Cuomo Says He's Not Frustrated by Kennedy

ALBANY—Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is still coy on whether he would want to succeed Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate.

"The conversations I have with the governor are private," Cuomo said on WGDJ Talk 1300 when asked whether he had already expressed interest to Paterson about the seat. "To the extent not talking about a private conversation is a duck, or not presuming on a future conversation is a duck--I don't think it's a duck."

This is consistent with what Cuomo has had to say publicly about his interest in the seat: that he enjoys being Attorney General, and will respect the choice of Governor David Paterson.

Fred Dicker, the host, asked Cuomo about a report in the New York Times this weekend that he is frustrated that Caroline Kennedy is openly campaigning for the seat. Cuomo said if that was the case, he would be campaigning.

"You know, Fred, I think as soon as you state the proposition it's apparent the proposition is flawed: He feels frustrated he's not campaigning. Then I would campaign," Cuomo said. "Am I stymied, frustrated? No."

He then addressed some other candidates for the seat.

Kirsten Gillibrand: "She got her start in public service with me at H.U.D.," Cuomo said. "I'm a big fan of hers."

Carolyn Maloney: "Carolyn Maloney was one of my first supporters in running for Attorney General."

Steve Israel: They are working together on an investigation of fraud in the L.I.R.R. pension system.

Caroline Kennedy: "Caroline I've known for years, and I'm very fond of her," Cuomo said. (He still didn't say he thinks she's qualified for the job.)