From Wall Street Journal
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has decided to abandon the Democratic Party and run for governor of New York as a Republican. Mr. Levy, a lifelong Democrat, will declare his candidacy for the GOP nomination during an event in Albany on Friday, a spokeswoman, Rene Babich, confirmed late Wednesday night.
Mr. Levy, 50, will need a majority of the weighted vote of the GOP county chairs to get on the ballot. Ed Cox, the chairman of the state Republican committee, said, "County executive Steve Levy is a political phenomenon and a real fiscal conservative. "The fact that he is coming over to the Republican Party is a huge coup to the Republican Party and is a sign that we're the future," he said.
Mr. Levy's decision to enter the race comes as a growing number of Republicans voiced dissatisfaction with GOP candidate Rick Lazio, who is best known for his unsuccessful campaign against Hillary Clinton for U.S. Senate in 2000.
Mr. Lazio's fundraising has been lackluster, and critics complain that he's failed to generate excitement for his candidacy."I'm not happy with the way (Mr. Lazio's) campaign is being run," said Rockland County GOP chairman Vincent D. Reda, first vice chairman of the state Republican committee. Mr. Reda, who had previously endorsed Mr. Lazio but has been pushing for Mr. Levy to enter the race, called Mr. Lazio's support among the county chairs as "soft."
He predicted that many of the county chairs will turn to Mr. Levy in the coming days. "Mr. Levy should be welcomed into the Republican Party with open arms," Mr. Reda said. "Anyone who wants to change their registration, particularly if it's a high-level Democrat, we have to welcome him into the Party," he said.
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written by Daniel Peterson , March 18, 2010
didn't we once argue that lifting articles from other sources shouldn't be done, or should be consolidated into one-liners in a Morning Stampede type post?
I would love to argue your Opinion on this, QJ, but your post is void of one.
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written by Quickjustice , March 18, 2010
First, this is an important story for the New York GOP. It's worth a bit more than a one-liner.
Second, it's tough to do original reporting if you're not a full-time reporter. I "lift" excerpts of important stories, always properly credited.
Third, I've heard Levy speak. He's a far better public speaker than Lazio, and he has a more impressive track record. He's taken on public unions, and has addressed fiscal problems in his home county aggressively. He's received the support of the Suffolk County GOP.
In an overwhelmingly Democratic state (by registration), you have to flip Democratic voters to win. I'm certain Levy can do that. I doubt Lazio can.
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written by Daniel Peterson , March 18, 2010
I haven't done any research on Levy, so i should do it. I think a well thought out comparison between Levy and Lazio that includes sourced material, would be a noble project for a UE contributor. It would be informative and allow for readers to get their facts about the two.
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written by Raquel Okyay , March 18, 2010
This is great news for the Party. Mr. Levy has a history of being a fiscal conservative, he's a formidable candidate for the Party's nomination, let the race begin!
I met Steve Levy last week at Nassau/Queens 912 meeting. He put on a detailed presentation, pointing out the ills of Albany. He's was right on target on most issues.
Very likable guy! This is exciting...
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