New York Conservatives Want DioGuardi Against Gillibrand: Other Republicans Toy With U.S. Senate Race

Former Congressman Joe DioGuardi was in Putnam County yesterday afternoon campaigning for Republican support.

The Westchester Republican just finished a two week barnstorming of upstate New York where he secured te endorsements of over a dozen county Conservative chairs.  The inside word is that DioGuardi can secure the Conservative line.  The respected fiscal conservative is working for early support by meeting with leaders across the state.

DioGuardi also met with all-important Suffolk Conservatives last week and was well-received.

But this won't be a done deal with Republicans, who are divided between Al D'Amato's candidate in the race -- Bruce Blakeman -- and their own favorites. 

The New York Daily News reported on the list of Republicans floating their names against Gillibrand.

Now gone is Mort Zuckerman, the well-known and outspoken newspaper publisher who toyed with the idea for a few weeks.  Joining Blakeman as openly declared has been David Malpass, who has the support of John Faso's New Yorkers For Growth. Faso's fundraising arm certainly could provide a boost for any candidate his organization supports.

Also indicating an interest in this race had been Orange County County Executive Ed Diana and now Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef.

The New York Post and Daily News reported on former Bush advisor Dan Senor considering a run against Gillibrand.

DioGuardi will formally announce March 16th in Grand Central Station.

Comments

[Anonymous]

Disclose your conflict of interest.

[Steven G. Poyzer]

As Ontario County Conservative Party chair, I have also met with DioGuardi and have found him an excellent choice for a candidate for the seat currently held by Gillibrand, however it will be up to my executive committee to authorize any formal endorsement can be offered.

[The Editor]

Joe DioGuardi will be a reliable voice for fiscal reform.

I just hope none of the usual back-stabbing in GOP circles commences. New York finally has a true NON-establishment candidate to take on Gillibrand.

It's no mystery that Gillibrand has political ties to Al D'Amato, for example. It's also no mystery that selfish Republican bickering cost the GOP two races in the 20th and the 23rd Congressional Districts. If they pull this divisive nonsense against DioGuardi -- or anyone else -- the troublemakers will be publicly called out on their counter-productive games.

As for my own interest in this race, I serve with Joe on a number of reform initiatives -- including downsizing county government throughout New York State -- and have worked with him on campaigns over the past 20 years. DioGuardi's a trained CPA and a passionate campaigner.

In my humble opinion, DioGuardi can only help Republicans running for State Senate and Congress too.

[Robert Hornak]

I'm not gonna tear down DioGuardi like some are currently trying to do to some of our congressional candidates. I may make an exception for Blakeman, who clearly comes from the corrupt Pataki machine that almost destroyed the NY Republican Party, Conservative Party, and NY State all at once.

However, DioGuardi represents the past, not the future of NY. I'd like to see us run someone a little younger and more dynamic than Joe. And someone who has a history of winning might be good too. Instead of the failed attempts to win back his congressional seat 15 years ago, that would have been the time for Joe to seek higher office. Let's look to the future and some new leadership.

[Steven G. Poyzer]

Unfortunately, Mr. Homak , youth and dynamism does not necessary equate to a good public servant. I need only to point at the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC as evidence of my point!

[Robert Hornak]

Steve, you are correct that youth does not equate to quality. However, the reverse equation is relevant for advanced age. It can be a disqualifier. At 70, going on 71, Joe hardly represents the future of America, or the Republican Party. It's been over 30 years since he served in the House. A lot has changed since then, including Al Gore inventing the internet. We need someone with the reasonable expectation of serving more than one term.

[The Editor]

At a young 69, Joe DioGuardi can run circles around any of us. I'll excuse your youth and inexperience, Robert.

It's only been 21 years since Joe served in Congress, not 30, less than ten years since he last run and less than a year since his legislation on fiscal reporting was brought back to life by Republicans.

The liberals and establishment types don't like him. That's a badge of honor in my book.

DioGuardi's zeal for fiscal reform and change is current and worthwhile. As a CPA and conservative Republican, Joe is a survivor and a pathfinder. We need someone like DioGuardi to barnstorm this state and beat Gillibrand.

[Luan Bukolla]

Joe DioGuardi is one of the most dynamic men that I have ever met, and hopefully, if he takes after is mother, he will be around for a long time. I will definately support him. I look forward to his campaigning and debates against Gillibrand.