By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-916317.mp3
Buffalo, NY – If gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino continues his campaign through the November election, political analysts in Albany say his new Taxpayers Party could be a force to be reckoned with.
The Buffalo developer is collecting petition signatures to create the new party. Last week, Paladino issued conflicting statements about whether he would actively campaign on the line if he loses the Republican primary. He first said he would drop out of the race if he doesn't beat endorsed Republican Rick Lazio. But Paladino later backtracked saying he would delay making any decisions about his run on the Taxpayers Party line until after the primary.
On Monday's Capitol Pressroom on WBFO, Siena Research Institute pollster Steven Greenberg and Eric Mower's Bob Bellafiore said the new Taxpayers' line could draw votes.
"If Carl Paladino spends the money, it is very likely that he will get 50,000 votes and that party will be a force to be reckoned with over the next four years," Greenberg said.
"I think that will be an extra line for him," Bellafiore said. "He's going to win the (Republican) primary against Lazio."
Indeed, recent polls show Paladino gaining on Lazio. A report in Monday's Albany Times-Union made the case that Lazio's campaign is failing to gain traction. Paladino, meantime, was described as "a man who is carrying an iron pole through a thunderstorm."
He attracted further attention Monday by issuing a statement saying Governor David Paterson should be prosecuted and disbarred for his role in protecting a political aide accused of beating his girlfriend.