Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino came out ahead in the Republican primary for governor in a race that many thought former U.S. Congressmember Rick Lazio would easily win.
Paladino was declared the winner with about 45 percent of the precincts reporting, at which point he was leading Lazio by just under 67 percent to a little more than 33 percent.
"If we’ve learned anything tonight, it’s that New Yorkers are mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore. The people have spoken," Paladino said while addressing supporters. "And I’m here to thank you for choosing me as the Republican candidate for governor of the State of New York."
Paladino, a native upstate New Yorker, has 15 years of experience practicing law in addition to spending about 40 years in private business. As governor, he said he would cut taxes by 10 percent, the size of government and spending by 20 percent each and Medicaid by $20 billion within his first year in office.
Also on Paladino’s agenda are job creation and cleaning up corruption in Albany.
"I know there is a way to bring opportunity and economic growth back to New York State," Paladino said. "And I believe we can. We are New Yorkers and we’re Americans. We can do anything we set our minds to. I believe our brightest days are ahead of us."
Paladino also said, "As governor of New York, I will bring the change taxpayers are demanding and we’ll rebuild New York together."
Paladino will now face Democrat and current Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in November’s general election. During his primary night speech, Paladino challenged Cuomo to a series of debates.
"We have so many questions to ask you, Andrew," he said. "Let’s stand toe to toe in an exchange of ideas and let the people decide. I look forward to your response, Andrew."
Lazio may also still appear on the ballot in November. Although he lost the Republican primary, Lazio beat out Ralph Lorigo in the Conservative party primary.
