GOP will hold convention in Westchester

State Republicans will hold their nominating convention in Westchester County, on the home turf of the party”™s likely nominee Robert P. Astorino, Westchester”™s county executive.

Astorino hasn”™t formerly declared his candidacy yet, but an announcement seems to be just a formality at this point after already wooing state GOP leaders and forming an exploratory committee. Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino and Donald Trump have also expressed interest in the nomination but both appear to be long shots. The convention is set for May 14 and 15, according to Capital New York.

Rye Brook”™s The Hilton Westchester, formerly the Rye Town Hilton, can also be considered friendly territory to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo, also a Westchester resident, received the 2010 nomination to run for governor at a Democratic Party convention at the same hotel.

In 2010, Republicans held their convention in New York City, backing Rick Lazio who lost the party line after a primary challenge from Paladino.

Astorino emerged as a potential gubernatorial candidate even prior to winning re-election as county executive last year. His convincing victory over Democratic challenger Noam Bramson marked the second time he won countywide victory in Westchester, an increasingly Democratic leaning county where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two to one.