Governor takes on Mayor on the water

JIM YOUNG/REUTERS

The whitewater rafting race will feature two teams of six, led by the mayor and governor.

ALBANY ? After years of tension, Gov. Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg are ready to settle the score mano a mano ? on the water.

Cuomo and Bloomberg will face off July 22 in a whitewater rafting race on Indian Lake in upstate Hamilton County as part of the governor?s push to boost tourism in the Adirondack Mountains, the Daily News has learned.

Each of their teams will have six members ? and aides to both men confirm the governor and mayor will be on the oval-shaped rafts, paddling for bragging rights and a package of goodies that will go to the winner.

Cuomo has ?significant? rafting experience, according to aides. Since becoming governor in 2011, he has spent a good deal of time relaxing in the Adirondacks.

While it?s likely Bloomberg feels at home on the water ? on a yacht or sailboat ? it?s unclear if he?s ever gone whitewater rafting.

RELATED: BEWARE IF U TXT & DRV

?The governor has home-field advantage and the ability to amp up his staff with giant sugary sodas,? said political commentator Steve Greenberg, predicting a Cuomo win. ?That, and the fact the mayor?s staff may be forced to wear suit and ties.?

One political insider with no ties to either camp said Bloomberg might win ?if he pays for a specially made raft or something.?

Noting Cuomo?s penchant for political hardball, the insider joked: ?The mayor may want to bring along his own NYPD security and not rely on the state police.?

But veteran Democratic operative Hank Sheinkopf isn?t ruling out a win for Hizzoner.

?Mayors usually don?t win much from governors, but this is the last go-round,? he said of Bloomberg?s lame-duck status. ?You have to suspect the mayor and his people will desperately want to get one over on Albany.?

RELATED: BLOOMBERG TO TOAST W.VA. SEN. JOE MANCHIN

The race will feature other teams, although Cuomo aides couldn?t say who else will participate.

But the focus is sure to be on the state?s top two powerbrokers, who have made a side wager.

If Bloomberg wins, aides to both say, Cuomo has promised him a package of products produced upstate. That could include such items as Saranac beer, Buffalo chicken wings and Chobani yogurt.

If Cuomo wins, the mayor will send a package of New York City products, aides said.

Neither side was interested in trash-talking.

?When the governor asked the mayor to join him in promoting tourism upstate, he was happy to do so and is looking forward to it,? Bloomberg spokesman Mark Botnick said.

Source: http://feeds.nydailynews.com/~r/nydnrss/news/politics/~3/MmLfojd_TZo/story01.htm

Carlos Arredondo Pat Summerall Martin Richard friends awkward awkward Girls Love Beyonce