GOP COVETS COLIN TO CHALLENGE HILL (New York Post)
Republicans yesterday touted outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell as a possible challenger against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2006. “I think he would be an exciting choice . . . and I think he would have star quality,” said Stephen Minarik, who was tapped Monday to head the troubled state Republican Party. Minarik said he would seek to talk to Powell, a native New Yorker, about making the race once he leaves the State Department.
Powell was first suggested as a potential Clinton challenger by Rep. Vito Fossella of Staten Island, who, like many in the New York GOP, is known to fear his party won’t have a strong candidate to field against her in 2006. “His roots and heart have always been in New York,” Fossella said of Powell, who was born in New York City and attended City College. “I think he’d make a great representative and I urge him strongly to consider running,” Fossella continued.
A State Department spokeswoman refused to comment, except to say, “It’s a question after he leaves maybe he can answer.”
An interesting idea, although I doubt Powell would be interested. He served over 30 years in the Army, rising to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He’s been National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. One would think junior Senator from New York would be a major step down.
That said, he’s a capable man and, should he be interested, he’d be a worthy challenger for Clinton should Rudy Guiliani decide not the enter the race. Powell’s pro-abortion rights, pro-affirmative action, and pro-U.N. positions are a good fit for the New York branch of the GOP. They would likely preclude his getting the GOP nomination for president in 2008, however.
