WASHINGTON – Former U.S. Rep. Rick Lazio yesterday threw cold water on speculation that he may run for his old congressional seat on Long Island next year.
“Never say never – but I wouldn’t bet on it,” a relaxed-looking Lazio told The Post.
“I am committed to the position I have now [as CEO of the Financial Services Forum]. Life is very good. I have the opportunity to spend good, quality time with my girls [his wife and two daughters].”
Republican Lazio gave up his House seat to run a losing Senate race against Hillary Rodham Clinton. Freshman Democrat Steve Israel won Lazio’s vacated seat, and Republicans are looking for a candidate to try to win it next year.
“I think [Lazio would] be the best candidate,” said Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), who’s in charge of recruiting Republican House candidates. He acknowledged, though, that Lazio hasn’t agreed to run.
Republican sources say House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) keeps urging Lazio to run and is offering him a “full incentive package,” including top committee assignments and the full restoration of his seniority.
The sources say Lazio hasn’t shut the door, but has indicated the only way he might be convinced is if keeping Republican control of the House hinged on his old seat – an unlikely prospect.