The New York Post offered up its endorsement today in the R primary for governor, and managed to deliver an abject example of a bar set a hairsbreadth above floor level.

The seeming inevitability of Eliot Spitzer has conservatives of conscience [sic!] in New York so disheartened that many may be tempted to forego statewide elections this year - especially the race for governor.

Which could be disastrous for healthy two-party politics in the state for many years to come.

Taking a pass on going to the polls could result in a third-place finish (or fourth or fifth) for the GOP's gubernatorial nominee - embarrassing the party, costing it the second line on the ballot and weakening it even further, possibly for years.

Yup, this is true. The GOP could wind up jostling for third-party status with the WFP and Mike Long's little outfit. Nice job. Pataki should consider running for President.

Even Democrats enthralled with the notion of regaining the Executive Chamber should fret about the prospect of prolonged one-party rule.

Yes, I lie awake nights worried about that as often as the Post editorial board does over the same awful prospect in Washington.

Albany's dysfunction can only grow worse in such a circumstance.

Albany without Pataki and Bruno to speed things along; what a nightmarish idea.

Mind you, this was an endorsement. The polite thing to do when you endorse someone is, as a bare minimum, to pretend he can win. Not to ask him to sacrifice himself so your spot on the ballot doesn't drop to just above the Greens.