Suffolk

Queens home sales dropped 27.2 percent from the fourth quarter of 2006 to the fourth quarter of 2007, according to a new report from brokerage Prudential Douglas Elliman and research firm Radar Logic. Sales also dropped from the third quarter 28 percent, suggesting that the largely suburban borough is mimicing much of the nation rather than its fellow boroughs to the west and south, Manhattan and Brooklyn.  read more »

"As a result of our unparalleled victories and unity, and the fact that the party is the strongest its ever been, I believe we have accomplished the lofty goals set for us when I took this job.

"With that in mind, I am proud and humbled to announce that I have decided to step down as state chairman, effective January 1. I do intend to remain as Manhattan county leader and chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

"I know that whoever is chosen to be my successor will inherit a strong and united party, and will do a wonderful job."

If you have any details to add to the Farrell legacy that may not have made it into this official version, feel free.

Full statement after the jump.  read more »