New York: Spitzer May Face Democratic Challenger

[Frodo]

Spitzer may face Democratic challenger

By FRANK ELTMAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

MINEOLA, N.Y. -- New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who made some powerful enemies with his crackdown on Wall Street abuses and is now running for governor, could face a strong challenge from a fellow Democrat bankrolled by one of Spitzer's fiercest corporate foes.

Spitzer has at least $12 million in his ever-growing war chest, national stature from his attacks on corporate wrongdoing and a commanding lead in the polls. But that may not stop Tom Suozzi, a brash Long Island politician, from getting into the race.

Suozzi, the Nassau County executive, has the hugely influential backing of Home Depot founder Ken Langone, a Long Island billionaire who has tangled with Spitzer on Wall Street and has vowed to raise "as much money as I can" to help knock off the two-term attorney general.

Suozzi has yet to declare his candidacy officially but filed papers Wednesday to form a fundraising committee for a gubernatorial run, a state elections official said.

If he does run, he will have to upset a better-known candidate who already has the blessing of many Democratic party elders thirsting for victory after 12 years of Republican Gov. George Pataki.

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