Here is an extended version of the second item from my “Albany Insider” column today:
The clock is ticking on Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner’s time as Gov. Cuomo’s hand-picked co-chair of the state Democratic Party.
Miner in recent weeks has repeatedly embarrassed the governor with her criticism of his plan to help cash-strapped localities deal with the exploding costs of pensions for public workers. Last week she penned a stinging Op-Ed on the issue.
“A lot of people who know her think she’ll be taken down at the knees, but they don’t know how or when,” said one well-connected Capitol insider.
Sources who are longtime fixtures on the Albany scene said they can’t remember a gubernatorial appointee ever politically slapping the state’s chief executive in such a public fashion.
“Here’s a guy who does not take dissent kindly, who is letting his handpicked co-chair openly question his budget proposals and his leadership,” a stunned source noted.
Two sources close to Gov. Cuomo insist there is no plan to force Miner out. But they say she faces political heat back home and expect that she’ll resign of her own volition in coming weeks, so she can focus on her reelection campaign.
She is already facing pressure from some in Syracuse from those who fear her spat with the governor could impact the city’s relationship with the state. At least one, and maybe two, people are considering a challenge against Miner for mayor, a source said.
Miner’s attack on Cuomo’s plan raised eyebrows. But it’s her continued assault that has some wondering if the ambitious mayor has shot herself in the foot for future higher office.
“It’s one thing to make your point, but to keep making it over and over and embarrassing the guy who gave you a platform, that’s unbelievable,” said a long-time Capitol source.
Added another: “She’s sent a message to the political establishment that she’s not loyal—not just to Cuomo but she’s not capable of loyalty, period. Who would want her on their side?”
Still another said her continued presence as part co-chair could undermine Cuomo, who has to keep answering questions about her.
“This makes the governor look weak and that’s the last thing he wants,” the insider said.
Cuomo and Miner keep insisting the dispute is not personal, but few now believe that, particularly after last week’s op-ed in which she not only criticized his pension plan but called on the Legislature to reject the governor’s entire budget..
Miner is married to Jack Mannion, a retired insurance executive who has donated money to national Democrats like Hillary Clinton and Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand in the past.