Gov. Cuomo threw his sky-high popularity behind embattled Harlem Rep. Charlie Rangel and two others as they head into Tuesday�s Democratic congressional primaries.

Cuomo, appearing on former Gov. David Paterson�s WOR-AM radio show, announced his support of Rangel over state Sen. Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan).

�He works tirelessly,� Cuomo said of Rangel, the legendary but ethically-challenged congressman. �There are other people in the race who are good people, who I respect, but I endorse Congressman Charles Rangel.�

Cuomo also endorsed Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries over City Councilman Charles Barron in the fight to replace retiring Edolphus Towns in Brooklyn.

�Hakeem is an inspiring legislator who transcends individual communities.�

The second-year governor, whose popularity rating hovers around 70%, is also backing Rep. Nydia Velazquez in her primary fight against City Councilman Erik Dilan in Brooklyn.

(Source: NY Daily News)