Andrew Cuomo With Loyal Democratic Opposition?

     This is what Krugman has called his own disagreements with President Obama on certain fiscal issues, but it looks like a loyal opposition is forming to Cuomo here in New York.

      Inspired in part by Occupy Wall Street, perhaps, some leading New York Democrats and labor leaders are urging Gov. Cuomo to drop his pledge not to raise taxes on the wealthy.

       The fight surrounds the issue of next year's budget with the deficit forecasted to keep on growing. Until now he has been able to form a coalition among many Republicans while still fostering strong ties with his own party. This now may be threatened, however. He was able to persuade his own party faithful from mutiny even during the tough budget negotiations in the spring which saw Cuomo slash education, slow the growth of Medicare expenses and sought cheaper contracts with public policy unions.

      Yet next year's projected budget gap even with an extension of this year's measures is approaching $3 billion.

        "We're in the middle of an economic recession. It is nationwide," said Mr. Cuomo on Tuesday. "The state has a multibillion dollar deficit and how are you a progressive leader in that context? That's the challenge we face."

        This quote was on pg. A21 of today's Wall Street Journal (11/1/11). It's a good question that he didn't answer. It does seem counter intuitive to be demanding cutbacks in government services exactly when they are most needed. It seems that government services is supposed to left for times when the economy is booming and fewer need government help.

       Cuomo has voiced his support for Obama's proposed millionaire's tax while arguing that higher taxes in NY will drive away businesses and residents.

        Among some vocal "loyal opposition" is Assembly Speaker, Sheldon Silver and Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers."

        Cuomo is certainly popular with his overall approval rating remaining at about 66 percent.  Nevertheless while I too hold him in generally good opinion, as Weingarten says, "The governor has a very strong approval rating, but it doesn't mean they are some issues he may not be right on."

        "There are a lot of us who disagree with the governor's position right now. Hopefully one can change his mind."