Before the State of the State address, Gov. Eliot Spitzer has released a list of campaign promises upheld, including what he claims are major changes in education, health, economic development, environmental protection and tax relief.

But these “major changes” are primarily credited to agencies, commissioners and departments held over from the Pataki administration.

In fact, the initiatives highlighted by Spitzer were in the works before the “steamroller” came into office. A $30 million bailout for dairy farmers, an increase in the number of charter schools, and continued construction of the Freedom Tower at ground zero; all began under Pataki.

So, apart from the successes of pre-existing agencies, what has Spitzer done for New York?

As a fellow donkey, I had high hopes for Spitzer. But his proposals, no matter how innovative, have not been well received. A self proclaimed “steamroller,” Spitzer quickly retreats when challenged. His gay-marriage proposal was almost a nod to the party; “Sorry, guys. I tried.” Then Spitzer fought a whole two months before abandoning his immigrant license proposal.

If Spitzer didn't surrender his projects so flippantly, his attitude might be easier to swallow. One of Spitzer's most prominent adversaries, Senator Dodd may be boring, but at least he conducts himself like a gentleman. I certainly don't swoon at the “F” word, but as governor of New York, you'd think he'd be more mindful of his tongue in interviews and sound bytes.

Don't get me wrong, I like a rogue, cowboy politician; if he actually walked the walk.

The New York State Ethics Board is still investigating accusations against the Spitzer administration, for ordering the state police to keep records of the whereabouts of Senate majority leader Joseph Bruno. How exactly did Spitzer think he was going to get away with that! And if that wasn't scandalous enough, the Senate is investigating a multimillion dollar loan that Spitzer received (under the table) from his father back in 1998, circumventing campaign limits.

Scandals are an everyday part of politics; but these deliberate abuses of power have left New Yorkers cold. I think that Spitzer's effectiveness as governor has been crippled by his blatantly brash and unscrupulous behavior. The consequences of his choices will undoubtedly have an impact on the struggling Democrats in rural Central New York, who depend on strong leadership within the party to hold voice in a predominantly Republican region.

What do I think of Gov. Eliot Spitzer? If the margins of this column were wider, I could make a list too.

Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com