Carl Paladino update

New York Taxpayers Party candidate Carl Paladino is a “threat” to Republican candidate Rick Lazio in the Republican primary, according to the Wall Street Journal:

Written off by Republicans as a blustery, gaffe-prone thorn, Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino is emerging as a serious threat to Rick Lazio’s campaign for governor.

Mr. Paladino, a developer worth an estimated $100 million, is a far less polished campaigner than the former congressman, does not have institutional support among party leaders and is trailing in the polls by a wide margin. But the news last week that Mr. Lazio’s campaign is running on less than $700,000 has Republicans concerned that their standard-bearer’s advantages could be swamped by a determined, fiery candidate with vast resources and little to lose.

The New York Daily News notes that Democrat Andrew Cuomo has stepped up his fundraising due to Paladino:

ALBANY – Andrew Cuomo is a campaign cash-raising machine because he fears one man – virtual no-name long-shot rival Carl Paladino.

At least that’s what Cuomo, who has a record $23.6 million war chest five months out from Election Day, would have voters believe.

“One of the opponents is a multimillionaire who has said he can put his hand in his own pocket and spend millions of dollars,” Cuomo told reporters during a campaign stop in Albany.

Paladino, a wealthy Buffalo businessman and Tea Party favorite petitioning to get on the GOP ballot, spent $1.65 million of his own money – and has pledged to spend up to $9 million more.

The Elmira Star-Gazette mentions that in addition to seeking the Republican nomination, Paladino is also working to start a Taxpayers Party in New York:

Paladino said his campaign collected nearly 28,000 signatures, almost twice the number needed to force a Republican primary against Rick Lazio, whom he called a “liberal lobbyist.”

Paladino is also trying to start a taxpayers party, which could enable his name to appear on their line in a general election.