SPITZER ADVISING PATTERSON? YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS STUFF UP
Updated: Thu., Feb. 18, 2010, 8:33 AMÂ Eliot advising gov on scoring with voters
By FREDRIC U. DICKER and MAGGIE HABERMAN
PSSST….” I HAVEÂ SOME HOT NUMBERS FOR YOU”
Posted: 3:11 AM, February 18, 2010
Sources said Paterson has conveyed to associates that the disgraced ex-governor — who stepped down from his office in 2008 amid a prostitution scandal — has been advising him on how to rescue his flailing administration as he faces a looming Democratic primary challenge from Andrew Cuomo.
Sources said the advice has largely gone through an intermediary, instead of direct strategy sessions.
Spitzer has his own eye on a comeback at some point and knows that failings by Paterson, whom he chose as his lieutenant governor in the 2006 election, will be hung around his neck.
To help his legacy, Spitzer has made a string of suggestions to his successor, the sources said.
One source said Spitzer has indicated he might help Paterson raise some desperately need campaign cash, which would remain confidential until the next Board of Elections filing, on July 15.
Spitzer was also described as giving Paterson “some strong suggestions on how to handle” the state’s massive deficit, including the possibility of closing some corporate tax loopholes to raise an extra $1 billion.
And other sources said Spitzer has suggested political insiders to whom Paterson should reach out for help in the suburbs around New York City.
A Paterson aide didn’t respond to a request for comment.
In his recent TV appearances, Spitzer has been increasingly defending Paterson while he attacks Cuomo.
Cuomo succeeded Spitzer as state attorney general, and the two have long been antagonists.
Among other things, Spitzer has baited Cuomo over not openly running for governor yet — and, therefore, having the ability not to say what he would do fiscally.
Spitzer has been fashioning himself as something of a party leader-in-exile as he makes a bid to revive his own career.
The ex-governor has been advising Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr. and helping install some of his top aides in that office, and encouraging former state Sen. Mike Balboni to publicly say he was considering challenging Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a Democratic primary.
He’s talked openly with associates about running for office again, even as early as this year — despite the scandal and a lack of much public remorse.
Spitzer has also been ratcheting up his public appearances, showing up on “The Colbert Report” a few weeks ago — where he pointedly refused to say if he’s running for office.
He is about to face two books chronicling his spectacular fall from grace, which could blunt his comeback hopes for awhile.
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