ALBANY — The Pataki name apparently still carries political clout in New York.

Libby Pataki officially took over as Putnam County’s tourism director yesterday, with the Cuomo administration’s approval.

She replaces cancer-stricken Valerie Hickman, 76, but said she knew nothing about Hickman’s circumstances.

Hickman said she had a contract for the job through 2012, but was told by County Executive MaryEllen Odell, “I don’t care what contracts you have, we’re going to make Libby Pataki tourism director.”

Odell denied that, but did say she wanted her own team in place after being sworn in on Nov. 11 by Pataki’s husband, former three-term Gov. George Pataki.

Libby Pataki told The Post she applied for the partially state-funded job, went through multiple interviews and hasn’t taken any pay yet after four months at work in the $65,400-a-year position.