NEWBURGH – Orange County Conservative Party Chairman John DeLessio has announced his support for Republican Rick Lazio for governor.  DeLessio said Lazio is the right person for the job and has already had a try at a statewide office.

“I thought he ran a good campaign for senator when he ran against Hillary Clinton. That was a tough, tough race and probably at that particular year, nobody could have won. But, I think he is now he is a better candidate and the message is crystal clear and it’s a good year for him,” said DeLessio.

Early polls showed Lazio trailing other contenders, and running barely even with unpopular Democrat Gov. David Paterson.  However, with many Democrats losing to Republican challengers last fall, and in particular, the special Massachusetts Senate race last month, DeLessio said there could be a continuation of that trend with Lazio in November.