Posted on 01/22/2002 11:56:26 AM PST by KQQL
Pressure is mounting on Rick Lazio to run for the Long Island congressional seat he held before quitting to run against Hillary Clinton for Senate last year.
Lazio has been consulting with House Republicans and with family members about a political comeback, sources said.
"The longer Rick waits, the less likely someone else would be able to step up, should he choose not to run," said Assemblyman Phil Boyle (R-Islip), a friend who is considered a possible contender if Lazio bows out.
Democrat Steve Israel, who succeeded Lazio, has already amassed a $750,000 war chest and would be a formidable opponent for most Republican candidates.
But Lazio, who took a well-paying job as a lobbyist with a financial services firm, would be an instant front-runner.
"Rick has a 95% name recognition in this district and money is not even an object for him," Boyle said. "If Rick runs, it would be a slam dunk."
Republican sources say Lazio is negotiating with national GOPers before agreeing to jump into the race.
Lazio wants the Republicans to pay off $750,000 in campaign debt left over from his Senate race; help him raise the more than $2 million needed to challenge Israel, and give him back his seniority should he win, sources say.
Closely Watched Race
Many Democrats expect Lazio to run.
"He shows up at every funeral and bar mitzvah," said one insider. "He's doing everything a candidate does."
With Democrats only six seats away from taking over the House and Lazio's name-recognition from his Senate bid last year, the race would be one of the most watched in the nation.
"There's a lot of people talking about it now," said Rep. Pete King (R-Seaford).
And, because candidates need to raise so much money for the race, pressure is mounting on Lazio to make a decision.
"It could be agonizing for everyone because Rick can take a long time to make up his mind," King said.
Reached at his Brightwaters, L.I., home yesterday, Lazio deflected any speculation about his future.
"I'm not talking about it," he said, adding, after further questioning, "You're not going to get me to talk about it."
Lazio violated House ethics rules by working as a lobbyist within one year of leaving office.
But who cares? Congressional rules are made to be broken.
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