The Republican National Convention (RNC) in Cleveland is a golden opportunity to float a political trial balloon, at least when it comes to running for Governor in 2018.

"If you are asking me if I am keeping the door open," said Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino who ran against Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2014. "Of course I am."

"I am strongly considering it," said Carl Paladino who ran for Governor in 2010. "I think the pendulum is swinging."

"If I can provide leadership and I can be of service and I can be beyond the borders of Duchess County certainly I'll consider that," said former Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro, now the Duchess County Executive.

"I got one more run in me, whether it's governor, whether it's mayor, whether it's senator," said billionaire-businessman and radio talk show host John Catsimatidis, who ran for mayor of New York in 2013.

But they have an uphill climb for sure.

A Republican has not held Statewide office since 2007 when George Pataki left the Governor's mansion.

The party does not have much of a war chest. It had about $830,000 in its Campaign accounts as of July.

And it has a tremendous voter disadvantage, Democrats outnumber Republicans Statewide by more than four to one.

So can the Republican Party bounce back in the dark blue Empire State?

The party faithful hope Trump will energize its base and perhaps inspire good candidates to run for both City Hall and Statewide office.

"Winning the mayoralty, running a good race there is very important to running statewide in 2018," said State GOP party Chair Ed Cox.

Others have suggested it may be time for a leadership change, perhaps picking someone from upstate or Long Island, where the GOP ranks are deeper.

"Our leadership has been questioned and I think there is going to be a lot of change in the state of New York," Paladino said.

"We have to see," Cox said. "The party has to represent every part of New York State."

Catsimatidis had some other ideas, like trying to broaden GOP appeal to African-American and Latino communities. Of course that doesn't apply to him. "Me I grew up in Harlem I don't have to reach out," the billionaire said. "I am part of them."

At least for now the plan is to ride the Trump wave in hopes of rebooting the Party.











NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker