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Cuomo Doesn't Deny He's 'Official' Quoted Criticizing De Blasio

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday did not deny claims he was the unnamed administration official quoted criticizing Mayor Bill de Blasio as taking politically oriented and unrealistic positions in Albany.

The example cited in the New York Daily News Thursday concerned the mayor calling for legislation to give his office long-term control of city schools, while state Senate Republicans insisted on one year, which is in this year's final bill.

Asked if that unnamed official was him at a news conference, Cuomo said: "Sometimes we talk on the record. Sometimes we talk on background."

Cuomo and de Blasio sparred throughout the state's legislative session, especially the mayor's affordable housing plan.

The two men frequently proclaim their decades-long friendship, but Cuomo has often been an obstacle to de Blasio's agenda. And criticism has gone both ways.

The Democratic governor says he and the Democratic mayor remain friends, have disagreements on policy matters, are both ``tenacious advocates'' and ``feelings run high.''

De Blasio said his focus remains on policies.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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