Race Profile: New York

The former first "lady" came into New York with a record of accomplishment that included marrying a man who became President, and... no, wait... gimme a second... there's gotta be something... nope, that pretty much wraps it up. Her only attempt at making policy was a socialist health care plan that thankfully fell to the floor quicker than Monica Lewinski. Her 2000 race would've been tight, but Rudy Giuliani couldn't decide whether he was in or out. A few months before Election Day, Rick Lazio was chosen as the sacrificial lamb.

New York is deep blue, making this an uphill race even for America's Mayor. The state Republican Party has been drivin into the ground by a liberal Governor unconcerned with out of control spending, and the State Senate, which once seemed as though it would never change hands, is now narrowly divided. With recent polls showing Gov. George Pataki trailing miserably in a hypothetical match-up and Colin Powell disavowing any interest, it's pretty clear that any nominee other than Rudy would have about as much chance as Osama Bin Laden.

Giuliani is a social liberal, but his leadership in the wake of the terrorist attacks is beyond reproach. His campaigning for President Bush and speaking engagements in Iowa and New Hampshire indicate that he's set his sites on higher office. Due to his positions on abortion and gay rights, the biggest argument for a Presidential candidacy would be his electablity. If he were to lose a Senate race, his 2008 campaign would end before it begins. Expect him to take a pass on the race, as he'll probably consider it a risk not worth taking.

If Rudy runs, the race leans Democrat. If not, the GOP would best be served to simply nominate an attack dog who could at least bring attention to her extreme brand of liberalism. While such a candidate would lose miserably, he'd at least be able to able to reinforce her communist caricature to hurt her '08 ambitions. Safe D with anyone but the former Mayor.