Magic is about the art of distraction. The magician will wave his right hand while hiding a rabbit in his hat with his left before pulling that same rabbit out of the hat — to the crowd’s amazement. The trick itself isn’t that amazing when it’s figured out, but the art is in the distraction. Most political cronies aren’t quite as talented as David Copperfield or David Blaine (fortunately), though they often attempt this same sleight of hand with taxpayer money.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., is proving that his cronyism has more in common with one of those beginner magic sets instead of the more advanced smoke and mirrors the pros use. In fact, Cuomo has just been caught by both the Right and Left attempting to funnel money toward his friends.