Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has released a controversial new attack ad targeting Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The new TV commercial mimics a famous ad used by President Lyndon B. Johnson 50 years ago called the "Daisy Girl." Johnson's ad, with images of a young girl picking the petals off a daisy combined with a nuclear explosion, was instrumental in defeating Republican challenger Barry Goldwater in 1964.

Astorino's ad, which uses the same imagery, blasts Gov. Cuomo for his handling of the Moreland Commission.

Speaking to reporters outside the Federal Courthouse in White Plains Monday, Astorino, who is behind by double-digits in the polls, insisted that the dramatic ad is not a sign of desperation.

An ad paid for by Democrats also hit the airwaves poking fun of a comment Astorino made when asked how seniors would chew if Medicaid no longer covers dentures.

There are only 36 days to go until the election, but the question remains whether the two major party candidates will go face to face.

The Cuomo campaign just announced two debates, a televised debate to be held in Buffalo and a radio-only debate in New York City. Both debates will include all candidates on the gubernatorial ballot.