Democratic Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, described (albeit by the New York Times) as “a blunt-spoken fiscal hawk and contrarian who collected 96 percent of the vote in his last re-election bid,” is preparing to join the Republican Party and run for governor. Levy is considered tough on taxes, spending, and illegal immigration but he’s also got some baggage from his years as a Democrat. But some Republicans are optimistic about his ability to shake up the race, which looked a lot less exciting for the GOP after Gov. David Paterson bowed out.
