Pirro Best Chance for GOP

Jeanine Pirro may have been a nightmare as a Senate candidate, but any Democrat that underestimates her chances of winning Attorney General would be wise to rethink their stance.

I know what the polls say -- Andrew Cuomo easily trounces Pirro in a head-to-head match-up. And, as a Democrat, I will not be casting my vote for her. But, she has a certain appeal. A non-threatening Republican with a well-honed message that could sway swing voters and females who are not too keen on Cuomo.

Do I think she will win?

No. The Spitzer/Clinton headwinds will carry Cuomo. Unlike John Faso who is being framed as "far-right" (and largely ignored except for politico geek shows, local blogs and the obligatory articles in the NY print dailies) and Spencer (who is a loose cannon with no support), Pirro talks about issues many NYers care about. She's also keeping a safe-distance form George Bush's clone John Faso. More importantly, she's honed her attacks on Cuomo (many of which are valid) and speaks passionately about the issues she cares about.

But doesn't Cuomo talk about issues many NYers care about?

Sure. But for all the genetic speaking skills he may have inherited from papa Mario, he's still lacking passion in his voice. He comes across as someone who is using this as a political stepping stone. The passion and fire in every interview I've seen is not there.

Mr. Cuomo, it's time for a course correction:

• Start speaking from the heart, not your talking points.
• Take your top three issues and don't just state them, but develop them. Own them.
• Stop speaking like the issues you plan to attack as AG are plucked from a focus group check list.
• Don't let Pirro have the upper-hand abnd contine to define you (which she is doing quite forcefully). A Rose Garden campaign against Mark Green worked, but it's not the right approach for Pirro.

If you don't make some changes, NYers will see right through you. And this race will be a lot closer than you want it to be.

-- Greg