In the last month, I have been a guest on numerous national TV talk shows to discuss the possible US Senate candidacy of Hillary Rodham Clinton. I cannot help but realize that I have had more television interest in my views about her possible run for the Senate than when I actually ran against Pat Moynihan in 1988.

The questions have run pretty much along the same line. In this column, I will lay out some of my thoughts about her interest in New York and I would welcome your reaction and views in response.

First, there is the "carpetbagger" issue. Yes, she would be a "carpetbagger" if she decides to run in New York, and she carries alot of baggage - her own and those of her husband. Republicans, however, would be well served to avoid dredging up the past on billing records, White Water and the rest. The media will have a field day on those matters without the Republican Senate candidate ever raising the conduct of either Clinton.

Of greater interest to New York voters should be where Hillary Clinton stands on issues. For example, how about charter schools - now a reality in New York based on a bipartisan decision in Albany. School vouchers should also get a high level of attention in this state. The subject is already getting heated debate in New York City. And what about late term abortions. The people of New York will want a thorough discussion of these issues and many more. Upstate New Yorkers will want to hear her plans for revitalizing their economy.

Pandering to polls does not tell voters very much. I believe most people will want to look her in the eye and ask whether her decision to run for the Senate in New York has more to do with a run for the Presidency in 2004 than worrying about the real issues facing New Yorkers. Her one substantive effort, as First Lady, beyond political rhetoric, came with efforts to overhaul the nation's health care system back in 1994. In that skirmish, House Democrats quickly deserted her efforts, and she has rarely raised the health care issue since.

Finally, I have to say that Democrats in New York have to be privately discouraged. With Democrats holding all Statewide offices, except Governor, it is amazing to me that the Democratic Party could not field a true New Yorker for the United States Senate.

Hillary Clinton will also have to be forthright with the voters. She cannot say that she visited Elmira when in fact her family's car passed through Elmira on a vacation trip. As for vacation plans in New York this summer, of course, she will be welcome. Every visitor adds to our economy. But, her staff has to be careful about flies in the Adirondacks, because they have even worse bugs in the Hamptons - particularly when there is no breeze off the Ocean.