Huma Abedin and Hillary Clinton. (Photo: Saul Loeb/Getty)

Yesterday, Politico and other outlets reported that Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, was investigating whether Huma Abedin's role in the U.S. State Department conflicted with her private consulting work. Ms. Abedin, of course, is the wife of Anthony Weiner, a Democrat mounting a high-profile campaign for mayor this year. Politicker caught up with Mr. Weiner earlier today to get his take on the situation.

The former congressman, speaking broadly, touted his wfe's accomplishments in pubic life while insisting everything she did was "above board."

"I'm proud of my wife and I'm proud of the work she's done. And I think she has lived a career in public life [where] everything has been documented," he told Politicker at a Forest Hills campaign stop. "So I'm very proud of my wife and what she's accomplished. And she has done everything completely above board with approval of the State Department. And that's the end of that."

As the Senate is controlled by Democrats, Mr. Grassley's actual authority on the matter is somewhat limited. Nevertheless, Mr. Weiner said "any questions will be answered."

Mr. Grassley's inquiry, reportedly sent to both Secretary of State John Kerry and the consulting firm, Teneo Holdings, features a wide range of questions concerning what exactly her government and private business roles entailed and who authorized them. Specifically, Mr. Grassley wants to know if "political intelligence" from the Department of State helped inform her work with Teneo.

Ms. Abedin, a long-time aide to Mr. Kerry's predecessor, Hillary Clinton, left the job when Ms. Clinton left President Barack Obama's administration earlier this year. Ms. Clinton is widely seen as a leading candidate for the White House in 2016.

Helen Rosenthal. (Photo: Facebook)

Helen Rosenthal, one of the leading Democrats campaigning for an Upper West Side Council district, cut a $1,000 check for former Republican Mayor Rudy Giuliani's aborted Senate campaign. But despite the neighborhood's status as a progressive bastion, Ms. Rosenthal's campaign told Politicker she stood by the contribution as a strategic play against a more conservative rival.

"As a Board member of NARAL Pro-Choice America, Helen donated to pro-choice candidates for elected office. In 2000, Giuliani ran against anti-choice Lazio in the primary and Helen donated to the pro-choice candidate who (at that time) was also anti-gun," said Ahmed Tigani, a spokesman for Ms. Rosenthal, in a statement. "Helen has always strongly supported Hillary Clinton and gave the maximum legal donations to both her Senate and Presidential campaigns."

Helen Rosenthal contributed to Mr. Giuliani's exploratory committee in February 2000, several months before he dropped his bid in May. Former Republican Congressman Rick Lazio would eventually replace Mr. Giuliani in the GOP primary and lose to Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Ms. Rosenthal, who has worked in several city administrations, including Mr. Giuliani's, did not give any money to Ms. Clinton's 2000 Senate campaign, according to FEC records. Ms. Clinton began laying the groundwork for a Senate race not long after Daniel Patrick Moynihan announced his retirement in 1998.

"I couldn't tell you why I didn't donate to Hillary Clinton [in 2000]," Ms. Rosenthal told Politicker in a follow-up interview. "It wasn't because I was fervently for or against anything. It had nothing to do with Clinton or Giuliani. It wasn’t purposeful or meaningful."

"I was a maxed-out person for Clinton for president," she added.

(Her spokesman further noted her contributions to "a broad array of progressive Democrats and organizations, including Congressman Jerry Nadler, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Gabby Giffords and NARAL.")

At the time, the Senate race was advertised as a high-profile battle between Mr. Giuliani and Ms. Clinton. According to reports, Mr. Lazio was "ambivalent" about entering the race and only officially jumped in after Mr. Giuliani dropped out. His entry into the race, according to 2000 reports, was not a surprise to the political establishment, however.

Ms. Rosenthal is facing a number of top-tier Democrats in her City Council race, including district leaders Marc Landis and Debra Cooper, businessman Ken Biberaj, former community board chair Mel Wymore and education activist Noah Gotbaum. The current councilwoman, Gale Brewer, is term-limited.

The casket of New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg is carried out of the Park Avenue Synagogue after his funeral. (Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Friends, family, dozens of senators and other officials, including Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, gathered under a Park Avenue synagogue's stained glass dome Wednesday to pay tribute to New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg, who died Monday at the age of 89.

The touching service included many moments of laughter and tears. But the highlight was the eulogy by Mr. Biden, who joked about how Mr. Lautenberg never stopped one-upping him during the 25 years they served together as close friends in the senate.

Mr. Biden, one of the last to speak at the service--which featured remarks from Mr. Lautenberg's various relatives and a musical performance by singer Brian Stokes Mitchell--began by poking gentle fun at the number of speakers

"If there's a definition of redundancy, I'm it!" he told the group, joking that he was there to speak on behalf of the Pope.

Mr. Biden later told the group about how he'd spent years without a home in Washington, D.C. and estimated he'd made 8,000 round-trips back and forth from Delaware, always riding Amtrak. He was frequently in a rush and described having to sprint to Union Station--often missing his train. He rode so many times, he said, that each and every conductor knew him by name. Mr. Biden even invited them over for Christmas dinner and barbecues. "They're still my buddies," he bragged.

But one evening, as Mr. Biden was running to catch his train, the conductor told him to relax. "He said, ‘Hey Joe, don’t worry. You’re OK. We’re holding it up for Lautenberg." Mr. Biden was incredulous. “They never once held it for me!"

"I saved Amtrak three times before he was elected!" Mr. Biden protested, only half-jokingly.

He also made reference to the eulogy he was forced to give to the late Senenator Strom Thurmond, a former segregationist from South Carolina.

"This is a lot easier!" he joked. "Oh boy, I'm about to get myself into trouble!"

Mr. Biden described how, right around Christmastime, Mr. Lautenberg had reached out to him to talk about whether he should run for re-election. He'd retired once before--only to return two years later. But Mr. Lautenberg was worried because he'd begun to grow weak.

"What the hell do you say to Frank Lautenberg?" asked Mr. Biden, who said he replied, "I think you'd win again ... I think even Christie would vote for you!" He pointed to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who was in the audience. The crowd laughed and Mr. Christie gave a little wave.

But his remarks also included moments of quiet reflection.

“I realize it’s beyond my capacity to find the words to do justice to Frank Lautenberg," Mr. Biden said, describing Mr. Lautenberg as a man of character. "He always thought in terms of what he could do, what he should do."

Ms. Clinton also spoke. She discussed how Mr. Lautenberg often sat with her in the back of the Senate chamber during votes. "Frank always had something to say," she recalled. "You just couldn't help but have a smile on your face at least one time during the conversation."

"He loved and he was loved," she said. "And after all, that's what makes a great life."

Overall, family and friends described the late senator as an unstoppable presence who never forgot his roots as the son of poor immigrants growing up in Trenton, New Jersey. A fiercely principled fighter, he was "not what you would call warm and fuzzy," said his daughter, Ellen, but deeply loved.

After the service, Mr. Lautenberg’s casket was escorted by Capitol Police to the Secaucus Junction train station, which is named in his honor. From there, his body will travel by train to Washington, D.C. where a ceremony will be held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Thursday, followed by a rare viewing inside the U.S. Senate chamber.

He will be buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery.

Maria Cuomo Cole and Kenneth Cole. (Photo: Patrick McMullan)

Gov. Andrew Cuomo may have his eye on the White House, but it looks his sister may be gunning for the opposite team.

Mr. Cuomo’s sister, film producer Maria Cuomo-Cole, took to Twitter Friday morning to publicly support an EMILY’s List campaign to put a woman in the White House—a campaign that isn't shy about its support for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, widely considered Mr. Cuomo's biggest barrier to the Democratic nomination.

“In honor of my daughters, I'm supporting #MPOTUS. Help all of our daughters realize there is no limit to their dreams,” Ms. Cuomo-Cole tweeted, with a link to the group’s “Madam President” campaign.

“The 2012 election was a mandate for women's leadership. The country is ready for a woman president. And Madam President is ready to harness that energy to put the first woman in the White House. It's our time. And we're ready,” the group's website reads.

While the campaign is dedicating to electing female candidates generally, EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock has made clear that Ms. Clinton is the obvious choice.

“I have to say, there is one name that seems to be getting mentioned more than others,” she told Politico.“We do not know if Hillary is going to run, but we are hopeful that she may.”

The group’s first ad also includes a scene featuring a woman who looks uncannily like Ms. Clinton being sworn into office.

It has long been speculated that Mr. Cuomo has been eyeing a run for the White House, but has been cautious about discussing his plans. This week he shot down a report that he has been telling confidants he is resigned to the fact that there's no way he can run if Ms. Clinton does.

“There is no truth to the assertion that I’m talking presidential politics and strategy and what Hillary Clinton should do or shouldn’t do or what I’m doing presidentially,” he said during a radio appearance.

“As you know, I go to great lengths not to engage in politics writ large, but especially not presidential politics,” he added. “Hillary Clinton is gonna do whatever Hillary Clinton’s going to do and I’m doing what I’m doing and I’m focusing on running this state and doing it the best I can. And that’s all there is to that."

Ms. Cuomo-Cole did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Gov. Andrew Cuomo shot down a report Monday that he's been telling confidantes he knows he can’t run for president in 2016 if Hillary Clinton enters the race.

“There is no truth to the assertion that I’m talking presidential politics and strategy and what Hillary Clinton should do or shouldn’t do or what I’m doing presidentially," Mr. Cuomo told WCNY's Susan Arbetter this morning.

"The only discussions I’m having are about how to help the state, how to get the state running, how to make the government a better government," he added. "And to the extend I’m focusing on politics, it’s my race next year."

The remarks came in response to a story by the New York Post's Fred Dicker, whose once-cozy relationship with the Governor has grown increasingly chilly in recent month. Mr. Dicker claimed that Mr. Cuomo is now resigned to the fact that there's no chance he can mount a run for the White House if Ms. Clinton  decides to enter the race--an assertion Mr. Cuomo dismissed as "Monday rumors" without referencing Mr. Dicker by name.

“As you know, I go to great lengths not to engage in politics writ large, but especially not presidential politics,” he maintained. “Hillary Clinton is gonna do whatever Hillary Clinton’s gonna do and I’m doing what I’m doing and I’m focusing on running this state and doing it the best I can and that’s all there is to that,” he said.

“I understand the press appeal of presidential politics,” he said. “But no, I’m doing what I’m doing.”

Mr. Cuomo also insisted that there’s been no change to his approach to governing—despite Mr. Dicker’s lamentations that he's swung to the left this year in an attempt to court Democratic Party Party brass, with major pushes for gun control legislation and a new women’s equality bill.

And he rejected speculation that his agenda will have to change because of his sliding poll numbers, which, Ms. Arbetter noted, could make his 2014 re-election bid substantially more difficult.

“I think the agenda that I laid out in the State of the State is the same agenda we’ve been pursuing. So we started this in January. It is an agenda that is socially progressive and fiscally responsible. I’ve been doing the same thing since the day I was elected,” he said.

“It’s been about getting the state’s economy running and measures to create and incentivize job creation all across the state—but especially upstate--and how does New York regain its mantle as being socially progressive,” he said, pointing to marriage equality as an example of  left-leaning legislation passed early on in his term.

“The duality of the agenda that I started is what we’re going to continue on,” he said.

He also rejected the idea that his ability to move his agenda forward has been hampered by his sliding poll numbers, which nonetheless remain strong.

“I don’t think the legislature passes a bill because of a governor’s popularity," he argued. "It tends to be the popularity of the issue and their stance on their issues, which is what it should be,” he said, arguing that helping fiscally distressed upstate cities, women’s equality and legalizing casinos were all “very popular issues."

"I don’t think legislators are going to want to go home to their districts saying, you know, 'I voted against cleaning up Albany, I voted against helping upstate cities, I voted against women’s equality,'” he said.

(Photo: Getty)

For a good portion of the day, outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been testifying before Congress about federal government's response to the September 11th attacks against the American diplomatic mission in Libya, but that doesn't mean presidential politics have completely left the room.

Indeed, in front of the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this afternoon, Ms. Clinton faced at least two questioners dropping not-so-subtle suggestions regarding her hypothetical campaign for the White House in 2016. Notably, Democratic Rep. Ted Deutch, who represents the Miami suburbs, expressed hope he'll be seeing Ms. Clinton politicking in his swing state in the future.

"Secretary of Clinton, first I'd like to thank you for the truly remarkable job that you've done as Secretary of State,"  Mr. Deutch began. "You have represented the interests of this nation magnificently. I for one hope that, after a bit of rest, you will consider a return to public service. Should that return take you to Florida, I will look forward to welcoming you there."

It was not only Democrats noting Ms. Clinton's possible presidential campaign, however. Rep. Steve Chabot, a Republican hailing from Ohio, placed himself in a similar situation.

"Madam Secretary, first let me thank you for your service. I wish you the best in your future endeavors," he said, pausing before delivering his punchline. "Mostly."

Ms. Clinton heartily laughed at Mr. Chabot's remark but otherwise didn't address the speculation.

Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo at the Columbus Day Parade in 2006. Photo: Getty)

Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared on Fred Dicker's talk radio show today and he discussed the increasing speculation Hillary Clinton may run for president in 2016. Mr. Dicker specifically asked Mr. Cuomo, who is also touted as a potential candidate four years from now, about mounting reports the Democratic Party would line up behind Ms. Clinton essentially meaning the nomination is hers for the taking. Mr. Cuomo, as he generally does when asked about 2016, dismissed the discussion.

"There's a long way away. We just elected a president....There's no doubt that she's incredibly popular, she's got incredible support....She's going to have to make her decision."

Mr. Dicker continued by asking Mr. Cuomo if he would be among the Democrats supporting Ms. Clinton if she decided to enter the race. Mr. Cuomo jokingly asked Mr. Dicker whether he would be running before, rather tantalizingly, saying he wants to see the field of candidates flesh out before making any decision about who to back

"Oh it's a long way away. Whoever's running...are you running?" Mr. Cuomo said to the radio host. "Is somebody else running?...We have to assess all the candidates."

Hillary Clinton and Andrew Cuomo marching in the 2006 Columbus Day Parade. (Photo: Getty)

With both Hillary Clinton and Governor Andrew Cuomo considered potential 2016 presidential candidates, the latest poll from the Siena Research Institute contains several numbers that will be of interest to early watchers of their potential bids. Siena polled favorability ratings for both Ms. Clinton and Mr. Cuomo and asked New Yorkers whether they'd like to see either run for president four years from now. 

The poll found Mr. Cuomo has a favorable rating of 72 percent among New York voters and Ms. Clinton's favorability was at 75 percent. Though Ms. Clinton's numbers were slightly higher, Mr. Cuomo has more bipartisan support. Ms. Clinton scored favorability ratings of 90 percent among Democrats and 50 percent with Republicans while Mr. Cuomo scored relatively high among both groups with 76 percent of Democrats and 66 percent of Republicans saying they have a favorable impression of the governor.

A majority of New York voters, 54 percent, said they'd like to see Ms. Clinton run for president in 2016. However, just 39 percent said they wanted to see Mr. Cuomo run for president in four years. Though New Yorkers didn't exactly seem enthused about the prospect of Mr. Cuomo making a White House bid, 62 percent said they'd like to see him run for re-election as governor.

Along with Mr. Cuomo and Ms. Clinton, Siena polled New Yorkers on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who's also viewed as a potential 2016 contender. The poll found 63 percent have a favorable impression of Mr. Christie with more than 60 percent of both Democrats and Republicans saying they had a positive view of the Garden State Governor.

Click to enlarge. (Photo: Facebook)

As rumors mount that outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton may run for president in 2016, the former First Lady took steps to solidify her relationships with some Democrats by sending hand-signed notes to candidates who got bested in close congressional races. For example, Nate Shinagawa, who narrowly lost his challenge to GOP Rep. Tom Reed in Western New York, received a missive from Ms. Clinton two days after his defeat. In her letter, Ms. Clinton offered some supportive words and encouragement for Mr. Shinagawa's future political endeavors.

"You should be proud of your campaign and the dialogue you had with voters about the values we hold dear as Democrats," Ms. Clinton wrote. "Thank you for accepting the challenge of seeking public office and for your commitment to creating a better future for the American people."

Ms. Clinton's letter to Mr. Shinagawa was not an isolated incident. Sources with at least two other losing Democratic congressional campaigns told Politicker their candidates received similar letters.

"I hope you will find some time now for some well deserved rest and relaxation; we will continue needing your voice in the public square in the years to come," she continued in her letter to Mr. Shinagawa, who posted it on his social media accounts last week. "In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, 'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.' Onward!"

Multiple sources who have worked with Ms. Clinton during her lengthy political career told us they were unaware of her sending similar letters in the past. With speculation she may be considering a White House bid in 2016 reaching a fever pitch, almost any partisan behavior by Ms. Clinton will unavoidably be seen as a piece of a potential presidential campaign. Of course, consolation letters are not necessarily evidence that she intends to run for office again, but it's clear Ms. Clinton, who's soon leaving her job in President Barack Obama's administration, seems to be interested in keeping her political support alive.

We reached out to Philippe Reines, Ms. Clinton's spokesperson at the State Department, to see if he could shed any light on the motivation behind the letters. He responded with a rather cryptic one line email:

"Well, 'When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best,' but Hallmark doesn't have a card suitable to the occasion..."

President Barack Obama speaking in the Rose Garden this morning as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looks on. (Photo: Getty)

This morning, President Barack Obama delivered a statement from the White House Rose Garden on the death of U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans in a rocket attack last night. The attack occurred during a protest outside the U.S. embassy in response to a trailer for a movie that was posted online last month and paints an insulting picture of the life of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. Mr. Obama vowed that, in the wake of the attacks, his administration will work to secure American diplomatic posts and identify those responsible for the four deaths.

"Today, the American people stand united in holding the families of the four Americans in our thoughts and in our prayers. The United States condemns, in the strongest terms, this outrageous and shocking attack," said Mr. Obama. "We're working with the government of Libya to secure our diplomats. I've also directed my administration to increase our security at diplomatic posts around the world. Make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the killers who attacked our people."

Protests over the film also occurred at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Mr. Obama acknowledged that America's founding principles "reject all efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others," but he said there was no excuse for the attacks.

"There is absolutely no justification to this type of senseles violence. None. The world must stand together to unequivocally reject these brutal attacks," Mr. Obama said.

Though Mr. Obama harshly condemned the attacks, he promised it would not affect the United States' relationship with the new Libyan government that has been coming together after the civil war last year that removed dictator Muammar Qaddafi.

"This attack will not break the bonds between the United States and Libya," said Mr. Obama. "Libyan security personnel fought back against the attackers alongside Americans. Libyans helped some of our diplomats find safety and they carried Ambassador Stevens' body to the hospital."

Mr. Obama said the situation was "especially tragic" because it occurred in Benghazi, Libya's revolutionary capital. The President said Mr. Stevens "helped to save" Benghazi by building "partnerships with Libyan revolutionaries" and helping them as "they planned to build a new Libya." He also noted the attack occurred on September 11, "already a solemn day for our nation."

Mr. Obama ended his speech by urging his audience to recognize the sacrifices made by Mr. Stevens and others who have died while serving the country.

"As Americans, let us never, ever forget that our freedom is only sustained because there are people who are willing to fight for it, to stand up for it and, in some cases, lay down their lives for it," he said.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered a similar statement a few minutes before the President. She also stood by him as he made his remarks. In her statement, Ms. Clinton said she had communicated with Libya's interim president and was confident the ties between our countries would not be a "casualty" of the attacks.

"As long as there are those who would take innocent life in the name of God, the world will never know a true and lasting peace," Ms. Clinton said. "The job of putting an end to violent extremism and building a safe and stable world continues."

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney issued a statement on the attacks last night in which he condemned the Obama administration

"I'm outraged by the attacks on American diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt and by the death of an American consulate worker in Benghazi.  It's disgraceful that the Obama Administration's first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks," said Mr. Romney.

Mr. Romney was apparently referring to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Cairo prior to the attack in Libya that apologized for anti-Muslim activity in the United States. The White House later disavowed that statement, but this morning, Mr. Romney said he stood by his initial criticism of Mr. Obama saying the President has "has demonstrated a lack of clarity as to a foreign policy."

The Obama campaign said they were "shocked" Mr. Romney would "launch a political attack" during "a time when the United States of America is confronting the tragic death of one of our diplomatic officers in Libya."