Politics on the Hudson

Former President Bill Clinton, in his remarks to Westchester Democrats today, didn’t mention the controversy surrounding Tom DiNapoli’s election as New York comptroller.

But he did offer a very strong statement of support for both Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who was seated at a table directly in front of the former president, and Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who did not attend the breakfast.

“And let me say Lt. Gov Paterson, I think you and Gov. Spitzer seem to be in the solution business and I’m really happy about that too,” Clinton said. “I think you are going to do great in Albany.”

A few minutes earlier, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, who spoke to the audience before Clinton arrived, used his time at the podium to defend the legislature and to take a humerous, if not subtle jab at Spitzer. He described the Assembly as “the best legislative body in America.”

“We now have a wonderful new governor who is a bright, smart, active and active man,” Brodsky said. “And when he is right we’re gonna help him. And if, by accident, he ever needs guidance or help or a careful nudge on the shoulder we’re gonna do that too.”

In praising the legislature, Brodsky added that: “We are a beacon of liberty around the world, not because of our chief executives but because because we have legislative bodies that check them when they need checking.”