Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D.-N.Y.) no doubt slept a bit sounder last week, as former three-term Republican Gov. George Pataki said he would not run against her this year. With polls showing Pataki either tied with or leading Gillibrand in the race for the remaining two years of the term of former Senator and present Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D.-N.Y.), the former governor had been encouraged by state and national Republicans to make the race. Friends of the moderate Pataki told HUMAN EVENTS that he is still eyeing a bid for the Republican nomination for President in 2012. Economist and former Reagan Administration official David Malpass, considered a strong conservative, announced for the Republican nomination against Gillibrand last week.
