Looks like NY State Republican chair Ed Cox's plan to have Democrat-turned-Republican Steve Levy run for Governor (foiled, by the nomination of Rick Lazio) has angered national Republican Chairman Michael Steele. The Daily News reports, "The National GOP is funneling cash for local elections directly to county leaders - a step never before taken in New York," which is a "clear snub" and a "direct slap at Cox." Cox admitted he was surprised, but told the News that he and Steele "spent a very warm six hours" together last week, "[Steele] put his arm around me in a very warm way and told me now that the convention was over he was looking forward to us working together."