Governor-elect Andrew M. Cuomo's transition team interviewed outgoing Assemblywoman Dierdre K. Scozzafava last week for an unspecified position in the Democrat's new administration.

Ms. Scozzafava, a Gouverneur Republican who did not seek re-election, told the panel she'd like to help streamline state operations.

During Mr. Cuomo's recent tenure as attorney general, he sought and received legislative approval for a bill that makes it easier for taxpayers to consolidate towns, villages and special districts. As a gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Cuomo said he had further plans to consolidate some public services, even if it meant fewer jobs.

"I know the steps he's taken there with his consolidation bill, and pushing for ethics reform and going after the ethics lapses when they've occurred, regardless of party," Ms. Scozzafava said. "He's going to bring the same type of fervor to the governor's office."

Mr. Cuomo has put "a particular emphasis on luring Republicans" in a bid for a bipartisan administration, according to a Monday report by Elizabeth Benjamin, anchor of YNN's "Capital Tonight."

Ms. Scozzafava, who openly supported Mr. Cuomo this fall, said the transition team asked her to submit her resume so she could be considered for a job soon after the governor-elect won.

The assemblywoman said she has not heard from the transition team about any job since the interview. Ms. Scozzafava said she has private-sector job offers, but is "in a holding pattern" until she hears about potential positions in the Cuomo administration.

Kenneth D. Blankenbush, her Republican successor in the 122nd Assembly District, said Wednesday he has not yet hired staff.

Republican Patricia A. Ritchie, who ousted Democratic Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine in the 48th district, said she expects to hire a press liaison and a few part-time staffers within the week.

The Heuvelton resident said she has not decided whether she will employ a chief of staff, adding that she's not worried about the lack of state government experience among those she's hired so far.

"I went to orientation yesterday and a lot of people down there are ready and willing to help," she said, adding that some applicants she's considering have worked in other legislative offices.

The senator-elect has asked to be assigned to any of these committees: Energy and Telecommunications; Agriculture; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; and Environmental Conservation.

Mrs. Ritchie has no assigned office in Albany yet, but expects to meet with Mr. Aubertine today to talk about taking over the Senate office at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown.

She has granted interviews to newspapers since winning on Election Day, but declined an offer to appear on Ms. Benjamin's television show.

"My focus has been meeting with the constituents and trying to get my office set up and getting to the group that I need to talk to," she said Wednesday of the media requests. "I'm not opposed to doing 'Capital Tonight,' but I've got so many other things that take priority."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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