Suozzi Calls For Probe Of Spitzer's Handling Of Family Trust

Democrat Tom Suozzi, well behind in the polls against party-endorsed gubenatorial candidate Eliot Spitzer, has requested the New York State Ethics Commission look into Spitzer's role as trustee of a family trust.

Spitzer, of course, is the current attorney general, and in that position is responsible for oversight of trusts and non-profits.

Suozzi said Spitzer's dual roles present a conflict of interest, and he raised questions about investments allegedly made by the Spitzer trust in various hedge funds, whose executives, Suozzi says, later contributed to Spitzer's campaign.

Capitol Confidential reports the Spitzer campaign claims the A.G. recused himself from any dealings between his office and the family trust.

"We're fine with an ethics review," Spitzer spokesman Darren Dopp told Capitol Confidential. "There's nothing to hide. Eliot is extremely proud of his family's charitable work."