In a move that's been anticipated for weeks, Steve Levy, Suffolk County Executive finally made it official Thursday; he's switching to the GOP. A release announcing a press conference for Friday was sent out by Levy's staff, confirming that he plans to run for Governor "as a Republican."

The State Chairman for the Republican Party of New York Ed Cox was quoted by the Wall Street Journal:

"County executive Steve Levy is a political phenomenon and a real fiscal conservative. The fact that he is coming over to the Republican Party is a huge coup to the Republican Party and is a sign that we’re the future."

Levy is described by the NY Times (via Seabrook blog) as:

a blunt-spoken fiscal hawk and contrarian who collected 96 percent of the vote in his last re-election bid.

Levy is now expected to announce for the primary for governor on Friday, against his main opponent Rick Lazio. If he wins, he's likely to face Democrat Andrew Cuomo in the fall.