Another Useless Poll From Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac University's polls continue to be laughable public relations stunts. Three major "findings" from today's poll are:

* "In a head-to-head presidential matchup, Sen. Clinton tops Mayor Giuliani 53 - 32 percent, compared to 50 - 36 percent October 17."

* "In the Democratic primary, Sen. Hillary Clinton leads Illinois Sen. Barack Obama 55 -17 percent, with 7 percent for former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards."

* "Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's lead in the New York State Republican presidential primary is shrinking as he gets 34 percent."

We have no idea who the Democratic and Republican parties will nominate. Yet Quinnipiac polled a hypothetical general election contest between Rudy and Hillary that is almost a year away.

Hillary is faltering and if she loses Iowa to Obama it could be all over for her campaign. But Quinnipiac's poll is a national poll. Iowa is all that matters for Hillary, Mark Penn and Ickes-Begala-Carville-Lindsey now.

Gov. Huckabee is gaining in all polls, and it should come as no surprise that he's gaining in Rudy's home state. Plus, I hate to break it to Quinnipiac: New York is not a bellwether for the national Republican party with or without Rudy in the race.

A friend describes Quinnipiac's polls as "Quackapiac." It's a fitting description.

Jim Tedisco For Congress

"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent." - Lorenzo, A Bronx Tale.

In 1991 Democrats controlled the California State Assembly by a 49-31 majority. Then-Governor Pete Wilson had a two-word term he used to describe his fellow Republicans in the minority. F---ing Irrelevants, or FI's.

It was a harsh term for a harsh reality. Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco should think about its meaning in the aftermath of his decision to forgo a race to fill the seat of retiring Rep. Michael McNulty, The Invisible Congressman.

With Democrats holding a 108-42 majority Jim Tedisco is not going to be the Speaker of the New York State Assembly. Ever. He's been in the Assembly for 25 years. What's the long-term goal? To be in the minority for another 25 years, effectively achieving nothing beyond annoying and embarrassing the majority?

Assemblyman Tedisco should run for Rep. McNulty's seat, and there is only one reason why. It's the best reason. He can win.

Despite the significant Democratic registration advantage, Tedisco will bring strong qualities to a race. He's personable, positive and conservative. Those are Reagan qualities. He can raise money, has solid name identification and his star play on the basketball court at Union College is a great personal story.

Assemblyman Tedisco's "Illegal Eliot" effort, where he debunked and ridiculed Governor Spitzer's scheme to hand out driver's licenses to illegal aliens, was very impressive. Moreover, as the recipient of the Governor's "f---ing steamroller" meltdown he can motivate the Republican base and continue to use it as an endless source of humor.

There is a down side. If Hillary is the Democratic nominee it will hamper all Republican candidates in competitive districts across New York, including Tedisco. So what. I've heard that whining from Republicans, and I'm tired of it. Believe in ideas, get aggressive, don't apologize and take risks. The alternative is being an FI in good standing for life.

Only 10,000 men and women in the history of the United States have been elected to Congress. It's a tremendous personal honor to serve in the House of Representatives or Senate. Everyone who has a strong chance to win a seat should run.

So run, Mr. Leader. What do you have to lose?

Paul

Rain Man Ron Paul and his demented supporters continue to raise money. Because Qantas never crashed. I'm definitely not wearing my underwear. 'Course, three minutes to Wapner. I'm an excellent driver. K-Mart sucks. R-O-N-P-A-U-L. R-O-N-P-A-U-L. Main Man. For President.