Once Rivals, Cuomo and Paterson Present a United Front

Out with the old, in with the new.........the changing of the political guard...a fresh new beginning for new york!!!

James Estrin/The New York Times

Gov. David A. Paterson, left, and Andrew M. Cuomo, the governor-elect, attended a news conference at the governor’s office in Manhattan on Tuesday.

By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE

Published: November 9, 2010

They have been friends, members of New York’s political aristocracy and rivals — sometimes bitter rivals — for the state’s highest office. But on Tuesday, the departing governor, David A. Paterson, and his successor, Andrew M. Cuomo, presented themselves as partners.
Meeting at Mr. Paterson’s office in Manhattan, the two emerged for a mild-mannered news conference, during which they cracked jokes, told tales and discussed the challenges ahead.
Mr. Paterson led off with a story about the time the two men and their families went rafting together in the Adirondacks; he wondered aloud whether Mr. Cuomo had ever imagined that they would both ultimately serve as governor. He also praised Mr. Cuomo for his campaign warnings to New Yorkers that the state would continue to face tough economic challenges in the years ahead.
“Rarely has a statewide candidate for governor or senator or anything such as that been so honest and so pragmatic about the future,” Mr. Paterson said.
Mr. Cuomo repeatedly called Mr. Paterson a friend and thanked him for his service amid one of the worst economic crises to face the state.
“I thanked him on a personal level, for his hospitality and his courtesy and his professionalism all through this transition,” Mr. Cuomo told reporters.
He also joked that Mr. Paterson had agreed to find $8 billion or so in extra savings to help balance next year’s budget, one of the hardest tasks Mr. Cuomo faces in the months ahead.
“That really exceeded the friendship to the tune of $9 billion,” Mr. Cuomo said, drawing laughs.
It was a far cry from the tension and jockeying between the two men and their allies this year, when Mr. Paterson planned to run for election in his own right and Mr. Cuomo was widely expected to challenge him in a primary. Mr. Paterson ultimately abandoned his bid, leaving a clear path for Mr. Cuomo to win the Democratic nomination and, ultimately, the election.
Mr. Paterson professed no hard feelings.
“I feel very assured being replaced by someone I think is going to do an excellent job,” Mr. Paterson said. “If he had walked in with a baseball bat, I might’ve thought a little differently. I’m really good with all of it. Really, what I’m thinking about is the privilege it was to serve this state.”
Mr. Cuomo chimed in: “I don’t see myself as replacing Governor Paterson. In public service, you serve at a moment in time.”