Western New York Republican strategist Michael Caputo has made his living working behind the scenes.
He signed on as a writer for Rep. Jack Kemp’s presidential primary campaign in the late 80s, served as Carl Paladino’s gubernatorial campaign manager more than two decades later, and most recently worked for the Trump presidential bid three years ago. He said, all the while, he was never interested in running for office himself.
That might be changing. Caputo said he is in the preliminary stages of considering a run for New York’s 27th Congressional District next year. The seat is currently held by Republican Chris Collins, who has not yet decided whether he’ll seek re-election.
“It’s different now,” he said.
Caputo’s profile has increased in the last few years, for good and bad. He has become a regular contributor in national cable news stations, most regularly CNN as a conservative pundit, and also host his own podcast and fills in on local talk radio.
He also has made his own headlines, testifying before Congress in connection to the Russian collusion investigation and interviewing with special counsel Robert Mueller’s team. He has complained often the investigation has caused his family serious financial stress and even led to death threats.
Caputo said the process that led to that is the primary reason he’s considering public office.
“I want to do something to reform the processes violated during the Russia hoax. I’ve been trying to find a way to do that,” he said.
The strategist runs in a tight circle of friends including in WBEN radio host David Bellavia, Assemblyman David DiPietro (R-East Aurora), and Paladino. He said he’s currently “tapping their advice.”
All three have expressed interest in NY-27 in the past and Caputo said he would never want them to run against each other. Tea Party organizer Rus Thompson, who also worked on the Paladino campaign, has expressed interest on social media as well.
“He can add to the discussion,” Caputo said. “He’s a smart guy with energy.”
Others Republicans who have expressed interest include Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw, state Senator Rob Ortt and state Senator Chris Jacobs who became the first to officially announce his candidacy last week.