Cuomo to Run Again, Keeps Presidency Bid Open

Mario M. Cuomo announced Monday that he will run for reelection as governor of New York, but he left the door wide open to the idea of seeking the presidency.

Cuomo, a Democrat, would not pledge to serve four years as New York’s chief executive, as he did when he first ran in 1982. He said that he did not believe such a promise would be “the best thing for the state or me.”

“I am not going to lock the door against eventualities I don’t understand or imagine,” Cuomo said with a big smile. “I won’t rule out center field for the Yankees, either.

“I’ve chosen to run for governor,” Cuomo said at another point in the news conference. “ . . . but you can’t see the whole future until 1988.

“I am running for governor. I have no plans to run for anything else, but I don’t have a crystal ball.”

Cuomo’s statement drew immediate criticism from Westchester County Executive Andrew O’Rourke, his Republican opponent in November. O’Rourke charged that Cuomo was “double-parked in the governor’s mansion and planning to run for President.”

Cuomo, 53, is heavily favored to remain in the governor’s mansion. New York state Republicans turned to O’Rourke after former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger flirted briefly with the idea of running against Cuomo.

The governor and his closest advisers believe that he can seek reelection in November and then reassess his options in 1987. He is expected to continue to travel widely and to take positions on national issues. Already, he has started to speak out more often on foreign policy issues.

The only Democrat opposing Cuomo is Judah Philip Rubinstein, a supporter of Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr. If Rubinstein gains enough valid signatures on nominating petitions, he can force a primary election Sept. 9, but he would be the underdog.