ALBANY, N.Y. - In an email to supporters last week, Bronx and Westchester Senator Alessandra Biaggi criticized her fellow Democrats for gong along with the imperfect budget process after "talking a big game."
The email ended with the quote: "We know who those legislators are and will plan accordingly."
Some in Albany interpreted that as a threat to run primary races against older, more established members. Governor Andrew Cuomo weighed in during a radio Interview Tuesday morning.
"I think it is destructive. It’s also an aberrational political moment. You normally don’t have members attacking any members. I don’t think it’s productive," Cuomo said.
When asked to clarify her remarks in Albany Tuesday, Biaggi refused and wouldn’t stop to answer questions.
Senator Biaggi: I didn’t use the word primary.
Zack Fink: Can you clarify what you meant?
Senator Biaggi: I sent you a statement already.
Zack Fink: Just now?
Senator Biaggi: No, last week.
The statement from last week simply said legislators "know who they are, and they made their choices."
"This Democratic Assembly helped put that Democratic Senate in the majority. We worked well together. I crossed the line in places where other speakers had never gone in helping the Senate Democrats in raising money. But I think we should be looking to work together," said State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
Cuomo suggested Biaggi was elected through an independent expenditure group.
"Many of those members were funded with millions of dollars of dark money from unions like 32BJ," Cuomo said.
In response, Hector Figueroa of 32BJ tweeted, "The only thing dark about 32BJ is the color of our skin since our diverse membership is majority people of color."
Putting aside Biaggi’s remarks or what she intended, there is a belief among some Democrats that there will be wave of primary challenges next year, including against veteran members who have rarely had them.