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Some Top NY Democrats Back Clinton's Presidential Bid

(WXXI News & AP) Some top NYS Democratic officials issued statements of support for Hillary Clinton after her presidential bid became official Sunday.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said that, “Hillary Clinton has been a lifelong champion for middle-class families, an advocate for the underserved, and a fighter for civil rights…I was honored to work closely with her in the Clinton Administration…having known and worked with her for over 20 years, I wholeheartedly endorse Hillary Clinton’s campaign for President.” Until recently, Cuomo was widely believed to be eyeing a run for the White House himself.

From Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:

“I'm thrilled that my friend and mentor Hillary Clinton has announced her 2016 campaign for President. I truly believe Hillary has a vision for a better future, one we believe in for our families & ourselves. We must make it a reality..”

And Sen. Charles Schumer was quoted by the NY Daily News, as saying “I’m so glad she has officially decided to run for president in 2016…She has the experience and mindset to get results. She has the rare ability to take an understand the problems of hard-working Americans, and the rare experience to get things done.”

But at least one top downstate Democrat is hedging his bets. According to Huffington Post, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), who managed Hillary Clinton's 2000 Senate campaign before he was an elected official, declined to endorse his former boss on Sunday as Clinton prepared to announce a 2016 White House bid.

Asked by "Meet The Press" host Chuck Todd whether he would back Clinton, de Blasio said that he was first waiting to see what kind of agenda the former secretary of state would offer.

"I think like a lot of people in this country, I want to see a vision," de Blasio said. "And again that would be true of candidates on all levels. It's time to see a clear, bold vision for progressive economic change."

Even though he wouldn't offer his endorsement, de Blasio called Clinton a "tremendous public servant" and "one of the most qualified people to ever run" for president, according to the Huffington Post.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.