Gov. Andrew Cuomo accepted his party's nomination for a second term in office at the Democratic state convention in Melville Thursday.

At the convention, Cuomo spoke positively of his record on job creation and his effort to reduce property taxes over the last four years. He also described New York as a progressive leader, with its legalization of same-sex marriage and stricter gun control laws.

Cuomo avoided talking about controversial issues, such as the state's Common Core education standards. Outside the Huntington Hilton, demonstrators rallied against Cuomo's stance on educational issues. Parents called out Cuomo for his handling of Common Core, while Bishop William Murphy asked Cuomo to support a tax credit for Catholic schools. Murphy says Cuomo promised this, but did not add it to the state budget.

The day also featured a speech by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, a phone message from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and a video message from former President Bill Clinton.