Billsman
January 24th, 2006, 1:04:22 PM
Golisano Expected to Run
State GOP Chairman Stephen Minarik and other Republican leaders said Monday that they expect Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano will run for governor as a Republican. They also said attempts to avoid a GOP primary would be quashed with Golisano in the race.
Golisano is expected to announce a decision next week. He has commented little about his plans since he switched registrations in October from the Independence Party to the GOP.
"I would bet that he's probably going to run. I just don't know for sure," said Minarik, who also heads the Monroe County GOP. "It would make sense: Why would you change to a party if you're not going to run?"
Golisano has become a central figure in the governor's race as Republicans wait for his decision.
After running three times as the Independence candidate and spending more than $100 million of his own money in the races, Golisano would again bring a big bankroll and possibly scare off some of the other four hopefuls seeking the Republican nod, some party leaders said.
But Republican leaders predicted that one candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, would stay in the race after a nominating convention in May and challenge Golisano in a September primary.
"The field will change rather quickly once he (Golisano) makes the announcement," said Onondaga County GOP Chairman Robert Smith. "Some people will have to look at a fight against Tom Golisano and decide whether they have the resources and stomach for it."
Golisano allies said they don't know for sure whether he's going to run. Still, Golisano advisers have already put together a campaign plan in anticipation of a race. The New York Daily News reported Monday that Golisano plans to run, citing unnamed Republican sources.
"He may know what he's doing in his head, but he hasn't told us," said adviser Steve Pigeon.
Rumors surrounding Golisano's decision were rampant in political circles, officials said. One had Golisano announcing his candidacy today, even though Golisano is out of town all week. The Daily News said Golisano was prepared to spend up to $125 million in his bid, but Golisano advisers said Monday that he has never put a dollar figure on his campaigns.
With Gov. George Pataki not seeking a fourth, four-year term, Republicans are in flux over the party's slate for the November election. And that's led to questions about Minarik's future as state party chairman.
The New York Post on Monday quoted unnamed sources who said Pataki and Minarik have a strained relationship and haven't spoken in weeks. Minarik might "resign in disgust" over Pataki's lack of involvement in the state party's future, sources told the paper.
But Minarik said Monday that he and Pataki maintain a strong relationship; he said the two spoke Friday when Pataki visited Rochester.
"There are factions of the party that are unhappy with each other, but it's clearly not between the governor and me," Minarik said.
Minarik said that he had no plans to resign, but wouldn't rule it out entirely, saying "I don't see it in the foreseeable future."
Wayne County GOP Chairman Dan Olson said Monday that Pataki should get more involved with the party's direction and its candidates: "Pataki doesn't just seem to be playing that role," he said.
Pataki said Friday that it's "up to candidates to go out and make the case. I'm not a political kingmaker."
State GOP Chairman Stephen Minarik and other Republican leaders said Monday that they expect Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano will run for governor as a Republican. They also said attempts to avoid a GOP primary would be quashed with Golisano in the race.
Golisano is expected to announce a decision next week. He has commented little about his plans since he switched registrations in October from the Independence Party to the GOP.
"I would bet that he's probably going to run. I just don't know for sure," said Minarik, who also heads the Monroe County GOP. "It would make sense: Why would you change to a party if you're not going to run?"
Golisano has become a central figure in the governor's race as Republicans wait for his decision.
After running three times as the Independence candidate and spending more than $100 million of his own money in the races, Golisano would again bring a big bankroll and possibly scare off some of the other four hopefuls seeking the Republican nod, some party leaders said.
But Republican leaders predicted that one candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, would stay in the race after a nominating convention in May and challenge Golisano in a September primary.
"The field will change rather quickly once he (Golisano) makes the announcement," said Onondaga County GOP Chairman Robert Smith. "Some people will have to look at a fight against Tom Golisano and decide whether they have the resources and stomach for it."
Golisano allies said they don't know for sure whether he's going to run. Still, Golisano advisers have already put together a campaign plan in anticipation of a race. The New York Daily News reported Monday that Golisano plans to run, citing unnamed Republican sources.
"He may know what he's doing in his head, but he hasn't told us," said adviser Steve Pigeon.
Rumors surrounding Golisano's decision were rampant in political circles, officials said. One had Golisano announcing his candidacy today, even though Golisano is out of town all week. The Daily News said Golisano was prepared to spend up to $125 million in his bid, but Golisano advisers said Monday that he has never put a dollar figure on his campaigns.
With Gov. George Pataki not seeking a fourth, four-year term, Republicans are in flux over the party's slate for the November election. And that's led to questions about Minarik's future as state party chairman.
The New York Post on Monday quoted unnamed sources who said Pataki and Minarik have a strained relationship and haven't spoken in weeks. Minarik might "resign in disgust" over Pataki's lack of involvement in the state party's future, sources told the paper.
But Minarik said Monday that he and Pataki maintain a strong relationship; he said the two spoke Friday when Pataki visited Rochester.
"There are factions of the party that are unhappy with each other, but it's clearly not between the governor and me," Minarik said.
Minarik said that he had no plans to resign, but wouldn't rule it out entirely, saying "I don't see it in the foreseeable future."
Wayne County GOP Chairman Dan Olson said Monday that Pataki should get more involved with the party's direction and its candidates: "Pataki doesn't just seem to be playing that role," he said.
Pataki said Friday that it's "up to candidates to go out and make the case. I'm not a political kingmaker."