Ghost of Politics Past

A most curious article appeared in one of our daily tabloids here in New York last week. It said former New York City Mayor and failed presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani was contemplating yet another run for office. This time the prize is New York's Governor's Mansion. But wait, didn't we just get a new governor less than a month ago?

Yes, we did, but the article says Rudy is thinking about a run in a special election. That election would take place this November, in the event Gov. David Paterson is somehow forced to resign. Resign for what, you might ask? The only answer is for the high crime of first degree candor. Unlike Giuliani, Paterson was honest enough to admit to past marital infidelity, and even to acknowledge that he might have paid for a tryst out of campaign funds by mistake. He corrected that transgression, it must be noted.

Contrast this with the behavior of America's Mayor. When it was revealed he fobbed off security costs for his mistress on three little known city agencies while in office, his then-presidential campaign went into furious spin mode. When all was said and done, however, the facts were laid bare. No amount of spinning could undo the damage arrogance inflicted on his presidential hopes.

Now, Rudy and his enablers see an opportunity in someone else's troubles. Never mind the same article said little outrage has been generated about David Paterson's past foibles. That would be among both his colleagues and the public. If this governor pulls off getting the state budget done on time, Rudy's hopes for a November coup will take a serious hit. No matter. Like an aging boxer who can't stop seeking the limelight, Rudy Giuliani will fight on.

And lose.