ALBANY (AP) -- Former Governor George Pataki has finally endorsed Republican Carl Paladino for governor.
The endorsement comes a day before Election Day, with Paladino trailing Democratic nominee Andrew Cuomo.In 1994, Pataki was a little known state senator when he defeated Cuomo's father, Governor Mario Cuomo, in a huge upset. Pataki went on to serve three terms, attracting Democratic votes in numbers that Paladino so far hasn't.
Pataki says he backs Paladino's core beliefs: cutting taxes and reducing spending to shrink state government.
Paladino says the state has seen nothing but failure since Pataki chose not to seek re-election in 2006.
He had said weeks ago that he hoped to get Pataki's backing. Paladino also apologized for calling Pataki "a degenerate idiot" for failing to develop high-profile Republicans who could succeed him.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
