Minarik told the New York Times that GOP leaders were talking of candidates to run for Senate against Clinton, but his prime choice would be Giuliani.

"I think Rudy would be a great candidate for us," Minarik told the Times for Wednesday editions. "I have not had a chat with him about it yet, but I am going to."

But Sunny Mindel, a Giuliani spokeswoman, said Giuliani "is not even thinking about politics right now." The former mayor ran for the Senate in 2000 against Clinton, but withdrew after announcing he was seeking treatment for prostate cancer.

Facing senatorial and gubernatorial campaigns in 2006, state Republicans are pressed to find candidates who can present a formidable challenge in both races. Gov. George Pataki has said he would not likely run against Clinton for her seat and won't make an announcement about running for a fourth term as governor until summer.

Minarik, however, is eager to see both Giuliani and Pataki as his party's candidates.

"I don't play the speculation game," he said. "But when you are looking at name recognition, having Gov. Pataki and Rudy Giuliani running as a ticket in 2006, that would be great for me and the party.

© 2005 Associated Press.

Editor's note: