Ben Smith reports points to a Times Union piece today that says that former state Sen. Nancy Larraine Hoffman is now a leading contender for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor.

Hoffman used to be a Democrat, and, as Smith points out, is considered by some to be a liberal Republican.

But, according to her former Senate web site, she also has some Conservative special interest connections:

Senator Hoffmann has been honored for her legislative service with such distinguished awards as the "Outdoorsman Hall of Fame Award"; the "Friend in Government" Award from the New York Beef Producers; the 1994 "Senator of the Year" Award from the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association; the "Legislator of the Year" Award from the Women's Press Club of New York State; the "President's Award" from the Madison County New York State Association for Retarded Children; the "Political Person of the Year" Award from Central New York Americans for Democratic Action; the "Award of Honor" from Mid-York Library Association; the "Leadership Award" from New York State Cheese Manufacturers; and the prestigious "Golden Trumpet" Award from the Fireman's Association of the State of New York.

A gun-rights, beef-eating, veteran woman politico from upstate could help either William Weld or John Faso spread out their demographic appeal, if nothing else. And, if you read The Politicker closely enough, you'll see that she might help with the Howard Stern vote as well.

MORE: The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association recalls rating her very highly.