From Afghanistan, Cuomo Pledges 'Most Sophisticated' Security for NY

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo spent the weekend in Afghanistan, as part of a contingent of four U.S. governors on a trip to learn about counter-terrorism measures.

Cuomo and the other governors were invited by the Defense Department to receive briefings on counter-terrorism efforts and increasing global threats, and to meet with the troops, including 270 members of the New York National Guard and 900 soldiers from Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division.

Cuomo held a conference call with reporters on Sunday morning from Afghanistan.

“My goal is to have the most sophisticated homeland defense system ever designed by any state, period,” Cuomo said.

He did not elaborate on plans to bolster New York's defenses.

Until recently, Cuomo has made a point of not leaving New York State, even for vacations. The trip to Afghanistan is the second foreign visit the governor has made in the past month. He went to Israel in August. He has a memoir out in October, all of which is fueling speculation that the governor may have bigger ambitions in the future, like running for President. During the conference call, he said the trips are part of a Governor's work.

“I think it will help me do my job better and help prepare the state better,” Cuomo said.

The Governor's office said he will return to New York late Monday.