Republicans are hoping to make gains in Washington this election year, especially in the U.S. Senate. But will they find a candidate for a race in New York? YNN's Bill Carey says the GOP and Conservative parties are on the hunt for a challenger to the state's junior U.S. Senator.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Republicans and conservatives freely admit that the attempt to unseat incumbent democrat Kirsten Gillibrand will not be easy.

“Any statewide election for a republican-conservative is tough. The registrations are not on our side,” said Greg Rigby, Cayuga County Conservative Party Chairman.

The most prominent GOP hopeful, to date, has been the Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos. But Maragos leaves many party leaders less than enthusiastic.

“When you have candidates, there's always pluses and minuses with any candidates,” said Onondaga County Republican Chairman Thomas Dadey.

Enter Marc Cenedella. He is not doing interviews, but he is touring the state meeting with party leaders, assessing whether he might enter the race. He is best known as founder of the job hunt site on the Internet, the Ladders. A self made millionaire.

Rigby said, “He's got some resources so that he will be able to get a credible message out there. He's bright. He's articulate. He speaks well. He's a good looking guy, from a physical standpoint, which means the camera will like him.”

“He knows how to create jobs. And let's face it, in this climate, in this economic climate, we need more people in Washington that understand the economy and understand how to create jobs,” Dadey said.

Cenedella is setting no deadlines for a decision on whether he'll run. But some party officials are telling him, with a primary possibly as early as June, he needs to move quickly. Some of those party off officials are convinced that he will enter the race.

“On a scale of one to 10, I would say he's probably at a 9.2,” Dadey said.

Cenedella will only say his travels will continue as he continues to test the waters.

The first test for any candidates seeking the GOP nod will be a delegate vote at a state republican convention. That is expected in May.