What a contrast between Andrew Cuomo and the last attorney general to graduate into the governor’s office — Eliot Spitzer.
On Tuesday night, Cuomo hosted several members of the Republican state Senate conference for a private sit-down at the Executive Mansion, complete with “very tasty” beef sliders, to talk about his legislative agenda.
The following morning, Assembly Democrats got a similar pitch, along with a hearty breakfast.
And while there was some spirited back-and-forth between the governor and his own party, lawmakers came away impressed by Cuomo’s willingness to reach out.
“He respects the Legislature and understands [that] one of the most important things we can do is bring credibility back to the Legislature,” said Deputy Senate Majority Leader Tom Libous.
Which isn’t to say that Cuomo and the Legislature won’t find themselves at loggerheads soon enough. But he’s laid the groundwork for a tough yet respectful debate.
Four years ago, at a similar juncture in his governorship, Spitzer and the Legislature were already at war.
As The Post first reported, an enraged Spitzer started it by ripping Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco, who’d complained about being cut out of negotiations on a new ethics law.
“Listen,” the governor berated Tedisco, “I’m a f – – – ing steamroller, and I’ll roll over you and anybody else.”
Moreover, he bragged, “I’ve done more in three weeks than any other governor has done in the history of the state.”
Tedisco, clearly taken aback, predicted at the time: “At some point, he is going to lose it.”
Little did he know.
Spitzer, of course, wasn’t wrong to take on the Legislature.
But there’s a way of getting things done — best described by an earlier New York governor, Theodore Roosevelt: “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.”
No doubt this latter-day era of good feeling will come to an end on or around Feb. 1, when Cuomo presents his austerity budget.
But a little respect can help the bitter medicine go down, and it’s a comfort to see that the new governor understands this.