CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

Political fallout continued after Monday's recommendation by an administrative law judge against the takeover of Energy East Corp. by Iberdrola SA of Spain. Judge Rafael Epstein of the state Department of Public Service urged the five-member Public Service Commission to reject the $4.5 billion deal. His recommendation, while not binding, is infuriating some in Albany.

On Tuesday, Gov. David Paterson and Senate President Joseph Bruno weighed in.

"That person ought to be dismissed," Bruno, R-Brunswick, Rensselaer County, said of Epstein on WROW radio in Albany. "The Public Service Commission is one of the most ponderous, difficult bureaucratic agencies in this state."

Paterson suggested again that he supports the sale.

"I am especially focused on Iberdrola's commitment to invest $2 billion in wind energy in the state," Paterson said. "Iberdrola has also pledged $200 million in ratepayer benefits. ... Although this amount is less than suggested by the administrative law judge, I hope the commission will not let the perfect be the enemy of the good when it comes to ratepayer benefits."

Epstein said the proposed deal doesn't satisfy the public-interest requirement of state law.