Gov. Eliot Spitzer's apology to the state, printed in Sunday's New York Times, over the issues related to trying to discredit Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno is a neat attempt at damage control. While the apology may be unorthodox, it may be seen by some, especially those in Albany, as a way for Spitzer to diffuse an issue that is sucking the oxygen out of the state Capitol.

Spitzer may regret most that this story has come out now, in the summer, when the Legislature has left town and Albany news bureaus have few events and meetings to cover. This story, about bare knuckles political intrigue within the corridors of power, is the type of story reporters salivate over.

The result has been weeks of news play for a story about how Spitzer's men (it has that Watergate tone to it, doesn't it?) tried to discredit the state's top Republican, who has clashed with the governor repeatedly since his inauguration seven months ago.

While Spitzer's people may have wanted to impugn the integrity of the leader of the “loyal opposition” they have done the remarkable instead. Where in recent years, because of another investigation about his connections, Bruno has had a continual ethical cloud over his head, this act of political stupidity has made him out to be a “victim,” not a role he has often been in.

Like Watergate - lets be clear that there has been no indication of criminal malfeasance - the popular incumbent's supporters didn't have to do what they are alleged to have done, in this case trying to portray impropriety over official aircraft usage. Like Richard Nixon in 1972, Spitzer has been at near record approval ratings. While he has been criticized by some media outlets and his opponents for his “steamroller” tactics, the rest of New Yorkers seem to like his approach to the status quo.

Give Spitzer credit for getting out in front of the story with an apology. The 500-plus word missive is a major step at damage control by the freshman governor. While he may have only suspended and transferred the culprits - firing them would have sent a stronger message - his comments should be taken to heart.

What may not play is his desire to stop the stories and investigations from continuing, by suggesting that “we can get bogged down in partisan politics that serves only to district us from the business at hand - the kind of headhunting that we are beginning to see.” Such headhunting is always easier if you are the hunter and your opponent is wounded, as is Spitzer's credibility.

Cosentino is a former mayor of Auburn and can be contacted at cozguytho@aol.com