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HOT SEAT: RACE FOR ROY’S JOB GETS FIERY

A special election for a state Senate seat has turned Manhattan’s East Side into a battleground – with political heavyweights treating the race as an important preview to this November’s statewide elections.

Although few New Yorkers could probably name the candidates – Democrat Liz Krueger and Republican Assemblyman John Ravitz – almost everyone is on a first-name basis with their biggest supporters.

Rudy and Liza are starring in commercials for Ravitz, while Krueger is counting on Chuck and Hillary for fund-raising.

The fiery Feb. 12 special election was sparked by the resignation of Republican state Sen. Roy Goodman, who after 33 years representing the wealthy district is taking a job with Mayor Bloomberg.

While the Republicans hold a 35-to-25 Senate advantage, Democrats hope that winning would send a message to the GOP and Gov. Pataki.

Political wizards Norman Adler and Rick Wilson are on Ravitz’s team.

Krueger, who barely lost to Goodman in 2000 – in fact, she was ahead until absentee ballots were counted – has the state Democratic Party’s spokeswoman, Serena Torrey, sending out daily updates on her campaign.

“In a town where people thought there would be some room to breathe after the mayor’s race and before the governor’s race, we’re giving them some spring training,” said Ravitz, who is having Bloomberg host a fund-raiser on Thursday.

“On the one hand, we’re not overshadowed by any other races, but it’s not always easy reminding people that there’s actually an election in February,” said Krueger, who had a Friday fund-raiser with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Krueger has one big factor in her favor: 52 percent of the voters in the district are Democrats; just 23 percent are Republican.

“Despite what everyone is saying, this is still a local election and both of us have been out there acting like this is a normal race,” said Ravitz.

Try telling that to the spinmeisters of the winner on Feb. 13.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Liz Kruger vs. John Ravitz

Age: 44/41

Spouse: Urban planning professor John Seley/ Berry Ravitz, on leave as executive assistant to Gov. Pataki.

Children: None/Three.

Resume: Hunger and community advocate/State Assemblyman.

Favorite Politician: Eleanor Roosevelt/Abraham Lincoln.

Favorite Book: ”The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery [cq] Williams and ”Social Policy” by Richard Titmuss/”Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry.

Favorite Movie: ”Casablanca”/The ”Rocky” series.