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'''New York''', one of the original [[Colonial America|13 colonies]], became a state in 1776 and  was the 11th state to ratify the Constitution on July 26, 1788.  In common use, "New York" most often refers to [[New York City]], the financial, news and cultural capital of the U.S.

'''New York''', one of the original [[Colonial America|13 colonies]], became a state in 1776 and  was the 11th state to ratify the Constitution on July 26, 1788.  In common use, "New York" most often refers to [[New York City]], the financial, news and cultural capital of the U.S.

==Politics==

==Politics==

With the $133 billion state budget in the red by $17.7 billion, Governor [[David A. Paterson]] came into conflict with public service unions who rejected his call for sacrifice. Polls in April 2009 show his popularity had fallen to 27% favorable.

With the $133 billion state budget in the red by $17.7 billion, Governor [[David A. Paterson]] came into conflict with public service unions who rejected his call for sacrifice. Polls in show his popularity has plunged. Democrats do not believe he can be reelected and the White House has asked him to drop out of the 2010 race.  

 

Former Mayor of New York City [[Rudy Giuliani]] is considering a run as the GOP candidate to oppose Paterson in 2010. Giuliani has a strong base in terms of achievement and voter support, and will probably be a favorite to win.

Polls show State Attorney General [[Andrew Cuomo]], a Democrat, leads potential GOP candidates Rick Lazio 65% to 26% and [[Rudy Giuliani]] 58% to 37%.  Cuomo has a wide lead 61% to 27% in a Democratic Primary match-up with Paterson.

Polls show State Attorney General [[Andrew Cuomo]], a Democrat, leads potential GOP candidates Rick Lazio 65% to 26% and [[Rudy Giuliani]] 58% to 37%.  Cuomo has a wide lead 61% to 27% in a Democratic Primary match-up with Paterson.