John Faso to run on GOP ticket for governor

(AP) — Republican Bill Weld dropped out the race for New York governor on Tuesday, paving the way for John Faso's nomination.

The former Massachusetts governor ended his effort to be the first man since Sam Houston to be the governor of two states after he was defeated last week in a quest for the party designation by Mr. Faso, the former Assembly minority leader.

''It's no secret I'm a believer in the utility of primaries in many contexts,'' Mr. Weld said during a press conference at his Manhattan headquarters. ''But I do think there's a time to look beyond
your aspirations for the bigger picture. This is not a time for a contested primary.

''I wasn't prepared for the stunning political performance that John Faso has delivered thus far and I believe he will continue to deliver all the way to November,'' Mr. Weld said at his announcement with Mr. Faso.

''The decision he's making today will unify the Republican Party and will give the people a very clear choice this November,'' Mr. Faso said.

The more socially moderate Mr. Weld lost to the more conservative Mr. Faso by campaigning as the Republicans' best chance to win in November in the heavily Democratic state. But many of Mr. Weld's supporters who urged him to run, including state GOP Chairman Stephen Minarik, on Monday encouraged him to drop out.

''I applaud Bill Weld for his selfless act of courage,'' Mr. Minarik said Tuesday. ''His actions today will help bring unity to the Republican Party and make our party's chances to win the governor's race even stronger.''

Mr. Faso had just over 60% of the weighted vote at the state GOP convention on Long Island Thursday while Mr. Weld had under 40%.

That assured Mr. Weld a spot on the ballot in a September primary. But his decision means the Republicans won't have to divide their support and fundraising for a primary against Democrat Eliot Spitzer or Tom Suozzi.

Mr. Spitzer leads all candidates in polls and fundraising.