Here in this city of labor rights, gay pride and lefty havens, Tea Partyers lead double lives as foot soldiers in a quiet war to reverse the direction of America.

A statewide Marist Poll of 686 New Yorkers commissioned last month by the Daily News highlighted the phenomenon: One in four registered voters statewide considers himself a Tea Party supporter. That translates to 21% in the city, and 25% in Long Island and Westchester County – enough to make politicians tremble.

“Want to know how big a deal they are?” asked former Staten Island Borough President and longtime GOP powerhouse Guy Molinari, 81. “If I were running today, I would be kissing their butts.”