Sources: GOP Considering Pataki for (NY) Senate Run

[brooklynite]

Source: WCBS

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee approached former Gov. George Pataki this week about running for the U.S. Senate in 2010, according to a person who spoke to Pataki about the private meeting.

The person confirmed Tuesday's meeting in New York City between Pataki and Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican who heads the party's national senate campaign committee. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he isn't authorized to comment.

Pataki, now in private law practice, hasn't yet accepted or rejected the idea, the person said. The race would be against Kirsten Gillibrand, who was recently appointed to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton when she became Barack Obama's secretary of state.

Read more: http://www.wcbs880.com/Sources--GOP-Considering-Pataki-for-Senate-Run/3883563

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NRSC can't possibly be this desperate...

[SeeHopeWin]

1. Probably the biggest GOP name in NY?

[brooklynite]

3. That's my point...

In his 12 years as Governor, Pataki pretty much destroyed the New York State GOP, draining its coffers and wiping out all of its statewide office-holders.

[FLAprogressive]

2. sorry NY...no matter who gets elected you're screwed

Gillibrand and McCarthy are both corporate DLC'ers....and of course you have the Republican candidates

[2Design]

4. that is the msitake the gov made by not putting in caroline - he needed

a name that would be recognized statewide but instead he flubbed this one

[D-Lee]

5. Both are D'Amato protegees

Ah, how would this really work?

[Cha]

6. Oh shit.. pataki's already done

in New York..of course, the repods would try to resusitate his dead career 'cause they have nothing better to do.

[mdmc]

7. Source: GOP considers Pataki for US Senate run

Source: THR = Mudock news corp local rag

The 63-year-old Pataki is a Republican who won three terms in the blue state, beating Democratic icon Mario Cuomo in 1994, still considered one of the nation's biggest GOP upsets. Pataki served as a moderate Republican, strong on environmental policy and who was credited early in his tenure for turning around state finances and the economy.

He grew up in the lower Hudson Valley, lived in Manhattan as a young lawyer, and bought a home in the Adirondacks.

He never lost a race for elected office and was skilled at beating incumbents.

"You're talking about a Republican who has won statewide in New York three times and in the last 30 years, only (Sen.) Al D'Amato and George Pataki can say that," said Steven Greenberg of the Siena College poll. "Given that there are so many statewide offices up next year, and not a lot of Republicans who have the stature, the fundraising ability and the prominence statewide, certainly George Pataki would be a formidable candidate."



Read more: http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090220/NEWS/90220010

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Pataki is a downstate "liberal" aka Snow/Spector/Collins moderate. He can win. He supports hunting rights (an upstate issue) AND GUN CONTROL (a law enforcement / public safety issue downstate and in cities upstate).
He can beat an upstater, but I doubt he can beat a downstater...
It almost makes me hope that Andrew Cuomo runs for Senate. Just to kick Pataki butt!

[derby378]

8. Gillibrand could kick his ass, provided the Dems give her enough support

A bruising primary fight with Rep. McCarthy, on the other hand, could weaken her against a Pataki challenge.

[mdmc]

9. This is NYS, she will be challenged

Not for nothing, but H. Maurice Hinchey would have been a great choice to replace HRC. Gillibrand can win fo'sho, but her NRA-ness won't be an asset south of Kingston, NY.

I doubt Ghouliani can beat her.. Pataki might, but also doubtful. If SEIU1199 supports Pataki (because sometimes they are so stupid, almost like they are on LSD), it could be a battle.

[derby378]

11. Downstate New Yorkers may have to make nice with gun owners

The political dynamics have changed. If NY Democrats cannot unite behind Gillibrand, Pataki will rally the country-club Republican set and pose a serious challenge to her in 2010.

[karynnj]

10. I think it depends on what - if anything - she does in the next two years

It is hard for a Senator to really do much in two years. In NJ, Senator Menendez had to run after 1 year (he was replacing Corzine, who became Governor) and it was clear that the Senate leadership worked to give him some visibility. He was the one who sponsored the AMT fix amendment that is extremely important to NJ.

I think Cuomo may prefer running for Governor against Patterson, but he if he challenges Gillibrand in the primaries, he will have at least equal name recognition and be a better fit with the state DEMOCRATS. I suspect, that as the op, who is from NY suggests, Cuomo/Pataki might well be better than Gillibrad/Pataki.