Rick Lazio drops out of governor’s race

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Rick Lazio drops out of governor’s race

As published on Examiner

Rick Lazio after losing the Republican primary to Carl Paladino remained on the Conservative line. During a Monday afternoon presser, Lazio announced he is dropping out of the New York governor’s race.

"My continued presence on the Conservative line will just lead to the election of Andrew Cuomo," said Lazio. "I don't want to be responsible for that. That is unacceptable."

A recent Quinnipiac poll that shows Carl Paladino within six-points of the liberal candidate Andrew Cuomo did not query the likely voters about Lazio. Polls including the Lazio factor clearly show his presence in the race siphons votes away from the GOP candidate and significantly increases Cuomo’s lead.

Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long anticipates his Party will officially announce their support for Carl Paladino.

“Right now (Paladino) is clearly the Republican Party candidate,” Long said. “I think we’re best served when we are united, not divided.”

Will Rick Lazio receive a judgeship nomination?

New York law allows three ways for a candidate to be removed from the ballot.

1. Death

2. Moving out of state

3. Nomination for a judgeship

Celeste Katz of the Daily News reports that Bronx Republican Chairman Jay Sorvino confirms that Rick Lazio will be nominated for the Bronx County Supreme Court at the party's nominating convention Monday night.

Note: A nomination for judgeship allows Rick Lazio to be removed from the ballot and does not mean the nomination will lead to a seat on the bench.

Sarah Palin weighed in via Twitter and had this to say regarding Lazio dropping out of the NY gubernatorial race, “Rick Lazio: u r Commonsense Conservatives (& other freedom-loving NY'rs) hero today. Thanks 4 selfless act 2 allow your great state 2 thrive.”