Politics

Pataki Urges Giuliani To Run

August 6, 1999 / 4:18 PM EDT / AP

New York Gov. George Pataki Friday encouraged New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to enter the U.S. Senate race as soon as possible, saying the mayor was the best choice to represent the GOP in the race for the seat.

"In order to win, the Republican Party must be unified behind one strong candidate," Pataki said at a news conference. "I believe that Rudy Giuliani has earned the right to be that candidate."

Pataki, who has had a contentious relationship with Giuliani, said he would encourage possible GOP challenger U.S. Rep. Rick Lazio to delay his scheduled announcement of a run for the seat left open by Daniel Patrick Moynihan's retirement.

"Rick Lazio is an outstanding congressman who is a rising star in our party," the governor said. "I predict great things for him. Nevertheless, I have asked Congressman Lazio to defer his announcement and await the mayor's decision."

AP
New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

Giuliani issued a statement thanking and praising the governor. "I very much appreciate Gov. George Pataki's strong words of support. I very much look forward to continuing to work with Governor Pataki."

Giuliani has yet to announce his candidacy for the Senate, but was widely expected to run against likely Democratic candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"What the Republicans do or don't do is up to them," said Howard Wolfson, the spokesman for Mrs. Clinton's exploratory committee. "Mrs. Clinton is going to continue focusing on issues and listening to New Yorkers."

Pataki's announcement could potentially defuse a nasty primary fight between Giuliani and Lazio - a struggle which could deplete their campaign funds and leave the winner vulnerable to the first lady.

Pataki told reporters that he had spoken to both Giuliani and Lazio before making his announcement. Asked if he held any lingering resentment toward Giuliani, who had endorsed Mario Cuomo for governor over Pataki, the governor said, "You can't look backward. You have to look forward."

Pataki added that he felt no pressure to make his decision, but wanted to go public before Lazio took any official action on his candidacy.

Lazio has already said that he will announce his candidacy for the position during the week of Aug. 16. In late July, Lazio spokeswoman Inez Sanzeri said, "Rick is running. He is in this race to win it."

Several Republican leaders, including state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Staten Island Borough President Guy Molinari, have encouraged Lazio not to run against Giuliani.
Lazio has said he will not run if Pataki asks him to bow out of the race.