The question many candidates for attorney general had was whether the Cuomo campaign would challenge their petitions.

The period for candidates to begin challenging one another's petitions has already begun and may end by the time the Government approves the plan.

"He wanted to make it very hard for anyone to undo it and challenge his petitions," he said.

The party is not challenging his petitions.

Until recently, there has been an unwritten agreement among the parties that they don't challenge each other's petitions.

"But that's exactly what he is doing by challenging Rosenbaum's petitions."

The party is adept at knocking first-time challengers off the ballot by challenging their petitions in court.

"We believe that if someone wanted to challenge his petitions, they wouldn't withstand the challenge in court."

The Pataki campaign ultimately decided not to challenge his rival's petitions.

A pro hunting wildlife group, unsuccessfully challenged the committee's petitions.