NEW YORK OVERNIGHT : Rocky Jr. Wants to Play Politics, Just Like Dad

ROCKY’S SON SHOPS FOR POLITICAL OFFICE: Look for Nelson A. Rockefeller Jr. to throw his hat into the ring in about a year.

The son of the late governor and Vice President is getting the itch to run for public office. But first he wants to get his feet wet.

Rocky, 26, told Westchester GOP leader Anthony Colavita that he wants to get started in politics by learning the ropes on various political committees.

“We had a meeting for a couple of hours in my office in White Plains and he agreed that it’s too early for him to run,” Colavita said. “I see him running next year for (either) state or federal office--but first we think it is wise for him to get started on the local level.

“He’s got tremendous power. He’s bubbly, exciting. He speaks well. He’s young, good-looking and very strong. And he has the name!”

Nelson works in investments at Morgan Guaranty. After he graduated four years ago from his dad’s alma mater, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo appointed him to the Taconic Park State Commission.

“We’ve agreed he’ll be more active than that,” Colavita said.

ETHNICS WOO GORBY, BUSH: Imagine Mikhail S. Gorbachev and George Bush sharing borscht and broccoli together on Ellis Island. It could happen this fall.

The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations would like to have ‘em to its second Ellis Island Medals of Honor Dinner the weekend of Sept. 29, when they’re likely to be in town for UNICEF’s World Summit for Children. It’s also the time when the U.N. General Assembly opens for business.

NECO Chairman William D. Fugazy cautions that “the whole thing is too premature.”

But we hear NECO has already started the arm-twisting to bring about the coup. For example, the matter has already been discussed between NECO and Thomas Pickering, U.S. envoy to the United Nations.

The gala is the first ever scheduled for Ellis’ restored Great Hall.

TEE TIME AT DINAH’S: Kirk Douglas is an intense golfer and doesn’t talk on the greens. Burt Lancaster loves the game but doesn’t get much of a chance to play. Joe DiMaggio, who has arthritis in his right hand, says it makes him relax. James Garner’s knees hurt but he still plays.

And Dinah Shore brought ‘em all out for her annual Nabisco Pro-Am segment in Rancho Mirage, which lasts through Sunday.

Bob Hope, who has never missed one of Dinah’s tournaments, was busy in Acapulco shooting his April TV special. He sent his wife, Dolores, instead.