“Introducing the next Governor for the State of New York, the Honorable Rick Lazio,” announced John Jay Lavalle, Republican chairman for SuffolkCounty.

Lazio announces his candidacy for Governor from his hometown in West Islip. Photo by Cliff De Bear Thecrowd cheered. Rick Lazio, gubernatorial hopeful for 2010, was recently endorsed by local Republican Suffolk County leaders at the American Legion Hall in West Islip.

Lazio, who graduated from West Islip High School has thrown his hat into the ring even though the gubernatorial race is still a year away, making him the first formal GOP contender.

“I wanted to begin in my hometown, in my home County,” said Lazio who donned a navy suit and checkered red tie for the event; his wavy brown hair showing spots of gray. “I couldn’t think of a place I would rather be than right here with you.” “He is a hard worker and sincere,” said Irene D’Abramo, a supporter who spent her lunch break cheering the West Islip native. “We’ve seen what he’s done before with energy, drive and commitment.” Lazio first announced his campaign informally in Times Square on September 21, then later in Albany. He splits his time living in Brightwaters and New York City. Lazio is most remembered for challenging former Senator, now Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton in 2000. Before that, Lazio was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in 1989. In 1992, he defeated long-time New York Congressman Tom Downey, an 18-year Washington veteran. He held that seat for four terms. Currently, he is the managing director at J.P. Morgan Chase in New York City. With his children growing up, his daughters are 16 and 17, he said believed he could no longer watch the political arena from the sidelines. “My parents taught me to help if my neighbors were in trouble … This is my home state and I care deeply about it.” With his experience in the county, state and private sector, he said he has the background needed to lead New York State. “I have spent the last nine years in the private sector,” he said. “I know how to manage a large organization.” At the meeting, he outlined some of his ideas for that state, which included: •A tax cap to bring New York’s “fiscal house in order” and the discipline that accompanies that.

•Ending government six-figure pensions for new people entering civil service. •Leaving more decisions to local government, to encourage accountability and "So, residents can yell at us when we get it wrong.”

•Keeping young people on Long Island by reducing the tax burden on homeowners and small businesses, as well as creating jobs by repairing and building infrastructure, and reinforcing the state’s educational system.

“It certainly was great to be able to endorse one of our own,” said Babylon Town Republican leader Anthony Pancella Jr. who joined with other Suffolk County Republican leaders at the event. “Rick is a great public servant and considering the results of the 2009 election, and with every indication that 2010 is going to be even better for the Republicans, we were very excited about the opportunity for our party and for the people of New York State.”