Cynthia Nixon thrust uncertainty into Albany. But she also did so at City Hall.
"I am not going to engage in the politics of this," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. "We have plenty of time to engage in the politics of this. We have plenty of time between now ad the September primary."
Not taking a position yet in the primary race, the council speaker said Thursday. Some might say that's not exactly an endorsement of what many thought was a firmly established two-term incumbent governor.
"I will be politically involved. I will be politically active in the primary season. I look forward to having that conversation. But now is not the time for that," Johnson said.
It was just last week that Johnson and a contingent of Council members met with the governor in Albany over some of the city's priorities. Now, some Council members appear to be welcoming Nixon's entry, citing the benefits of competition to democracy.
"I think Cynthia Nixon has what it takes to be a good governor if she is elected," said City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer of Queens.
"I don't think it's so far-fetched to consider another candidate for governor," said City Councilwoman Debi Rose of Staten Island.
"I think it's a democracy and it's a great thing for anyone to run," said City Councilman Daniel Dromm of Queens.
No one NY1 spoke to was ready to endorse either candidate. But that, too, speaks volumes, considering the governor has often wielded an immense amount of power in New York.
A spokesman for the Brooklyn borough president told us he it's possible he'll endorse Nixon. First, he's planning to lead her on a tour of public housing next week.
At least some officials here at City Hall appear to be taking the same tack for now.
"I am inviting all candidates running for governor to come and look at what's happening in Sunset Park," said City Councilman Carlos Menchaca of Brooklyn.
"I am not leaning any way. I am standing straight. But can you not lean Cuomo?" said City Councilwoman Inez Barron of Brooklyn.
The question is, does Cynthia Nixon need official endorsements to make her candidacy more legitimate? We will have to wait and see.
