He's still from Jersey, but Gov. Piscopo?

NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Former "Saturday Night Live" regular Joe Piscopo is mulling a run for governor of New Jersey, the New York Daily News reported Thursday.

Piscopo may be best known for his SNL character, Paulie the chemical plant worker, who asked everyone in sight, "I'm from Jersey... Are you from Jersey?" But for governor?

The comic confirmed to the News "some prominent business guys" are trying to persuade him to run for governor. Piscopo would not identify them but said, "They've suggested I run as an independent. They have the financing, but they've assured me I wouldn't be beholden to them."

Piscopo, a lifelong Democrat, said his party had been embarrassed by Gov. Jim McGreevey's disclosure that he had a gay affair with a man he placed on the state payroll, although the man denies they were lovers.

"My heart goes out to Jim and his family," Piscopo said. "Frankly, everybody knew (he was gay). But I figured, 'What's the big deal? He and (his wife) Dina have an understanding.' I thought he was doing a good job."

"We have to stop the special interests," said the native of Passaic, N.J. "We have the highest property taxes in the nation. We're not getting enough back."

"I'm such a Jersey guy," Piscopo said. "We're so disrespected. It's time someone stepped in. So out of love, I might try it -- as a fun run!"