David Paterson. (Photo: Getty)

Former Governor David Paterson, who took the state's top executive post after Eliot Spitzer suddenly resigned amid a prostitution scandal, says he might not be done with politics just yet.

"I love public service. I love the people who do it," Mr. Paterson answered this morning when asked whether he'd run for veteran Congressman Charlie Rangel's seat if the incumbent retired. "I would listen to people."

Specifically, Mr. Paterson, a Democrat, cited a lack of leadership in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives as a possible motivation for running. He further complained that important issues, like student loan debt and housing foreclosures, were not getting the attention they deserved.

"Nobody seems willing to get up and take on any issue unless they're in the majority," Mr. Paterson, speaking in a talk radio interview with New York Post columnist Fred Dicker, explained. “And when that happens, it means that they're deal-makers rather than leaders. And that compromise that people make--just that little compromise--inevitably leads to corruption. Every time."

At the same time, the former governor also expressed reservations about making such a bid. First of all, he predicted that Mr. Rangel, an octogenarian who has done almost no fund-raising since his narrow re-election victory last year, would nevertheless seek another term. Additionally, Mr. Paterson said he felt very comfortable in private life and he might be too old for such a bid anyway.

"I wake up in the morning, everything is not my fault--it's really a great feeling," he said. "I'd be 60 years old at the time I took the seat, ... so I can almost put it to bed and say 'no.' But then I watch the political landscape these days and I just feel that people are not talking about some of the issues that are really affecting people."

For his part, Mr. Rangel has not announced his intentions. Other potential candidates include Mr. Rangel's 2010 challenger, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, former Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV and Assemblyman Keith Wright.

Dan Halloran (Photo: Facebook)

Councilman Dan Halloran, who has been charged with helping quarterback a bribery scheme to rig the mayoral race, will not seek another term in office, he announced this afternoon.

"Regrettably, I must now focus my attention on clearing my name and restoring my reputation, while I continue to discharge my sworn duties as a member of the New York City Council," he said in a statement. "After much thought, I have concluded that it is impossible for me to properly do these things and take on the enormous demands of a political campaign, so I will not to pursue another term in the Council."

Of course, Mr. Halloran, a colorful Republican who occupies a swing district in northeastern Queens, faced a perilous re-lection battle with a corruption trial hanging over his head. The borough's Republican Party already dumped the incumbent in favor of Dennis Saffran. Rudy S. Giuliani, the chief of staff to neighboring Councilman Eric Ulrich and second cousin to the former mayor of the same name, has been placing his own feelers out.

For his part, Mr. Halloran mostly reflected on his record while maintaining his own innocence of all wrongdoing.

"For these last four years, our community has been fortunate to have had my incredible Council District 19 staff working hard to resolve issues between the citizenry and their City government," he said. "We owe them a great debt. They continue work diligently in the people’s interest, and it saddens me that these dedicated public servants have suffered along with me."

"Our Nation enshrines the presumption of innocence for a reason, and I look forward to having my day in court, where I am confident that I will ultimately be vindicated. Now is the time I must work to that end," he added. "I thank all those who have supported me. Your encouragement has been a comfort and I am forever grateful.”

Charlie Rangel (Photo: Getty)

Octogenarian Congressman Charlie Rangel staved off a vigorous primary challenge from State Sen. Adriano Espaillat last year, but he has yet to gear up his operations for what could be another tough re-election fight. According to his latest filings, Mr. Rangel spent more than he raised and has negative $4,800 cash on hand and $36,000 in debts and obligations.

Furthermore, Mr. Rangel only received a handful of individual contributions, oddly all from Puerto Rico-based donors, which, along with some political committee cash, amounted to just $34,000. Meanwhile, Mr. Rangel spent about $44,000, including $28,000, to his attorney Jay Goldberg.

Politicker reached out to Mr. Rangel's office to ask if this might be taken as a sign that Mr. Rangel is contemplating retirement. Hannah Kim, Mr. Rangel's spokeswoman, said Mr. Rangel was simply focused on his official duties.

"The Congressman has been just reelected and the 113th Congress started only four months ago. He has been extremely busy holding numerous events in the newly-drawn district," Ms. Kim said in a statement. "He is also focused on working to reform the tax code as well as helping to enact sensible legislation on immigration, guns and a balanced budget that will create jobs, strengthen the economy, and ensure that we keep moving our country in the right direction."

Mr. Espaillat, who has not signaled his own electoral intentions, raised only $2,000 during the same period. However, he reported having a little more than $67,000 cash on hand. Additionally, former Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, who has said he would run if Mr. Rangel doesn't seek re-election, raised about $45,000.

(Photo: Garodnick campaign)

As expected, Councilman Dan Garodnick, who had been firmly campaigning for comptroller until today, formally dropped out of the race and endorsed Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer for the position. Mr. Stringer, of course, had previously been campaigning for mayor until he dropped down to the comptroller's race himself.

"When I announced my candidacy for NYC Comptroller, I promised that New Yorkers wouldn’t get any drama with me," Mr. Garodnick wrote in an email to his supporters. "I’m keeping that promise, and want to let you know that I am ending my campaign today and supporting Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer for that position. Let me tell you why. Scott and I share the same values – a progressive commitment to reform, integrity, and sanity in city government. He has been my partner in many efforts to make New York a stronger, safer, more just city for all of its residents."

Since Mr. Garodnick had been his only rival openly campaigning for the same job, Mr. Stringer couldn't be more pleased with the situation. Indeed, the borough president appeared at the press conference where Mr. Garodnick announced the move. “Dan Garodnick is a crucial leader in our city with an important future. Running against him would have been hard for both of us,” Mr. Stringer said in a statement.

(Incumbent Comptroller John Liu is expected to run for mayor in 2013, and while Councilman Domenic Recchia is contemplating joining the race, he has yet to officially do so.)

It seems the campaign shuffling may have cleared the field for Mr. Garodnick's newly-announced reelection bid too, in case there was any doubt. Dara Adams, one of the two candidates vying to succeed him, told Politicker she was humbled by the "phenomenal experience"  of the campaign but wouldn't compete against the incumbent. Ms. Adams had actually quit her job at the Department of Education to pursue the campaign, in addition to a master's degree; now she will simply pursue the latter. "I'm disappointed to be unable to pursue my own ambitions," she said. "The City of New York is lucky to have him, and I support him in his reelection bid."

View Mr. Garodnick's letter below:

When I announced my candidacy for NYC Comptroller, I promised that New Yorkers wouldn’t get any drama with me. I’m keeping that promise, and want to let you know that I am ending my campaign today and supporting Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer for that position.

Let me tell you why. Scott and I share the same values – a progressive commitment to reform, integrity, and sanity in city government. He has been my partner in many efforts to make New York a stronger, safer, more just city for all of its residents.

And we need to remain partners as our City faces unique challenges. We have a structural deficit in our budget; we are relying too much on one-shots; we have growing non-controllable expenditures; we have a changing landscape in City Hall. These challenges are significant, and they are real, and rather than distract from those issues with a contentious campaign for Comptroller, I am resolved to work together with Scott and all other willing colleagues to address them.

I need to thank so many people who have been part of my campaign – I can’t name all of them, but just a few: State Senator Liz Krueger, State Assemblyman Dan Quart, and two of the greatest members of the City Council – Diana Reyna and Rosie Mendez. I am so grateful for their support.

As for me, I will be running for re-election to the City Council in the 4th District. City government will be changing in many ways in 2014, and I am committed to making sure those changes reflect the principles that have been the hallmark of my career in public service – keeping the city affordable for all those who live here, creating opportunity for those working toward the middle class, and creating the transparency that real democracy demands.

Thank you again for all of your support.

Sincerely,

Dan

(Photo: YouTube)

A number of key New York congressional seats were at stake election day last week. When all the votes were counted, though there were over a half-dozen competitive races only three districts changed partisan hands. One of those belonged to Hudson Valley Rep. Nan Hayworth, a freshman Republican who came in on the Tea Party wave two years ago and narrowly lost her seat this time around to Democratic attorney Sean Patrick Maloney. On Friday, Ms. Hayworth went on Richard French Live to look back on her unsuccessful election, as well as the broader national race.

"Look, Hurricane Sandy did have an effect on the public discourse," she contended. "There are issues of momentum that affected races like mine. The President had a substantial percentage margin over Governor Romney and we had known if there were a really large margin for the president, above say 5 points, that that would be very hard for us to overcome structurally in the new district that I was running in."

Another problem, Ms. Hayorth said, was the press' framing of the campaign. “I'm not blaming the media, but the media did tend to take up the president's message more vigorously than Governor Romney's message," she argued. "But then again, it's incumbent upon those of us who are in this contest to recognize those factors and apply resources accordingly."

Overall, the congresswoman sounded fairly remorseful about returning to private life.

"I loved this job and I cherished it and it was a great honor," she said. "So my most fervent wish was that I could continue to serve, or I wouldn't have run. But I'm confident I'll find other ways to be useful. It's a tough life."

Watch below:

(photo: nysenate.gov)

GOP State Senator Owen Johnson, who had previously vowed to seek reelection amid rumors that he might not seek reelection, surprisingly confirmed those rumors after submitting petitions to be on the ballot again, Newsday reported this morning. The octogenarian senator was first elected in 1972.

The move will allow Mr. Johnson to select a Republican replacement of his choosing to face off against Democratic county legislator Ricardo Montano.

"Suffolk GOP chairman John J. LaValle, Islip GOP leader Frank Cantone and Babylon GOP chair Anthony Pancella will meet over the weekend to decide on a replacement, according to a high-level party source," Newsday wrote, naming Assemblyman Philip Boyle and Suffolk County Legislator Thomas Cilmi as leading replacement candidates.

The exit of Mr. Johnson, an ally of the Suffolk County Democratic organization, will also mean that the local Democratic Party can consolidate around Mr. Montano.

"I'm pleased for him," Mr. Montano told the publication. "He's had a long distinguished career. He's done great service for the county. It's a good move for him and his family at this time."

Toby Ann Stavisky (Photo: Facebook)

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, who was drawn into the same district as her colleague Tony Avella, shall forgo the potentially contentious incumbent-on-incumbent primary and instead will seek reelection in a new Asian-majority district created in Queens, according to an announcement email sent to her supporters earlier this evening.

Ms. Stavisky had previously indicated she was unsure of her plans, and while she said she was definitely running for reelection, the possibility of a messy primary against Mr. Avella was a looming problem for the Senate Democrats after the Republicans controlling the chamber released the new district boundaries. Since most of her old district is in the new Asian-majority seat, however, her announcement isn't exactly shocking.

 She will be kicking off her reelection campaign this Friday with a plethora of her fellow elected officials. The leading names on Ms. Stavisky's list of attendees, notably, are Queens' two local Asian-American elected officials: Councilman Peter Koo and Assemblywoman Grace Meng. If Ms. Stavisky can consolidate some support among the district's Asian constituencies, her reelection path could become substantially clearer.

Attorney John Messer is also in the race and has vowed to spend his own money to do so. However, despite the historic district, no Asian-American candidate has emerged for the seat yet. One Queens source suggested watching former City Council candidates S.J. Jung and Yen Chou, but given the diverseness of the district's Asian community, lower levels of citizenship and voter turnout among immigrant groups, and the advantages of incumbency, Ms. Stavisky surely starts out as the favorite.

Also attending Ms. Stavisky's Friday announcement rally are Borough President Helen Marshall, former Borough President Claire Shulman, State Senator Jose Peralta, Assembly Members Michael Simanowitz, Andrew Hevesi, and David Weprin; Council Members Karen Koslowitz, James Gennaro, Jimmy Van Bramer, and Danny Dromm; and "community leaders from throughout Queens."

Ed Towns

Retiring Congressman Ed Towns did not submit petitions to be on the ballot last night, closing the door on his ability to anoint an ally to run in his stead, according to one knowledgeable tipster. This sets up a direct head-to-head match between Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and Councilman Charles Barron in the June 26th Democratic primary.

The process of selecting of switching out one's ballot placement with a successor is an uncommon one, and typically is only done when the incumbent is unopposed, so it would have been surprising had Mr. Towns opted for this path.

On the other hand, his exit from politics has been anything but usual, and with both Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Barron criticizing his 30 year record, there was a small chance Mr. Towns would prefer someone else.

Nevertheless, Mr. Towns has closed the door on the possibility and establishment forces that supported him previously, like the Queens County Democratic Party, are already announcing their intentions of getting behind Mr. Jeffries, while Mr. Jeffries himself declared last night he would seek the endorsement from the outgoing incumbent.

Congressman Towns

Congressman Ed Towns is not seeking reelection, Politico reported in an email tonight, citing “a source familiar with his decision." This news was subsequently confirmed by the New York Daily News' Alison Gendar, who reported that Mr. Towns is making calls to supporters saying he's not seeking reelection.

Mr. Towns' reported exit is both surprising and unsurprising. He had no reelection campaign to speak of, but had also recently hired Hank Sheinkopf to handle his communications and was ramping up his fundraising as recently as March.

His move would leave the overwhelmingly Democratic district's primary field with only two main challengers, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and Councilman Charles Barron. Mr. Jeffries, who has been aggressively securing the endorsements of politically influential unions, clubs, and elected officials in the district, would appear to have the advantage.

Mr. Jeffries has also significantly outraised Mr. Barron and has more than ten times the cash on hand. However, Mr. Barron may benefit from his increased name recognition coming from his previous campaign for the seat, as well as his third party run for governor last year.

There is an added wrinkle in the possibility of Mr. Towns anointing a new candidate in his stead, via the committee to fill vacancies. If he were to file petitions to be on the ballot by tomorrow at midnight, that would be indicative of his intentions to do just that. However, nothing in the reports emerging so far has suggested he will seek a replacement candidate

The primary is June 26th.

Update: An NY1 reporter also tweeted confirmation that Mr. Towns is not running, as did one from FOX News.

Rory Lancman (Photo: Facebook)

There's no chance you'll be seeing Democratic Assemblyman Rory Lancman, a candidate for Congress in Queens, in Albany next year (unless he's just visiting).

At a campaign event yesterday, Mr. Lancman definitively said he won't take advantage of a loophole created by this year's diverging primary dates that theoretically allows a candidate to lose a Congressional primary election and still compete in a state legislative primary occurring months later.

There's only one other candidate in the campaign who could also hypothetically seek reelection in the State Legislature, Assemblywoman Grace Meng. Her campaign's spokesman, Michael Tobman, told The Politicker the entire situation was "unchartered waters" but otherwise declined to speculate on what she might do, insisting the debate was meaningless as Ms. Meng would win the primary.

(A congressional candidate seeking to also get on the ballot for a legislative election might need to start circulating petitions to get onto the September 11th state ballot while still campaigning for the June 27th congressional primary.)

For the two other candidates in the race, Democratic City Councilwoman Liz Crowley and GOP Councilman Dan Halloran, the congressional election represents a free shot of sorts, as neither is up for reelection until 2013 and their day jobs would not be directly affected by a loss in any way.