Lazio steps up for NY Senate race

Republican Congressman Rick Lazio on Saturday publicly announced his candidacy for New York's US Senate seat, a day after Rudolph Giuliani pulled out of the race.

Mr Lazio - in his fourth term as Republican congressman for Long Island - has been saying for some time that he would be prepared to take on First Lady Hillary Clinton if Mr Giuliani, the mayor of New York, withdrew.

You can tell from my accent that I'm a life-long New Yorker. I don't have to fake it

Rick Lazio

"I will run hard. I will fight fair and I will stand on the issues. And I mean to win," said Mr Lazio, who enters the race as the clear underdog.

Mr Giuliani confirmed on Friday that he was retiring from the state's race for the US Senate.

The New York mayor was diagnosed with prostate cancer three weeks ago, and his campaign has been dogged in recent weeks by the announcement that he is divorcing his wife of 16 years, Donna Hanover.

Party backing

Announcing his candidacy, the 42-year-old Mr Lazio underlined his deep roots in New York state.

Mayor Giuliani leaves the stage clear for Clinton and Lazio

"You can tell from my accent that I'm a life-long New Yorker. I don't have to fake it. I love New York... This is my home, once and for always," Mr Lazio said.

Mrs Clinton's opponents see the fact that she had never lived or worked in New York State before last year as her weakness.

Mr Lazio, who is not well known outside his suburban Long Island district, appears to have the backing of state and national Republican Party members.

On Friday night, Governor George Pataki, the head of New York State's Republican Party, all but endorsed Mr Lazio when he announced his intention to run immediately after Mr Giuliani's announcement.

Hillary Clinton is now the clear favourite in the Senate race

Mr Pataki called Mr Lazio "a winner, a New Yorker who has proven time and time again that he is an effective fighter for the people of our state".

"Rick Lazio has the ideas, the energy and the vision to beat Hillary Clinton in November," Mr Pataki said.

The Republican Party in New York meets on 30 May to pick its nominee, although other candidates can challenge for the national party nomination in a September primary.

Clinton's response

Mrs Clinton graciously welcomed Mr Lazio to the fight.

"I'd like to welcome Congressman Lazio into the race and I'm looking forward to what I hope will be a real discussion of the issues facing New York.

"If Congressman Lazio is the Republican nominee this will be a race of clear contrasts because we've taken very different stands on education, healthcare, the future of the economy, and on issues concerning children and the elderly," Mrs Clinton said.