Madmallard
.223 Rem
Two former colleagues could reunite in an attempt to unseat Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2018.
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, both of whom are exploring gubernatorial bids, are in discussions to form a Republican ticket to challenge Cuomo, a Democrat, in next year's election. Kolb, R-Canandaigua, and Molinaro revealed their potential plan during a joint interview with The Citizen Monday.
Molinaro has been traveling around the state for months as he considers a run for governor in 2018. Kolb has been exploring a potential gubernatorial campaign since late August.
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The two men have been friends since serving in the state Assembly together. Before Molinaro was elected Dutchess County executive, he was a state assemblyman from 2007 through 2011. Kolb has served in the Assembly since 2000, including the last eight years as the chamber's minority leader.
Kolb and Molinaro speak regularly. It was during one of those conversations over the last two weeks that they discussed the possibility of becoming running mates.
"We're not out to kill each other," Molinaro said. "We're trying to find out what's the right mix of people to send the right message and win."
Kolb added, "We've been talking right along. We talk about issues that affect Dutchess County, whether it's local tax bills or what's going on statewide ... It's not like this is a new dialogue. We've always been in conversation, in discussion and whether it's social or business-wise, we've been doing that for awhile."
They have similar timetables for deciding whether to seek the Republican nomination for governor. Both anticipate making a final decision on the 2018 race within the next month.
Kolb said he's received "very, very positive" feedback at GOP events and from party leaders who he's talked to about a potential gubernatorial campaign. Molinaro said he's also received positive feedback from GOP leaders.
There are several factors under consideration for the would-be challengers. They will need to raise millions of dollars to mount a serious campaign against Cuomo, who has more than $25.6 million in the bank for his re-election bid.
The state's voter enrollment favors Democrats. A Republican hasn't won a statewide race since then-Gov. George Pataki was re-elected in 2002.
But both believe there's too much at stake in the 2018 election. And they both agree that there needs to be a leadership change in New York.
Kolb, Molinaro in talks to form GOP ticket against Cuomo in 2018
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, both of whom are exploring gubernatorial bids, are in discussions to form a Republican ticket to challenge Cuomo, a Democrat, in next year's election. Kolb, R-Canandaigua, and Molinaro revealed their potential plan during a joint interview with The Citizen Monday.
Molinaro has been traveling around the state for months as he considers a run for governor in 2018. Kolb has been exploring a potential gubernatorial campaign since late August.
false
The two men have been friends since serving in the state Assembly together. Before Molinaro was elected Dutchess County executive, he was a state assemblyman from 2007 through 2011. Kolb has served in the Assembly since 2000, including the last eight years as the chamber's minority leader.
Kolb and Molinaro speak regularly. It was during one of those conversations over the last two weeks that they discussed the possibility of becoming running mates.
"We're not out to kill each other," Molinaro said. "We're trying to find out what's the right mix of people to send the right message and win."
Kolb added, "We've been talking right along. We talk about issues that affect Dutchess County, whether it's local tax bills or what's going on statewide ... It's not like this is a new dialogue. We've always been in conversation, in discussion and whether it's social or business-wise, we've been doing that for awhile."
They have similar timetables for deciding whether to seek the Republican nomination for governor. Both anticipate making a final decision on the 2018 race within the next month.
Kolb said he's received "very, very positive" feedback at GOP events and from party leaders who he's talked to about a potential gubernatorial campaign. Molinaro said he's also received positive feedback from GOP leaders.
There are several factors under consideration for the would-be challengers. They will need to raise millions of dollars to mount a serious campaign against Cuomo, who has more than $25.6 million in the bank for his re-election bid.
The state's voter enrollment favors Democrats. A Republican hasn't won a statewide race since then-Gov. George Pataki was re-elected in 2002.
But both believe there's too much at stake in the 2018 election. And they both agree that there needs to be a leadership change in New York.
Kolb, Molinaro in talks to form GOP ticket against Cuomo in 2018
