Rick Lazio, the mushy ex-Congressman, says he's stepping out of the race. Though Lazio won the NY State GOP's backing, he was blown away in the Republican primary by Tea Party-talkin' Carl Paladino. He did win the Conservative primary, and there was some talk that he'd stay in the race though it was suggested he'd "spoil" things for Paladino. A source told the Daily News that Lazio and Paladino spoke, "Carl wanted Rick's support, and Rick wanted Carl to stay focused on the issues about what's wrong with Albany and leave out the personal attacks." Good luck with that!