Former Long Island Republican congressman Rick Lazio will formally announce his candidacy for governor next Monday. Unlike in 2000, when he deferred to Rudy Giuliani, Lazio isn't waiting around for the former mayor to make up his mind this time. Lazio will hope to position himself as an agent of reform in Albany; he's already called for a constitutional convention and a unicameral state legislature. As for his chances, a June Marist poll had Lazio getting shellacked by Andrew Cuomo, but, as could be expected of pretty much anyone, running even with David Paterson. [Daily Politics/NYDN]