New York's Conservative Party is set to endorse a candidate for governor at its convention.
The Conservative line has been essential for Republicans running statewide in New York, where Democrats have a nearly 2-to-1 enrollment advantage.
Vying for the Conservative backing will be Republican Rick Lazio, a former congressman; Buffalo developer Carl Paladino, who's aligned with the tea party movement of disaffected Republicans, conservatives and independent voters; and Steve Levy, a Democrat turned Republican. Levy has won re-election as Suffolk County executive with the backing of the Republican, Conservative, Democratic and left-leaning Working Families parties.
Manhattan real estate executive Myers Mermel recently entered the race.
The party's convention is in Manhattan Friday afternoon and evening.
NY Conservatives Ready to Spread Some Gov Love
Copyright AP - Associated Press