Oddo and Grimm.jpg

In this 2010 photo, Republican congressional hopeful Michael Grimm, right, picks up the endorsement of then-Councilman James Oddo. (Advance file photo)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Michael Grimm, the former Staten Island congressman who served seven months in federal prison for tax fraud, may be considering a run for the Island's borough president, beginning with a primary against Republican BP James Oddo.

Some Republicans in the borough were recently contacted for a telephone push poll, asking a series of questions to gauge interest in a GOP showdown between Grimm and Oddo.

Reached Monday, the Republican Grimm said, "I have no comment other than, look a lot of people have asked me to run."

After being indicted in 2014 on 20 counts of tax evasion, hiring undocumented immigrants and perjury related to a health food restaurant he previously co-owned, Grimm pleaded guilty to one count of federal tax evasion, shortly after being re-elected to a third term.

Released from prison in May 2016, one month early, Grimm hinted at a return to politics, a comment that led to speculation among members of Staten Island's political class.

While he claims he has no knowledge of a plan for Grimm's political return, sources say Guy Molinari held a meeting last week to discuss such a comeback.

Several people with knowledge of the meeting said former congressman and borough president Molinari, Grimm's mentor and close friend, hosted the gathering to gauge interest and support for a possible Grimm run for borough president.

But Molinari insists it's just a rumor.

"I have friends come to see me at a gathering probably bi-monthly and we talk about things to keep friendships going," he said. "Nothing specific."

While several with knowledge of the meeting insist it was Grimm-centered, Molinari denies that.

"In the political world there's nothing greater than rumors," he said.

One GOP source with direct knowledge of the meeting said it was "a candid meeting" with Grimm "loyalists" but one that included "hard questions."

The source said Grimm isn't moving forward full speed, but weighing whether it's the right move.

"He needs to be convinced" the source said.

Another source, speaking about the poll, said it asked what issues are important in a Republican primary for borough president, asking whether voters would support Oddo or Grimm.

One question in the push poll focused on Hurricane Sandy relief, asking which of the two men did more for victims.

"It's obvious that this poll was an attempt by those who want to see Michael Grimm back in office to see whether he's a viable candidate," the source said.

Another GOP insider with direct knowledge of the meeting, said they feared this would further fracture the party that has yet to heal from previous infighting.

"There should be unity within the party," the source said.

Asked directly whether Grimm is weighing a run, Molinari said, "I don't know what Michael's going to do. He's a very talented guy and he helps me a lot, visits me a few times a week."

Oddo is expected to run for a second term in November, and sources close to him say he's also eyeing the soon-to-be vacant surrogate judge position, a race that would occur in November 2018.

The BP hasn't denied he may run for surrogate, saying he hasn't thought that far.

"Today is about today," he said when asked about it last month. "If and when I am forced to make a decision, I will do so -- but not until that day comes."

Speaking Monday about a possible Grimm challenge this year, Oddo said, "I am confident in the relationship we have built with the people of Staten Island through hard work, integrity, and authenticity. So, regardless of who is contemplating running against us, my reaction is the same: 'come get some'."