Cuomo backs Curran in Democratic county exec primary

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday threw his support behind Legislator Laura Curran in the Democratic primary for Nassau County Executive.

Cuomo's endorsement came a week before the state primary, in which Curran will face County Comptroller George Maragos, a former Republican now running for current County Executive Ed Mangano's seat as a Democrat, for the chance to take on Republican candidate Jack Martins, a former state senator and mayor.

Cuomo said, in a statement, that Curran's values lined up closely with his own.

"At this pivotal moment, Laura Curran is the right choice to move Nassau County forward,” Cuomo said. “Laura has been a champion for improving our transportation infrastructure, protecting our environment, and holding the line on taxes. Most of all, I trust that Laura Curran will enact the hard but critical reforms needed to give taxpayers the honest government they deserve. I am proud to endorse Laura's candidacy and I urge all Nassau County Democrats to support her on Sept. 12."

In a release following the endorsement, Curran praised Cuomo for his stance on transportation infrastructure, the environment and progressive causes.

"I am honored to have the support of Governor Cuomo, who has been a champion for Long Island families,” Curran said. “His leadership on issues that advance Nassau County's economy, such as improving public transportation and fostering an environment that attracts business, is the approach I will emulate as county executive.”

“Our residents pay some of the highest taxes in the country and it's our job as public officials to give them the government they deserve,” Curran continued. “That's why I will end the culture of corruption and kill the corruption tax we all pay for a bloated patronage machine and broken contracting system, all while holding the line on taxes. With the support of Governor Cuomo we can win this election, and work together to bring a fresh start to Nassau County."