NEW YORK -- One of the first Democrats out of the box after Cuomo's win tonight? Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson, who may or may not still be leader of the Senate tonight if the GOP takes back control of the 62-member chamber.
And, it's not certain even if the Democrats do still maintain control after tonight whether Sampson will be leader come January. The Brooklyn Democrat is among the lawmakers caught up in the scandal over a since-scuttled contract for a lucrative downstate casino. Federal prosecutors and the Manhattan district attorney's office is looking at possible criminal violations, though it is not certain who might be the precise target of the probes.And, recall that Sampson heads a group of lawmakers who have been regularly beat up by Cuomo as part of Albany's dysfunction.So, with that as background, here are the words from Sampson tonight -- all about working "side-by-side" -- after Cuomo was declared the winner:
“New York needs strong leaders in hard times to make the tough decisions. Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor-elect Robert Duffy have the independence to do what is right and the experience to get it done.
“If 2008 was about the changing of the guard, then 2010 was about the guarding of the change. Working with Governor-elect Cuomo, Lieutenant Governor-elect Duffy we stand ready to continue what we started and build the New York we can be, should be, and will be.
“Throughout his career, he has tackled big problems and always put the people of New York first. From job creation, to property tax relief, to reducing the cost of government, I look forward to working side-by-side with Andrew Cuomo and Robert Duffy to deliver the change New York needs and the government our state deserves.”
-- Tom Precious
