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It may seem reasonable – reviving the commuter tax, which has been dormant since 1999, would take a slice of the incomes of suburban commuters who spend most of their workday in New York City.

"The values of their properties outside the city are to some extent because of the proximity to New York City and the better New York City is, the better their properties will be," said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a supporter of the commuter tax.

A spokesman for Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver confirmed Thursday that the lawmaker backs a return of the tax, even though he is credited with the tax’s prior demise.

Since the tax ended, it's estimated to have sapped the city more than $5 billion, which would be precious money in these economic precarious times.

However, one source said that the state senate would have to introduce the legislation, and State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos quickly quashed the idea.

Chances of a commuter tax revival could improve after Election Day if the Senate swings Democratic. But some say by supporting the idea now, Silver created a wedge issue that could drive voters to the Republicans right before a very possible Democratic takeover.

"So this becomes a way perhaps to actually strengthen the candidacy of Republican candidates,” said David Birdsell of Baruch College. “Create a political hurdle for Democratic candidates, who are going to be a tough position not to support a tax when failure to support a tax would mean cutting back even more drastically on social services that are more important to their constituencies."

Queens Senator and State Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, whose district would benefit from the return, nevertheless criticized the tax and Silver.

"Now is not the time to be talking about raising taxes," said Smith in a statement.

A spokesman for Governor David Paterson also said there would be no new taxes.

"The governor is not considering taxes. He’s continuing the process he began when he took office, to bring the state’s revenues in line with spending," said Paterson's spokesman. "Next week, he will meet with legislative leaders to begin crafting a plan to address the impact of Wall Street's financial woes on the state’s budget."

But in City Hall, where a new round of budget cuts are underway, Mayor Michael Bloomberg warmly received the idea.

"I've been screaming about the commuter tax for all the time I'm here," said Bloomberg.

It has been a losing crusade, but now the mayor is less lonely in his struggle.