Lazio names upstate county exec as running mate

Upping the ante in his race for governor, former Rep. Rick Lazio has selected a county executive from western New York who grew up on an dairy farm as his running mate.

If Lazio, of Brightwaters, gains the GOP gubernatorial nomination at next month's party convention, he plans to name two-term Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards, 49, as his choice for lieutenant governor, Lazio's camp said Wednesday.

"We've seen a parade of people who haven't been up to the job of serving in higher office, and New Yorkers can trust that in Greg Edwards, they have someone who is," said a Lazio aide, who declined to be named.

For Lazio, most recently a Wall Street lobbyist and executive, the selection of Edwards is designed to provide geographic balance and is another step in what he hopes will be a successful attempt to gain the party's nomination.

Lazio currently faces a battle from Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and from Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino, both of whom are seeking the GOP nomination. Levy aides indicated Wednesday that he plans to name a running mate soon.

Since Levy's entry into the race, Lazio's supporters have tried to counter criticisms that he is running a lackluster campaign. The choice of Edwards seems to be designed to bolster Lazio's chances of winning the GOP nomination, as does the decision earlier this week by Conservative Party chairman Michael Long to hold his party's convention May 28, a few days before the GOP conclave that starts June 1. Long told The Associated Press that he strongly supports Edwards.

Since 2006, Edwards has been county executive in rural Chautauqua County, which has a population of 135,000. Lazio's camp emphasized Edwards' background in cutting property taxes and helping economic development in his western portion of the state.

Edwards and his family ran a dairy farm for many years, though he spent most of his career as a private attorney before being elected county executive.