True, Lazio ran an underwheming campaign against Hilderbeast in 2002, and doesn't seem to have learned anything since then. I can't see him getting elected Governor even in current climate. Whoever the GOP nominates it will be still be a long-shot, but Paladino has endless money to burn and looks to be a more serious and more conservative choice.
I noticed Paladino used to be a RAT and didn't formerly join the GOP until 2005. Since then he's been a model conservative Republican, but of course the Trey Greyson haters say it doesn't matter how loyal he's been since joining the party since he used to be a RAT. Oh wait... I forgot... that "rule" only applies to Trey Greyson himself. ;-)
Sorta like the "rules" to be a good conservative (must drop out and support the highest polling conservative, can't endorse Topinka, shouldn't run statewide again if you've lost once) that are established by Bill Brady critics, which they demand Bill Brady obey in exchange for their support. But Jim Oberweis and Adam Andrejewski are exempt from the "rules", of course.