Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone is taking Governor Andrew Cuomo to task over recent remarks regarding conservatives in New York State. Governor Cuomo made the remarks Friday, January 17, 2014 during an interview on the radio program Capitol Pressroom heard on WBFO week nights at 8 p.m.
In an interview with show host Susan Arbettor, Cuomo was initially discussing and answer questions about his campaign fundraising.
The remarks were made as he discussed a what he referred to as a “schism" the republican party. Cuomo stated the moderate republicans “are afraid of the extreme conservative republicans in Washington.”
"The Safe Act – the Republican party candidates are running against the Safe Act. It was voted for by moderate republicans who run the Senate. Their problem is not me and the democrats -- their problem is themselves. Who are they? Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Because if that's who they are and they're the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the State of New York, because that's not who New Yorkers are because that’s not who New Yorkers are," said Cuomo.
In a video posted on YouTube by Daybreak TV Productions of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Bishop Malone joined a growing chorus of Cuomo critics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u2Ln0XFVec&feature=share&list=PLOhrBb_Tv2vcTkuSU2Y1fnYn_mKn4Cn08
“He is speaking of extremism and I think that comment is the best example of extremism I’ve heard for a long time," said Bishop Malone.
According to the Buffalo News, Cuomo Administration officials have attempted to clarify the governor's remarks, saying that extreme agendas are not "politically viable" in New York State.
New York State GOP Chairman Ed Cox is demanding Cuomo issue an apology.
"Poisoning New York's politics with divisive rhetoric at a time when New York needs to be united to address its continuing economic problems,” said Cox.
Cuomo is up for re-election, but there has been much speculation that he could consider a run for president in 2016. His comments are sparking a great deal of national conversation.