Carl Paladino mocks Andrew Cuomo, calls him 'confused' after reports he called strategy meeting

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Carl Paladino, New York State Republican gubernatorial candidate, has fired several barbs at his opponent, Andrew Cuomo, since winning the primary.

ALBANY - Flame-throwing Carl Paladino Tuesday morning mocked Democrat Andrew Cuomo for not knowing how to handle his slash-and-burn GOP gubernatorial foe.

"He's struggling to get his seat belt on," Paladino told WOR-AM's John Gambling. "From everything we're seeing he's confused."

The Daily News exclusively reported that Cuomo called a war summit Monday to discuss how to deal with Paladino's unconventional down-and-dirty style.

"He didn't expect a real contender and he has one now and he has a problem," Paladino said.

Paladino said he believes Cuomo is less afraid of him and more concerned about the "conflict that he has in the Democratic party" between "the entitlement advocates" and the "working man."

The Buffalo businessman, who is western New York's biggest holder of state leases, openly mocked a Democratic flyer that portrayed him as a pig feeding at the trough for his state contracts and tax breaks.

"Atta boy Andy," he chided derisively. "Keep coming Andy."

Paladino again called for Cuomo to debate and also outline where he stands on the federal health care bill, which the Republican said would be "debilitating" to small businesses and taxpayers.

Paladino repeated a previous shot he took at Mayor Bloomberg when discussing out-of-control Medicaid costs.

"Having the most generous Medicaid and social welfare benefits invites every Tom, Dick and Harry from America to come to New York," he said. "And then you have a Bloomberg out there saying, 'give me all your poor, America.' Well we don't want them. The taxpayers didn't ask for that."

Still, Paladino during most of the 40-minute interview ditched his "Crazy Carl" reputation and focused on issues as he sought to promote himself as a serious candidate in New York City, where he is still not well known.

He announced he is forming a four-member committee that includes former state Controller Ned Regan and CNBC's Larry Kudlow to help with proposals to cut taxes 10% in his first year, with the focus on lowering the burden on businesses.

A 2% cap on local property taxes proposed by Cuomo would only ensure that taxes rise over time, he charged.

Paladino vowed to cut state spending by 20%, and said he will eliminate a number of agencies, including the Lower Manhattan Development Corp.

Paladino also wants to do away the department of housing and community renewal, saying the private sector can build affordable housing far cheaper.

He warned lawmakers that as governor he will not sign any extenders if the budget is late, except where public safety and health is concerned.

And he vowed to follow Gov. Paterson's lead in vetoing any new spending added to what he proposes. Three-way negotiating sessions with legislative leaders will be conduced in front the media, he pledged.

In a move that is sure to upset New York's union heavy community, Paladino said he would seek a repeal of a state constitutional amendment that allows the terms of an expired public employee contract to continue until a new deal is reached.

"This is not an election that defines Democrat versus Republican," he said. "This is an election that defines the establishment ruling class versus the people. The people are upset."