Former NYC Mayor Rudy Guiliani apparently has decided to give up on a chance to run for Governor, partly on the basis that State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo seems set to run and is far ahead in the polls over Governor David Paterson and Guiliani, too.
Instead, it seems that Guiliani is now looking at the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, and filled temporarily by Kirsten Gillibrand, who is seeking to finish out the two years left after 2010 and then seek a full term in 2012.
According to the polls, Guiliani is substantially ahead of Gillibrand and would have an excellent chance to win the Senate seat. It makes one wonder why Governor Paterson made such a poor choice with Gillibrand, who it is hard to be enthused about. One could wish that other Democrats would challenge her, as she has always seemed to me to be a weak choice, and now may lose that seat for the Democrats.
But apparently, it is also the plan of Guiliani to use the Senate seat as a stepping stone for the White House in 2012. I think it should be required that Guiliani make clear that he will not seek the Presidency, and is not using a two year term in the Senate as simply an opportunity to promote himself. The state of New York should not elect someone who has no intention of staying longer.
Having said that, the odds of Guiliani, who is still, after all, considered quite “moderate” or even in some ways “liberal” in comparison to almost all other Republicans, winning a Presidential nomination after such a total disaster in his quest for the White House in 2008, has to be seen as next to zero!
So my advice, Rudy, is make up your mind that if you want to be a Senator, that you commit yourself to that position and set out to serve the people, rather than your own delusional ambitions for a job you will NEVER attain!
Ron, you just might be right about Guiliani having no chance of winning the presidency. But no one not should judge his motives for running for the senate. However, it seems as though modern day politics, most do seem to run for other motives than serving the people; this is why we need term limits:)
An “educated view” would include evidence of familiarity with the subject, including the correct spelling of Governor David Paterson’s surname. Do you even live in New York State? Have you any idea of the extent to which Giuliani is detested here as both a right-wingnut and a libertine? If not, have a look at the comments by the public in Daily News articles on this subject. Those tinpot college polls do little more than measure name-recognition.
Very astute analysis Elizabeth; however, whether you like Giuliani or not, he did get elected by the people. But good shot over Ron’s bow!