The editor of the National Review is considering running for mayor as the Conservative Party candidate – a move that could spell bad news for toe-in-the-water Republican media mogul Mike Bloomberg.
Richard Lowry, 32, top gun at the conservative magazine since 1997, told The Post he has been in talks with state Conservative Party boss Mike Long, but has not made a final decision.
Any Conservative Party standard-bearer in next year’s mayor’s race would complicate things for Bloomberg – who has been toying with a City Hall run – because it would divide the city’s conservative vote.
Bloomberg yesterday stepped down as chairman of Bloomberg LP, the financial-news company he founded, further fueling speculation he plans to run.
Four years ago, Long left the party’s ballot line blank to help Mayor Giuliani win re-election – but won’t do that again this year.
Bloomberg has on several occasions requested a meeting with Long, but they have not gotten together, and Long has virtually ruled out throwing his support behind the media baron because their views don’t jibe on key issues, sources told The Post.
If Lowry jumps into the race, it would not be the first time a National Review editor has campaigned for City Hall – magazine founder William F. Buckley did it in 1965.
“It’s very flattering, but no one should think about calling me ‘Hizzoner’ very soon,” Lowry quipped to The Post.”I haven’t thought it all through yet.”
Lowry, who lives in Manhattan, joined the 150,000-circulation biweekly as a writer in 1992 and is a frequent guest commentator on television political programs.
Long would not confirm his contacts with Lowry, but said he is in “serious” talks with a potential candidate. He also has talked to two other potential candidates.
Long admits the Conservative Party nominee stands little chance. But he is enthusiastic about Lowry being an articulate voice for the party.