By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – State Comptroller Alan Hevesi is finding himself in some hot water as he seeks re-election this year. Criticism continues of Hevesi's use of a state employee as a personal chauffeur for his ailing wife, even though he's promised to reimburse the state.
The controversy erupted last Friday when Comptroller Hevesi admitted the use of a state driver for his wife's travels. He explained that his wife Carol suffers from several debilitating illnesses and cannot be left alone. Hevesi did say he will reimburse the state for the estimated $82,000 cost.
His Republican opponent in November's election, J. Christopher Callaghan, continues to put the heat on Hevesi. With little name recognition, Callaghan, a former Saratoga County treasurer, has been badly trailing in the polls. But now, says Canisius College Political Scientist Michael Haselswerdt, the media will start paying attention. Callaghan himself says he plans to look into other possible shortcomings in the comptroller's office. He says the ultimate arbiter of Hevesi's actions will be the voters on election day.
Still, Haselswerdt said he doesn't believe that this is a fatal blow to Hevesi and that the incumbent should win re-election in November.