Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos told Rockland County Republicans he is exploring the possibility of running against U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand in 2012.
He explained why he wants to run.
"We need leaders with visions grounded in reality," Maragos told county Republican committee members Wednesday night.
He touched on a variety of issues including high gas prices, unemployment and failure of government policies.
"Nothing speaks louder about the failure of our energy policy than those sky high gas prices at the pump," he said, noting the country needs a national commitment to energy independence.
Maragos stated Nassau County has a lower unemployment rate than much of the area but said 25 million Americans are affected by the lack of jobs.
"An entire generation of college students is at risk," he said."This is wrong."
He criticized Gillibrand (D-NY) as being a "rubber stamp" to U.S Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and said she has done little for New York.
"We need a smaller government," Maragos said. "We need a fiscally sound government."
He spoke about his experience and background. Before becoming comptroller, Maragos was in business for 35 years, running his own firm and as an executive with several banks. In addition to his elected position, Maragos said Republicans hold the Nassau County county executive's seat and the legislature.
"We have restored financial stability to Nassau County," he said. "We have reduced taxes. Recently I reported we ended 2010 with a tax surplus."
Maragos asked the committee members, who had gathered for their county nominating convention, for their support to help him get to Washington D.C.
