The Senate Super Bowl of '06: Rudy vs. Hillary

LA Times ^ | 12/21/03 | By John Ellis

[chiller]

The word around New York is that our former mayor, Rudy Giuliani, has decided to challenge Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton when she seeks reelection in 2006 — a matchup we almost saw in 2002 before he withdrew for personal reasons. Giuliani won't confirm or deny it (as recently as Friday he told radio host Don Imus he hadn't made up his mind), but two well-placed GOP insiders say it's "basically a done deal."

This would be the Super Bowl of Senate races and a dramatic "wild card" lead-in to the 2008 presidential election. Only one of the principals could advance to the next level. For Giuliani, challenging Clinton is a necessary step if he hopes to be a national GOP player. He could, if he chose, run for governor in 2006, but that wouldn't do him much good on the national stage. He would still be a pro-gay, pro-choice "Rockefeller Republican."

[chiller]

Admin Moderator: My first 'auto excerpt' didn't excerpt like expected, apologies.

[Izzy Dunne]

The thought of Hillary actually being defeated in an election just tickles me to no end.

[squidly]

She won't run against Giuliani.

[SC Swamp Fox]

If Hillary has her eye on the White House in '08, she may not run for re-election in '06.

[Pubbie]

Yep she'll "retire" from the Senate in 2006 so that she can devote herself completely to 2008.

[chiller]

Delicious possibilities that put Hillary in a box. Rudy would love nothing more. This could be big...tough to beat Rudy.

(I remember exactly where and when I was when Rudy pulled out for prostrate surgery.)

[StarFan]

If Hillary has her eye on the White House in '08, she may not run for re-election in '06. If there were some guarantee that she will not run in '06, someone should urge urge Guiliani to run against Schumer instead.

[StarFan]

oops -- one "urge" will do.

[StarFan]

Dare we dream?

[neverdem]

As a native Noo Yawker, I don't know what he's been smokin', but I wish I had some.

Guliani will never make it on a national ticket with his anti Second Amendment baggage. Talking about when pigs will fly, forget about it.

[Political Junkie Too]

Yep she'll "retire" from the Senate in 2006 so that she can devote herself completely to 2008.

If that is true, she will lose her Senatorial "priveleges" such as how she used government travel as First Lady. Also, she will lose access to resources that she has now as a sitting Senator.

It will be interesting to see if allies in the Senate funnel info her way, or use their privelege and/or access to help her under-the-table. If they are caught, would that be a breach of ethics, such as sharing top secret information with someone not in the government?

-PJ

[chiller]

So slam bam, I quit to run for Prez? ....to be announced in 2005. Out of the spotlight for 2 years?

[Torie]

I think the "word" is wrong, and if Rudy does run, he will lose. You can file this one away for future reference.

[uncbob]

Guliani will never make it on a national ticket with his anti Second Amendment baggage. Talking about when pigs will fly, forget about it.

If there is anything left of it

Bush signs the NEW Assault Weapon ban we can kiss the 2nd GOODBYE
And if he is far enough ahead in the polls Rove ( MR CFR) will tell him to sign oit

[Arpege92]

"....if Rudy does run, he will lost."

Says you. I totally disagree....Rudy has alot of weight in the state of New York and if he were to run against Hillary, she'd lose.

[chiller]

Agreed. Rudy must have incredibly low negatives in NY...whereas I'll bet 40% hate the bitch.

[Torie]

I really enjoy making unpopular predictions. But alas Rudy won't run probably, so the matter will be moot.

[Arpege92]

"...whereas I'll bet 40% hate the bitch."

Yep....I'm a New Yorker and I hear nothing positive about Hillary from anyone except the liberal news. NOBODY likes her at all.

[Pubbie]

"If that is true, she will lose her Senatorial "priveleges" such as how she used government travel as First Lady. Also, she will lose access to resources that she has now as a sitting Senator."

But she can't afford to lose to Rudy in 2006 and still be viable for Prez in 08. She will retire - she has to.

Her only other option is to run now in 2004 - but then Bush will crush her.

"If they are caught, would that be a breach of ethics, such as sharing top secret information with someone not in the government?"

That I do not know - may I suggest you contact Congressman Billybob?