Exclusive scoops & insider gossip by Gerson Borrero

Cynthia Nixon at SOMOS?

The seasoned bochinchero sees it this way: “If her [Cynthia Nixon] decision is as advanced as is being reported, then her campaign team will have her come up to Albany this weekend with the Mayor.” That would certainly be a telling sign and a bold step by the presumed primary challenger to the incumbent gobernador.

Ms. Nixon’s presence at the 2018 SOMOS Conference (set to take place March 9-11 in Albany) would be a good test for how her candidacy would be viewed by Democrats, including puertorriqueños and Latinos, who for the most part have been supportive of Andrew Cuomo and particularly appreciative of what the Governor has done for the recovery of Puerto Rico after Hurricane María. “We’re a grateful and courteous people, Gerson,” the connected insider said. “No one is going to disrespect a visitor accompanying Mayor de Blasio.”

If the novice política accompanies Mayor de Blasio "it’s going to be a 'shit is on' moment," said the bochinchero. Especially if the visit is at the banquet gala on Saturday evening. If that’s the case, and there’s a heads up, let’s see if Cuomo changes his plan to have a recorded video message played to the attendees - which is what a well placed bochinchero told B&B is happening - and instead makes an in persona speech.

Bottom line is that Cynthia Nixon is already being taken into account by political bochincheros and that’s not bueno for control freak Cuomo. We’ll keep you posted.