Bloomberg's Galpal Eyes Gillibrand's Seat

It appears pretty much everyone in New York thinks Kirsten Gillibrand's Senate seat is there for the taking—the latest in the long line of would-be contenders is Mayor Mike Bloomberg's longtime girlfriend, former state banking superintendent Diana Taylor. "She was asked to consider it," a Republican insider tells the New York Post. No comment from either Taylor or Hizzoner, who's gotten along with Gillibrand less than famously.

While watchers note that Taylor has the experience and clout to mount a winning campaign, others cite her aversion to being in the public eye: "I'm not sure why she'd want to do it," says one. Other potential contenders, according to the Post:

• Joe DioGuardi, former Westchester congressman and pop to American Idol's Kara.
• Dan Senor, former George W Bush administration official.

(More Diana Taylor stories.)