No Hat for Cuomo in California Ring

New York Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, the most closely watched non-presidential candidate in America, has made sure his name will not appear on the California Democratic presidential primary ballot.

An aide to the governor has requested that Cuomo’s name not be placed on the June 7 ballot despite the efforts of the Los Angeles-based Draft Cuomo for President Committee, according to Anthony Miller, chief deputy in the California secretary of state’s office. Miller said Wednesday he had received the call from Cuomo aide Drew Zambelle two weeks ago.

“He indicated they were aware of efforts to get (Cuomo) certified for the ballot in California and they were not a party to that effort and were discouraging all people to engage in that effort,” Miller said.

The secretary of state is required to decide by Feb. 1 which names will appear on the California ballot as generally recognized presidential candidates. Even without the call, Miller said, Cuomo’s name would not have been included because he is not a declared candidate and has not qualified for federal campaign funds. Miller said the seven Democratic candidates then running in the Iowa caucuses were placed on the ballot.

The Draft Cuomo for President Committee was started last October by a group of Democrats dissatisfied with the party’s announced candidates. Although Cuomo has repeatedly disavowed any intention of entering the primaries, supporters said he has not ruled out a convention draft.