By Ross Barkan 4/15 8:55pm

The Weiner Revival

Rep. Anthony Weiner speaks during his p

Anthony Weiner Inches Towards Mayoral Bid With Television Interview

In his first television appearance since a social media-induced scandal torpedoed his political career two years ago, a contrite Anthony Weiner began to describe what life may be like under a theoretical Weiner Administration.

In particular, during the taped NY1 interview with Errol Louis, Mr. Weiner staked out several policy positions and offered criticism of the Democratic campaign primary thus far, edging closer to a mayoral bid that, based on the tone of the interview, appeared more likely.

“I got to do it soon. I mean, I’m starting the process and people are inviting me to come things and to talk to them about issues and I’m going to look for opportunities to talk about things as I move forward,” Mr. Weiner said, responding to a question about when he would officially launch a mayoral campaign. “I’ll tell you one thing for sure,  I want to be a part of the ideas primary, that’s for sure. That primary I want to do very well in.” Read More

By Colin Campbell 2/22/12 8:25am

battle ferry

Michael Grimm (Photo: NY1)

Grimm Defends Relationship With Fundraising Figures in Allegations

Staten Island Congressman Michael Grimm, who The New York Times‘ sources allege took illegal bribes, continued his efforts to push back against the allegations last night, appearing on NY1′s “Inside City Hall.” The host, Errol Louis, pressed him the specifics of the case that centered on an Israeli mystic, Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, and one of his top aides, Ofer Biton.

Disputing he raised anywhere close to the $500,000 the Times reported he raised from Rabbi Pinto’s followers, Mr. Grimm aggressively defended his relationship with Rabbi Pinto.

“The Rabbi introduced me to many important businessmen, very successful business people, and that’s how I raised money,” he said, adding later that the businessmen supported him because he was “pro-Israel, lower taxes, strong for business, that’s what they were looking for and that’s why they supported me.” Read More