[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/20/rudy2.jpg caption="Rudy Giuliani may have his eye on becoming the next U.S. Senator from New York."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty
Rudy Giuliani may have his eye on becoming the next U.S. Senator from New York.
The Daily News reports that the former New York mayor is strongly considering a run next year for Hillary Clinton's old Senate seat - now filled by Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
A Giuliani spokeswoman says he hasn't made any decisions yet... quote "Rudy has a history of making up his own mind and has no problem speaking it" unquote... adding that when he decides, he'll tell New Yorkers on his own.
The National Republican Congressional Committee says it wouldn't be appropriate to comment on any "unannounced candidates"... although they say "any credible Republican" could have a good shot at capturing New York's senate seat.
Giuliani had earlier been considering a run for governor - but reports now say he's decided against it. Some claim that's because Giuliani would have likely lost the governor's race to potential Democratic candidate Andrew Cuomo – while he may have a better chance to win a senate run.
The Daily News report also suggests Giuliani could use a U.S. Senate seat as a stepping stone to run for president in 2012.
Been there, done that - and not very well either. In 2008 – Giuliani was an early favorite for the Republican presidential nomination.
But he self-destructed when he decided against putting a lot of time into the early-voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire... he skipped the South Carolina primary - planned to win big in Florida. He got clobbered…and that was that.
Here's my question to you: Should Rudy Giuliani pursue a career in national politics?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Meg
Jack, Rudy needs to go into the private sector and stay there. He has more baggage than a Grand Central porter. On TV, he comes across as strident and accusing. He has all the warmth of an attack dog. I'm afraid his best political days are behind him.
Eric in Atlanta
He's already tried it before. 9/11 made him popular for a minute, but he didn't connect with the people for whatever reason. I think he'd make a fine loser for the GOP, so I say go for it!
Pauly in Nevada
Nope. As a Democrat, I applaud the good work he did for New York City in his time as mayor. However, his run for president last year really bore out his flaws as a candidate for any higher office. His time on the stage as a political star has passed.
Jerry in Oklahoma City
Absolutely! He is the only Republican other than Fred Thompson that I would vote for to be president.
Steve in Iowa
Sure, all the Republican Party needs is another fear-mongering Chicken Little. Invest in hard hats, with 9/11 Rudy, the sky is always falling.
Ian in New York
I am so sick and tired of Rudy Giuliani trying to push his name back into the spotlight. He is a narcissistic hack and New Yorkers are tired of him. I welcome a run against Senator Gillibrand; he is a lazy campaigner and his loss to her could be the nail in the coffin of his political career we are all waiting for.
Mike in Oklahoma City
Shameless slimeball, he has tried to squeeze as much personal gain out of September 11th as he can.
Lucy in San Francisco
If Sarah Palin is the alternative, then yes.