Bebeto Matthews / AP Photo
New York Republicans' hopes were dashed today as sources told The New York Times that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani—considered by many to be the GOP's best shot at the governor's mansion next year—would not run for the office. The onetime candidate for the Republican presidential nomination had been considering the race for months, and the reasons for his departure were not made immediately clear. Giuliani has been encouraged by some supporters to run against freshman Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who was not elected and may be vulnerable. One thing that may have prompted his choice was one of his possible opponents: popular Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, who may be looking to beat out incumbent David Paterson for the Democratic nomination. Currently, the only declared Republican candidate is former Long Island congressman Rick Lazio.