Rudy Giuliani for Governor?

By The Daily Politics – NY Daily News

Brooklyn GOP Chairman Craig Eaton is launching a “draft Rudy” movement in hopes of convincing the former mayor to run for governor in 2010.

“Rudy’s the best candidate we have, and we need to get him into this race,” Eaton said in a press release. “After just three years of Spitzer and Paterson, even diehard Democrats would vote for Rudy Giuliani for Governor.”

“Rudy’s popularity runs from Brooklyn to Buffalo, and from Suffolk to St. Lawrence,” the chairman continued. “He’s got the experience, the leadership, and he’s the one guy who can get the job done.”

“Compared to New York City, turning Albany around would be a breeze.”

Eaton, a longtime Giuliani ally who was also the first of the city’s five GOP chairman to heed the ex-mayor’s call and grant Mayor Bloomberg permission to run for a third time on the party’s ballot line, said the draft effort will eventually include a Web site (currently under construction) and events around the city and state.

Eaton announced the effort at the Brooklyn GOP’s Annual Lincoln Dinner last week at which Bloomberg was named “man of the year.” The draft movement has been “overwhelmingly supported” by the party’s executive committee, Eaton said.

Public opinion polls have shown Giuliani easily defeating Gov. David Paterson in a head-to-head match-up, but trailing AG Andrew Cuomo – although the gap between them is closing.

Giuliani has been coy about his political plans, saying it’s too early to talk about 2010 but also stepping up his appearances at New York GOP events as well as his public criticism of Paterson’s budget and policies (particularly gay marriage).

Many Republicans – from Newt Gingrich to state GOP Chairman Joe Mondello – have called for Giuliani to get into the race. Giuliani has said he won’t make a decision until after he helps Bloomberg get re-elected in November.

Meanwhile, former Rep. Rick Lazio isn’t waiting for Giuliani to make up his mind this time. He has already set up a campaign committee. Other potential candidates include Erie County Executive Chris Collins and Ed Cox.