GOP gubernatorial hopeful Carl Paladino has hired a veteran operative who is the subject of a Manhattan DA’s probe for work he did on Mayor Bloomberg’s 2009 campaign, a spokesman for the Buffalo businessman confirmed.

Paladino spokesman Michael Caputo said Haggerty has joined the campaign as the political director and will be responsible for convention operations and petitioning.

Haggerty was subpoenaed in February along with state Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay by Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr.’s office. Vance is investigating a $750,000 personal campaign contribution made by Bloomberg to the Indy Party and passed on Haggerty who has yet to fully account for how he spent the cash.

At issue is an Albany-based firm, Special Elections Operation LLC, which Haggerty created after the election as a pass-through for Bloomberg’s money. The case is ongoing.

Caputo said the Paladino campaign is well aware of the DA’s investigation, but are “satisfied with John’s version of events” after a long discussion with him and his attorney, former AG Dennis Vacco.

“We’re completely comfortable,” Caputo told me. “John presented his case. He’s an expert at petitioning and has proved his value in many campaigns.”

“We’re going to count on his completely to engineer a petition campaign that can get Carl into the Republican primary and also help petition him onto a third party line, if necessary. Other than that, we don’t want to comment.”

Haggerty did not return a call and e-mail seeking comment.

I asked Caputo if Paladino, who has received the Erie County GOP endorsement and could be in the king-making position at the state convention, might be willing to throw his support to either of his opponents: Rick Lazio or Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy.

Caputo replied he is positive “beyond metaphyscial certitude” that won’t happen, adding that Paladino got into the race because he believes he is the best candidate to take on – and defeat – Democratic AG Andrew Cuomo.

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