Politics on the Hudson

   Minutes before he stepped on his “Tax-Less Express” for a final campaign swing before Tuesday, Republican Comptroller candidate J. Christopher Callaghan introduced his wife, Liz, and quipped, “Here is the poor woman who will not have a chauffeur.”

   The joke is at the expense of Comptroller Alan Hevesi, who is embroiled in an ethics investigation for having a state employee chauffeur his disabled wife, Carol Hevesi. Callaghan disclosed in late September that Hevesi had not reimbursed the state for any of the chauffeuring. Hevesi then paid nearly $83,000. The state Ethics Commission recently alleged that Hevesi, a Democrat, broke state law by using his position to get unwarranted services for himself and his family.

   Hevesi could be fined or face suspension or impeachment. But none of that would happen before Election Day, and Hevesi has said the state’s voters, not elected officials, are the most qualified to decide his political future.

    Callaghan and other Republicans have capitalized on Hevesi’s situation. “Destination Integrity” is emblazoned above the front windshield of the white bus that Callaghan and company drove off in from Albany this morning. The tour includes stops around the state through Sunday, including Yonkers later today.

   “Our destination is integrity, and when we get there, we’re going to bring it back here,” Callaghan said.