With its prime location on the convention floor, the New York delegation appeared to enjoy the spotlight during this week's Republican Convention in Cleveland. Buffalo News Political Reporter Bob McCarthy says some politicians also used the event to position themselves for runs at key statewide offices.
"That's another rite of these conventions," McCarthy said during WBFO's Morning Edition.
"Everybody does come together here so it's a place where these guys can make the rounds and make some contacts and start raising some money."
Most of the focus is on the challenge to incumbent Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo. Buffalo's Carl Paladino and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, both of whom previously ran against Cuomo, are under consideration.
"There is a new name in there, Mark Molinaro, the Dutchess County Executive who is a young guy and is trying to meet some people and come up through the ranks," McCarthy said.
"Probably, Rob Astorino has the inside track at this point because he does have $1.7 million (in his campaign treasury).
A solid start, but as McCarthy points out, the amount is dwarfed by the estimated $26 million at Andrew Cuomo's disposal.
McCarthy heads next to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia where he will provide updates on WBFO's Morning Edition.
