Rudy Giuliani to serve on Cuomo transition panel

ALBANY - Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, will help lead a committee advising Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo on whom to hire for state criminal justice jobs, a Cuomo aide confirmed Monday.

Giuliani, a Republican who some had hoped would run for governor this year, will serve as co-chairman of Cuomo's transition committee on public safety, said Cuomo aide Josh Vlasto. The other co-chairmen are Raymond Kelly, the city's police chief, and Zach Carter, former U.S. attorney for Brooklyn and Long Island.

Giuliani's role wasn't announced Sunday when the committee was unveiled. It has 14 members, including U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford), former state Sen. Michael Balboni (R-East Williston), Assemb. Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood), former FBI director Louis Freeh and former Manhattan district attorney Robert Morganthau.

Giuliani's job was first reported by the Daily News. He is the latest in a growing list of Republicans to sign on to help Cuomo prepare to become governor on Jan. 1.