Former NY Governor Mario Cuomo dies at 82

Mario Cuomo, son of Italian immigrant, who became an eloquent spokesman for a generation of liberal Democrats during his three terms as governor of New York, but could not run for President is dead.

Mario Cuomo died yesterday of heart failure at his home, the same day his son Andrew started his second term. He was surrounded by his family.

The 82-year-old loomed large in New York politics as governor from 1983 through to 1994 and became nationally celebrated for his ability to weave the story of his humble upbringing with ringing calls for social justice.

But he was also known for the Presidential races he stayed out of in 1988 and 1992.

Aljazeera