Politics on the Hudson

The air war is beginning.

On the heels of a new poll that shows Rick Lazio holding a 12-point lead, Carl Paladino plans to start spending his millions to raise his name recognition through television and radio ads.

Paladino campaign manager Micahel Caputo sent out a statement focusing on the 49 percent of Republicans saying they would likely change their votes by Sept. 14, the day of the GOP gubernatorial primary. Paladino, aBuffalo developer, plans to spend up to $10 million of his own money. Lazio reported less than $700,000 in the bank in July, but he’s made a point of hiring a new campaign team and regional fundraisers.

Here’s the full statement from Caputo:

“Today’s Quinnipiac poll is in the ballpark. Our internal research shows the GOP gubernatorial primary is much closer today, but here’s the rub for Rick Lazio: while he pounded the Mosque issue, he dropped. Carl Paladino was keeping his powder dry, and he gained. Rick picked up zero undecided voters and Carl collected them.

Today begins our media push. We’re on television and radio full-force, hitting Republicans’ mailboxes and gearing up for a big finish at a time when the Q-poll shows Rick’s voters are looking for another candidate. And Rick is out of cash. Carl Paladino is tailgating Rick Lazio; everyone knows it and the public polls prove it. We’re pulling into the passing lane today and we’ll have Rick in our rear view mirror by next week.

I wonder if Rick is taking another look at his calendar for a debate date, or will he continue to insult the voters and refuse to debate Carl Paladino?”