A day after New York state GOP Chairman Stephen Minarik announced his intention to try to convince Rudy Giuliani to run against Hillary Clinton for the United States Senate, a new Republican voice emerged from the fray. New York Daily News' Joe Mahoney reports:

When Sen. Hillary Clinton runs for reelection in 2006, her opponent might just be another high-profile attorney from Westchester.

Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro is considering challenging the former First Lady, according to political insiders.

The GOP crimefighter, who is running for reelection this year, is not publicly discussing plans for higher office.

But Pirro has a dizzying fund-raising schedule and the enthusiastic backing of Gov. Pataki. "We love Jeanine," said a source in Pataki's camp.

Giuliani is almost undoubtedly not running against Hillary. The former New York Mayor has his sights set on a run for the Presidency, and a bruising political battle against Hillary Clinton -- one he very well might lose -- would only inhibit his chances at gaining the GOP presidential nomination.

Pirro could turn out to be a solif candidate for the Republicans, but most likely it will be to no avail. Hillary unsurprisingly maintains strong support in the New York City area. More unusually, she also has a base in upstate, something no Dem in the state has had for some time.

Unless Giuliani enters the race, don't expect too much from this race; even if Rudy does run, smart money is still on Hillary to prevail.