With the support of 59 percent of the delegates at the state Republican convention today, Rick Lazio former congressman, failed Hillary Clinton opponent, personal-space invader has, as expected, secured a spot on the Republican line to challenge Democrat Andrew Cuomo for governor. The only real question coming into today was whether Steve Levy Suffolk County executive, Democrat turned Republican, mustache would have the votes to get on the ballot as well and force a primary. Levy did pass the 25 percent threshold normally required to get on the ballot, but because he’s not actually registered as a Republican yet (his party switch, by law, won’t take effect until after the election), he needed to get 50 percent of the delegates to grant him what’s known as a Wilson-Pakula waiver. Levy fell short there, only garnering 43 percent of the vote.
But Lazio may face a primary challenger yet: Carl Paladino — Buffalo real-estate tycoon, 9/11 comparer, adulterer, porn aficionado — has vowed to collect the 15,000 signatures needed to get on the ballot.
Levy falls short on primary try; Lazio advances alone [Capitol Confidential/Times Union]
