Lazio: Cuomo hiding while Albany burns

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

Republican Rick Lazio is ripping into Democrat Andrew Cuomo for, as Lazio put it, hiding in a “foxhole” while Albany burns.

Lazio was speaking to Conservative Party leaders in Albany when he went after Cuomo, the popular and well-financed attorney general who hasn’t yet said if he’ll seek the Democratic nomination for governor.

Cuomo has refused to say how he would get the state out of its fiscal crisis, address deficits or confront special interests.

Democratic Gov. David Paterson, who is running this year, says anyone seeking his job should have to live “in his world,” where such tough and unpopular decisions have to be made.

Conservative backing has been crucial for Republicans seeking statewide office in New York. Lazio spoke today at a meeting of the party’s leaders.