AP source: Bloomberg, a former Dem and ex-Republican, backing Democrat Cuomo for governor

AP source: NYC mayor to back Cuomo in gov’s race

NEW YORK — New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to endorse the Democratic candidate for governor, Andrew Cuomo.

A person familiar with the announcement tells The Associated Press Bloomberg will join Cuomo on Wednesday to announce his support. The person insisted on anonymity because the announcement had not been made.

The endorsement comes on the same day a new poll shows Cuomo’s Republican opponent gaining ground. The Quinnipiac University poll showed Cuomo with a 49 percent to 43 percent lead over Carl Paladino among likely New York voters.

Meanwhile, state Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long says he and Rick Lazio are discussing whether the ex-congressman will drop out of the race to consolidate forces behind Paladino.

Bloomberg is a Democrat-turned-Republican-turned independent.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The latest poll shows longshot Republican Carl Paladino is closing in on front-running Democrat Andrew Cuomo in the race for New York governor.

The Quinnipiac (KWIHN’-uh-pee-ak) University poll shows Cuomo with a 49 percent to 43 percent lead among likely New York voters.

Seven percent were undecided.

Paladino is a millionaire Buffalo developer and tea party Republican who shocked the GOP a week ago by winning the primary over former U.S. Rep. Rick Lazio.

Attorney General Cuomo faced no opposition for the Democratic nomination for governor. He is running for an office his father held for three terms.

The poll questioned 751 likely voters from last Thursday to Monday. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.

Online:

www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml