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Mahoney says it's "pure rumor" she'll be lieutenant governor

Ryan Delaney
/
WRVO
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, far left, listens to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, right, during an event in Syracuse in May.

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney says it's "pure rumor" that she will replace Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s re-election bid next year.

The Republican county executive's name popped up in the news as rumors have grown recently that Duffy will step down. Mahoney endorsed Cuomo, a Democrat, in his initial election bid and the two have remained close allies.

"I was as surprised as anyone to see my name on those lists," she told public radio’s The Capitol Pressroom.

"I know nothing other than what I’ve heard in the media," she said. "I would say that is pure rumor and I think everybody ever in my role has to give you the perfunctory, it’s very flattering to have your name (mentioned), but I don’t think there’s any truth to that."

Duffy has been mentioned as possibly returning to Rochester to run the city’s business alliance. He’s the city’s former mayor.

Neither Duffy nor Cuomo have squashed the rumors. They’ve both said they’ll leave the politicking to next year. Mahoney said she hopes Duffy remains on the ticket.

You can hear the rest of Mahoney’s interview with The Capitol Pressroom tonight at 8 p.m. on WRVO.