Asked About Cynthia Nixon As Challenger, Cuomo Cracks Jokes

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gov. Andrew Cuomo seems amused by suggestions that former "Sex and the City" star Cynthia Nixon's apparent interest in challenging him in a Democratic primary is being backed by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Cuomo was asked during a conference call on Wednesday's nor'easter whether the Democratic mayor was pushing Nixon as a candidate to vex the New York governor, who has a testy relationship with de Blasio.

Cuomo laughed and said, "It was either the mayor of New York or Vladimir Putin," before adding: "Russian interference?"

Some Democrats consider Nixon a more liberal option to Cuomo, who's seeking a third term.

Cuomo also joked when asked if Nixon had a name recognition edge over him, saying if that was the case he hoped Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Billy Joel don't run for governor.