Hugh & Pat & Bob & Arthur

New York Governor Hugh Carey is not talking to his political muscleman and personal pal, State Democratic Chairman Patrick Cunningham. This silent treatment bespeaks no lack of affection but is part of Carey's effort to rebut accusations of collusion to obstruct justice.

Just before Christmas Carey tried in vain to fire Special Prosecutor Maurice Nadjari, a controversial Republican holdover (TIME, Jan. 5). Nadjari then disclosed that he had been investigating Cunningham on suspicion of peddling judgeships in exchange for payoffs. The special prosecutor in effect accused Carey of attempting to fire him in order to shield Cunningham. Now Cunningham is strenuously fighting a grand jury subpoena, and Carey has ordered an investigation into the allegation that he himself was covering up for the chairman. Meanwhile, the state Democratic Party's morale and fund raising are seriously sagging.

In such a mess, silence is golden. But it is also troublesome because Carey and Cunningham should be talking about all sorts of arrangements for the Democratic National Convention in New York City next July. So last week the Governor announced that Arthur Krim, the longtime party fund raiser who heads United Artists, would provide the "necessary liaison" for Carey, Cunningham and National Chairman Robert Strauss for the convention and other matters of mutual interest. That way, Hugh can rely on Arthur rather than Pat to be his front man with Bob.

Carey's other troubles are growing. He still does not know how the state will borrow $4 billion beginning in April for routine subsidies to local government, and though Carey led in saving New York City from bankruptcy, new doubts have arisen about the city's ability to carry out the long-range financial plan that is supposed to lead to a balanced budget by June 1978. When reminded last week of speculation that his chances for higher office are diminishing, Carey smiled and said, "That's welcome news. I have no intention of seeking national office." It was a sad smile.

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