George Pataki just sent out a statement offering an eleventh-hour endorsement of GOP gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, who once referred to the former governor as a “degenerate idiot.”

“One-party rule has led New York State to the brink of ruin,” Pataki said.

“The ethical and fiscal morass that Democratic control has wrought upon our state government can only end if we re-establish a vigorous two-party system. The best way to achieve this is through competitive statewide candidates.”

“While I don’t agree with my party’s nominee for governor on any number of issues, we do agree on three essential Republican-Conservative core beliefs: The need to cut taxes, reduce spending and shrink the size of government. It is with these bedrock beliefs in mind that today I endorse Carl Paladino for governor.”

That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, but it’s the best Paladino could hope for this late in the game.

As recently as last week, Pataki, who was a Rick Lazio supporter, was refusing to say whether he would support Paladino – or even vote for him – saying he was holding out to see if the Buffalo businessman would be able to stop putting his foot in his mouth and start focusing on “issues.”

(It should be noted the two did have a sit-down not long after the Sept. 14 primary at which Paladino apologized for insulting Pataki and sought his support and advice).

This move is really a lot more about Pataki and his national aspirations than it is about Paladino, who is trailing Cuomo by double digits – at least according to the public opinion polls that the candidate rejects.

The former governor, who started out his tenure in 1995 as very conservative (remember that he ran on restoring the death penality and cutting taxes) and then swung toward the middle to get re-elected in the Democrat-dominated state in 1998 and 2002, has again reverted to his old right-leaning days with his Revere America committee and its anti-”Obamacare” message.

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