Cuomo Hits Paladino Turf in Upstate Campaign Swing

Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Cuomo has ventured onto opponent Carl Paladino's home turf in Buffalo to release his plan for upstate economic development.

Cuomo has outlined his ideas to lower taxes and energy costs for businesses in the form of a book, his campaign's third. He announced its release at Synacor Inc., a web portal provider, before heading to a Syracuse industrial facility to promote it there.

The visit on Tuesday came a day after Conservative Party candidate Rick Lazio dropped out of the race, boosting Paladino's chances in a contest some were viewing as a Cuomo walkover.

Paladino, a Buffalo developer and tea party Republican, is campaigning in New York City. The Paladino campaign calls Cuomo's job creation plan "empty promises.''