Update (11:25 a.m.): State Sen. Roy McDonald released a statement this morning declaring he will not actively campaign on the Independence line. McDonald said he will campaign for former opponent Kathy Marchione in the general election, "...because I believe maintaining the Republican Majority in the New York State Senate will continue to positively change state government.”

Jimmy Vielkind is reporting at Capitol Confidential Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo sent an open letter to Sen. Roy McDonald Wed., Sept. 26,  promising his “full endorsement” if McDonald pushes forward with a third-party candidacy. McDonald, of Saratoga, lost the Sept. 13 Republican primary to Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione. The race largely centered on McDonald's support of the 2011 marriage equality legislation. McDonald has secured the Independence Party line in the November election, and the governor's support could steer money and perhaps draw voters his way. Claverack Town Supervisor Robin Andrews is the Democratic candidate in that race. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.