and the spending goes on and on and on, seems like it’s endless. I can see it now, we will be paying for his security if and when he runs for president…

GREAT EX-PENSE George Pataki gets 20K a week security

January 1, 2007 — Gov. Spitzer has granted George Pataki
24-hour-a-day State Police protection, a shockingly expensive security
detail that’s never been offered to a former New York governor, The
Post has learned.

Democrat Spitzer reluctantly agreed to Republican Pataki’s last-minute
security request, despite misgivings that such an action could violate
the same law that led former state Comptroller Alan Hevesi to plead
guilty to a felony, a source close to the new governor said.

Hevesi had claimed security concerns justified his using state
employees to drive his wife around and run personal errands.

Spitzer was also uncertain as to what, if any, threat Pataki might
face, and has ordered an investigation to find out.

The special security for Pataki could cost taxpayers $20,000 or more a
week if it is limited to four round-the-clock State Police officers,
who can each earn $80,000 or more a year.

It could cost a whole lot more if Pataki receives the far larger
security detail - sometimes numbering a dozen or more - to which he’s
been accustomed.

Spitzer has asked the state Ethics Commission, which found Democrat
Hevesi’s actions broke the law, to provide him with an advisory
opinion on the legality of providing security to the former governor.

He has also asked the State Police to conduct an independent
assessment of whether Pataki faces significant threats.

Spitzer is also expected to ask at least one other police agency or
independent security consultant to weigh in as well.

Pataki joined in and asked the Ethics Commission for its opinion after
learning The Post had planned to report on the special security
arrangement.

Darren Dopp, Spitzer’s communications director, refused to provide
details of the protection being granted Pataki, saying only, “The
state will provide an appropriate level of security to ensure the
safety of the former governor.”

Dopp confirmed the Ethics Commission “will be consulted to ensure that
the matter is handled correctly,” and he said both the State Police
and “outside security consultants will help determine what is required
and for how long.”

No previous governor has been granted State Police protection on
leaving office, experts and ex-officials said.

The source close to Spitzer said the security provided Pataki would be
“temporary” and would - if continued after the reviews are made -
likely last several weeks and no more than a few months.

“Mario Cuomo got nothing from Pataki after he left office 12 years
ago,” said a senior Democrat who remains close to ex-Gov. Cuomo. “If
Mario needed security, he had to call the cops.”

Pataki spokesman Michael Marr called the security “transitional” and
said it would last at least until the end of January.