[HitmanLV]

Works for me! Some of Rudy's politics aside, he is untouchable these days and will help the ticket, not hurt it.

I think there has to be some behind the scenes reasons the GOP is deep in the heart of liberal territory in NYC. The things I think are Rudy or Gen Powell joining the ticket (both NYers) - I don't think Cheney stays on the ticket and indeed, nobody seems to know where he is now!

I see the NY angle playing big in the convention. Pataki taking a shot at Schumer along Dubya/Rudy coattails is the best opportunity to win all around.

Hillary is Senator for life, sorry to report. Pataki knows this and Schumer is far more vulnerable. This allows a Lt Gov 2 years to build a record and run for Gov as a Republican incumbent.

[Warhead W-88]

To everyone:

Can anyone tell me the precise rules of a fillibuster?

Look, Teddy Kennedy was just absent at the time he was scheduled to speak. Can the opposition simply say, "Ooops, sucks for you, fillibuster over?"

What if the D's aren't there in the senate? Can a number of senators less than 60 vote to end the fillibuster?

[TheBigB]

I dunno, and bear in mind I'm certainly not an expert on NY politics...but I heard that if Lazio had made more of a play for upstate, he'd have made it a close race. I have to think that Pataki isn't that dumb. GOPers all over -should- turn out in NYS to elect him over Shrillary. He'd certainly be the most formidable opponent to take her on. IMO. Assuming Rudy does go after Chucky's seat and I think the Rove crew is pressuring him to do just that.