Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics Rich Azzopardi, a longtime spokesperson and advisor to former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, announced January 10, the formal launch of his new public relations firm. Bulldog Strategies. The firm will handle "communications, crisis communications and policy advancement," according to the announcement. “I’ve never shied away from the tough challenges as few battles worth waging are easy,” Azzopardi said. “Experience and expertise matter and if you hire Bulldog Strategies, you will get a battle-tested, and relentless advocate who will fight tooth and nail for you.” Cuomo is expected to remain an Azzopardi client. He served as Cuomo's senior advisor and communications director for more than nine years. Since Cuomo's resignation in late August, Azzopardi has continued to work as the former governor's spokesperson. Before entering politics, Azzopardi was a reporter. His first job was with the Register-Star in Hudson, covering police and courts, writing on a variety of topics from sexual misconduct by priests and corrections officers, new restaurant openings, drug busts, the arrest of ALF's TV father. and others. He went on to write for The Berkshire Eagle In Great Barrington, Mass., and The Daily Gazette in Schenectady, before joining the state Senate Democratic Conference as an assistant press secretary to begin his political ascent. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.