Report: Rudy Won't Run For Gov
UPDATED 4:42 PM: Check out our updated post on Rudy's political future here.
UPDATED 3:04 PM
Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) will not run for NY Gov after pondering the decision for months, sources have told the New York Times.
The two-term mayor, who ran a failed bid for pres. in '08, had considered a challenge to Gov. David Paterson (D) -- a race polls showed him leading by wide margins.
But the race would have been much more difficult for Giuliani had he faced AG Andrew Cuomo (D), who is reportedly taking the initial steps to run. Where Paterson is viewed unfavorably by a large portion of the state, Cuomo is seen favorably by the majority of voters.
Giuliani's decision leaves ex-Rep. Rick Lazio (R) as the sole major candidate on the GOP side. Polls also show Lazio leading Paterson, though Cuomo easily beats the former congressman.
Giuliani has been urged to run against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D), who was appointed to fill Sec/State Hillary Clinton's post, but former aides say Giuliani is not drawn to the Senate.
Still, the New York Daily News reported this afternoon that Giuliani will run against Gillibrand. That report remains unconfirmed.
(REID WILSON)