PRESS RELEASE:

Manhattan, New York...June 2, 2010 - After receiving 59.6% of the designation vote, Rick Lazio became the official Republican Party designee and, subsequently, the Party's nominee for Governor, following a Wilson-Pakula vote in which Steve Levy acquired only 42% approval to run as a Republican for Governor on the September primary ballot. Mr. Levy needed at least 50% approval to appear on the primary ballot, having only officially switched parties back in February.

The four Republicans vying for the party's nomination for Governor received the following percentages for the party's designation vote: Myers Mermel - 4.36%; Carl Paladino - 7.89%;
Steve Levy 28.12 %; Rick Lazio 59.6.

"Rick's trajectory has continued on an upward swing and the sky is the limit as far as where he can take this party," said Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox. "I have said all along, Rick is a tremendous candidate and will make a fantastic Governor. The Republican Party is lucky to have Rick at the top of our ticket."