"Mario Cuomo will be remembered for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the people of our state. His powerful words and deeds, in particular his unwavering commitment to justice and fairness for all, will continue to inspire us for generations. As governor, he bravely and repeatedly opposed the death penalty in New York at a time when many pushed for capital punishment to be reinstated. I offer my deepest condolences to his entire family, as well as his friends and colleagues, and hope they will each find comfort in his extraordinary legacy of public service."