Metro

Thwarted SI GOP boss quits

The leader of Staten Island’s influential Republican Party abruptly announced his resignation yesterday — a surprise move that could hurt the GOP’s chances to win the mayoralty.

GOP Chairman Bob Scamardella cited disagreements with some of the borough’s Republican elected officials — particularly Councilman James Oddo — as the reason for his decision to step down now.

“My resignation occurs because I have been hamstrung in my ability to function and I want to put an end to recent public displays of party discord,” Scamardella said in a letter to GOP County Committee members.

A protegé of power broker Guy Molinari, Scamardella referred to a “dispute” with an unnamed elected official, but it clearly was Oddo. The two have feuded over the borough’s GOP appointment to the city Board of Elections.

The infighting does not bode well for whoever ends up the GOP nominee for mayor.

Staten Island is the only borough where there is a Republican congressman and district attorney. But a GOP candidate would need a strong turnout to capture City Hall.