In the news.....

By PATRICK HEALY
Published: December 15, 2006
It’s her! Wait, who’s she with? Wait — not him? With him?!?

Probably the juiciest power lunch of the week unfolded at the Four Seasons yesterday as Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton sized up her 2008 presidential chances with none other than the Republican power broker Alfonse M. D’Amato, with former Mayor Edward I. Koch merrily riding shotgun.

Mr. D’Amato, the former senator from New York, described himself in an interview yesterday as a big, big fan of hers, (though he will be supporting a Republican in 2008), and said he told her not to lose a minute’s sleep over her possible Democratic rival — “what’s-his-name, Obama.” The three dine together once or twice a year, with each taking a turn at picking up the check. (Mrs. Clinton, who had the $56 Dover sole, paid yesterday, so the White House consultation did come at a price, something north of $250.)

Over salad, Nantucket Bay scallops and a plate of heavenly truffles (gratis), Mr. D’Amato and Mr. Koch said they analyzed the 2008 field, and both predicted that Senator John McCain would be the Republican nominee and that former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani would be his running mate.

Mr. Koch said he told Mrs. Clinton that she would triumph over that ticket, while Mr. D’Amato, a friend of both men, would not reveal how he rated her chances.