Democrat Portrait of the Day

Well, not quite the quite of portrait he'd sit for and have hanging in his office, which could well have been in the governor's mansion had he not become a common criminal. You might recognize him as former New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi. He's now known as Prisoner No. 1R1334.

Here’s Alan Hevesi, a disgraced, broken, jailed man — a symbol of Albany’s systemic corruption and a warning for other crooked politicians who follow in his footsteps.

This startling photo, released yesterday by the state Correctional Services Department, shows the once-dapper former state and city comptroller — known for his well-cut suits and carefully combed hair -- looking like the run-of-the-mill crook he has become.

With his newly shorn head and weary expression, he could be a Mafia rat or a career criminal instead of a once-powerful and respected official.

And, to no one's surprise, he could be any one of the dozens of state officials -- including a governor -- who in recent years have been linked to, or caught in, serious crimes.

Hevesi -- or Prisoner No. 1R1334 -- is serving a one to four years at the Ulster Correctional Facility in upstate Napanoch.

All male prisoners entering the state's prison system are required to shave their heads bald for hygiene purposes, according a Correctional spokeswoman.

Hevesi started his stint behind bars Friday. That brief time has already taken its toll on the 71-year-old former Queens College political-science professor.

In addition to losing his hair, Hevesi is battling health problems in prison.

His first day in the grim lockup was spent in the infirmary.

Officials refused to disclose why.

The sisters probably just had a welcoming party for him.