Voting continues on Republican Senate Nominee

Republican in New York are going to wrap up their Manhatten convention today after choosing a nominee for the Senate. This is happening a day after the Republicans chose their candidate, former CIA agent Gary Bernsten for the post of governor.

The Senate nominee is being chosen to contest an election against Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Those vying for nomination are Former Congressman Joe DioGuardi, businessman Bruce Blakeman and economist David Malpass.

The first round of voting ended with no candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the vote so a second round of voting is now under way. If no candidate again gets more than 50 percent, there will be no official party nominee and at least Blakeman and Malpass will be on the primary ballot based on first-round voting. If DioGuardi surpasses more than 25 percent of support in this round, he, too, will be on the primary ballot.

Former Long Island Congressman Rick Lazio won the GOP designation – turning aside a challenge by Democrat-turned-Republican Steve Levy. Earlier today, Republicans designated Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards to be Lazio's running mate. He will be on the ballot as lieutenant governor. Lazio will likely face a primary challenge from Conservative Carl Paladino – who has vowed to get on the ballot through a voter petition process. Paladino is closely aligned with the Tea Party movement and will petition to create a Tea Party-oriented line.

NY1 is awaiting a response from the Republican Party to Paladino's announcement to stay in the race.