Madmallard
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State Sen. John DeFrancisco, a longtime central New York lawmaker, is exploring a run for governor in 2018.
DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, said in an interview Friday that he began traveling around the state to attend Republican events and float his name as a potential gubernatorial candidate.
Last week, he attended the Saratoga County Republican Committee's summer picnic in Saratoga Springs. He has at least two stops planned this week in Erie and Oswego counties. His schedule for next week includes a stop in Livingston County.
DeFrancisco, who was elected to the state Senate in 1992 and now serves as the chamber's deputy majority leader, insists that he's made no formal decision about the 2018 election.
"I think it's just prudent to go around and see what level of support there is," he said. "And if there is, then I'll seriously consider it."
Whether DeFrancisco runs or not, he wants a strong Republican candidate for governor. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has indicated that he will seek a third term in 2018. He was first elected in 2010 and won re-election in 2014.
A Siena College poll released in July found Cuomo's favorability is at 52 percent. His job approval ratings took a hit, especially among downstate voters.
Overall, voters were split on whether Cuomo should return for a third term. And for Republicans like DeFrancisco that's an encouraging sign.
DeFrancisco, No. 2 in NY Senate, exploring run for governor in 2018
DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, said in an interview Friday that he began traveling around the state to attend Republican events and float his name as a potential gubernatorial candidate.
Last week, he attended the Saratoga County Republican Committee's summer picnic in Saratoga Springs. He has at least two stops planned this week in Erie and Oswego counties. His schedule for next week includes a stop in Livingston County.
DeFrancisco, who was elected to the state Senate in 1992 and now serves as the chamber's deputy majority leader, insists that he's made no formal decision about the 2018 election.
"I think it's just prudent to go around and see what level of support there is," he said. "And if there is, then I'll seriously consider it."
Whether DeFrancisco runs or not, he wants a strong Republican candidate for governor. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has indicated that he will seek a third term in 2018. He was first elected in 2010 and won re-election in 2014.
A Siena College poll released in July found Cuomo's favorability is at 52 percent. His job approval ratings took a hit, especially among downstate voters.
Overall, voters were split on whether Cuomo should return for a third term. And for Republicans like DeFrancisco that's an encouraging sign.
DeFrancisco, No. 2 in NY Senate, exploring run for governor in 2018
then it should be st 6%! F Albany!
