GOP Head Wants Giuliani to Run Vs. Clinton

Wed Jan 26, 9:37 PM ET

NEW YORK - The New York State Republican Party chair said he plans to ask former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (news - web sites) to challenge Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (news - web sites) for her seat in 2006.

"I think Rudy would be a great candidate for us," Stephen Minarik told The New York Times for Wednesday editions. "I have not had a chat with him about it yet, but I am going to."

But Sunny Mindel, a Giuliani spokeswoman, said the former mayor "is not even thinking about politics right now." Giuliani began a Senate run in 2000 against Clinton, but withdrew after announcing he was seeking treatment for prostate cancer.

Gov. George Pataki has said he will likely not run against Clinton for her seat and won't make an announcement about running for a fourth term as governor until summer.

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