Outgoing Republican state Senator Nick Spano (R-Yonkers) may be leaving one job in Albany for another.
Governor George Pataki (R-NY) may appoint Spano to the Public Service Commission, which overseas public utility companies in the state. That appointment could put the commission firmly in the hand of the GOP, just as Democratic Governor-elect Eliot Spitzer takes office in January. Spano says he has not received an offer, however, he says it is nice that people close to the governor thought it worthwhile to mention his name for consideration.
Appointments made to the Public Service Commission by Pataki will likely be filled by Republicans, who will be confirmed by a Republican Senate majority. The governor has received criticism for what is considered stacking the deck on commissions. However, political analysts say that is the nature of politics.