Local News
POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: The return of Lazio
For some reason, I remember the bus.
I didn’t recall the name of it until I did some research.
After finding an old story, it came back to me.
The bus was called the “Mainstream Express” and it brought Rick Lazio to Niagara Falls as part of his statewide campaign against Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton in the 2000 election for U.S. Senate.
Lazio’s bus pulled into Niagara Falls at a time when I had been on the job for about a year.
The visit stuck with me because, well, frankly, I never saw a guy running for office spread his message from a bus before.
As I recall, the “Mainstream Express” pulled in front of the Gazette offices to allow the then 42-year-old GOP candidate to be interviewed by members of the editorial staff.
Some may recall Lazio became the GOP nominee in the run against Clinton after former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani bowed out to due to prostate cancer. Lazio presented himself as an underdog in the race and worked hard to characterize Clinton as a carpet-bagger that catered to left-wing special interests and the Hollywood elite.
It was later reported Lazio gave the bus its nickname to reinforce his “mainstream” record in the U.S. House of Representatives where he served for four terms. At the time, he said the campaign shouldn’t be about “rope lines and checking credentials and scripted responses,” but rather accessibility and accountability with the public.
Lazio went on to lose to Clinton who is, of course, now the U.S. Secretary of State.
Today, Lazio finds himself back on the campaign trail in a different race, this time looking to become New York’s next governor.
He got an early show of support from members of the Niagara County Republican Party who offered Lazio — the only announced candidate in the race so far — their endorsement.
“The people of Niagara County and throughout this state are looking for someone who will deliver fundamental change to New York, and Rick Lazio is that person,” new Niagara County GOP chairman Mike Norris said. “The people of Western New York need someone who will fight to keep property taxes low and eliminate wasteful spending in Albany. Most importantly, we need someone who will create jobs in Western New York. I believe the person who can best do that as Gov. is Rick Lazio. I am proud say that I enthusiastically endorse his candidacy.”
In a press release from Lazio’s campaign, the candidate offered the following: “This race is about the direction of New York and the future we want to create for our children. It is critically important that Western New York achieves its full potential if we are to be the Empire State once again. I believe that Albany’s relationship with Western New York should be that of a partner, not a master. I understand that burdensome mandates are crushing small businesses and increasing property taxes. When I’m governor, we’ll put a stop to that. But if we’re going to change Albany, I’ll need the support and the mandate of the people of New York. With Niagara County on board, we’re making great strides toward victory in November.”
So, Lazio’s back on the campaign trail.
No word yet on his preferred mode of transportation this time around.
- Local News
-
-
SLIDESHOW: New Niagara USA Visitors Center
Slideshow of the New Niagara USA Visitors Center.
-
AP Sources: Silver, Sampson plan SUNY compromise
A state official involved in the negotiations says Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate leader John Sampson are crafting a bill that would empower the state’s public universities to grow unfettered by Albany and allow them greater control over raising tuition.
-
Ethics panel accuses Rangel of 13 violations
A House investigatory panel is alleging 13 violations of congressional ethics and federal law statutes by veteran New York Rep. Charles Rangel.
-
Track set for new Falls train station
The project has been in various stages of discussion in Niagara Falls since the late 1980s.
-
Violante pleads the Fifth on DWI case
Niagara County District Attorney Michael Violante won’t explain why he allowed the daughter of an elected official to avoid a DWI charge last week in a rare plea deal in North Tonawanda City Court.
-
State judge defends court’s handling of case
State Supreme Court Judge Richard Kloch on Wednesday defended the decision of North Tonawanda City Court Judge William Lewis last week to accept a plea deal that spared the daughter of a North Tonawanda councilwoman a DWI trial.
-
District Attorney Michael Violante's statement on Donovan case
The following is an exact transcript of Niagara County District Attorney Michael Violante’s press release issued Wednesday in response to public criticism of a plea deal he offered to the daughter of North Tonawanda Alderwoman Nancy Donovan. Sara E. Donovan was arrested for DWI earlier this month after a one-car accident but instead pleaded guilty to a parking ticket and a speeding ticket.
-
Olive Garden plan approved for Falls
Niagara Falls is one step closer to getting an Olive Garden restaurant.
Members of the city’s planning board on Wednesday approved a site plan for a proposal to build a new Olive Garden near the main entrance to the Walmart plaza off Military Road in LaSalle. -
Questions remain over LaSalle library historic designation proposal
Members of the Niagara Falls Library Board want to discuss a few more details before they agree to lend their support to plans for designating the LaSalle Library building as an historic site.
-
Unusual Special Olympics event set for Seneca Niagara Casino
If everything goes as planned, those little things dangling over the edge of the Seneca Niagara Casino today will be brave volunteers raising funds for the Special Olympics.
- More Local News Headlines
-
