Recent news that former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani is considering a run for Governor in 2010 was interesting. He is a profile in courage. Guiliani is independent of the infamous Albany State Street lobbyists and supports campaign finance reform. His is the voice of reason on behalf of taxpayers and can cross the political aisle to engage in constructive dialogue with Democrats on issues that transcend both ideology and party, Albany needs this now more than ever.
Guiliani is a proven crime fighter. As a two-term mayor in a city previously dominated by political corruption of Democratic one-party rule, he turned the Big Apple around. During his administration from 1993 – 2001 , crime was reduced, streets became both cleaner and safer, economic growth and the creation of jobs were on the upswing and the city budget was balanced.
After the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, he served as a beacon of strength for all New Yorkers to go on with life.
His election to two terms as Mayor was amazing considering that Democrats occupy the offices of city comptroller, public advocate, 48 of 51 City Council seats, along with four of five borough presidents and district attorneys.
Fast forward to today. Democrats hold every statewide office including Governor, Attorney General, State Comptroller, both United States Senators, 24 of 26 Congressional seats, 32 of 62 State Senate and 106 of 150 State Assembly seats. A majority of suburban and upstate Mayors and County Executives are Democrats. Within NYC, Democrats hold 60 of 61 State Assembly, 21 of 24 State Senate, all 14 Congressional seats, 4 of 5 District Attorneys and Boro Presidents along with 46 of 51 City Council seats.
During the 1990s under former Mayor Guiliani, he built the local Republican party. The GOP held a record seven New York City Council seats. This included Republican Council members Charles Millard and Andrew Eristoff in Manhattan, Martin Golden in Brooklyn along with Mike Abel, Tom Olgibene and Alfonse Stabile in Queens along with Fred Cerullo of Staten Island.
Democrats outnumber Republicans statewide by 2,300,000 registered voters. Within NYC, the margin grows to over five to one. Despite these odds, as Mayor – he was consistently able to attract large numbers of first time, independent and moderate Democratic voters building a majority coalition necessary for winning. This same formula will need to be duplicated statewide if Republicans are to have any chance of electing a new Governor.
A Republican ticket headed up by Rudy Guiliani for Governor in 2010 would be a great choice for voters. He would also provide other GOP candidates father down the ballot for State Attorney General, State Comptroller, Congress, State Senate and State Assembly some political coat tails giving them a fighting chance as well.
