Politicians from Albany to Washington remembered Tim Russert as a man who mixed with presidents and popes, yet never lost his common touch — a fair-minded inquisitor whose Sunday morning hot seat was a rite of passage, according to Newsday.

Sitting for a Russert-style grilling meant “that was the big leagues. People are watching you. It’s serious business,” said Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford).

New York politicians had a special connection to the Buffalo-born Russert, who worked for two of the state’s political icons — former Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan and former Gov. Mario Cuomo.

“America has lost a vital source of information, analysis and wisdom when we need it most,” Cuomo said. “Tim’s extraordinary success was more than enough to earn him respect, but he added to that a genuineness as a human being that made him as easy to like as he was to admire.”

Gov. David A. Paterson said “For those who watched ‘Meet the Press’ every Sunday, any guest on that program was subjected to his steadfast, disciplined, critical and honest nature. He was really an outstanding broadcaster.”

“Russert was as quick on the court as was on the ‘Meet the Press,’” Charles Schumer said.

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