Schumer Rules Out Run for Governor

NY Times ^ | November 15, 2004 | NA AP

[neverdem]

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Charles Schumer said Monday he has ruled out a run for New York governor in 2006 and instead will head the Democratic Party's effort to win seats in the Senate.

Schumer agreed to head the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and take a seat on the powerful Finance Committee, nixing the possibility of a 2006 gubernatorial campaign, a race which could have pitted him in a primary against state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.

The current New York governor, Republican George Pataki, has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2008.

Schumer, in a telephone interview, said accepting a position in Democratic leadership was easy, especially when it was coupled with the spot on Finance and the added influence of affecting New York's business climate.

"Frankly, I never really had to give it much thought," the senator said. "This was just an offer of my dreams ... The Finance Committee is something I aspired to be on. It's the most powerful committee and has jurisdiction over so many things that matter to New York, tax and trade."

Schumer sounded philosophical when discussing the choice, saying the speculation about his ambitions for the governor's job never reflected his thinking. "I've been a legislator my whole life, it's what I know how to do. I know people didn't believe me, but Senate was the only thing on my radar screen," he said.

Schumer, who easily won re-election Nov. 2, telephoned incoming Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Sunday night to accept the offer.

In taking the new positions, Schumer agreed to "see the DSCC job through the 2006 election and run for no other office."

Schumer said Reid pledged that the new job would also come with added responsibility for shaping the message of the Democratic Party. He is expected to begin in the new position in January, replacing Sen. Jon Corzine of New Jersey.

Republicans gained seats in the November election and will hold 55 when new members are sworn in this January. Democrats will have 44 seats with one Democratic-leaning independent.

[neverdem]

FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.

I'm ill.

[lormand]

"The current New York governor, Republican George Pataki, has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2008."

Warning to Blue State RINOS:

Don't even try!

[cyborg]

I'm ill too *LOL* Good thing you're the doctor ;-)

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Let's Daschle Schumer next time he's up.

[RWR8189]

He just won 70% of the vote a few weeks ago week IIRC.

[pissant]

There aren't enough cameras in Albany. The best way to destroy a terror cell is to inform Chuckie that they are preparing to film a "news" broadcast. He'd trample them to death. Their RPGs and AK47s could not hold him back.

[Glenn]

I would guess most of flyover country is repulsed by this jerk. I'm glad he'll be playing leader.

[cyborg]

depressing :( He won because the spineless leadership of the republican party didn't even support the candidate running which was Howard Mills. I voted for Marilyn O'Grady the conservative because I had no idea who Mills was.

[Carry_Okie]

He won because the spineless leadership of the republican party didn't even support the candidate running which was Howard Mills.

Fits the pattern here in California where the National GOP sucked up all the money for local elections.

[RWR8189]

Well I know a little something about spineless leadership in state Republican Parties, so I can sympathize...(I'm from Illinois)

[vox_freedom]

Did anyone ask him if he was interested in being Governor?

[neverdem]

Pataki will be toast if he goes against Spitzer. He didn't win a majority last time in a 3 way race. IIRC, Golisano is stepping down from Paychex(sp?). Pataki will have to go against Hillary, but I don't think he has the gonads.

It's probably Giuliani vs. Spitzer for governor, but I don't think Giuliani will go for a 3 way race with Golisano involved.

[neverdem]

Did anyone ask him if he was interested in being Governor?

It was widely rumored to have been his lifelong ambition, but there were many recent stories that the dems needed him in the Senate desperately.

[only1percent]

That's not particularly fair. New York is a heavily-Democratic and incubment-friendly place, and Schumer is very popular. Nobody had a chance against him, any more than any Republican had a chance against Moynihan in his re-election campaigns.

The GOP was smart not to repeat the mistake of 2000 -- when we wasted millions on Lazio that could have been much better spent on Slade Gorton, John Ashcroft, and Spence Abraham's narrowly unsuccessful bids for re-election.

From what I've head, Howard Mills is a smart guy, and deserves thanks for holding up the flag in an difficult situation. It wouldn't be out of line for him to have consideration for the LG spot in 2006, or to put up a campaign for State Comptroller.

Let Schumer get some more baggage under him and maybe he can be taken out. However, I suspect he's going to be safely ensconsed as the Moynihan of the 21st Century, ccruising to re-election in 2010 (still popular after second term) and 2016 (Presidential year). He'll retire in 2022, which will let him have a nice round 50 years in public office. Unlike Moynihan, though, he has a strong legislative work ethic and I expect that he'll spend the last 10-15 years of his career as Senate Democratic Leader.

[t_skoz]

Yo, are you on this list? If not, FYI!

[b4its2late]

Let's Daschle Schumer next time he's up.

Six long years...... :-(

[t_skoz]

Don't worry, we don't want him any more than you do!!!

[lilylangtree]

Schumer will be Hitlery's '08 campaign chair or possibly the next head of the DNC.

[GraniteStateConservative]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1280435/posts

normsrevenge beat you by a mile.

SEARCH!!!!