American Notes New York

Many political observers feel that New York Democratic Governor Mario Cuomo's 68.4% approval rating, national stature and $8 million campaign chest make him all but invincible as he prepares to run for re-election this year. State Republicans, fearing that Cuomo may also be a strong presidential candidate in 1988, have been courting an unlikely contender who they think could at least bloody, if not beat, the Governor. Last week Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State in the Nixon and Ford Administrations, allowed that Republican leaders had urged him to run, and that he was actually engaged in a "consideration of their views."

The G.O.P. touted Kissinger, 62, as a formidable candidate, boasting instant name recognition and great potential fund-raising ability. But skeptics, mainly Democrats, doubted that the diplomat turned high-priced consultant is cut out for local politics or the rigors of the campaign trail. As Cuomo told the New York Times: "I know more about Buffalo than Beirut. Dr. Kissinger would be the other side of the coin." But could he beat the great global strategist? Yes, said the Governor, by "at least one vote."