Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he wants to stop independent political organizations from hijacking elections by improperly coordinating with candidates.
The Democratic governor on Wednesday announced a legal opinion and legislation that he says will address problems caused by the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision.
That ruling prohibits restrictions on independent political spending, allowing wealthy donors, organizations or candidates themselves to create independent groups that can skirt many campaign finance rules.
The administration's legal opinion seeks to prevent coordination between independent groups and candidates by clarifying ambiguities in current law.
The legislation would go further by enacting what Cuomo says would be the nation's strongest law prohibiting coordination.
Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan says he welcomes the chance to review Cuomo's proposal, which comes days before lawmakers plan to adjourn.
