N.Y. Governors: Always a Bridesmaid ...

Ever since New York Gov. Franklin Roosevelt was elected four times to the White House, Empire State governors have been considered presidential material.

None have made the grade.

Of course, New York was the nation's largest state in Democrat FDR's days. Now it ranks third behind California and Texas and will soon fall behind Florida, too.

After FDR, Republican Gov. Thomas Dewey made two runs for president. He lost by a landslide to FDR in 1944 and was an upset loser to Harry Truman in 1948. Dewey was a liberal compared with the conservative-bent GOP today.

Next, Democratic Gov. Averell Harriman was considered a likely candidate, but he remained in the diplomatic corps. He made a name for himself as ambassador to the then Soviet Union.

Along came GOP Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, with the family name and money. But in 1964, Republicans were tilting to the right. Barry Goldwater beat Rocky in a bitter primary battle.

Next in line was the reluctant prince, Democratic Gov. Mario Cuomo. He was an on-again, off-again candidate who disappointed his followers by taking a hike in 1992 and opening the door to Bill Clinton.

Cuomo lost the governorship to Republican George Pataki, who left office last month after a long run in Albany. Pataki may join the already crowded field this year. He showed some leg recently in a speech criticizing President Bush's "surge" plan for Iraq.

However, Pataki could mix up plans by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has filed a statement of candidacy as of today. He has the money-raising ability and the name to be a real contender. But his liberal views on social issues could upset his plans in the conservative South.

At any rate, New Yorkers have the fever. And as the late Democratic Rep. Morris K. Udall of Arizona put it: "The only cure for presidential fever is embalming fluid." Mo knew because he lost in 1976 to Jimmy Carter.