GOP FINALLY MAY HAVE A CHUCK RIVAL

New York Post ^ | 11/03/03 | FREDRIC U. DICKER

[nypokerface]

THE GOP's desperate search for a challenger to Democratic U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is close to coming to an end.

Republican sources told The Post yesterday that Gov. Pataki, at a private meeting last week, offered Yonkers Mayor John Spencer, an anti-abortion conservative with a controversial personal life, the chance to run against Schumer next year.

The politically ambitious Spencer, who must leave office at the end of the year because of term limits, told Pataki that he was "interested" and would "think about" the offer, the sources said.

Spencer plans to consult top Republican strategists in New York and Washington over the next few weeks before making his decision, according to a senior GOP official.

The official said Spencer recognizes the race is an all-but-certain suicide run because of Schumer's popularity - and his massive, $18 million-and-growing war chest.

"Spencer is giving serious thought to the offer, even though he knows the chances for success are really nonexistent," said a second source.

"He's thinking it over in terms of it being a one-time chance at high-profile visibility, but he's a smart guy so I'm not too sure what he's going to do," the source continued.

Among inducements to getting Spencer, 56, to enter the race: the promise of a high-profile appearance with President Bush (news - web sites) at next summer's Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden.

GOP insiders said Spencer could also expect to be rewarded after what they said was inevitable defeat with a highly paid Pataki administration position.

Spencer, who won his first term as Yonkers mayor in 1995, is a feisty political scrapper who has often battled fellow Republicans.

His personal life became the focus of controversy after it was revealed that Spencer fathered two children with his chief-of-staff, Kathy Spring - whom he recently married - while still married to his first wife.

Party insiders confess they're wary of the Catholic Spencer's strong pro-life stand, noting that public opinion polls show overwhelming support for abortion rights among New York voters, including Republicans.

Spencer was recommended to Pataki by the governor's chief-of-staff, John Cahill, a Yonkers resident, a GOP official said.

Republican operatives had previously been turned down by state Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro and National Republican Committeewoman Georgette Mosbacher.

[GeronL]

Republican sources told The Post yesterday that Gov. Pataki, at a private meeting last week, offered Yonkers Mayor John Spencer, an anti-abortion conservative with a controversial personal life, the chance to run against Schumer next year.

Ever heard of a primary?

[Cicero]

Well, at least they're getting the "personal" news out early. And if he's really pro-life, God bless him. Pataki is pro-abort, so he must have other good reasons to recommend him.

[Sabertooth]

Among inducements to getting Spencer, 56, to enter the race: the promise of a high-profile appearance with President Bush (news - web sites) at next summer's Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden.

I am so tired of Karl Rove.

[CanisMajor2002]

Frankly I'm surprised they didn't find another Bloomberg for the job. NY-R is basically Democrat-lite... :)

[Gerish]

If he focuses his campaign in Upstate NY and makes his name known, he may have a shot. People here in Upstate NY are very disatisfied with the poster boy of Planned Parenthood!

[mrtysmm]

I have a question....If Hitlery decides to run in '04...does she have to give up her senate seat???

[b4its2late]

People here in Upstate NY are very disatisfied with the poster boy of Planned Parenthood!

That's for sure. But downstate has to also help to rid us of this sorry excuse for a US Senator. Here's to hoping.

[b4its2late]

I don't believe so, though I may be wrong.

[1Old Pro]

Whatever we do, we cannot let Schumer run unopposed. Frankly, I'd like to see a conservative take on Schumer's long list of liberal/left wing proposals and votes.

[republicanwizard]

And I'm so tired of you. Save it. Rove is the genius behind our ascendence to national power. Be grateful and don't mention his name without the respect due to this gem of political genius.

[republicanwizard]

It looks like Joe Wilson is posting on the board. :)

[KellyAdmirer]

Aside from Pataki, Giuliani and Peter King, there isn't a Republican in NY who would stand a ghost of a chance against either Schumer or Clinton right now, and that's just a fact of life there.

[republicanwizard]

Out-of-wedlock children?

Forget about it. What's Pataki smoking?

[Sabertooth]

Rove is the genius behind our ascendence to national power. Be grateful and don't mention his name without the respect due to this gem of political genius.

If you like his boots, lick them yourself.

There will be unnecessary costs to Rove's incessant triangulating, pandering, and annointing. I'd rather not have to pay them.

Republicans would be better off having the courage of their convictions. If we believe the message is true, and if we believe that truth will win out, then why is it so difficult for our side to have the spine speak the truth?

You don't have to answer now, tell me after Rove engineers the rino-filibuster-proof superdupermajority, and it's ok if there's still polish on your tongue.

[MHGinTN]

"His personal life became the focus of controversy after it was revealed that Spencer fathered two children with his chief-of-staff, Kathy Spring - whom he recently married - while still married to his first wife.

Party insiders confess they're wary of the Catholic Spencer's strong pro-life stand, noting that public opinion polls show overwhelming support for abortion rights among New York voters, including Republicans."

So, with New Yawkers (sophisticated and enlightened as they prove themselves to be by electing 'first bitch'), if he'd aborted those two babies conceived with his girlfriend-turned-wife he would be an ideal replacement for the lickspittling Schumer, right?

[republicanwizard]

I've yet to see evidence in the NY Senate race of involvement by Karl Rove. In fact, I think there is too little. After all, I'm sure Rove isn't doing jumping jacks over a pro-life RINO who has fathered children out-of-wedlock. This isn't exactly the type of person he intends to put on a stage with the President of the United States.

[JohnnyZ]

Aside from Pataki, Giuliani and Peter King, there isn't a Republican in NY who would stand a ghost of a chance

Peter King

Both Schumer and Clinton are popular in NY -- INCLUDING central and upstate -- because they're scum.

[Tacis]

You gotta feel sorry for Spenser in a way. The mere mention of his name will send dozens of Schmuckie's sewer dwellers (many borrowed/hired from the Willie and Hillie White House sewer) to investigate Spenser's past and his record on every issue. If Spenser is Catholic, Schmuckie will work especially hard to keep him out of the Senate.