Thomas DiNapoli

David Paterson just named a guy from Long Island—William Cunningham—to be his top aide. Will that pave the road to Albany for another Long Islander, Tom Suozzi?  read more »

Eliot Spitzer and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced a plan today for reforming the management of the $154 billion state pension fund.

But they did not recommend putting the fund under the control of a board of trustees. (Currently, the state comptroller’s office manages it alone). After DiNapoli's predecesssor, Alan Hevesi, resigned over alleged misuse, it reawakened a long-standing debate about the safety of the fund in the hands of one official.

Andrew Cuomo, who is investigating Hevesi, seems to be reserving judgment. From a statement:

"We agree that the Comptroller's Office needs significant reforms and will comment on them at the end of our ongoing investigation concerning that Office."

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli wants public financing for all comptroller candidates, he said this morning.

He has not opened a campaign account, nor begun fund-raising, and has returned all checks he has received in support of his re-election. The filing in January will show his account has no money.

At a business breakfast at the Grand Hyatt, he also fielded a question that referred to a Joe Bruno quote in a recent New Yorker article when Greg David, editor of Crain's asked, "Is Shelly Silver really the biggest wimp in town?"

More after the jump.

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At his big fund-raiser last night, Eliot Spitzer sounded almost like his old self.

“Inspiration is hearing someone say, ‘No it can’t be done, it won’t be done’ and then, proving them wrong,” the governor said. “Look around this room. Look around this state. There is inspiration everywhere.”

Afterwards, I asked him if the speech was a deliberate return to the governing style that got him elected.

“I don't know if it was a return," he told me. "I think it was just a statement of principles that sort of capture what we need to do. It certainly is a theme that I have talked about during the period when I was running for governor: the need to be the center of innovation and intellectual creativity. That’s what New York has historically been and that is what we’ve got to be if we are going to be a vibrant economy."

Here was the analysis of State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli: “I think he’s trying to get back to the core of what he ran on a year ago.”

 read more »

State Senator Malcolm Smith, who had some trouble explaining his position on same-sex marriage earlier, came out strongly in support of it today, in response to a court ruling on the issue. From a statement:

"Today's State Supreme Court Decision upholding the rights of gay marriages to benefit from the state pension system as any other couple is a step in the right direction in our struggle to provide full marriage equality to all families. While other states and countries have moved forward, New York can not continue falling behind on this important civil rights issue. As we demand civic obligations from every citizen, today's court decision is a resounding message on the need to provide equal protection to all.

"Though same-sex marriage is not legal in New York State, it is encouraging that the court sees the importance of extending benefits to those whose same sex unions are sanctioned by other states and jurisdictions"

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli also sent out a statement of support, saying, “New York State recognizes any marriage that has been conducted in accordance with the laws of other states and countries – and that includes same-sex marriages.”

When Charie Rangel blew out his birthday cake last year, he had two wishes: "That we win back the House and I become Chairman of the Ways and Means committee."

That's according to an early invitation obtained by The Observer to his 77th birthday gala, set for August 8 at Tavern on the Green.

His dreams having finally come true, Mr. Rangel is apparently celebrating what one New York City contributor to his campaign is calling "possibly the largest congressional fund-raiser in the history of New York."

The evening's special guest will be Rangel endorsee Hillary Clinton, but she won't be alone: the source told The Observer (and Rangel campaign finance executive director Walter Swett confirmed) that David Paterson, Sheldon Silver, Malcolm Smith and Tom DiNapoli will be joined at the event by playwright-poet-activist-actress Ruby Dee. Chevy Chase will be in attendance and Aretha Franklin is also likely, according to Swett. No word yet if Eliot Spitzer will be on board for the festivities. (And it's probably not the right time to ask.)

Chairs are asked to raise $20,000 and the lowest fund-raiser level -- patrons -- are expected to bring in $1,000. According to the invitation, proceeds will go to Rangel's National Leadership PAC to ensure the expansion of the Democratic majority in Congress.

"Most of all," Rangel writes in the invite, "we celebrate living in the greatest democracy on earth, a country where dreams can come true and a high school dropout from Lenox Avenue can get a second chance from the GI Bill and make something of himself."

Just as Eliot Spitzer was reaching the low-point of his largely highlight-free time as governor, two readers called me to describe a sight that would have been unthinkable a few months ago:

At Eliot Spitzer’s fund-raiser in Manhattan yesterday, he was introduced by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. That’s the same guy whose election by the state legislature Spitzer opposed and who was described by the governor as “utterly unqualified.” (The two had already buried the hatchet somewhat, with DiNapoli appearing arm and arm with Spitzer in a video Spitzer filmed for the annual roast with the Albany-based reporters.)

According to one of the attendees, DiNapoli said Spitzer was the best governor New York has had.

Another source said, “It was like the whole world is upside down.”

Funny who your friends turn out to be.

There are some ongoing tech issues at City Hall contributing to today's slow rate of posting, in addition to the inconvenient fact that all the (ongoing!)negotiations about congestion pricing are happening behind closed doors.

In the meantime, though, there's this: state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli delivering a measure of unadulterated praise for Michael Bloomberg and the City Council. In a report touting the fact the city has a $4.7 billion surplus, DiNapoli said, "Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the City Council have done a great job of managing this windfall,” and “Clearly, there will be challenges in the coming fiscal years, but the City is well-positioned largely because of steps taken over the past two budget cycles.”

Bill Thomson and Adolfo Carrion had a friendly chat during last night’s dinner for the Bronx Democratic County Organization at the Marina Del Rey.

At one point, I and two other reporters ran into Denny Farrell, who was hanging out with his daughter. He cheerily noted that earlier in the day he’d gotten another pro-congestion price mailing, making it three so far. “It must be good to be a billionaire,” he said. (The mayor, about whom Farrell was referring, has denied that he's providing any direct funding for the effort.) Then, Farrell rhetorically asked how many phone calls he’s gotten, smiled, and made a big zero with his fingers.

In introducing Christine Quinn, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, the county leader, said, “If I decide to go back to the City Council in ‘09, I want her to be my speaker again.”

Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz told me he won’t be in town when Sheldon Silver convenes his conference meeting in Manhattan on July 16.

Non-Bronx officials who made their way to the dinner include David Weprin, Melinda Katz and Simcha Felder - all comptroller candidates in 2009, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Also floating around the room were former City Council Speaker Gifford Miller (no tie!) and Democratic Mayoral candidate Fernando Ferrer.

And state Senator Efrain Gonzalez, who was indicted last year for misusing public money, was at the dinner before I arrived and stayed after I left, seemingly having a good time.

Siena Research Institute has a new poll out today about voter attitudes towards some of the biggest legislative initiatives under consideration in Albany.

62 to 32 percent, voters oppose pay raises for lawmakers;

52 to 42 percent, voters support reinstating the death penalty for cop killers;

51 to 37 percent, voters support public campaign financing;

47 to 43 percent, voters oppose gay marriage;

Other numbers from the poll:
Spitzer’s favorability rating is 67 to 21 percent;

Andrew Cuomo’s is 51 to 32 percent;

and Tom DiNapoli’s favorability rating is 7 to 18.

State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has the highest approval rating, 53-17 percent, of anybody in Albany, according to today's Quinnipiac poll of more than 1,500 state voters.

Eliot Spitzer's post-budget approval rating is 48-27 percent, down from 61-11 in February, the poll.

47 percent say "the steamroller tactic contributes to legislative gridlock," according to Quinnipiac.

Other approval ratings:

24-12 for Tom Dinapoli 30-30 for Sheldon Silver 27-34 for Joe Bruno 34-43 for the state legislature

-- Azi Paybarah

Tom DiNapoli signed his own executive orders.

Five of Eliot Spitzer's appointees were confirmed.

Assemblyman Joe Lentol of Brooklyn got $11.2 million in funding from Albany.

Chuck Schumer said he worked well with Rudy Giuliani.

Congress will be lobbied about making Puerto Rico a state.

ReformNY draws parallels between the Oscars and the state's political process.

A majority of scholars surveyed by Foreign Policy magazine think the Iraq War will make the US less safe. John Edwards drew some tough questions from Inside Edition, proving he's in the top tier of 2008 candidates.

The guy claiming to be the original owner of EliotSpitzer.com said he registered the site "with Eliot's interests in mind."

And pictured above is a row of parked cars in Albany.

-- Azi Paybarah

Obama’s America  read more »

Obama’s America  read more »

Eliot Spitzer's plan may be working, with some legislators feeling a "rare backlash" because they voted for Tom DiNapoli for comptroller.

While visiting a family just outside Albany, Spitzer did not attack the local Assembly member.

Mike Bloomberg wants the federal government to steer $150 million a year to NYC for health costs related to the September 11th attacks.

The school bus fiasco was debated at the City Council.

The MTA can't afford the No. 7 expansion.

Ceasar Borja responded to a NYT story casting doubt on his late father's work at Ground Zero, asking, "Why are they attacking my father's honor?"

Mario Cuomo said winning the White House will not be based on ideas and solving problems, but rather, "money and charisma and mistakes and bull---t."

Hillary Clinton snagged a key African-American supporter in South Carolina.

Will Hillary be the Ed Muskie of 2008?

Giuiliani hunted for the agriculture vote, and promised to get a farm adviser.

To prevent health care cuts, unions won't use the same tactics against Eliot Spitzer that they used against his predecessor.

The state comptroller received a letter with white powder and "a death threat."

The most aggressive online presidential campaigner is John Edwards [subscription].

-- Azi Paybarah

A Democratic source in Nassau just told me that the local Democrats have settled on North Hempstead Town Clerk Michelle Schimel to replace Tom DiNapoli in the Assembly. -- Azi Paybarah

Upward-aspiring Democrats in Manhattan have long had to navigate between rank-and-file party loyalists and good-government reformers.

The candidates running for the East Side Assembly seat being vacated by Pete Grannis were given a chance over the weekend to express their theoretical willingness to go against the party leadership in Albany by revealing which comptroller candidate they would have voted for if they were already in the Assembly.

At a closed-press event for Democratic leaders and candidates this Sunday, three Democratic candidates came up with three different answers, according to someone who was there.

Barry Klein, chief of staff to Assemblyman Jonathan Bing, said that he, like his boss, would have voted for the winner, Tom DiNapoli.

Susan Chamlin, an aide to Senator Liz Krueger, said that she, like her boss, would have voted for Martha Stark.

And Micah Kellner, an aide to NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson, said he thought that his boss would have been perfect for the job, but that he would have voted, if given the opportunity, for Howard Weitzman.

Remember, the Democratic nomination is voted on by county committee members (regular Democrats) but in Manhattan, everybody loves a reformer. So we may not have heard the end of this.

-- Azi Paybarah

Federal authorities may be looking into Mike Bloomberg's gun-busting operation.

Eliot Spitzer's rhetoric about the legislature is unkind.

The remarks were made on a trip where Spitzer was supposed to be discussing his budget.

Bloomberg announced a new home for the Museum for African Art.

The Department of Transportation is more focused on motorists than pedestrians, says StreetsBlog.

Ulster County is considering mail-in voting.

Hillary Clinton made a big hire in New Hampshire.

John Edwards did not fire his bloggers over their rhetoric.

Everybody wants to hire Evan Bayh staffers.

Barack Obama is very proud of his two biographies.

Nancy Pelosi changed her mind on nuclear energy.

And above is Tom DiNapoli shortly after his election yesterday.

-- Azi Paybarah

Just one day after helping elect a Democratic state Senator in Nassau -- and just hours after the election of Tom DiNapoli as comptroller by his colleagues in Albany -- Eliot Spitzer raised the possibility of campaigning against incumbent Democrats in the Assembly, demonstrating, if nothing else, that he prefers stick over carrot in his dealings with legislative intransigence.

As Tom Suozzi proved in 2004 by engineering the defeat of a sitting Democrat from Long Island, even seemingly secure incumbents can be vulnerable to primary challenges that have the backing of a popular executive.

So if Spitzer follows through - and I think we have to assume, for now, that he means it - who's his first target?

UPDATE: Ben reports that the Steamroller has shifted metaphors.

-- Azi Paybarah

Bill Clinton will be in Westchester this weekend.

In electing Tom DiNapoli, the legislature treated Governor Spitzer the same way they treated Governor Pataki.

DiNapoli's 53rd birthday is on Saturday.

The New York Times, Post and Daily News editorial boards all denounce the legislature.

A rookie Assemblyman who tried complaining about DiNapoli's election was booed.

The state GOP is in bad shape.

At least $100 per vote was spent in Tuesday's special election in Nassau.

Mike Bloomberg said the public advocate and some critics on the City Council "have no experience in doing anything".

Some city officials are eyeing their next race.

Spitzer re-appointed Judith Kaye to another two years on the bench.

Errol Louis says more needs to be done to clean up the bench.

Hillary Clinton has taken a sharp turn to the left on Iraq, says the Wall Street Journal editorial board [subscription]

The New Republic is still debating whether Israel should preemptively attack Iran.

And a neighbor of John Edwards is a big Rudy Giuliani fan.

-- Azi Paybarah

Tom DiNapoli was just sworn in as state comptroller on the 15th floor of 110 State Street, his new Albany office, surrounded the people who just elected him: Assembly Democrats.

"In terms of this issue of what this process was, what was good or bad about it, that's going to be something for the historians to write about. The process is now concluded and we need to move forward and there's an awful lot of work to do," he said.

DiNapoli was upbeat when I asked for his reaction to Spitzer's remarks about the election being a negative "turning point" in the relationship between the governor and the legislature.

"I wasn't there and I don't quite know how he said it," he said. "I'm the comptroller, I have an important responsibility and I look forward to working with him in my new capacity."

I also asked DiNapoli, in light of what happened to his immediate predecessor, whether he had a driver or added security yet.

The answer, he said, is no. "I'm driving myself home tonight."

-- Azi Paybarah

Eliot Spitzer just held a press confrence to say that the legislature's election of Tom DiNapoli as comptroller "showed a stunning lack of integrity that is deeply troubling" and marked a "turning point" in his relationship with the legislature. That's because the legislature ignored the recommendations of an independent screening panel and elected an Assemblyman instead.

"This process has been revealing for the public," said Spitzer. "It has made it clear to the public how people are acting, and why, and that is part of the process of reform. We will not get reform if people do not understand how people are acting, what is motivating them, and what they're likely to do in the future."

Spitzer also said he would campaign against incumbent members of the legislature if and when he thought there were better candidates in the race.

"I will campaign against incumbents, Democrats or Republican, when I believe there is a better candidate."

-- Azi Paybarah

Joe Bruno just congratulated Tom DiNapoli and Sheldon Silver on the comptroller result.

Bruno denied that he was particularly happy to see Eliot Spitzer lose this fight, and offered the following assessment of the qualities that make a good comptroller. "You don't have to be an expert on the markets," he said. "You need to be a good manager."

Republican Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio put it more directly: "You don't have to be an Einstein." -- Azi Paybarah

Here's how Democratic Assemblyman Michael Benjamin of the Bronx is describing Tom DiNapoli, who appears to be on the verge of becoming state comptroller.

From Benjamin's press release about the comptroller vote:

"In fact, for an Assemblymember, Tom is quite articulate, clean and well-dressed."

-- Azi Paybarah

Here is Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli (on the right) outside the Assembly chambers, chatting about how he'd have to resign immediately from his seat if he's elected comptroller later this afternoon.

He explained that a press conference would be held down the street at the comptroller's office. If he's elected.

"Don't jinx me," he said.

The Assembly Democrats are meeting right now behind closed doors for some last minute arm-twisting.

Update: Wait no more. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is saying DiNapoli is in.

-- Azi Paybarah

I've now heard from more than one reader that despite some heavyweight support for Tom DiNapoli, the person best positioned to be a "compromise candidate" between the legislature and Governor Eliot Spitzer is upstate Assemblyman Joe Morelle.

I know, I know. But bear with me.

Here's the (highly speculative) argument for Morelle: Since the Speaker is rumored to want DiNapoli, any legislator other than DiNapoli would be a concession to Spitzer. And Silver would have to be happy with Morelle if only because he comes from the Assembly.

Of course, Silver's under no obligation at this point to compromise with Spitzer. If anything, he'll probably be a hero to his members for sticking up to the Steamroller, which is likely to be his most important consideration here.

When I asked a lawmaker close to Speaker Silver if there was anything to this Morelle scenario, the official answered with a simple and emphatic "no."

Oh well.

Expect the speculation to continue until tomorrow at noon, when the Assembly Democrats go into conference for some closed-door arm-twisting.

-- Azi Paybarah

Hillary Clinton's first major fund-raiser in New York is this week.

A comptroller vote is near with Tom DiNapoli as the front-runner, reports Fred Dicker.

Candidates in Nassau's special election are slugging it out.

Jonathan Hicks looks at ethnic politics in Brooklyn's special election.

Eliot Spitzer is looking to close some prisons, which have collectively become "an economic development program."

Spitzer has a lot of enemies.

Mike Bloomberg is lobbying Albany today for more state aid.

Matthew Chayes looks at the real impact of some recent City Council resolutions.

Bernie Kerik has a new client: the president of Guyana.

Increased military spending on top of tax cuts have been "nearly painless" for the American economy, reports the Wall Street Journal. [subscription]

The Economist wonders why so many people are running for president. The New Yorker looks at Hillary, Joe Lieberman and Iraq. New York writes about RFK, Jr. -- Azi Paybarah

The comptroller hearings are still going. Tom DiNapoli was received warmly today, Richard Brodsky was asked about his temperament, and accountant Robert Hoffman was in and out in record time, according to a state legislator who was there.

Once the screening is completed today, the real politicking begins. The three-person panel of former city and state comptrollers will recommend five of the 18 candidates to the legislature, who will (presumably) then pick from among them.

The political implications of the possible permutations are interesting. Would it make the choice of the legislature easier, for example, if the panel included only one lawmaker on its final list? Or would that make the act of voting for that lawmaker too nakedly political for the members of the legislature to stomach?

The nominations are likely to be made days before the legislature convenes to vote on it, giving the five candidates a brief window in which to, you know, actually campaign.

Which is when things will get really interesting. Despite the brief excitement of the last comptroller campaign, running for the top bean-counting job doesn't have to be dull, as former NYC Comptroller and current comptroller screening panel member Harrison Goldin can attest. When running for NYC Comptroller, some of you may remember, Goldin campaigned by referring to himself as "a young dynamo".

Your updated lists of this year's top five comptroller candidates (and suggested campaign slogans) are welcome.

-- Azi Paybarah

As the screening panel starts interviewing comptroller candidates in order to pick the five people they'll recommend to the legislature for the position, here are a few predictions about who might make the cut:

Bill Cunningham, political consultant and former deputy mayor

Richard Brodsky Bill Mulrow Tom Dinapoli Martha Stark Joe Morelle

Says we may need to wait "for white smoke" to know when there is a winner.

Ryan Karben, lawyer, consultant and former Assemblyman

Tom DiNapoli Andrew Eristoff Dave Hancox Bill Mulrow Marsha Stark

Predicted winner: DiNapoli

Edward-Isaac Dovere, Editor of City Hall magazine

Martha Stark Tom DiNapoli Richard Brodsky William Mulrow Alphonse Fletcher

Frank Morano, outspoken Independence Party member

Tom DiNapoli Bill Mulrow Richard Brodsky Joe Morelle Martha Stark

"I think DiNapoli gets it in the end."

A junior assembly member

Bill Mulrow Tom Dinapoli Joe Morelle Andrew Eristoff Philip Latessa

A Democratic operative not associated with any candidate

Martha Stark Bill Mulrow Tom DiNapoli Richard Brodsky Joseph Morelle

Next comptroller: Morelle

An aide to a city official

Bill Mulrow Tom Dinapoli Howard Weitzman Alphonse Fletcher Philip LaTessa

A knowledgeable Brooklyn Democrat

"If Eliot Spitzer gets behind Martha Stark, it's hers."

A Brooklyn-based journalist with a twisted sense of humor

Thomas E. Dewey. Dewey's record as a fearless prosecutor and reform-minded governor will match well with the "new Albany" that Eliot Spitzer is trying to bring into being, while his reputation as a "wise old man" of New York politics is a nod to tradition. Since he's a Republican, albeit a liberal one, his appointment will strike a blow for bipartisanship, yet he can't beseen as threat to Spitzer's future ambitions, seeing as he's been dead since 1971. Ask yourself--would a dead Dewey really be any less dynamic than some of these stiffs they're considering?

Your predictions?

Update: The financial disclosure statements from the candidates are here.

-- Azi Paybarah

Tom DiNapoli is circulating a letter to colleagues outlining reasons why he should be the next state comptroller.

In keeping with prevailing theme of political independence, DiNapoli stresses a willingness to work with Republicans in the legislature.

"While I am certainly a proud Democrat, I have never hesitated to work with my Republican colleagues in the Assembly and Senate to support legislation in the public interest. I have always believed that partisanship must never get in the way of good government. My ability to be an effective, independent comptroller - to call it as I see it - is just a logical extension of that philosophy."

DiNapoli also touts the role he played in helping Nassau emerge from its fiscal crisis after years of GOP control.

Coincidentally, that fiscal turnaround was also a central theme of the gubernatorial campaign of Tom Suozzi, who defeated DiNapoli in a race for county executive.

The rest of the letter is after the jump.  read more »

-- Azi Paybarah

Will Tom DiNapoli join the Spitzer administration?

Click here for salary information.

Crobar, where Hillary Clinton and other people have held fund-raisers in the past, is re-opening.

Chris Dodd may not get much help from fellow CT lawmaker Joe Lieberman.

There may be a deal on judicial selection in New York.

Errol Louis reflects on MLK.

An anonymous commenter broke news on our site that an aide to Councilman Jim Gennaro, Dena Iverson, is leaving to take a job doing press for the new mayor of D.C. (She confirmed it.)

And pictured above are Craig Johnson, Eliot Spitzer, Tom DiNapoli and Tom Suozzi.

-- Azi Paybarah

Even with former city and state comptrollers on a screening panel, some lawmakers still believe the next state comptroller will be one of the Assembly Democrats who are campaigning for the position. So far, the Assembly candidates include Joe Morelle, Richard Brodsky, Tom DiNapoli, Felix Ortiz, and Pete Grannis.

So how does an Assembly member separate himself from the other candidates?

One way, which could ingratiate himself with the new governor, is to show a track record of pushing for legislative reform.

One sign of that support for former Assemblyman Scott Stringer's resolution supporting rules changes recommended by the Brennan Center. Jeremy Creelan, formerly of the Brennan Center, already sent a letter saying Morelle was supportive of the Brennan Center's recommendations and therefore, demonstrated the kind of independence a comptroller needs.

It's also worth noting that the other comptroller candidates - Brodsky, DiNapoli, and Grannies - never signed onto it. Ortiz, who is considered a bit of a long shot. It's unclear how vocal any of them were on the issue, but a paper trail is a paper trail

-- Azi Paybarah

Even with former city and state comptrollers on a screening panel, some lawmakers still believe the next state comptroller will be one of the Assembly Democrats who are campaigning for the position. So far, the Assembly candidates include Joe Morelle, Richard Brodsky, Tom DiNapoli, Felix Ortiz, and Pete Grannis.

So how does an Assembly member separate himself from the other candidates?

One way, which could ingratiate himself with the new governor, is to show a track record of pushing for legislative reform.

One sign of that support for former Assemblyman Scott Stringer's resolution supporting rules changes recommended by the Brennan Center. Jeremy Creelan, formerly of the Brennan Center, already sent a letter saying Morelle was supportive of the Brennan Center's recommendations and therefore, demonstrated the kind of independence a comptroller needs.

It's also worth noting that the other comptroller candidates - Brodsky, DiNapoli, and Grannies - never signed onto it. Ortiz, who is considered a bit of a long shot. It's unclear how vocal any of them were on the issue, but a paper trail is a paper trail

-- Azi Paybarah

Azi called in this morning from San Francisco, where he is visiting his brother. That kind of surprised me: I'd kind of been going on the assumption that Azi sprang fully formed, Athena-style, from the head of Ben Smith, and the existence of a brother would seem to suggest otherwise. But anyway, Azi is still collecting news. The kid is incorrigible--ed.

I've been hearing chatter that Bill Mulrow has fallen out of contention for the appointment as state comptroller, an office that opened up, of course, when Alan Hevesi resigned last week. No definitive word on what's diminished Mulrow's chances, although some gremlins have been trying to mount a whispering campaign about his connection to Excelsior Racing Associates, the group that is bidding to operate the state horse racing franchise. No one's accused Mulrow of anything untoward, but he is essentially acting as a lobbyist for Excelsior, and wearing the scarlet "L" has suddenly become something of a political problem in Albany. (Though it didn't hurt Eliot Spitzer's secretary of state designee.)

Meanwhile, the candidacy of Great Neck Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli received a boost over the weekend from the hometown newspaper, Newsday, which gave him a strong editorial page endorsement. "Although Spitzer is said to prefer someone with minimal ties to Albany," the paper noted:

DiNapoli's record of transcending the corrupt and partisan culture of dysfunction makes him an especially good choice to be the fiscal watchdog. For his unassuming style and superb accomplishments, for his integrity, intelligence and bipartisanship, DiNapoli is respected inside and outside Albany. That he is not from New York City, where Hevesi and the new statewide officials reside, is another plus.

Really, we only mention that in order to justify republishing the above Newsday editorial cartoon, which portrayed DiNapoli as a buffed-up Mr. Clean.

UPDATE: Howard Wolfson, who is working as a spokesman for Mulrow, writes to say: "Mulrow is not 'essentially a lobbyist' as you wrote. He is part of the group bidding for NYRA." In writing the item, the Politicker referred to recent Daily News story that said "Mulrow has worked ... as a lobbyist for Excelsior Racing Associates." Any inaccuracy was unintended, and the Observer would of course welcome any additional clarifying information about Mulrow's role within Excelsior.

-- Azi Paybarah

In a sign that some see Freddy or his aides as useful friends in future campaigns, the daily disclosure forms (you know, the ones Mike's avoided filing) show three transfers in on Friday: one from Andrew Cuomo's campaign for Attorney General; one from Lieutenant Governor candidate Tom DiNapoli (who must hope that his investment, one way or another, wins him the regard of Eliot Spitzer), and one from City Councilman David Weprin. A quick look at City Council candidates' disclosures, available on the same page, show that Weprin and his fellow Speaker hopeful Melinda Katz, have in recent days, been spreading money around among their future colleagues (Tom White in Weprin's case; Darlene Mealy in Katz's).  read more »