Downtown developer Carl P. Paladino, who is nearing a decision on whether to run for governor this year, said Monday that if he enters the contest, it will be as a candidate for the Republican nomination. Paladino, who earlier this month said “tea party” activists are urging him to run on an independent line, now says his best option lies in a challenge to presumptive Republican nominee Rick Lazio, the former Long Island congressman. “If we’re going to do it, that’s the way,” he said. “I’ve ruled out all these other options.” Paladino, who had been a Democrat for many...