday ramped up his opposition to the Trump administration's proposal to open up new areas for oil and gas drilling, proposing measures that essentially would ban fossil fuel drilling and exploration in the state's waters.

Cuomo reaching out to Suffolk County state Senate candidates

The following is an expanded version of the third item from my "Albany Insider" column from Monday's print editions: With some Democrats believing Suffolk County party chairman Richard Schaffer is in cahoots with the Republicans, Gov. Cuomo has begun personally reaching out to potential state Senate candidates on Long Island, county Dems and Republicans say. Cuomo has spoken to at least two potential candidates about running for the seats currently held by incumbent Republicans Phil Boyle, of Bay Shore, and Tom Croci, a Sayville Republican who sources say may not seek reelection.