After an unexpected defeat by Tea Party-backed Republican Carl Paladino, Conservative Party candidate Rick Lazio has dropped out of the race for New York State Governor.
Speaking in New York City at a press conference on Monday, Lazio decided to take his name off the ballot after gaining single digits in recent polls assessing votership for each candidate.
Public opinion polls on the gubernatorial race have varied greatly. Some show Paladino trailing by as much as 33 percent, while others demonstrate that the gap is now under 10 percent.
According to a poll released on Sept. 23 by Siena College (Loudonville, N.Y.), Democrat Andrew Cuomo maintained the lead over Paladino. Fifty-seven percent of likely voters favored Cuomo, while Paladino received 24 percent.
However, a Quinnipiac University poll found Paladino trailing Cuomo by only 6 percent among likely voters with Lazio not included in the poll.
In a release by FOX News, Siena College political science professor and former Republican strategist Dr. Len Cutler stated that Lazio's decision to exit the race should help Paladino.
According to WGRZ, a source close to Paladino's campaign has stated that Paladino contacted Lazio three times since the primary, urging Lazio to drop his candidacy.
Lazio has chosen not to endorse either of the two remaining candidates, leaving the Conservative Party to name a replacement. At the Monday press conference in Manhattan, Lazio voiced his opinion on Cuomo and Paladino.
"I ran for office to take on the Albany establishment. I look at the two candidates and I see flawed men," Lazio said, according to The Washington Post. "Flawed in terms of personal character and flawed in a commitment to ideas and principles that will restore growth and pride to our state."
Lazio went on to voice his concern with the two remaining candidates and the negative campaigning. However, Conservative Party chairman Michael Long has publicly stated to FOX23 News that he plans to push for Paladino.
Conservative Party leaders will meet in Colonie, N.Y. on Sept. 29 to pick the new nominee.
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Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
