Rudy Giuliani’s Hamlet-like stance has put the Republican party in an odd position. There is no doubt that Governor Patterson’s weak position in the polls and among his colleagues represents an opportunity for the GOP. But the party cannot take advantage of this opportunity without a strong candidate. I’m persuaded that Rudy could win the race; but the longer he holds out, the more difficult it will be to build an organization and raise the requisite funds for success.
It also seems to me that Rudy should be in a position to identify a clear and unequivocal stance for the party, one that outlines a Republican philosophy for New York State, which is near the point of financial bankruptcy. If Rudy could lift the state from the abyss, he would not only resuscitate a political career, he would immediately become the frontrunner in the 2012 presidential sweepstakes.
– Herbert London is president of the Hudson Institute.