Pataki Victory

It was a quiet victory for Pataki on Tuesday. Gov. George Pataki's easy re-election victory Tuesday had none of the drama of his surprise 1994 win, but on a night that saw the end of Sen. Alfonse D'Amato's 18-year tenure, Republicans didn't miss the suspense. A no-sweat victory over Democratic challenger Peter Vallone was much more the amiable governor's style than 1994's high-drama dethroning of three-term incumbent Mario Cuomo. "He's basically quiet about going about his business," said Joseph Davis, 60, a Poughkeepsie retiree. "He's not headline-seeking, and he doesn't lob shells out there. ... I think his biggest selling point is just quietly going about the business of being governor." With polls putting Pataki far ahead of Vallone throughout the campaign, many of the supporters gathered at the New York Hilton were pleased but not exuberant about the victory. Many praised what they saw as the Republican governor's plain-speaking ways, fulfillment of promises and straightforward stick-to-it-iveness. Encouraged by Pataki's nearly two-to-one margin over Vallone, some even talked of a run for the White House. "I'm really curious to see when he throws in his hat to be president," said Jim Hayden, 47, of Fishkill. "He's kind of a down-to-earth guy. ... Maybe he comes in at the right time." The roomful of Republicans roared when Pataki came to the podium to deliver his brief victory speech. "Four years ago the people entrusted the future of this state to my hands," he said. "We kept our word. We said we were going to change this state and put in place new policies that would free the spirit of the people of New York from oppressive government." For some in the crowd, the excitement of Pataki's victory was dampened by D'Amato's tough loss to Rep. Charles Schumer. RNN's Kent Pierce will bring you Pataki's feelings about D'Amato's loss and his new role as the dominant Republican of the state.