Politics on the Hudson

   In a stunning political move, a North County Democratic senator today confirmed that Gov. David Paterson has offered him a state job that would have more than doubled his salary – and cleared the way for Republicans to regain his highly coveted seat.
Sen. Darryl Aubertine of Watertown said the governor’s top aide, Charles O’Byrne, offered him the post of chairman of the state Power Authority last week. He turned it down, however.
“I was flattered to be considered for a post like that,’’ Aubertine said today. “But I did make a commitment to the people of the 48^th District to serve in the Senate.’’
The move took New York political observers by surprise because Democrats and Republicans are in the midst of a furious campaign for control of the Senate, where Republicans now hold a 32-30 advantage.
Some see the offer as a peace offering from Paterson to Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.