http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/01/albany-gop-chairman-levy-the-r.htmlAlbany County Republican Chairman John Graziano called Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy "very, very impressive" and said he would be willing to support the potential Democratic gubernatorial contender - as long as he switches his enrollment to the GOP.
"He's the real deal," said Graziano, who invited Levy to meet with a group of upstate party chairs for dinner last night. "I think he has all the ideas that Republicans like and he's got a real success story."
"I'm personally impressed. If he becomes a Republican, I'd like to see him as a candidate...This guy would do a great job if he becomes governor. Would I like to see him become governor? You bet."
Levy, whose aides have steadfastly refused to confirm or deny reports that he is meeting with GOP leaders, including state Chairman Ed Cox, has run on the GOP and Conservative lines in the past and drawn heated criticism from Latino Democrats for his right-leaning stance on immigration.
The county executive has insisted on numerous occasions that he is open to running on multiple lines if he follows through with his bid for governor, but has no plans to switch his enrollment.
I asked Graziano if the topic of Levy's enrollment came up last night. He said it did, but declined to reveal what the county executive had said.
"I think it's unfair of me to tell you; I think that he should tell you," the chairman said. "But why would he be coming and talking to Republican chairs unless he was interested in getting endorsed as a Republican?"
"You don't present yourself to people unless you're asking for something that would be important, or is important, to you. Everyone in that room wants him to become a Republican."
Also on hand last night were the chairs of Saratoga, Rensselaer, Dutchess, Greene, Sullivan, and Delaware counties.
Graziano said he also likes likely gubernatorial contender Erie County Executive Chris Collins, who was supposed to be on hand for last night's dinner but cancelled due to the recent death of his father, but thinks Levy has more experience.
As for the lone announced GOP candidate for governor, former Long Island Rep. Rick Lazio, Graziano called him "a wonderful, nice guy," but added: "I don't see where he would have the executive experience to be governor."
"If he wants to stay and run as a statewide candidate, I think he should consider other positions," Graziano said.
Cox, who has ties to Collins, reportedly would prefer to see Lazio challenge Democratic Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand instead of running for governor (although, according to yesterday's Siena poll, former Gov. George Pataki is probably the party's strongest challenger left to take her on in the general election).
Lazio so far has shown zero interest in switching races. The same Siena poll showed both he and Collins tied with Gov. David Paterson, but easily beaten by AG Andrew Cuomo.
