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Colin Campbell

By Colin Campbell 6/12 12:46pm

Getting the Gang Back Together

Anthony Weiner.

Former Staffer Returns to Anthony Weiner’s Operation

Most of Anthony Weiner’s former staffers are working for his rivals in this year’s mayoral race–or are settled in jobs outside of campaign politics–but at least one appears to have just returned to the fold.

Amit Bagga, who worked as Mr. Weiner’s executive director at the height of his infamous Twitter scandal two years ago, is going back to work for the former congressman once again. Indeed, Mr. Bagga has already disclosed this information on his LinkedIn profile, where his new title is listed as “Senior Advisor, Policy and Communications at Weiner for Mayor.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 6/12 8:19am

suggested reading

Potential mayoral candidate Jack Hidary? (Photo: Getty)

Morning Read: ‘New York’s Legislators Outshine Their Peers’

Headline of the Day: “Anthony Weiner Apologizes for Sexting Story That Isn’t Even Out Yet.”

Alternate: “The Mystery and the Agony of the New York Times’ Juicy Anthony Weiner Story.”

Political consultant Evan Thies made a case for Anthony Weiner‘s strength among black voters. “In short, black voters had more practical concerns than the President’s philandering,” he argued. “On average, white voters live in lower-crime areas, have more money and enjoy a higher quality of life than black voters. To put it bluntly: Perhaps white voters (like me) can afford to judge their candidates on character, while black voters can’t.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 6/11 5:24pm

Early Exits

Rory Lancman. (Photo: Facebook)

Isaac Sasson Drops Council Bid

In a major boost for former Assemblyman Rory Lancman’s bid for the City Council, his main rival, Isaac Sasson, is withdrawing from the race.

Although Mr. Lancman has been endorsed by the Queens County Democratic organization and the overwhelming majority of labor unions, Mr. Sasson, a lottery winner with millions of dollars at his disposal, could have self-financed a serious campaign effort. Read More

By Colin Campbell 6/11 12:27pm

Late Arrivals

Kathleen Daniel at her kickoff. (Photo: Daniel campaign)

New Candidate Suddenly Challenges Darlene Mealy

Petitioning to get onto the ballot this year is already underway, and fund-raising began long before that, but one candidate rolled out her announcement just last Sunday.

And the candidate, education activist Kathleen Daniel, believes she has a solid shot at beating Brooklyn Councilwoman Darlene Mealy, too. Her campaign pointed to Ms. Mealey’s campaign war chest, which holds only several thousand dollars, and reports that she missed nearly a quarter of scheduled Council meetings, to press the case for Ms. Mealy’s vulnerability. Read More

By Colin Campbell 6/11 8:51am

suggested reading

Al Sharpton and Anthony Weiner. (Photo: NY1)

Morning Read: ‘A Real-Life Punch Line for the Joke’

Headline of the Day: “So, Could Anthony Weiner Actually Be the Next Mayor of New York?”

Runner-Up: “Candidate Anthony Weiner’s Awkward Moments.”

Rev. Al Sharpton was asked about the timeline for his mayoral endorsement last night on NY1. “Once I think that we’re clear on what the issues are and who is closer to those issues. I know everybody in the race–I’ve known them a long time–so this won’t be based on friendship,” he replied. “Nobody in the race ever endorsed me for office so I don’t owe anyone an endorsement … This is not about a kingmaker, this is about a kingdom.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 6/10 8:15am

suggested reading

Bill de Blasio, beard. (Photo: Getty)

Morning Read: ‘Give a Tinker’s Damn About Their Constituents’

Headline of the Day: “Can a bearded politician win NYC’s mayoral race?”

New York analyzed former Comptroller Bill Thompson‘s candidacy: “His willingness to admit nuance on complicated subjects is in many ways admirable—and running as the moderate, black, well-­adjusted adult when your two main obstacles, Quinn and Weiner, are high-strung Caucasians is not a bad position to be in.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 6/07 3:51pm

your pal sal

Anthony Weiner, the man Gov. Cuomo wants to be asked about. (Photo: Getty)

Anthony Weiner Ducks a Shot at Debate

Anthony Weiner’s Democratic rivals in the mayor’s race have generally done their best to avoid talking about the sexting scandal that led to his downfall two years ago. Former Councilman Sal Albanese, however, has been the exception, and he directly confronted Mr. Weiner at a Queens breakfast forum earlier today.

“Before I get into that,” Mr. Albanese said in response to an unrelated question about  funding local cultural institutions, “I just want to say that listening to Mr. Weiner is interesting because he’s very glib and articulate. But … he’s betrayed the public trust on several occasions and I think that disqualifies him.” Read More