Union: Now we like ‘moron’ Cuomo

ALBANY – In a reversal from Gov. Cuomo’s previous two runs for governor, a powerful state union has decided to back his bid for a third term.

Civil Service Employees Association President Danny Donohue, who in 2014 called Cuomo a “moron” and a “monkey,” on Monday was full of praise for a governor he said has come around on public sector union issues the past 18 months.

“I’m the first one to kick the governor when I think he’s wrong, but CSEA recognizes that when he does the right thing, we stand with him,” Donohue told the Daily News.

Donohue said Cuomo has supported unions at a time when labor is under attack nationally, particularly with the U.S. Supreme Court currently considering a key case that could reduce the power of public-sector unions by doing away with their right to charge fees to workers who choose not to join them.

“Here in New York, Gov. Cuomo has already taken monumental steps to make sure unions are stronger than ever,” Donohue said. “Gov. Cuomo stands united with us in this fight.”

During Cuomo’s first bid for office in 2010, he talked about reducing public pension costs.