Donald Trump is clearly flirting about the prospects of running against Governor Cuomo in next year’s statewide elections, but he’s not letting anyone get in his way at least as long as he’s ‘considering a run.’

Conservative Party chairman Mike Long told Capital Tonight that he recently spoke with Trump via phone and has had continued conversations with his staff. The phone conversation left him convinced that Trump had “more than a toe in the water,” Long said.

“Evidently Mr. Trump wants to give some thought to this before going any further, but we’re going to have further conversations,” Long said.

In between tweets this morning, Donald Trump made it clear that he’s not a fan of Astorino. “Sadly, he has ZERO chance of beating Cuomo and the 2 to 1 Dems for governor,” he tweeted.

I like Rob Astorino. He's a friend and really good guy. Sadly, he has ZERO chance of beating Cuomo and the 2 to 1 Dems for governor!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2013

New York Republican leader @EdwardFCox is pushing my friend @RobAstorino into political suicide. Results won’t be pleasant!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2013

I am so honored by all the great NY State Repubs who came to my office, called & wrote for me to run for Governor. If I do, I will win.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2013

Like Trump, Rob Astorino too is seriously considering a run, also touting his crossover appeal in standing a chance to beat Govern Cuomo.

In a trip to Buffalo on Wednesday, Mr. Astorino told Republican donors and supporters he can translate his success in winning reelection as Westchester County Executive into a statewide GOP candidacy against Gov. Andrew Cuomo next year, even in overwhelmingly Democratic New York State.

“I’ve come here to meet with party people, potential donors and business owners,” he said Wednesday, “and to tell them why Gov. Cuomo needs to be replaced.”

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)