Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Andrew Cuomo is taking aim at the base of his GOP opponent, Carl Paladino, launching a new ad that features a testimonial from former state Republican Chairman Pat Barrett.

Barrett is a long-standing Cuomo supporter and has contributed cash to his campaign.

The point here, clearly, is to demonstrate that Paladino doesn’t have the market cornered on either upstaters or Republicans, some of whom have been distancing themselves from the Buffalo businessman since he won last week’s gubernatorial primary against Rick Lazio.

Barrett makes no mention of Paladino in this ad, but the point is nevertheless crystal clear. I’m sure this is just the first of many similar salvos to come.

This ad is scheduled to start airing statewide this week; it’s Cuomo’s second general election spot. (The first was a positive bio-type ad that focused on his “experience” and “independence” and talked about his willingness to take on both Democrats and Republicans when it comes to fighting corruption in Albany (interestingly, it never mentions the AG himself is a Democrat).

Lest you think Cuomo is ignoring the base, he’s holding his first general election event this afternoon in City Hall Park (the same place he launched his campaign – and, yet again, with just a few hours notice for reporters). It’s a “big-tent” event at which the bipartisan co-chairs of his campaign will be announced. (Cuomo’s LG running mate, Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy is expected to be on hand, too). I’m told former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson, who was one of Cuomo’s convention surrogates, will be playing a role.

In the meantime, here’s the script for the Barrett ad:

I’m an upstate businessman and former Republican party chairman. I’m worried and angry. We need jobs and our government is broken. One man can change that…Andrew Cuomo. He has the ability, independence and guts to take on Albany’s special interests and get results for the people. Sure, I’m a Republican. But this year it can’t be about politics… it’s about fixing what’s broken. That’s why I’m for Andrew Cuomo.”

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