Cuomo Wants Fiala to Succeed Libous in Senate

Governor Andrew Cuomo has started campaigning for Barbara Fiala for the state Senate seat vacated with the federal court conviction of Thomas Libous.

Less than 24 hours after Libous was found guilty of lying to the FBI, Cuomo said Fiala - a former Broome County executive - would "be fantastic" as a candidate.

Cuomo endorsed Fiala, who also served in his administration as Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner, during an live radio interview on The Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter.

Cuomo said Fiala "knows Albany, she knows Broome County, she knows the district."

The governor said he "would do whatever I can do to elect Barbara Fiala" to the Senate.

Fiala, who now lives in Endwell, has told local media she does plan to run and a formal announcement will come next week as she works to assemble a campaign team.

Democratic and Republican party officials and activists have mentioned several other potential candidates for the Senate seat Libous had held since 1989.  One Republican on the radar is Binghamton Mayor Richard David, who said he had been approached.

A special election for voters in the 52nd Senate District will be held on November 3.