Now they're trying to get Lazio to switch races from Governor to Senate against Gillibrand. By "they", I mean Alphonse D'Amato and crew.
why?
Because Cuomo will ultimately run for governor, and Lazio wouldn't have a shot. He'd have a shot against Gillibrand - and the Republicans don't seem to have many big-name candidates willing to stand up and run in a statewide race. The bench is thin (though in the process of getting rebuilt).
how would Lazio have a shot against Gillibrand?
Please name the declared statewide candidate who would have a better shot than Lazio at beating Gillibrand. He'd have a better shot against Gillibrand than against Cuomo - and a better shot than anyone else who has declared that they are running for statewide office.