Paladino: Libous Will Choose His Successor

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]Carl Paladino, the 2010 New York Republican gubernatorial candidate, is predicting state Senator Thomas Libous won't be on the ballot in November.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Friday, Paladino suggested Libous is "playing that ultimate political game again."

Paladino, noting Libous has been undergoing cancer treatment, said the senator's circulating ballot petitions. Paladino said the Binghamton Republican "fully intends" to use his committee on vacancies to appoint another candidate.

Paladino said: "In other words, he's picking his successor" and "nobody is saying a word about it."

Paladino said the reason "they're doing it and keeping it real quiet" prior to the end of the petition period is to keep any other potential candidates from circulating petitions.

Paladino has been a frequent and outspoken critic of Libous. Paladino said he would provide financial support for a viable candidate whose views were closer to his own.

Libous was first elected to the state Senate in 1988. He's serving his thirteenth term.

A spokesman for Libous had no immediate comment on Paladino's remarks.