Weld Out

In a setback for lame-duck Republican Gov. George Pataki, fellow liberal Republican William Weld last week ended his bid for the GOP nomination for governor of New York. Former Massachusetts Gov. Weld, who shares Pataki's views on abortion and also backs gay marriage, lost the endorsement of the Republican State Convention by 62% to 38% to stalwart conservative former Republican Assembly Leader John Faso. Although he had enough votes to continue his candidacy to a statewide primary, Weld told reporters, "This is not the time for a contested primary." Faso will also be the nominee of the Conservative Party and will face radically liberal Democratic State Atty. Gen. Elliott Spitzer in the fall.