By Colin Campbell 5/02 7:29pm

FOILed

Cathie Black. (Photo: Wikimedia)

Cathie Black Emails Released

Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration suffered a blow today with the release of emails surrounding the selection process of Cathie Black, the one-time schools chancellor who was forced to resign in 2011, after just 95 days in office. Ms. Black, who had no prior educational experience, drew widespread controversy amid a number of missteps. The city fought an extended, unsuccessful legal battle to keep the emails from being subject to a Freedom of Information Law request.

Overall, they detail the city’s public relations efforts to improve Ms. Black’s brand, including outreach to leading female figures like Caroline Kennedy for support. Additionally, the emails reveal debates over how much information about Ms. Black should be provided to reporters. Read More

By Hunter Walker 9/06/12 12:11am

Fan Mail

Kirsten Gillibrand (Photo: Wikimedia)

Kirsten Gillibrand ‘Can’t Stop Thinking’ About Elizabeth Warren’s DNC Speech

CHARLOTTE, NC — New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand apparently really enjoyed the speech Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren delivered at the Democratic National Convention last night. Shortly after Ms. Warren left the stage, Ms. Gillibrand sent an email to her supporters encouraging them to give money to Ms. Warren.

“I can’t stop thinking about Elizabeth Warren’s speech,” Ms. Gillibrand wrote. “You could hear it in her voice and see it in her eyes: Elizabeth will never give up on the middle class. She’ll be relentless in making sure everyone gets a fair shot.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 4/04/12 8:47am

Fighting Words

Mitt Romney campaigning in Wisconsin last weekend. (Photo: Getty)

Romney Campaign: ‘It’s On’

After Mitt Romney’s victories in the Wisconsin, Maryland and District of Columbia presidential primaries last night, he has more than half the delegates he needs to lock up the Republican nomination. According to Mr. Romney’s press secretary, Andrea Saul, President Barack Obama has taken notice of Mitt’s momentum. In an email to supporters sent after his three wins last night, Ms. Saul said the president is turning to negative ads because it’s clear “Americans across the nation are rallying around Mitt’s positive vision and plan for our country.”

“Mitt is well on his way to the nomination. And given the sudden increase in excuses and blame from President Obama, it’s apparent President Obama’s team is aware of that as well,” Ms. Saul said. Read More

By Colin Campbell 1/10/12 9:46pm

You've Got Mail

Rick Perry (Photo: Wikimedia)

Rick Perry's Concession Speech Comes Via Email

Texas Governor Rick Perry finished in sixth place in New Hampshire tonight, scoring last among the main candidates for the GOP nomination. As the rest of the field is making their concession speeches on television, the Perry campaign phoned it in, so to speak, by conceding electronically.

“Tonight’s results in New Hampshire show the race for ‘conservative alternative’ to Mitt Romney remains wide open,” the statement read. “I skipped New Hampshire and aimed my campaign right at conservative South Carolina, where we’ve been campaigning hard and receiving an enthusiastic welcome.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 11/10/11 9:14am

Spin

Rick Perry on stage at the CNBC Republican Presidential Debate at Oakland University. (Getty)

Rick Perry’s Campaign Blames Gaffe on ‘Too Damn Many Federal Agencies’

Texas Governor Rick Perry’s campaign sent an email to supporters shortly before three this morning attempting to spin his “oops” moment in last night’s CNBC Republican Presidential Debate when the Texas Governor said he wanted to eliminate three government agencies and was only able to name two. “We’ve all had human moments. … Just goes to show there are too damn many federal agencies,” the email said. Read More

By Chris Clemans 11/07/11 5:44pm

Beef

President Obama (Getty)

President Obama Takes On Nate Silver

The Obama campaign doesn’t want you listening to Nate Silver. In an email sent out earlier this afternoon, campaign manager Jim Messina urged voters to disregard the statistical guru’s article in this past weekend’s New York Times Magazine, which gives President Obama slim chances of retaking the White House.  Read More