Scandal-scarred Queens state Sen. Malcolm Smith could lose either way — in court or at the ballot box.
Deputy Queens borough President Leroy Comrie is ready to challenge Smith in a Democratic primary this summer — should the indicted senator escape conviction in his upcoming federal corruption trial, The Post has learned.
Comrie, a popular former city councilman, said Smith has become a political pariah and embarrassment who can no longer effectively serve his constituents.
“People tell me Malcolm can no longer be an effective leader. Malcolm went from being at the top of the government to someone no one wants to work with,” Comrie told The Post Tuesday.
“Malcolm can’t go to the Democrats, he can’t go to the Republicans, he can’t go to the Independents.”
Comrie said he will make an announcement shortly — but he sounded like a candidate, and sources close to the pol said his candidacy is a certainty.
“A lot of people in Queens County are pushing me to run. I’m in the final process of making a decision,” Comrie said.
“He’s 90 percent there,” a source close to Comrie said.
Another Queens Democratic political operative said Comrie has made it known that he’s running.
For Smith, the legal woes and political challenge from Comrie represents a stunning fall in political fortunes.
Smith served briefly as the powerful state Senate majority leader before getting ousted in a coup in 2009.
Smith’s legal troubles began when the Democrat campaigned to win GOP support to run for mayor. The feds charged him in a scheme to bribe Republican Party leaders to give him access to the GOP line.
Queens Democratic insiders caution it’s not a foregone conclusion that Smith would lose the primary challenge, should he avoid conviction. He’s known as an indefatigable campaigner and attuned to constituent concerns.
His trial is expected to begin June 2. Smith maintains his innocence.