Posted on 12/28/2005 7:51:07 AM PST by areafiftyone
ALBANY - Republicans close to Gov. Pataki are trying to recruit state Health Commissioner Antonia Novello to run against Sen. Hillary Clinton, sources told the Daily News. Novello, a high-profile Latina who was U.S. surgeon general during the first Bush administration, has a strong understanding of federal policies, particularly health care, and would be in good position to battle Clinton on those issues, the insiders said. A native of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Novello, 61, was on vacation yesterday and could not be reached for comment. Sources said she was waiting for the dust to settle from Jeanine Pirro's withdrawal from the race last week. "Any race with Sen. Clinton in it will get huge national attention, and that could tempt Novello, who has a lot of confidence in herself," said one Republican operative. Novello's spokesman Rob Kenny did not confirm or deny the efforts to get her to run. "At this time we cannot comment on any political speculation," Kenny said. Pataki and top GOP officials have been cool to the candidacy of Republican John Spencer, the former Yonkers mayor who until last week had been in Pirro's shadow. Told about the new GOP interest in Novello, Spencer said, "They can do whatever they want, and I'm still running." One benefit from a Novello candidacy, GOP insiders said, is that it could help the Republican Party with Hispanic voters, who have been solidly behind Clinton. Anyone serious about launching a run against Clinton will have to do it very soon, said Marist College pollster Lee Miringoff. "The clock is ticking, and fund-raising will have to start almost immediately," Miringoff said. "The Republicans don't have any points to give right now running against Sen. Clinton." Antonia Novello
Personal: Born Aug. 23, 1944, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Education: Doctorate from University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in 1970; master's degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University. Medical specialty: Pediatrics Marital status: Divorced after a lengthy marriage to Dr. Joseph Novello, a child psychiatrist who is the brother of Don Novello, best known for playing Father Guido Sarducci on “Saturday Night Live.” The couple had no children. Career: Appointed U.S. surgeon general in 1990, becoming the first woman to hold the post. Became New York's health commissioner in June 1999.
Originally published on December 28, 2005
((((PING))))
This is the stupidist move yet for the NY GOP.
"Father Guido Sarducci" as New York Senator? Couldn't be any worse than the comedians representing the Empire State now.
Oops, wrong Novello.
She has a good job now. Why would she want to throw it away? Or would she be replaced after Pataki leaves anyway?
Here we go again... *ping*
How 'bout running Dr. Novello for Governor of Puerto Rico instead ?
You're not far off. She's his former sister-in-law.
Somehow I knew somebody was going to get the Father Guido Sarducci reference in there.
As far as I know she is a pretty good conservative and pro life. But she has a very thick accent and I have sometimes found it hard to understand her. Of course to liberals who welcome "diversity," perhaps this is an asset!
I think if Hillary had to run against a hispanic woman, it would be funny as heck to watch the MSM cover it. Given all the Obama mania that occured last year. The left and MSM would attack the woman without mercy and force them to show their true colors.
What's notably stupid about the move?
She had and still does have a good career in Public Health but I don't think she is Senate Material.
That might make it a stupid move for her. Why does that make it a stupid move for the NY GOP?
Because they have a good candidate they can get behind and they are already talking about Cox rejoining the race. The NYGOP is soo disoriented right now. They don't know their A$$ from their elbow when it comes to picking candidates.
Yea. I think this race is pretty much conceded to Hilly.
I think you are right. I just makes me mad. The NYGOP is looking soo desperate right now. It is embarassing.
It's a messed up place.
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