Posted on 03/18/2010 5:58:31 PM PDT by neverdem
The New York Republican Party, no stranger to controversy in the past year, has a new internal battle brewing over its gubernatorial nominee that could lead to a New York-23 like split for the GOP.
Rick Lazio, the former Long Island Congressman who unsuccessfully challenged Hillary Clinton in the 2000 U.S. Senate race, appeared well on his way to securing the nomination. Endorsements included former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Gov. George Pataki, as well as a slew of county chairmen and local officials. But others in the party, said to be concerned over what is described as "lackluster" fundraising, have reportedly opened the door to a Democrat, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, to contest for the GOP nod.
Levy, without mentioning which party he'd run in, outlined his potential platform in a New York Daily News op-ed this morning. He's considering a run "because I believe I am the most qualified candidate to bring our state back from the brink of fiscal disaster," he writes.
In reporting on his potential party switch, the New York Times describes Levy as a "blunt-spoken fiscal hawk and contrarian," who "can tap into the public's anti-incumbent sentiment and frustration with Albany's overspending." He told the paper he wants voters to think of him as "Scott Brown II." Lazio has been making a similar argument, as he told RCP earlier this year.
The push for Levy to enter the race apparently has originated with Mike Cox, the state party chairman. Today, several county Republican chairmen have called on Cox to resign for approaching the Democrat. Some others have hinted they'd welcome the news.
As for the national party, the message is unclear. The New York Post reported that the RNC threatened during a private meeting Wednesday with Cox to withhold funds...
(Excerpt) Read more at realclearpolitics.com ...
Does the picture tell the story? I don't know, but something smells, IMHO. This stinks. I want a primary.
Levy wants to run as a RINO because he knows that anyone with a “D” beside their name is going to be toast in November.
He HAS switched parties/
I certainly think that the state party chairman should resign. Good grief. Rick Lazio is a lackluster RINO as it is. So he wants to go even further to the left and nominate a DEMOCRAT?
This guy is an obvious turkey. I’m sure he was most happy to sign off on Dede Scozzafava last year.
What is wrong with these idiots? If they could come up with someone better than Rick Lazio, fine. But somebody worse?
Lazio would be terrible as governor....god help us.
I'm thinking that, and that the rats want a lot of three way races.
Steve Levy to switch parties in run for governor(New York Dem goes over to GOP)
FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.
Screw those guys, I’m for Carl Paladino.
Since virtually no one cares for Lazio, there will certainly not be a schism.
At least Levy is a RINO with some gumption, as opposed to a total loser.
Steve Levy or Mike Cox?
I’m sure he was most happy to sign off on Dede Scozzafava last year.
From what I read, Scozzafava was just the result from county bosses doing the picking.
Thanks neverdem.
What we have here is a clear case of RINO courting - Off with His Head at dawn!
Any questions?
All northeastern states south to Maryland and Delaware, all U.S. cities, and all west coast states still have way too many RINOs in them! There really needs to be political think-tanks that solely focus on getting rid of all RINO politicians asap! The ongoing “RINO problem” is destroying the entire GOP!
I agree with you.
Dear NY RINOpublican Party,
Once again, I’ll be voting for whoever is on the Conservative Party line. Choose your candidate accordingly.
I have gotten word from a person I know who works for The Nassau County RINOpublican party that they are seriously considering running Jim Garner instead of Frank Scaturro for “Dear Carolyn”’s seat.
Steve Levey is a big Lib.
Yes, the local politicians chose Dede, but don’t the party bosses have to sign off on it? Certainly the national party poured money in to support her, thus helping to elect the Democrat.
ME TOO!! Carl ROCKS!
AMEN Brother! Thank you.
Carl met with Cox and Long 2 days ago.
I am sure he gave Cox a piece of his mind.
Just texted Carl and said he needs to have a press conference after this presser tomorrow and demand Cox to resign.
I knew this was going to happen last week.
NY has a history of refusing primaries.
Texas to New York? As a lifelong New Yorker, I apologize.
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