Lots of gubernatorial action on Long Island today.
Soon after incumbent Gov. David Paterson launched his campaign at Hofstra University in Hempstead, former U.S. Representative Rick Lazio, a Republican from Suffolk County, gave a response.
Lazio is, of course, running against Paterson. In his statement, Lazio went to lengths to associate Paterson with former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, whose own infidelities, notably his relationship with former prostitue Ashley Dupre, have come to define his time in office.
Lazio’s statement in full is below.
“After the election of Eliot Spitzer four years ago, New York State government entered a new era of dysfunction. Since David Paterson became Governor, the state has lurched from fiscal crisis to fiscal crisis. We now face a massive structural budget deficit, skyrocketing taxes, and a people that have lost faith in their political leaders.
“Eliot Spitzer, David Paterson, and Andrew Cuomo are all part of this problem. The people want solutions. They want new ideas and new leadership. My candidacy represents a better future for New York. I will create new and better jobs, add a 2.5 percent hard cap on property taxes, and make the tough choices on spending. I will not hesitate to use the veto to stop more deficit spending. I will fight the special interests, and bring New York the fundamental change it needs so it can be The Empire State once again.”