Former Democrat Enters New York Governor Race as Republican

Chief executive of Suffolk County, Steve Levy, switched from being a Democrat to joining the race for New York governor as a Republican candidate.

The former Democrat said his views are best suited for the Republican Party, much to the chagrin of New York State Democrats, according to a Reuters report. The Republican gubernatorial primary is expected to be much easier to win, as the Democratic primary looks to be dominated by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who has not officially entered the race but is reported to have $16 million for the bid.

Levy faces former U.S. Rep. Rick Lazio in the Republican primary. Lazio has already issued statements against Levy, saying that he is a liberal who supported Barack Obama for president.

Levy defended the switch, saying that Republican leaders "liked what they saw" when he proposed the idea of running as a Republican.