Politics on the Hudson

   Albany was abuzz today with news that former Gov. Eliot Spitzer might run for state comptroller, following a story in today’s New York Post that he had been discussing the possibility with Democratic leaders and insiders in recent weeks.

   Spitzer could not be reached for comment today, but sources close to the former governor and attorney general said he’s not interested in running for comptroller.

   When he was asked about the story on WOR Talk Radio this morning, Gov. David Paterson said Spitzer’s talents would be put to good use as state comptroller.

   “I guess it’d be pretty interesting, but, you know, I would say honestly the type of way that former Governor Spitzer managed would be most useful these days in the finance area, rather than in law enforcement—the Attorney General’s Office,” said Paterson, who was Spitzer’s running mate in 2006 and replaced him when Spitzer resigned in March 2008.

   Later, at a bill-signing ceremony on Long Island, Paterson quipped, “Did he mention that he was running for governor?” When told that wasn’t in the offing, he said, “Good.”

   Paterson said he didn’t have any reaction to the comptroller news. “I am not going to be distracted to talking about basically speculation at a time when I’m in the middle of a reality like no one you’ve ever seen,” he said, referring to the state’s fiscal crisis.

    Spitzer, who was attorney general before being elected governor in 2006, resigned in disgrace ater revelations he was involved with a prostitution ring.  The Democrat made the news several months ago when he began teaching a law and public policy class as a City University of New York adjunct professor. He helps run his father’s real-estate firm and has been writing a column for Slate.

   Spitzer’s more public image of late after an extended retreat from the limelight has led to speculation that he would seek statewide office next year.

      Current Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, also a Democrat, is finishing his first term and is planning a run next year. The former Assembly member—who is holding a $500-a-plate fundraiser in New York City Monday—was appointed to the post in 2007 after Alan Hevesi pleaded guilty to defrauding the government by using state workers to chauffeur his wife. He resigned.

   “The comptroller is not concerned about who runs against him,” said Dennis Tompkins, a DiNapoli spokesman. “He’s only concerned about doing the best job he can, and he’s confident that a year from now he’ll be starting his first full term as comptroller.”

   On the Republican side, former comptroller and gubernatorial candidate John Faso is being discussed as a possible candidate for comptroller. Harry Wilson, a hedge-fund manager from Scarsdale, Westchester County, has also indicated an interest in the seat, Republican officials said. He could not be reached for comment.

   Jay Jacobs, state Democratic Committee chairman, said Thursday that he hadn’t spoken with Spitzer on the issue. In his capacity as Nassau County Democratic chairman, Jacobs said he has already committed to backing DiNapoli, who is from Nassau County.

   “As much as I like Eliot Spitzer and think he’s very talented, my support is with Tom DiNapoli,” Jacobs said.

   New York Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay said he heard Thursday that Spitzer might want to run for comptroller and would be open to meeting with him. “He can call me anytime. I’d love to talk with him.”

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