Democrat [[Kirsten Gillibrand]] was appointed by Governor [[David Patterson]] to replace [[Hillary Clinton]] after much confusion on his part. Patterson mishandled the proposed appointment of [[Caroline Kennedy]], gaining ridicule for both of them. Gillibrand’s moderate views alienated the left wing of the Democratic Party. She has proven a remarkably successful fundraiser, and primary challengers have dropped away. Nine-term Congressman [[Peter King]] considered seeking the Republican nomination but later declined to run. Republicans are trying to recruit former Governor [[George Pataki]], who runs even in the polls with Gillibrand. When asked about the speculation, Pataki said that "you never say never." <ref>http://race42008.com/2009/09/22/to-further-complicate-matters-pataki/</ref> Former New York City Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] has declined to seek the governorship, and may instead for the U.S. Senate. <ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/11/19/2009-11-19_former_mayor_rudy_giuliani_to_announce_plan_to_run_for_us_senate.html</ref>
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Democrat [[Kirsten Gillibrand]] was appointed by Governor [[David Patterson]] to replace [[Hillary Clinton]] after much confusion on his part. Patterson mishandled the proposed appointment of [[Caroline Kennedy]], gaining ridicule for both of them. Gillibrand’s moderate views alienated the left wing of the Democratic Party. She has proven a remarkably successful fundraiser, and primary challengers have dropped away. Nine-term Congressman [[Peter King]] considered seeking the Republican nomination but later declined to run. Republicans are trying to recruit former Governor [[George Pataki]], who runs even in the polls with Gillibrand. When asked about the speculation, Pataki said that "you never say never." <ref>http://race42008.com/2009/09/22/to-further-complicate-matters-pataki/</ref> Former New York City Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] has declined to seek the governorship, and may instead for the U.S. Senate. <ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/11/19/2009-11-19_former_mayor_rudy_giuliani_to_announce_plan_to_run_for_us_senate.html</ref> A November 2009 Marist poll has Giuliani leading Gillibrand 54%-40%. <ref>http://www.gop12.com/2009/11/rudy-up-14-on-gillibrand.html</ref>