Astorino Receives GOP Nod: 'We Need Your Help'

Westchester County Republicans gathered in Hastings Thursday evening to select their slate of candidates for November's election, choosing sitting County Executive Robert Astoino as their top contender. 

A spate of speeches touted new jobs and deflated taxes—and tossed barbs at opponents across the aisle.

"[County Democrats] are accustomed to being in power, they're accustomed to getting their way, they're accustomed to saying stupid things and getting away with it," said Michael Smith, the current legislator for district three. 

But Astornio extended an olive branch to all residents, inviting voters both blue and red to take part in an upcoming September campaign rally.

"I want all of you there, I want everyone in Westchester there," he said. "Everyone's invited—Republicans, conservatives, liberals, Democrats, Independents—because I represent everybody."

Astorino was elected in 2009, on the heels of an unsuccessful run in 2005. He will face Democrat Noam Bramson, the mayor of New Rochelle, in the fall.