| Go back in time to early 2007. Alan Hevesi was re-elected as comptroller, but wasn't about to serve out that term. That is when chaos ensued and Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli was picked by his colleagues to become the next comptroller.
Who considered DiNapoli unqualified for the post and railed against the appointment? None other than the governor at the time, Eliot Spitzer.
So today's piece in the New York Post should come as no surprise. Spitzer is seriously considering a run for comptroller.
Spitzer has in recent weeks had discussions with some Democratic donors and insiders about the position currently held by Tom DiNapoli.
DiNapoli, a former assemblyman from Long Island, was appointed comptroller in 2007 after his predecessor, Alan Hevesi, pleaded guilty to using state workers as chauffeurs for his wife.
A Democrat who spoke with Spitzer said, "He's seriously thinking about it."
...
It's unclear whether a Spitzer candidacy would rely on a Democratic donor base, or if the former governor -- whose family is wealthy -- is thinking of pouring his own dough into a campaign.
It is also unclear if he would challenge DiNapoli in a primary, or if he's considering running as an independent.
But Spitzer has privately made clear for several months that he sees DiNapoli as vulnerable -- a view shared by many Democrats.
DiNapoli is vulnerable. His poll numbers aren't very good and with the right primary opponent (or even a general election foe), he will lose.
It would also give Spitzer the ultimate payback. Spitzer was dealt a blow early in his administration when DiNapoli was picked to become comptroller by the Assembly, a body that DiNapoli once served in and made plenty of friends in. So his appointment came as no surprise. His friends voted for him and Spitzer lost. Spitzer believed then what he still believes now: DiNapoli is unqualified for the job.
Spitzer comes with some upside. He has the name recognition (DiNapoli doesn't), the money (DiNapoli wouldn't have nearly as much as Spitzer would) and the knowledge (DiNapoli has done alright in his role, but Spitzer would be a much better comptroller) needed for the post. The downside is obvious: He is a man who has a scandal that is nearly two years old. It was a scandal that you could argue contributed to more dysfunction in a state that doesn't need anymore.
But the possibility of Spitzer being on the ticket is certainly intriguing. Especially if Andrew Cuomo decides to run for governor. That would create a super ticket for Democrats in 2010 and ensure that this blue state remains as such come January 2011. |
