New York Gov. Cuomo endorses Rangel

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) endorsed Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), who is facing a tough upcoming primary.

"He has seniority. He is very good with bringing things back to the state of New York," Cuomo told Capital Tonight. "His seniority is a major asset for this state."

It's a less-than-ringing endorsement — Cuomo focused on Rangel's long tenure and power rather than his personal qualities.

Rangel has the backing of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I) and former Mayor Ed Koch (D) — but former President Clinton, a longtime Rangel backer, has stayed neutral because one of his former staffers is one of Rangel's opponents, and President Obama has stayed notably quiet on the race.

Rangel is facing a tough challenge in the newly redrawn Harlem-based district, which has become increasingly more Hispanic. His leading opponent is a Dominican-American state legislator. The vote is on Tuesday.

---