Gov. Cuomo’s campaign moved Monday to boot Democratic rival Zephyr Teachout from September’s primary ballot.
“We are challenging [her] petitions,” said Cuomo campaign spokesman Peter Kauffmann.
Acting on Cuomo’s behalf, Democratic activists Harry Weiss of New City and Austin Stemlicht of Rye filed “general objections” to the petitions before the deadline Monday.
Election lawyer Martin Connor — one of the city’s top election lawyers who ties to Cuomo and the Demoratic Party — is listed as the lawyer for the objectors.
By filing general objections, the Cuomo campaign reserves the right to file specific challenges next week.
Trying to knock out Teachout won’t be easy.
She has collected 45,000 signatures, triple the 15,000 required from registered Democratic voters.
Even before Cuomo’s campaign confirmed it was behind the challenge, Teachout had no doubt who was responsible.
“Who else could pay for a costly challenge like this. It could cost six figures,” said Teachout campaign manager Mike Boland.