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Andrew Cuomo, Rob Astorino Campaign At NYC Columbus Day Parade

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Gubernatorial candidates Andrew Cuomo and Rob Astorino campaigned Monday while celebrating their Italian heritage at the annual Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan.

Cuomo, the Democratic incumbent governor, spoke with pride about his Italian roots, but he also talked about a possible pre-election trip to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republican.

"I'd like to get there before Election Day, just as a sign of respect to those two communities," Cuomo told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell.

Cuomo, Astorino Campaign At Columbus Day Parade

Cuomo said he thinks New Yorkers are happy with the job he's done.

"You remember four years ago the state was in really bad shape, and we have fundamentally turned around the state," he said.

PHOTOS: Columbus Day Parade

Meanwhile, Astorino, a Republican, said he feels momentum is swinging his way.

"People are coming up to us in record numbers now wanting to help, and that's what George Pataki told me: 'It happens at the very end. That's when you'll win it,'" Astorino said.

The Westchester County executive called Cuomo's possible trip to the Caribbean a sign of desperation.

"It's a pander and panic tour by this governor, who has ignored the Hispanic community for four years now," Astorino said.

Cuomo also has recently taken trips to Afghanistan and Israel.

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