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Cuomo Deflects Questions About Whether He'd Back Bronx Borough President Diaz For Mayor

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There has been buzz this week about whether Gov. Andrew Cuomo would support an effort to unseat Mayor Bill de Blasio in next year's primary.

As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported, the governor did not do much to quash speculation when he asked if he would support a run by his ally, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"We're getting a little ahead of ourselves. We have a presidential election we are focused on," Cuomo said. "Ruben Diaz a very talented public servant."

As 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported, Cuomo joined Diaz Wednesday in announcing new job initiatives in the Bronx. The governor declared himself a big fan of Diaz, and the feeling was clearly mutual.

"Simply put, Mr. Governor, you have been relentless," Diaz said. "You've been a visionary."

Diaz would only say he is running for reelection as borough president. The only challenge Cuomo solicited from him outright was whitewater rafting upstate.

"For six years, I've been saying to Borough President Diaz, why don't you come to the challenge?" Cuomo said.

There was no commitment on that one either.

Cuomo and de Blasio have been feuding since last summer, when de Blasio accused the governor of not doing enough to help the city get key items passed by the state Legislature.

A poll in May showed that Diaz, along with City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, were within a few percentage points of de Blasio as potential challengers in the 2017 mayoral race.

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