State Democratic Committee chairman Jay Jacobs, installed by Gov. David Paterson in July, is stressing that the public—and Democrats—shouldn’t rule out a comeback for Paterson, who is struggling in the polls but plans to run for a full-term next year.

Jacobs, in an interview yesterday, said Paterson this fall will make a major push to restore his image. Jacobs expressed confidence that the Democratic governor can thwart any challenge for the Democratic nomination.

“We think he has a really strong record that once people hear about some of the things he has done and they get past some of the stuff that has given him some difficulties, they are going to see that he merits election to a full term,” Jacobs said.

“This fall we are going to be making that happen. People are going to get that message.”

Of course, Paterson’s aides thought this summer Paterson was going to turn things around, but his poll numbers have moved little amid the Senate leadership fight and his claims last month of a racist media.

And a Survey USA poll yesterday found that 41 percent of New Yorkers think Eliot Spitzer is more qualified to be governor compared to 24 percent for Paterson.

The new attempt may be underway, though. Despite raising taxes and fees and cutting a STAR tax rebate program, Paterson on Tuesday unveiled a new Website—taxpayer.ny.gov - that a news release says details the “state’s efforts to cut spending, improve the efficiency of state agencies, save taxpayer dollars and provide property tax relief.”

And Paterson is back touring the state today, making economic development announcements in Syracuse and Rochester.

Jacobs, reiterating what Paterson said last week, said that the polls are indicative of Paterson out their alone dealing with the state’s budget problems. Jacobs disputed claims that unions have given Paterson until October to turn things around or they will not back him for election.

“It’s a whole different story when that hypothetical becomes an actual and when you’re in a campaign and both sides are doing the hitting,” Jacobs said. “David Paterson has been taking the shots, but he hasn’t been hitting back on anybody. And that changes dramatically in a campaign.”