New York – Gov. Cuomo Staying Away from Obama Events in NYC

New York – Gov. Cuomo was a host of President Obama’s New York City fund-raiser Wednesday in name only – and made sure to stay in Albany 150 miles away.

It wasn’t a shock.

For the third time in recent weeks, Cuomo skipped an Obama political event in the city.

In fact, the only time the Democratic governor greeted the Democratic President in the state was in January, when Obama made a trip to upstate Schenectady in an official, not political, capacity.

“It is surprising,” said University of Virginia political science Prof. Larry Sabato.

Some close to Cuomo say he frequently eschews such events, preferring to focus on work or his family – and most importantly, privacy.

Others suggested that Cuomo, whom some say harbors presidential ambitions, doesn’t want to be seen stepping out too soon on to the national stage.

Cuomo aides insist scheduling, not strategy, is behind the absences at Obama events.

But Cuomo raised eyebrows this week when he co-sponsored one of Obama’s city cash bashes – but then failed to show, claiming Albany obligations.

“When you’re on an invitation, generally you’re expected to show up,” Sabato said.

Full article in NY Daily News