NYGOP eyes Golisano in run for governor

[King]

From Rochester's WHAM-13:


Three times, Paychex billionaire Tom Golisano has backed his campaign for governor with his own money and some high ranking Republicans are promising to back Golisano if he runs on their ticket.

Still, no deal has been made.

In 2002 candidate Tom Golisano spent $4 million a week airing television ads bashing his opponent.

What a difference three years can make! With Democrats already running a high profile candidate who is polling well with voters, some high ranking Republicans appear ready to forgive and forget.

County Executive Maggie Brooks (R) said, "[The question is] Do we need to look at someone who represents the base values of the party and has always been a part of the party structure or is it time for someone who would represent a different point of view and back reforms?"

George Pataki is not expected to seek a fourth term. Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani says he doesn't want the job.

Outsiders say Republicans don't want to a repeat of what happened to Bob Dole's 1996 presidential campaign.

RIT Political Science Professor Dr. Spencer Meredith said, "You don't want to go with someone who's been a party faithful but has no name recognition or very little appeal."

A Sienna Research Institute poll last week indicated that Golisano has better name recognition than two other Republicans eyeing statewide races. He also has deep pockets; in 2002, he spent $74 million on his campaign.

Brooks said,” He brings a lot of resources to the table. That's critically important when you're running a race that could turn into an aggressive race.

Meredith said, "The fact that Golisano has gone against Pataki…depends on how it’s spun. It can be spun as he's more conservative or as he's more moderate."

Golisano, who last year stepped aside as CEO of Paychex, has said he remains interested in state politics but has not decided whether he will run.

He did not return our calls for comment last week or today.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's office last week indicated that Bruno had met twice with Golisano. Former Mayor Guiliani has also said he would back a Golisano campaign.

Everyone is waiting for Governor Pataki who must first say whether he is in or out of the race. He said he would do that in early spring.

Whether the delay is to make time for negotiations with Tom Golisano is unclear.


Would Golisano do any better than Pataki?