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Cuomo Could Capitalize on Wall St. Crisis

Will he reveal AIG names?

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 21, 2009 2:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – Andrew Cuomo’s political career has hit a crossroads, the New York Times reports. The New York attorney general has found his moment, slinging subpoenas at Wall Street like a populist avenger. He’s forced concessions from the rating agencies and student loan lenders, and pried the names of bonus recipients from AIG and Merrill Lynch, to widespread applause. But what will he do with that popularity—and those names?

Speculation abounds that Cuomo will try for governor, though some believe he should wait, to avoid facing David Paterson in a primary. “Andrew Cuomo will be the governor of New York,” said a Buffalo Democrat. “I’m not prepared to say 2010 or 2014.” More pressing is whether he’ll reveal AIG’s bonus recipients, or let fear for their safety stay his hand.

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In this Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 file photo, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo speaks to the media at his office, Wednesday, Nov.7, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, June 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)

Actress Tina Fey (L) and New York State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo laugh at the New York State Attorney General's office May 5, 2008 in New York City. (Getty Images)

New York State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo speaks at a press conference at the New York State Attorney General's office May 5, 2008 in New York City. (Getty Images)

In this Dec. 11, 2008 file photo, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo speaks in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)

In this Oct. 15, 2008 file photo, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo listens to a question at a news conference on Wall Street Wednesday in New York. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle, file)

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Evincing outrage is not a legal strategy, so it remains to be seen what he’s going to do with his information. - Daniel C. Richman, Columbia law professor

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Cuomo Could Capitalize on Wall St. Crisis