Former two-time statewide candidate Charlie King was named executive director of New York's Democratic Party Tuesday, and some view it as a sign that State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is gearing up to run for governor.

Political onlookers say state Democratic party leaders chose King for his ties to Cuomo, as well as his experience in Democratic circles.

"I can't wait, if he [Cuomo] decides to get into this race, to do everything I can to make sure he gets elected," King told reporters.

King was Cuomo's running mate in 2002, and while they battled each other for attorney general four years later, the competition did not seem to turn personal.

A former aide the Reverend Al Sharpton, King could be a benefit for Cuomo, who has sparred in his last run for governor with some African-American leaders.

Cuomo advisors dismiss any role he had in picking King, but said the attorney general is happy with the selection.

The attorney general insists he is only concentrating on his day job and not running for anything other than re-election. However, sources told NY1 that he is expected to declare his candidacy before the end of the month.