ALBANY - Harold Ford Jr. made his first visit to New York's Capitol yesterday as he publicly flirts with a possible Democratic primary challenge to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, casting himself an independent alternative.

The former congressman from Tennessee and current Manhattan resident continues to tour his adopted home state. Ford told reporters trailing him at the Capitol that he had yet to make up his mind on a Senate run.

But he spent much of his brief visit acting like a candidate: He introduced himself to scores of state workers and made the case before TV cameras that voters want something different.

"I think a more independent, stronger and steadier voice is something that could be more effective," Ford said. ". . . And as I listen to voters, a few things I've found . . . is that many people don't know who their senators are."

The Albany stop came after a Sunday visit to Buffalo, and more trips around the state are planned. Ford admitted he knows little about upstate cities such as Utica and Schenectady but said, "I hope to learn a lot more in the coming weeks."

Gov. David A. Paterson appointed Gillibrand a year ago to fill the unexpired Senate term of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

She is running for election this year. Polls show the former upstate congresswoman with more support than Ford, though Ford is known as strong fundraiser and he has connections to Wall Street through his vice chairman job at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Ford took a 30-day leave of absence from his job last week as he makes his decision.

Ford's brief visit to Albany yesterday included a radio interview, talking to reporters and taking a tour of the ornate Capitol.

He also made an impromptu visit to Senate Democratic President Malcolm Smith behind closed doors.

Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez; Gary Licker

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.

Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez; Gary Licker

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.

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