| − | 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> Some Republican leaders have tried to urge former New York City Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] to run, although he appears more interested in seeking the governorship. <ref>http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/gop_pushing_sen_giuliani_RqZSxXw0fxIeppuGc5NUTL</ref> | + | 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> |
| − | After Democratic Governor [[Eliot Spitzer]] resigned in disgrace when was revealed he was involved in a prostitution ring, Lieutenant Governor [[David Paterson]] took office. Governor Paterson's approval ratings have plummeted to 21% <ref>http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/no-recovery-in-patersons-poll-numbers/?hp</ref> after his handling of the state budget crisis, his mismanagement of filling in the appointment of [[Hillary Clinton]]'s vacant Senate seat, and a proposed number of tax increases. Former New York City Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] is a likely Republican candidate, and is leading Paterson by 11-28 points in public opinion polls <ref>http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12684/patersons-poll-s-go-from-bad-to-worse/#more-12684</ref> <ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1284.xml?ReleaseID=1284&What=&strArea=;&strTime=0</ref> <ref>http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/nyspolls/ny090428/2010%20Governor_Paterson_Giuliani.htm</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/new_york/toplines/toplines_2010_new_york_governor_race_september_22_2009/</ref> President [[Barack Obama]] in Sept. 2009 contacted Paterson, asking him not to seek reelection in 2010 in that he cannot recover from his dismal political standing. Democrats hope that a stronger candidate, such as State Attorney General [[Andrew Cuomo]] runs. | + | After Democratic Governor [[Eliot Spitzer]] resigned in disgrace when was revealed he was involved in a prostitution ring, Lieutenant Governor [[David Paterson]] took office. Governor Paterson's approval ratings have plummeted to 21% <ref>http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/no-recovery-in-patersons-poll-numbers/?hp</ref> after his handling of the state budget crisis, his mismanagement of filling in the appointment of [[Hillary Clinton]]'s vacant Senate seat, and a proposed number of tax increases. 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> President [[Barack Obama]] in Sept. 2009 contacted Paterson, asking him not to seek reelection in 2010 in that he cannot recover from his dismal political standing. Democrats hope that a stronger candidate, such as State Attorney General [[Andrew Cuomo]] runs. |