Upset Streak Continues: Lazio Downed in NY Governor Race

We floated the possibility of an upset in this race last week, and lo and behold, we've got one. Establishment pick Rick Lazio fell unceremoniously to self-funder Carl Paladino -- another shocker in a night filled with shocks.

Whomever emerges the ultimate victor, he will encounter a very tough road to hoe in the general against Democrat Andrew Cuomo.

New York is fertile ground for a number of GOP House pick-ups in November. Strong candidates at the top of the ticket would certainly have brightened that outlook, but one big name NY Republican after another declined to run. The chief beneficiary? Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D), who was once considered very vulnerable, but is now poised to coast.

I think it's fair to ask, what in the world is happening in the New York GOP?

UPDATE: Joseph DioGuardi wins the GOP Senate nomination and will face Gillibrand in the fall.

And remember Doug Hoffman from the ill-fated NY-23 special election of 2009? Tonight he lost the Republican primary (to conservative businessman Matt Doheny), but vows to stay in the race on the Conservative party line. Gulp.