Politics on the Hudson

   The state Commission of Investigation, which usually responds with “no comment” when asked for details of pending investigations, just issued a statement commenting on Troopergate. Aides to now-former Gov. Eliot Spitzer were found to have worked with the state police and produced air travel records meant to damage the Democrat’s chief rival—Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, Rensselaer County. Although Spitzer resigned March 17 following revelations he was involved in a high-class prostitution ring, investigations into Troopergate continue.

   “While as a matter of policy, the commission generally refrains from commenting publicly on pending investigations, we believe this matter is so crucial to the confidence New Yorkers have in their government that the Commission feels it is important to announce that it has renewed its investigation into this whole matter,” commission Chairman Alfred Lerner said in an e-mailed statement.

“Let me be clear.  The Commission is not investigating the events concerning Troopergate; more than enough investigations of the issues surrounding those events have taken or are taking place.  Rather, the Commission is investigating the investigations” commission Chairman Alfred Lerner said in an e-mailed statement. “We are seeking to determine the efficacy of the various investigatory efforts, including those of the Albany County District Attorney, the State Inspector General and the State Commission on Public Integrity.”

   Albany County District Attorney David Soares issued a report last Friday that said Spitzer kept close tabs on the release of information on Bruno to the media and used profanity when speaking of Bruno. Spitzer had said he had no knowledge of what his staff had been doing. Soares has been criticized for not aggressively pursuing Spitzer in the matter.