NEW YORK – Charles Schumer, a Democrat and New York’s senior senator, still has a massive campaign chest, reported at over $19 million, but he is seeing his poll number slip a bit.  A recent Marist poll put his approval rating at 47 percent, the lowest in nine years.

Now, some Republican challengers are appearing.

Economist Larry Kudlow, a commentator on CNBC, who also does a local Saturday morning talk show on WABC, is said to be seriously interested in running. The New York State Conservative Party is already on record urging him to run.

Another Republican plans an official announcement, this week.

Martin Chicon, a graduate from Fordham University at Lincoln Center, with over 20 years of professional experience in the Computers and Technology field, will make the announcement on Wednesday, at a mid-town restaurant.

“I am running for the Senate, because I am a candidate with a bold new vision for the state of New York who will achieve real change -- one who will take New York state with the support of the people in a new direction”, says Chicon.  “New York State and the country in general are going in the opposite direction where they should be.  I remember when NY State was the greatest state in the Union, the leader of the USA in all areas.  Now, we are once again the leaders, but in a very negative way, leading the way down to the abyss.  This has to change and I am the leader to change it.”

New Yorkers have a unique opportunity to vote for both Senate seats this year.  A special election, on the November ballot, is to fill the final two years of former Sen. Hillary Clinton’s seat. 

Former Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat, appointed by Gov. David Paterson, to fill the vacancy, is running. 

Republican Bruce Blakeman is the only other declared candidate, so far.

A Marist poll in mid-January showed Gillibrand ahead of potential Democratic challenger, Harold Ford Jr., a former Tennessee congressman, but trailing a potential Republican challenger, former Republican Governor George Pataki, by a few points.