Home at last. Governor David Paterson said that even in Iraq, New York's soon-to-be open senate seat is big news.

"Every day we would read these quotes," said Paterson as he spoke to reporters Wednesday.

Now that he's back, chatter is only rising along with tensions with Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

For the second time in three days, Bloomberg said Paterson should hurry up and pick a replacement.

"I do think the governor, as I said the other day, should make a decision, because this is distracting and we don't need another sideshow. Albany has some very serious problems to deal with, as does the city and we should be focusing on that," said Bloomberg.

Paterson was said to be none too happy the first time Bloomberg suggested he step on it. His response Wednesday -- measured.

"What I am doing is not designating anyone, which would cause an even bigger stir, while Senator Clinton is still senator but will wait until we are assured that she is leaving, which is the proper government order in which to operate, and I hope everybody will respect that," said Paterson.

The tensions come amid a budget battle pitting the city versus the state, and as Bloomberg ally Caroline Kennedy fades as the governor's once certain-seeming pick.

Another contender, Congressman Steve Israel, who traveled with Paterson into the war zones, first suggested the trip before anyone knew the seat would be open.

"I've always had a friendship with Governor Paterson when he was lieutenant governor, and this trip was not about anything other than bringing the governor into the military theater where he has a considerable number of the national guard under his command and visiting them personally," said Israel.

The trip no doubt strengthened the ties between the congressman and the governor. But that doesn't necessarily bump Israel up on Paterson's list to replace Clinton.

That's because the selection has Paterson confronted with ethnicity and geography concerns. Israel might also be too much like the state's senior senator, Brooklyn's Charles Schumer.

Paterson called Israel highly qualified when asked Wednesday, but went no further.