New York Republicans are trying to get Donald Trump to run against Governor Cuomo next year, The NY Post reports. In a memo circled around in inner circles, GOP Assemblyman Bill Nojay argues Trump’s the only Republican on the horizon who has the name recognition, guts and money to challenge Cuomo.

“There is only one prospective candidate who could run on the GOP line and win against Cuomo in 2014 — Donald Trump,’’ the memo, obtained by the Post, declares. “In many respects, Trump is not considered a Republican — he is his own brand, an almost iconic figure of Rockefellerian proportions.”

“This will benefit him because many people who could never bring themselves to vote for a Republican would vote for Trump as Trump.”

“If Donald Trump wants to be remembered as a successor to FDR and not Alex Trebek, he should run,” Assemblyman Nojay told The Post. “If he wants to save New York from the fiscal ruin to be brought by Bill de Blasio, he should run.”

So far, Trump, who only recently learned of the effort, which is backed by state GOP Chairman Ed Cox and other party leaders, hasn’t said a flat “no.’’

Asked for comment by The Post, Trump left open the possibility of entering the race and blasted Cuomo, and even Cuomo’s dad, ex-Gov. Mario Cuomo, for their records in office.

“My initial reaction is I haven’t even thought about it,” said Trump in a morning appearance on Fox & Friends. Adding, Cuomo is “a nice guy.”

“But the problem is people are leaving New York,” he said. “The taxes are way too high. … So somebody does have to get in there and cut the hell out of taxes or you’re going to lose a lot of people and a lot of people pay a lot of money.”

In a written statement, State GOP chairman Ed Cox insisted the GOP will field a strong slate of candidates in 2014, but he hadn’t seen the memo outlining the Trump strategy.

“The State Party is totally immersed in this year’s crucial local elections. Immediately after November 5, we will focus on the issues, the politics and the people who will be essential to our 2014 statewide election effort.”

“We have strong candidates interested statewide offices, including the Governorship. We appreciate input from party leaders and elected officials, including Assemblyman Nojay, but I have not had an opportunity to discuss his memo with him or anyone else.”

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)