Since George Pataki has announced that he will not seek another term as governor of NY, I sort of expected Rudy Giuliani to step forward. But he hasn't, which leads me to believe that he may have his sights set on Washington.

Rudy has always been a controversial figure, who was elevated to hero status after September 11th. Personally, I've always been a fan of his, but I think that there are Republicans out there who will have a problem with him.

He did some things during his reign as NYC mayor that many thought were impossible, such as cleaning up Times Square, lowering crime, getting rid of the squeegee men, lowering the hotel tax and increasing tourism, and so on. And he's really never been afraid to make an unpopular decision, which endears him to me.

On the other hand, his personal life was a mess. He's been married several times, he actually moved OUT of Gracie Mansion while his wife and children remained, and he suffered through a very messy and very public divorce.

Plaw, he was originally a Democrat, who became a Republican, so I don't think that he would switch again.

I don't think the man ate or slept for his last three months as mayor. He displayed true leadership during those very dark days, but he is a true "New Yawker", and I'm not sure how his outspoken attitude would play on a national level.

TIS - If you want to learn more about him, read his book Leadership. It's interesting, sad and very funny all at the same time.