New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stated on Friday that right-wing extremists don't have a future in the state.

Gov. Cuomo made an appearance on public radio's "The Capitol Pressroom" show this week, in which he described the imminent election as a scramble for power between the Republican party's various wings.

"They're searching to define their soul," the New York Daily News reported Cuomo as telling host Susan Arbetter. "Is the Republican Party in this state a moderate party or is it an extreme conservative party? That is what they are trying to figure out."

Cuomo stressed that the upcoming race wouldn't come down to a battle between Democrats and Republicans - the real fight would certainly involve the left, right and moderate wings of the GOP. The governor mentioned on more than one occasion that Senate moderate Republicans helped push bills that supported gay marriage and gun control. Cuomo wondered, based on these moves, who the Republican party actually consisted of.

"Are they these extreme conservative, right to life, pro assault weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are?" he asked. "Because if that's who they are, and if they are the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York. Because that's not who New Yorkers are. If they are moderate Republicans, like in the Senate right now, who control the Senate-moderate Republicans have a place in this state."

During his interview with Arbetter, Cuomo also touched on accusations that his extensive fundraising efforts would obligate him to carry out various organizations' bidding.

"That is a question of character more than anything else," Cuomo said in reference to being at the mercy of big contributors. "Because some politicians out there can be bought for $10. And some politicians can't be bought for $10 billion. It is a question of the person. It is a question of the character. It is a question of values."