Former Rep. Lazio Considering Comeback in N.Y.

The man who challenged Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 2000 Senate bid in New York may be considering another statewide bid in the Empire State.

Former Rep. Rick Lazio (R) told the New York Observer on Sunday that he is contemplating a comeback, likely a run for governor according to observers.

“Am I thinking about it?” he said. “Sure, I’m thinking about it.”

At a speech before the state Conservative Party’s annual action conference, Lazio spoke to grassroots activists about the missing elements in state government.

“We need a governor of New York who’s got the courage and conviction and the smarts to do that,” Lazio said. “I don’t think the only way to be engaged is running for office, but I think there are issues that need to be surfacd.”

Lazio ran unsuccessfully against then-First Lady Clinton in 2000 after New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) had to drop out of the race due to health issues. Lazio lost to Clinton 55-43 percent.

Lazio refused to answer questions about current New York Gov. David Paterson (D) after the speech, or about Giuliani, another rumored Republican candidate for governor.