Democrat Enters N.Y. Governor Race as Republican

[FarCenter]

By JEREMY W. PETERS - Published: March 19, 2010

ALBANY — Fresh off an announcement that jolted the New York political world, Steve Levy, the Long Island Democrat who abandoned his party to run for governor as a Republican, is working to secure endorsements as he tries to gain an edge in the contest for the nomination.

His candidacy barely a day old, Mr. Levy, the Suffolk County executive, has already siphoned away the support of several influential county leaders from former Representative Rick A. Lazio, who until this week appeared to be the Republican front-runner.

Mr. Levy is preparing to crisscross the state next week to make personal appeals to other local Republican leaders. He is also courting prominent national Republican donors and plans to hold fund-raisers in the Hamptons and in Palm Beach, Fla., in the weeks ahead, raising the stakes in what promises to be an extended intraparty battle.

“I think on both sides you’re going to see both candidates fighting hard, presenting their cases,” said Edward F. Cox, the state Republican Party chairman, who is backing Mr. Levy. “I believe in fair and open competition, and that’s what we have here.”

<SNIP>http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/nyregion/20levy.html?th&emc=th

[SharonAnn]

1. In our red-neck county, Democrats are running as Independents or Republicans this year.

Almost no Democrats on the ballot.

[Selatius]

2. He should've run as an Independent with economic populist roots.

But, if he's running as a Republican, he obviously doesn't give a shit about left wing voters. We now know where his bread is buttered. He isn't on the side of the working class or of organized labor.

[FarCenter]

3. At least he had the guts to change parties, unlike Joe Lieberman

[Grand Taurean]

4. Cuomo will still beat his sorry ass.