By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-925993.mp3
Albany, NY – Conservative Party candidate Rick Lazio has withdrawn from the race for NY governor. WAMC's Dave Lucas reports...
Lazio told The Associated Press that he wants to continue to influence the race and bring a workable job-creation program into a contest he says has devolved into name-calling between Republican Carl Paladino and Democrat Andrew Cuomo.
Upon learning of Lazio's decision, Paladino told the AP: quote : "We're happy about that. I think Rick Lazio and I ran a primary that was above the garbage and the trash. We addressed issues."
The Cuomo campaign declined to comment.
The Conservative Party line has been crucial for Republicans who hope to attract Democratic and independent voters.
No Republican in New York has won statewide office since 1974 without Conservative Party support and a candidate running only on the Conservative line hasn't won statewide since 1970, when James Buckley won a U.S. Senate seat.
Lazio says he'll continue to watch the election.