"Please God, tell me this isn't true."
Posted on 12/30/2005 9:41:14 AM PST by NorthEastRepublican
ALBANY - Could New York's state capitol building become the next Trump Tower?
Republican sources said The Donald - who in 1999 toyed with the idea of running for the White House on the Reform Party line - is mulling a bid to persuade New Yorkers to hire him as their next governor.
Senate GOP leader Joseph Bruno tantalized reporters yesterday by declaring a wealthy mystery candidate is "thinking" about seeking the party's backing to replace Gov. Pataki.
Bruno - a longtime Trump admirer who has gained new clout within statewide GOP circles as Pataki prepares to leave state politics - wouldn't name the potential candidate.
"When it gets public, you are all going to become excited, interested, and will want to write about it," said Bruno. "This person is thinking about it, and I bet you you'll vote for him if he ends up running."
A billionaire Republican, real estate developer, casino mogul and TV star, Trump has been a big supporter of the Bruno-controlled troupe of Republican state senators.
But he's also sent donations to Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, the current Democratic front-runner in the governor's race.
Trump could not be reached for comment yesterday.
In 1999, while considering a run for President, Trump put up a Web site that declared: "Donald J. Trump may be the experienced, decisive can-do businessman America needs as President in the new millennium."
He later opted against making his candidacy official, calling the Reform Party "a total mess."
A Trump candidacy would "generate a huge amount of attention," said Baruch College politics professor Doug Muzzio. "It would certainly energize the governor's race."
Several Republican insiders said Bruno is struggling to get a "big name" for the race because he's concerned upstate billionaire Tom Golisano - often mentioned as a potential GOP candidate for governor - may decide against running a fourth time.
Another businessman who has been nudged to run for governor is Time Warner Chairman Richard Parsons, whom Pataki tried to recruit for the race, sources said. But Parsons "is not running for governor," a Time Warner spokeswoman said.
Just what would The Donald do?
What would life be like with Donald Trump in the statehouse? Here's a look:
# Lawmakers could take a break from those long budget negotiation sessions by playing newly installed slot machines.
# Secretary of Hair becomes new state post.
# New York would get its first First Lady named Melania.
# State's motto "Excelsior" would be changed to "You're Fired!"
No way. This man has bankrupted every company he's started. No thanks. You're fired, Donald!
GAAK!!!!..what a way to start the new year.
Well, he would certainly know how to cut a budget and fire teh incompetent. And his personality would liven up the race.
But why are there no conservatives running? The closest seem to be Assemblyman Faso and Tom Golisano.
Where is Phil McConkey, who toyed with running against "Patakifeller," as he aptly dubbed the Governor, 4 years ago?
"Please God, tell me this isn't true."
True, and more to the point, he couldn't stand the financial disclosures..Trump gives capitalism a bad name..
Did anyone see or hear when Trump was before the Senate talking about what a rip off the new UN building/renovations would be. It was a real hoot. Heck I'd vote for the guy, if I lived in NY.
I seriously doubt he would go for it. He has always said he would never run for office. He loves his businesses too much. Not to mention wouldn't want to take the pay cut.
Trump is a pantload...
...but he's better than Spitzer. (Barely.)
Thats a good point, but I think the real reason he would not want his finances disclosed is because he is isn't as rich as he claims to be.
I agree. He'd never allow his finances to be an open book.
TRANSLATION: Donate enough to Spitzer and he won't come after you with a ridiculous legal theory and ask for $100 million in damages.
OTOH, combovers would get new status.
Self Promotion thy name is TRUMP!
"Be careful what you wish for."
There is another solution, vote with your feet and "Get the Hell out of New York". We should start mass evacuations of left wing states like Massachusetts, New York, California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania after Santorum's reelection bid.
"We should start mass evacuations of left wing states like Massachusetts, New York, California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania after Santorum's reelection bid."
I so want out of New Jersey.
Trump's back in the GOP?
Gimmick.
Trump versus King of All Media Stern. Well, at least it would be good for entertainment value.
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