N.Y. Gov. Pataki Dumps Running Mate; Move Caps Long Dispute; Schumer Announces Challenge to D'Amato

After more than two years of marginalizing and humiliating his lieutenant governor, Gov. George E. Pataki announced today he is dumping her from the Republican ticket when he runs for reelection next year.

"Your unwillingness and, in fact, outright refusal to work as part of our united team . . . has been disappointing," Pataki said in a letter sent to Lt. Gov. Elizabeth "Betsy" McCaughey Ross. "You have demonstrated through your decisions that you do not share my vision for this state."

If anything, Pataki's letter played down the political and personal chasm that…