Metro

Giuliani’s silent upstate nod

Rudy Giuliani is publicly sitting out a bitter upstate congressional race — but one of his political advisers will be helping the Conservative Party candidate, in a move seen as a tacit nod, The Post has learned.

Adviser Jake Menges, who would not get involved if Giuliani opposed the move, will help 23rd Congressional District hopeful Doug Hoffman get out the vote against Republican Dede Scozzafava, Hoffman spokesman Rob Ryan confirmed.

Giuliani has faced intense lobbying from the National Republican Congressional Committee — helmed by Rudy booster Rep. Pete Sessions — to help Scozzafava, as national Democrats salivate over the chances of their candidate, Bill Owens.

Scozzafava, an Assemblywoman, has seen her candidacy crater to third place in polls, and many GOPers are staying away, citing her past backing from the left-tilting Working Families Party.

Former Gov. George Pataki, who has a home in the district and is considering a US Senate run, last night became the first top local GOPer to break with the party, giving Hoffman a full-throated endorsement.

maggie.haberman@nypost.com