NY GOP gov candidate questions Cuomo’s ethics, says Democrat took a ‘payoff’ as HUD secretary

Cuomo’s NY gov rival says he took ‘payoff’ at HUD

ALBANY, N.Y. — The Republican candidate for New York governor has accused Democrat Andrew Cuomo of taking a “payoff” while he was housing secretary during the Clinton administration from a man who now works for Cuomo’s campaign.

Carl Paladino cites a company sued by the federal government and run by developer Andrew Farkas, who later hired Cuomo as an adviser for $1.2 million and remains a top campaign contributor.

Cuomo insists there has never been a quid pro quo for his work as secretary of Housing and Urban Development, his subsequent employment with Farkas or for campaign contributions from Farkas, now Cuomo’s campaign finance chairman.

Paladino is attacking the Farkas relationship in a video press release sent to TV stations statewide. It’s a connection that has dogged Cuomo in previous campaigns, but no governnment watchdogs have made any charges or accusations.

(This version CORRECTS that Paladino attack is in video press release to New York TV stations, not campaign ad.)