NYT: Duffy to Seek Lieutentant Governor Seat

By Carlet Cleare

Rochester, NY – The New York Times is reporting state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is planning a gubernatorial campaign, and Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy could be on the ticket.

Cuomo hasn't announced his candidacy, or mentioned potential names for lieutenant governor. Assemblyman Joe Morelle, Democratic Party Chairman, says it's too early to tell.

"I'm not sure how far, how much stock to put into the rumors in the New York Times since no one was quoted," says Morelle. "But certainly you couldn't do any better than Bob Duffy, if that's the ultimately...is something that who ever is running for governor would offer it to him"

Morelle says he believes Duffy is focusing on the seat he's been re-elected to.
Duffy was voted back into office this month, for an additional four years.

Duffy released a statement Monday saying:

"Last week, I was interviewed by New York Times reporter Danny Hakim regarding speculation that I have been mentioned as a potential Lt. Governor candidate next year. As I said in the interview, I want to be very clear on a couple of things. I have never been approached by anyone, directly or indirectly about Lt. Governor position. While it is flattering to be mentioned for such a role, it is clearly just speculation on someone's part and I must decline to respond to speculation and rumor. I consider both the Governor and the Attorney General to be colleagues and friends. I have fully supported each of them in their vitally important jobs as they have supported me in my job."