Rudy Giuliani Flirting With a Run for N.Y. Governor

According to The New York Times, Giuliani sees parallels between the current political conditions in Albany -- the combination of the economic recession and public disapproval of Democratic Gov. David Paterson -- and those in New York City before his successful run for mayor in 1994.

"If I thought that I could make a real difference in the state, really change things and it really needed me, then I probably would do it," Giuliani said earlier this month when asked about running for governor.

He discussed his possible candidacy with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently. He has also been traveling around the state in recent weeks to meet with state GOP leaders to assess his support and the likelihood of reclaiming the governor's mansion for the Republicans, according to The Times.

Giuliani is the leading potential Republican candidate, according to a Rasmussen poll conducted earlier this month. Other possible GOP candidates include Rep. Peter T. King, who has said he would step aside if Giuliani got in the race, and former Rep. Rick Lazio, who is already campaigning and will formally announce his candidacy in the fall.

Lazio – whom I served as press secretary when he was in Congress -- responded to me in an e-mail. "New York is severely hampered by out of control spending and a rising tax burden that's crippling working families," he wrote.

"With a dysfunctional government on top of that, its even clearer that New York needs a leader who can help it to regain the title of Empire State once again. We need sweeping, systemic, fundamental change so New Yorkers can have the government they want and deserve."

In a general election, the poll showed Giuliani favored by more than 20 percent of voters over Paterson. If the opponent were Democratic Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Giuliani trails by seven points, 41 to 48 percent.

Giuliani's aides, however, say that his decision will not be influenced by Cuomo, who is not expected to decide about running until next year.

"Rudy never did worry who his opponent is. If he decides to run, it won't matter if Cuomo is the Democratic candidate," Guy V. Molinari, the former Staten Island borough president, told The Times after meeting with Giuliani two weeks ago to discuss a potential race.

While Giuliani mulls and flirts, Lazio has been running full-out for governor in a state in dire need of fresh ideas on the economic crisis, energy to tackle the multitude of issues in Albany and the confidence to declare his candidacy based on the needs of the people of the Empire State. Go Rick!

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