The buzz in New York Republican ciricles today surrounds former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato's touting Fred Thompson as presidential candidate.
This occurs as D'Amato's old ally, Joe Mondello, now the state GOP chairman, goes full-force behind Rudy Giuliani -- who ought to take the New York primary with ease and could assist the chances of Republican legislators in next year's general election.
Of course, D'Amato and Giuliani have never been fans of each other, to say the least. Too much sour history. But also, D'Amato has been reputedly seeking a candidate with whom he can get in on early -- like a stock that's bound to rise. He reportedly flirted with endorsing John McCain -- whose spokesman in NY prematurely trumpeted D'Amato's support a few weeks ago -- but now seems to rule out the Arizona senator's chances. In the Thompson camp, D'Amato can be a big shot.
Can former Gov. George Pataki be far behind? Was that really him lunching in Manhattan with Thompson a couple of weeks back?
Dan Janison
UPDATE: The rivals are of course revving up their negative research on the past stances of the Tenneseean, who mutters in the dark on TV for a living.
Comments (2)
Let's see how George Pataki would look at this situation. He can't bare to see a Rudy Presidency, he knows Romney has little to no chance, and is reading the polls showing McCain's numbers slipping and a Thompson candidacy would basically knock him out. Pataki Endorses Thompson!
George Pataki will likely support the candidate, outside of Rudy, who he thinks will be the nominee and who can win. Then he will raise as much money for that individuals camapign coffers and hope to land a high profile spot in the new adminsitration.