Republican leaders who doubt Rick Lazio’s ability to beat likely Democratic gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Andrew Cuomo this fall may be conspiring to bump the former Long Island congressman as their 2010 nominee. In fact, the party’s nine regional vice chairs have invited another potential GOP candidate for governor, Democratic Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, to a meeting in Albany Tuesday. Lazio was also asked to attend, but will not be there, according to his campaign.

"Steve Levy will not be Rick's lieutenant governor or have a spot on our statewide ticket," said Lazio spokesman Barney Keller, although his may not be the final word on this subject the way things are be going. "We have no idea why any Republican would want a Shelly Silver supporter (referring to Levy, of course) to represent our party. It's ridiculous and an insult to all those who believe in responsible, efficient, and effective government."

State GOP Chairman Ed Cox had floated the possibility of Levey running as a Republican candidate for governor in January, touting his fundraising prowess and fiscal conservatism. However, Levy failed to catch fire with party leaders back then after he refused to switch his enrollment and denounce the Democrats.

Some GOP insiders are speculating that Cox wants Levy on the ballot because his name recognition and past support among Conservatives and Republicans in Suffolk County could boost the prospects of certain down-ballot candidates, like his son, Chris, for example, who is one of a number of Republicans vying to take on Democratic Rep. Tim Bishop in NY-1 this fall.

Suffolk County GOP Chairman John LaValle, who represents Lazio’s home county and was the first GOP county chair to endorse the former Hillary foe, suggested inviting Levy to Tuesday’s meeting during a conference call of the regional vice chairs last week. LaValle recently switched his support in the Republican NY-1 congressional sweepstakes to the younger Cox.