This was not photoshopped.
Posted on 07/27/2005 3:04:04 AM PDT by Liz
Gov. Pataki told a group of aides last night that he will not seek re-election next year — and alluded to a possible run for president in 2008 .............
.....the dinner was attended by about 30 people, including Pataki's wife, Libby, along with some of the governor's closest aides and supporters.
They included state Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long and Pataki fund-raiser Cathy Blaney.
In recent months, Pataki has indicated an interest in testing the water for a potential 2008 presidential run, although state and national GOP leaders give him little chance of succeeding.
People who attended the dinner said Pataki left the door open for a presidential run........"It's in my mind, and I will let you know, and the people of the state know, when we're ready to do that," said Pataki, a three-term governor who came to office after defeating Gov. Mario Cuomo in 1994 pledging to remake a state government that had been run by Democrats for decades.
Nearly a dozen public-opinion polls this year have shown Pataki facing defeat at the hands of state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, the all-but-certain Democratic candidate for governor in 2006.
Two weeks ago, Pataki appeared at several events in Ohio — the site of the first presidential primary caucus — and did nothing to quell speculation that he is eyeing the White House.
State Republicans will face a desperate struggle to find a top-flight candidate.
..........former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has ruled out entering the race in order to concentrate on his private business interests and a potential 2008 run for president, according to his political advisers.
Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, a New York native.........said earlier this year that he may enter the race if Pataki bows out, although state GOP leaders give him little chance of success.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Not true!!!!!!
Goodness, when you're as shortsighted as that it's no wonder you lost the war.
So you thesis is that Hillary would win in the south over Rudy?
My guess is he's doing this to have a shot at being the VP candidate on a regionally balanced ticket. Again, he shouldn't waste his time and money 'cause it ain't gonna happen.
If you follow the theory that Rudy is too liberal to win it, then it is possible that George will be on the VP short list because of the possibility of bringing New York. Two problems with this idea: first, if he were so popular he'd be re-electable, which he might not be. Second, he'll be out of office for nearly two years before he could be named. (aka "George who?") The only press he'll get in the meantime is bad: if, say, Spitzer is elected, he'll blame all the current problems on the past 12 years, etc.
TS
And in NY you'd best add in Speaker Sheldon Silver to square the evil circle.
This was not photoshopped.
LOL....low-rent Sopranos.....the Sour Notes?
He's calling it quits because he knows there's no chance in hell that he's going to win again as governor. And I'd say his political prospects on the national level are even more dim than his prospects as governor of New York. He's probably one of the few people in the GOP who is capable of making Bob Dole look like charming and charismatic.
Having said that, I think he's the perfect candidate to face Hillary in 2006 for the New York Senate race. His bland, country-club persona is perfectly suited to the U.S. Senate.
Neither Giuliani nor McCain has a chance to win the GOP nomination in 2008. I think Giuliani would be a great spokesman for the campaign, and would be an ideal candidate for U.S. Attorney General or director of Homeland Security, but that's it.
Confusing Ohio with Iowa? His campaign staff really needs help.
Maybe so, but I've always said that his main flaw is that his normal manner of speaking includes a facial expression that reminds me of someone trying to pass a kidney stone.
Not shortsighted, just realistic.
I might be inclined to stay home unless Hillary is the Dem's candidate. Then, I will vote for anyone short of the Devil himself who is running against her.
The Senator is the Devil incarnate!!!!!!!!!1
This guy has capitulated so much he could not run for dog catcher.
Like I suggested to Liz, don't kill good brain cells analyzing his politics because his personality and demeanor alone make him unelectable.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.