Biden Reportedly Considering Gov. Andrew Cuomo For Attorney General

Topline

Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York is among the candidates being considered for the role of attorney general by President-elect Joe Biden, the New York Times and the Associated Press reported Friday evening.

Key Facts

Key Background:

On November 6, Cuomo told cable station NY1, “Look, I said to New Yorkers when Covid first started my only agenda is New York. I’m not running for president, not running for vice president, not going to Washington.” Cuomo continued: “This is going to be a long road for New Yorkers. I want them to have total trust in what I’m saying. I have no agenda but being New York governor, and I’m going to stay here and finish the job.” In early October, Axios reported that Cuomo “is being pushed for the [AG post] and that Biden would consider him, based on their long friendship.” On October 12, Cuomo appeared on NBC’s Today Show, and when asked directly about that report, he replied, “I have no interest in going to Washington.” Cuomo is in his third term as governor, and first took office in 2011. He was secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Clinton administration from 1997 to 2001. In 2006, he was elected attorney general of New York.

Crucial Quote: 

“He’s still seen as a longish-shot, but he’s someone Biden likes and has for years,” tweeted NYT reporter Maggie Haberman  

Tangent:

According to the AP, it is unclear how the disclosure this week that federal prosecutors are investigating Biden’s son, Hunter, might impact the search for attorney general since the new AG would inherit the investigation (assuming the case is still active on Jan. 20). Saturday morning, President Trump tweeted, “IF Biden gets in, nothing will happen to Hunter or Joe. Barr will do nothing, and the new group of partisan killers coming in will quickly kill it all.” 

Further Reading:

AP source: Cuomo among contenders for attorney general pick (AP) 

Biden is considering Cuomo for attorney general (NYT)