Is the man who ran against HRC for the Senate in ‘00 when Rudy pulled out of the race. I ran into Rick Lazio last night and chatted with him about the ‘08 jockeying. When I asked why he wasn’t with the other NY Republicans at the big Rudy kick-off, he offered a smile and then discussed his two favorite candidates for the nomination. Lazio, now a heavy with JPMorgan Chase in NYC, praised Romney’s business acumen and can-do skills and also lauded McCain’s proven leadership abilities. He’s been wooed by both candidates recently.