Lanza Lands Mike's OK

(NY POST) May 11, 2006 -- City Councilman Andrew Lanza (R-S.I.), who racked up the worst attendance record at the City Council in 2005, has nabbed the support of Mayor Bloomberg in his bid to become a state senator.

Bloomberg described Lanza as a "smart guy, a strong fighter and a hard worker."

Other prominent Staten Island-based Republicans lined up to support Lanza, including Rep. Vito Fossella, City Councilman James Oddo, Assemblyman Vincent Ignizio and Assemblyman Matt Mirones.

No one has officially declared their candidacy for the Senate seat, but on the Republican side, activist Robert Haldock and lobbyist John D'Amato, are said to be interested, and among Democrats, lawyer Mathew Pittone has been mentioned as a possible candidate.