| I mentioned in in my post yesterday about the race on the Republican side for New York's 26th congressional district that Republicans could be looking for a candidate like Erie County Executive Chris Collins.
Well, it won't be Collins. But Collins is backing Rick Lewis, the founder of the Talking Phone Book, according to Bob McCarthy with the Buffalo News.
Rick Lewis, president of the Talking Phone Book, said he is exploring the contest "very, very seriously" and expects to formally announce soon.
"I'm not quite ready to make a formal announcement," he said, "but in the very near future I'll be able to say something definitive and hopefully very exciting."
Lewis is emerging as a major figure in the Republican field for the seat of retiring Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds because Collins is working overtime to push his candidacy, several party figures say. He emerges from the Collins mode of successful businessman hoping to bring business principles to government and willing to commit significant amounts of his own resources to the race.
Though he would not discuss any specific amount, sources close to Lewis say figures ranging from $1.5 million to $3 million have been discussed.
"Once in, I will do whatever I have to do to get my message out," Lewis said. "Once in, I'm in it to win it."
Lewis would be an intriguing pick for Republicans and i find it interesting that his name is coming out the day after all seven Republican chairs met last night to discuss this race.
Also if Lewis enters, that would essentially kill the chances of David Bellavia entering this race. He might enter, but I would find it hard for him to beat someone being backed by Collins and other Republicans. |
