Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld (R) said he would stay in the New York governor’s race after suffering a stunning rebuke from his own Republican party, whose delegates chose former State Assemblyman John Faso, the New York Times reports (via Political Wire):
In a roll call of the delegates, however, Mr. Faso won 61.2 percent to Mr. Weld’s 38.8 percent, with 25 percent required for a place on the primary ballot. Mr. Weld said that despite the outcome, he would stay in the race.
Being the party designee is usually a nominal honor, but Republicans say it is sure to be consequential in this race. It elevates Mr. Faso against a former star of the national party, Mr. Weld, and Faso aides believe it will improve their fund-raising, media attention and endorsements, all of which Mr. Weld has had to a greater degree.
Note they are already painting him as the spoiler, even though he may triumph in a primary vote outside of the Republican convention:
Even if Mr. Weld does not drop out, as Mr. Faso hopes, his loss here will raise questions in the days ahead: Does Mr. Weld risk becoming a spoiler, forcing Mr. Faso to spend time and money on a primary instead of on a challenge to Mr. Spitzer?
I say bravo for him staying in and I hope he takes it to a primary race. Hopefully the more moderate conservatives will swing things back in Bill Weld’s favor and his Libertarian Party endorsement won’t be for naught.
