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10/31/2010 07:48 PM

Paladino Warns Of Cuomo's Political Tricks

By: Erin Billups

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Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino spent part of Halloween treating his supporters, while saving some political tricks for his Democratic rival. NY1's Erin Billups filed the following report.

While stumping on Long Island Sunday, Carl Paladino charged that Democrats have led New York into a downward spiral, saying his rival Andrew Cuomo has not done enough to fight corruption carried out by some of his fellow party members. He pointed to the Democrats involved in the Aqueduct racetrack pay-to-play scheme and the indictment of former State Comptroller Alan Hevesi.

"The Hevesi dance proves further again that he gives insider Democrats a pass on prosecution. The list of names is growing even during this campaign," Paladino said.

Paladino said he plans to pass an ethics law that would require legislators provide full disclosure of side income. He also said lobbyists will have far less access in his administration.

"In the executive part of government they will not have access to any of the agencies or authorities. If they want access they come to the governor's office and we'll talk to them," Paladino said.

For voters this Halloween, Paladino's message is clear -- a New York with Andrew Cuomo at the helm is downright scary.

"Cuomo scares me. He's a poster child for everything that is wrong with Albany today," Paladino said.

Meanwhile, some voters may be leery of Paladino. One New Yorker asked the Republican candidate whether he would hire someone to run one of his businesses like himself. Paladino hesitated, then said his "shoot from the hip" personality would be good for a manager but admitted it might not be appropriate for another position.

Paladino may be new to the political world but it's not stopping state Republican leaders and others from holding on to hope that fed up New Yorkers will come out in droves Tuesday to give someone new a try.