Civil Service Union Said To Be Ready To Endorse Spitzer Tomorrow, Plus a Few Other Campaign Notes

Capitol Confidential is reporting tonight that the Civil Service Employees Association will announce the union's endorsement of Eliot Spitzer for governor tomorrow.

MALONEY GETS GAY RIGHTS GROUP'S BACKING

It may not be quite as big as CSEA backing, but Sean Patrick Maloney, currently running third in the polls in the race for state attorney general on the Democratic side today, picked up the endorsement of the Empire State Pride Agenda, a gay rights organization, according to the Associated Press . Maloney is the only openly gay candidate in the race.

CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY SEES 20TH DISTRICT RACE NOW IN PLAY

CQPolitics.com, the Congressional Quarterly's Web site has taken notice of Kirsten Gillibrand, the Democratic challenger in the race for the 20th Congressional District seat in New York, mostly because of the money she has raised so far. Gillibrand has raised more than $700,000 through March 31, which has prompted CQ to change the status of her race against incumbent Republican Rep. John Sweeney to "Republican favored" from "safe Republican."

PATAKI TAPS BUFFALO REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER FOR SECRETARY OF STATE

Governor Geore Pataki's office announced today that Pataki has nominated Christopher Jacobs of Buffalo for the vacant Secretary of State post. He'll serve as acting secretary until he faces a confirmation vote in the state senate. The position has been vacant since Randy Daniels left last fall to begin his aborted campaign for governor. Jacobs is a real-estate developer involved in Buffalo's revitalization efforts and served for more than two years as Deputy Commissioner of the Erie County Office of Planning and Economic Development a few years back.

RUDY - WHO'S NOT RUNNING IN '08 - STUMPS FOR ULTRA- CONSERVATIVES

The New York Times reported today that Rudy Giuliani, who is undecided about a presidential bid, spent yesterday trying to bloster the fortune's of ultra-conservative Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. Meanwhile, Giuliani is also scheduled as a headliner at a luncheon for Ralph Reed, who is running for Lieutenant Governor in Georgia this year. Strange company for the socially liberal Giuliani to be keeping.