ALBANY — The Washington-based strategist and chief spokeswoman for Gov. Paterson’s troubled election campaign abruptly resigned yesterday, insisting, “My decision is a business one.”

Tracy Sefl said in a statement that “it has been a privilege to work with the governor over the past year” and “I wish him and his team — both at the campaign and inside the Executive Chamber– much success.”

However, sources said Sefl had become increasingly frustrated and disappointed with Paterson’s faltering efforts to win support within the Democratic Party.

Sefl’s announcement came one week after Paterson revealed that his fund-raising effort had fallen far behind that of his primary rival, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.