Hillary, on Her Own in New York

Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton is on her own now in the ring, or call it snake pit, of New York politics, going against Republican New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani for a U.S. Senate seat. Californians who think their politics get nasty should keep an eye on the Hillary-Rudy battle. New Yorkers know how to light up a race with political fireworks, and the New York City media have a reputation for chewing up politicians with screaming headlines and selective sound bites.

Hillary Clinton, now of Chappaqua, N.Y., Sunday formally announced her candidacy for the seat of retiring Democrat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Bill Clinton stood near his wife in a supporting role. The president must have twitched throughout, being so close to a microphone and unable to give a speech. But this was Hillary’s show. Pointedly, her campaign banner said “Hillary,” not “Clinton.”

Her months-long pre-announcement campaign got off to a shaky start last year, having to deal with carpetbagger charges and attend to questions about the financing of the Clintons’ new Chappaqua home. With that behind her, Hillary must now hit her stride, for Giuliani will campaign relentlessly. On Sunday, rather than sit on the sideline as a candidate usually does when an opponent takes the plunge, Giuliani spent the day hopping from talk show to talk show--five in all--pitching his record as mayor.

Hillary’s speech was full of issues and lofty talk. But at one point she vowed to fight against “the politics of revenge and retribution.” That’s a sign that she does indeed understand the roughness of New York politics. This is not to suggest there is an inherent dirtiness or unfairness, but New Yorkers do take politics far more seriously than Californians do. As a liberal Republican, Giuliani’s policies often will sound similar to Hillary’s, and the race is bound to get personal.

So New Yorkers, whom do you have your money on? Hey, California, none of your business. Go buy a paper, pal.