Ending weeks of speculation, PoliticsNY has learned that Paychex founder and billionaire, B Thomas Golisano will change his voter registration today, preparatory to a possible run for New York State governor.

Golisano will switch party affiliation from the political party he founded – the Independence Party of New York State to the Republican - where he has been lately encouraged by party leaders to join and run as the endorsed Republican Party candidate for governor in 2006..

Golisano’s registration is three days ahead of New York State election law deadlines for change of party affiliation. The paperwork will be filed this afternoon.

The change of party affiliation today however does not guarantee that Golisano will actually run for governor, but, rather, keeps his option open to run as a Republican.  

Golisano has strong ties to Western New York, especially after buying the Buffalo Sabres – a deal assisted by one of NY State’s leading Democratic political players, Steve Pigeon.  Most recently Pigeon brought Golisano and former president Bill Clinton together which led to Golisano’s sponsoring the Clinton Global Initiative held in New York City in September 2005. Pigeon continues to be a close friend and advisor to Golisano and is expected to play a major role in his future plans and activities.

Golisano’s move to the Repubican is heralded as tremendous news for Republicans, as he is seen as the strongest potential candidate to run against New York State Attorney General, Elliot Spitzer – who announced his gubernatorial candidacy earlier this year.

Reportedly, a recent internal poll by the party showed Golisano beating other prominent Republicans in a Republcan primary by a significant margin.