Weld Drops Out

[TriSec]

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/06/06/weld_set_to_exit_ny_governors_race/

By Michael Gormley, Associated Press | June 6, 2006

Republican Bill Weld dropped out the race for New York governor on Tuesday, paving the way for John Faso's nomination.

The former Massachusetts governor ended his effort to be the first man since Sam Houston to be the governor of two states after he was defeated last week in a quest for the party designation by Faso, the former Assembly minority leader.

"It's no secret I'm a believer in the utility of primaries in many contexts," Weld said during a press conference at his Manhattan headquarters. "But I do think there's a time to look beyond your aspirations for the bigger picture. This is not a time for a contested primary."

The more socially moderate Weld lost to the more conservative Faso by campaigning as the Republicans' best chance to win in November in the heavily Democratic state. But many of Weld's supporters who urged him to run, including state GOP Chairman Stephen Minarik, on Monday encouraged him to drop out.

"I applaud Bill Weld for his selfless act of courage," Minarik said Tuesday. "His actions today will help bring unity to the Republican Party and make our party's chances to win the governor's race even stronger."

[mdmc]

1. nice

a very well defined campaign. Pragmatic liberal vs. conservative.

[RCinBrooklyn]

2. To "drop out," one must first be in it. Weld never was. No news here.