If the Republican Party state convention were held today, Steve Levy would need practically all the undecided county chairs’ support to come out ahead of Rick Lazio.

That is because Lazio, who has been campaigning for the nomination months before Levy announced his decision to switch parties and run as a Republican, has almost 50 percent of the weighted vote, while Levy has a little more than half of that.

Also, in order to get the Wilson Pakula authorization to run as a Republican, Levy needs over 50 percent of support from the state’s counties.

A glance at the map offers a sense of just how much leg work each candidate needs to do before the convention.

Lazio and Levy have split their native Long Island down the middle, while each has picked up support in and around New York City. The remaining prize counties—Dutchess, Erie, New York and Albany—could make the difference for either candidate. Much of the vote-counting is still very much in flux. Albany’s GOP chair has hinted that he will probably swing in Levy’s direction. Queens initially went for Lazio, but has now indicated that it will likely support Levy as well. Other counties could also follow, especially as Levy and state GOP Chair Ed Cox shift into overdrive.

Heading into June, check back with nycapitolnews.com, where we will keep a chair-by-chair tally of both the Republican primary for governor
and the Democratic primary for attorney general.