FOR THE RECORD

A key to Rudy Giuliani's strategy for capturing the Republican nomination for President next year is to appear invincible in his home state. A new poll, however, indicates that while Mr. Giuliani will easily vanquish his GOP opponents here, he will have a tough time winning the state in November if Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee.

A Siena Research Institute survey of 620 registered voters statewide between May 18 and 25 showed Mr. Giuliani getting 50 percent of the vote in the Republican primary, with Arizona Sen. John McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, ex-House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Tennessee Sen. (and "Law and Order" District Attorney) Fred Dalton Thompson dividing the other half of the votes.

One of the compelling arguments the ex-Mayor will make to a national party that does not share several of his positions on key social issues is that he would give it the best chance to prevail in states that traditionally go Democratic in presidential elections, such as New York and California.

The Siena poll, however, indicated that if Ms. Clinton is the Democratic nominee, she would easily defeat him here, and that her edge over Mr. Giuliani is actually growing.

An April survey found her leading Mr. Giuliani by 48 to 43 percent. The more-recent poll showed her adding support while he slipped, with the count now 52 to 39 percent.

Ms. Clinton's "favorite sister" status is also growing against her leading Democratic rivals: she would defeat Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and former Vice President Al Gore by 29 points.

Further bad news for Mr. Giuliani comes in the poll's finding that Mr. Obama would beat him by 10 points statewide.

The ex-Mayor's favorability rating has also slipped, from 63 percent at the start of the year to 51 percent at the end of last month.

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The State AFL-CIO will begin broadcasts of the second season of "Working New York" June 20 on the Regional News Network beginning at 8:30 p.m.

The show is hosted by State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes and deals with social, political and economic issues as they affect working people. For viewers in the city, it airs on Channel 19 on Cablevision and Channel 91 on Time-Warner Cable.

Mr. Hughes said in a statement that he was optimistic that the new time slot (it aired during its first season at 10 p.m.) would allow the show to build on the audience it developed in "providing a stronger voice for working men and women throughout the state."

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Three State AFL-CIO staffers recently were given upgrades in their titles and duties.

Mario Cilento, the longtime spokesman for the organization, has been named chief of staff to President Denis Hughes, and will oversee the daily operations of both the New York City and Albany offices of the state federation, coordinating both policy and staff departments.

Suzy Ballantine, who had been the director of political education, was promoted to assistant to the president for governmental affairs and will oversee activities with the Governor's Office and Congress.

Amy Desjardins, who had been liaison to the federation's various components throughout the state, has been given the title of director of organizing and field services.

In each case, they will continue to perform their old duties while taking on the added responsibilities.

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The Managerial Employees Association is conducting prep courses for its members on four days prior to the Administrative Manager promotion exam June 16.

The classes will be held at the MEA's headquarters, 50 Broad St. (between Exchange Pl. and Beaver St.), Suite 1101 on June 5, 7, 12 and 14, all beginning at 6 p.m.

There will be a $10 registration fee to cover the cost of materials. To reserve a seat, call Sadie Culler at (212) 964-0035.

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Our best wishes to Pete Gorman, who stepped down from the presidency of the Uniformed Fire Officers' Association after eight years to become chief of staff to the president of the International Association of Fire Fighters.