DioGuardi, dad of 'Idol' judge, to run for Senate

[March 13, 2010]  ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The father of "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi (KEHR'-uh dee-oh-GWAHR'-dee), former Republican congressman Joe DioGuardi, is set to announce he is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Kirsten Gillibrand.

DioGuardi represented the suburbs north of New York City for two terms before he was defeated by Democrat Nita Lowey in 1988.

He is a certified public accountant who lives with his wife in Ossining, N.Y.

His campaign said Friday he will make an official announcement on Tuesday at Grand Central Station in Manhattan.

DioGuardi has a reputation as a kinetic politician and a fiscal conservative. He would join a Republican field that already includes former Long Island lawmaker Bruce Blakeman. A number of other Republicans are considering a run.

[Associated Press]

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