After floating the idea of replacing Governor David Paterson, former mayor Rudy Giuliani is now said to have doubts courtesy of a yet to be determined race for the state's next GOP leader. NY1's Josh Robin filed the following report.

Outwardly, the race to become the state Republicans' next chairman is civil. Behind the gentlemanly formalities, increasingly it's anything but.

On one side is attorney Ed Cox, best known for being married to President Richard Nixon's daughter Patricia. On the other, is Henry Wojtaszek, a party leader from upstate Niagara County best known for having Mayor Rudy Giuliani's strong backing.

Giuliani wasn't at the Upper East Side forum Tuesday, but his imprint is so stamped on the race, and his choice so clear, an aide says the outcome could determine his decision to run for governor in 2010.

"If Ed Cox is the chairman, I don't see a scenario where rudy Giuliani runs," a Giuliani source said.

Giuliani's camp complains Cox is too socially conservative and isn't as good at raising money as he says. They say Wojtasek, on the other hand, radiates youthful energy.

Cox's backers, like supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis, can be equally dismissive of the other side.

"The fellow from Niagara is a very nice fellow, but who's going to follow anybody from Niagara," Catsimatidis said.

He and other Cox backers, though not Cox himself, say a previous election colors this one. Last year, Cox backed John McCain for president. Wojtaszek was an earlier Giuliani supporter whom Cox now calls too beholden.

"A strong party can help support a candidate much better than a party that is just seen as part of that candidate's candidacy," Cox said.

Wojtaszek insists he's independent, but doesn't hide his affiliation either.

"I think he's the best shot that we have now to win the governor's race and to also be the centerpiece of rebuilding our party," Wojtaszek said.

Ironically, some Republicans suspect Giuliani isn't going to run for governor, no matter the party chair. A recent poll has him beating David Paterson, but losing to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who could end up the Democrats' nominee.

The election for the state's next GOP leader will be held later this month.