Senator Ball. (Photo: Observer media file)

GOP State Senator Greg Ball, an outspoken Hudson Valley legislator who repeatedly knocked then-Rep. Nan Hayworth last year--even threatening to run a primary campaign against her--is taking his hat out of the ring. In a statement released late this morning, Mr. Ball said he was focused on his work in Albany and had no overriding desire to defeat the Democrat who ultimately beat Ms. Hayworth, Sean Patrick Maloney.

“I want to make it clear that I am focused on finishing this legislative session and delivering for my current district and not running for Congress," he said. “As for my re-election in the current State Senate seat, I will make a final decision on that as the time nears.”

However, showing his rebellious size, Mr. Ball did manage to heap some praise on the Democratic incumbent, whom he said should be "applauded."

"Indeed, while I disagree with the current Congressman on most issues, we have a great working relationship and he and his office are to be applauded, for they have bent over backwards to mutually assist shared constituents,” Mr. Ball sated.

For her part, Ms. Hayworth has formed a new campaign account for a rematch with Mr. Maloney as Democrats prepare to defend their congressional victories in last year's elections.

Senator Squadron rallying for LICH. (Photo: Facebook)

State Sen. Dan Squadron's campaign for public advocate continued to hum along today as he announced six endorsements from Albany's lower legislative chamber: Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Brian Kavanagh, Micah Kellner, Dan Quart, Joan Millman and Nily Rozic.

The first four represent Manhattan districts stretching from the Upper East Side down into lower Manhattan, while Ms. Millman--like Mr. Squadron--represents a slice of Brownstone Brooklyn. Ms. Rozic hails from northeastern Queens. For what it's worth, Mr. Kellner, an avid fan of Mr. Squadron's, had signaled his likely intentions some time ago.

In statements, the various endorsers declared their support for Mr. Squadron based on a wide range of issues, including pedestrian and cyclist safety, the fight to save Long Island College Hospital, gay rights and gun control legislation, among others.

"In his tenure as a State Senator, Daniel has proven to be a strong advocate for tenant rights, a partner in our fight to save LICH, and has worked to improve access to our waterfront," Ms. Millman said, for example. "He not only talks about these issues, he has written legislation to correct problems which improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers."

Previously Mr. Squadron has rolled out a number of his fellow state senators as he battles against Councilwoman Letitia James, 2010 congressional candidate Reshma Saujani, teacher Cathy Guerriero and Sidique Wai in this year's Democratic primary. Ms. James in particular has racked up plenty of significant endorsements of her own, including unions, council members and, as of last night, the Three Parks Independent Democrats, a prominent Upper West Side club.

View Mr. Squadron's full announcement below:

NEW YORK -- Today, six Democratic Assemblymembers from across the city endorsed Daniel Squadron for Public Advocate in 2013, including Assemblymembers Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan), Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan), Micah Kellner (D-Manhattan), Joan Millman (D-Brooklyn), Dan Quart (D-Manhattan), and Nily Rozic (D-Queens).

Today's announcement follows the endorsements of a broad coalition of State Senators -- Joseph Addabbo (Queens), Martin Malave Dilan (Brooklyn), Michael Gianaris (Queens), Brad Hoylman (Manhattan), Gustavo Rivera (Bronx), and Jose M. Serrano (Manhattan/Bronx).

In January, Squadron was also endorsed by both former Public Advocates, Mark Green and Betsy Gotbaum.

The Assemblymembers underscored Squadron's record of delivering results and fighting for reform, and his vision for the Public Advocate as key in engaging and supporting communities often left behind in local government and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to opportunity.

"Daniel is a fighter for each and every New Yorker. I've worked with Daniel to support Hudson River Park and protect affordable housing, and I know that he's a true voice for critical progressive reforms, a tireless LGBT ally, and a strong leader who knows how to deliver results. That's why Daniel's the best choice to become our next Public Advocate," said Glick.

"I've been proud to partner with Daniel on countless issues in the community and in Albany, from pedestrian and cyclist safety to a sustainable and strong public housing system. Daniel is a determined, hard-working, and thoughtful reformer, and he doesn't stop fighting until he gets things done. That's why I'm standing with Daniel for Public Advocate," said Kavanagh.

"Daniel is a tireless advocate for the rights of each and every New Yorker, and a reformer who knows how to get things done. He has an incomparable ability to build consensus and achieve real successes, and I know that he'll be a fighter for the East Side and for every single New Yorker. That's why I'm supporting Daniel as our next Public Advocate," said Kellner.

"In his tenure as a State Senator, Daniel has proven to be a strong advocate for tenant rights, a partner in our fight to save LICH, and has worked to improve access to our waterfront. He not only talks about these issues, he has written legislation to correct problems which improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers," said Millman.

"Whether we're talking about his leadership on ethics reform, gun control, and affordable housing, or his tireless advocacy for better transit and more open space, Daniel's been a dynamic and effective Senator. That progressive leadership is exactly what New York City wants and needs in our next Public Advocate -- and Daniel is the best choice for the job," said Quart.

"I've seen Daniel's effectiveness first-hand in his district and in Albany -- and I know he's exactly what our city needs at this critical moment. From education and healthcare, to vital government reform and pay equity for women, Daniel is already an advocate for each and every New Yorker. I'm very proud to support him as our next Public Advocate," said Rozic.

"I'm humbled and honored to have the support of these dynamic leaders as I build my campaign for Public Advocate. Communities across our city need a fighter who will stand up for them and deliver results. Together, we will work to ensure that each and every New Yorker has the opportunity to make a life here," said Squadron.

As of the last filing, Squadron had already raised $2.15 million in direct contributions and expected public matching funds, with nearly $2 million in contributions and matching funds to spend on the race ahead of the Democratic primary. He has built a broad base of grassroots support, with nearly 2000 individual contributors, of whom 70% contributed less than $250. Over 250 New Yorkers have hosted house parties and fundraisers for Squadron. Squadron has never accepted contributions from corporations or special interest PACs.

James Sanders. (Photo: Facebook)

Several days ago, State Senator James Sanders reacted to the news that his predecessor wore a wire in an attempt to reduce her corruption sentence, by criticizing her for "snitching." Well, the New York Post didn't take kindly to that, and this morning, the publication editorialized harshly against Mr. Sanders, claiming he "seems to be endorsing the crime-abetting law of street thugs."

Mr. Sanders released a follow-up statement this afternoon taking exception to the Post's characterization. "Snitching," Mr. Sanders wrote, was only in the context of entrapment, which he insisted the editorial missed.

"In response to the New York Post editorial on May 7, 2013, what was not said speaks volumes," Mr. Sanders said. "While the Post highlighted a portion of my statement made to the New York Times that mentions 'ensnaring' others, which in the context used, described entrapment, which is prohibit under the law, the article neglected to mention my encouragement to perform a public service by exposing actual corruption that one knows of. Deliberately leading people into a crime that they would not have committed, be they legislators or private individuals, is wrong and shows no honor. I have always and will always encourage full cooperation with law enforcement to root out real corruption."

The state senator's comments, of course, come as New York State has been rocked by multiple corruption scandals, not the least of which involves State Senator Shirley Huntley, his wire-wearing predecessor, who is due to be sentenced on Thursday. Additional information Ms. Huntley collected is due to be released at 2 p.m. this afternoon.

Mr. Sanders' full "snitching" quote to The New York Times was appended to his statement today:

“There are few among us who can stand up to 20, 30, 40 years without, as the streets call, snitching,” [Senator Sanders] said. “I think that it is tragic that one finds themselves in a world of pain and even more tragic if you’re trying to buy down your sentence by ensnaring others,” Mr.Sanders added. “Now, if you are merely speaking of what they have done, then you’re probably doing a public service. But if you are ensnaring people, then it just proves you have no honor."

John Sampson. (Photo: Facebook)

The U.S. Attorney's office is holding a press conference any moment now to detail the charges against State Senator John Sampson, who was arrested this morning for his alleged involvement in a bribery scheme. Specifically, Mr. Sampson is charged with two counts of embezzlement, five counts of obstruction of justice and two counts of making false statements.

One particularly interesting moment in the indictment, which can be viewed below, is when FBI agents approached Mr. Sampson at the end of July to ask about the alleged criminal schemes. According to the complaint, "At the conclusion of the interview, agents advised the defendant John Sampson that he had lied to federal agents, which constituted a federal crime. After being asked whether he wished to revise his statement, Sampson stated, 'Not everything I told you was false.'"

View the indictment:

John Sampson (Photo: N.Y. State Senate)

State Senator John Sampson, who up until recently led his chamber's Democratic conference, is set to turn himself into federal authorities today after being ensared in a bribery scandal, according to The New York Times and New York Post.

It's unclear to what extent Mr. Sampson may have been cooperating with federal prosecutors prior to this point. His involvement in an alleged scheme with then-State Senator Shirley Huntley, who already pleaded guilty to her own charges, was revealed last week when a sentencing letter made public Ms. Huntley's own cooperation. The Times reports Mr. Sampson be charged with obstruction of justice.

Should Mr. Sampson indeed be charged as expected, his arrest will follow what has been a recent string of corruption scandals in New York, including State Senator Malcolm Smith, Councilman Dan Halloran and Assemblyman Eric Stevenson, who was caught when a colleague revealed he had been wearing a wire himself and resigned. And, in the past couple years, pols like Councilman Larry Seabrook, State Senator Pedro Espada and State Senator Carl Kruger have been convicted in their own bribery or embezzlement schemes.

Furthermore, Assemblyman William Boyland Jr. was indicted for stealing public funds again last Friday, and the day before, two close associates to Comptroller John Liu, a candidate for mayor this year, were found guilty of attempting to organize a straw donor scheme on his behalf.

Needless to say, when it comes to good governance, New York is not gaining a particularly good reputation these days. And with more cooperating witnesses, there's no  sign that the scandals will end anytime soon.

Update (9:00 a.m.): According to multiple reports, Mr. Sampson has indeed turned himself in. U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch is holding a press conference at 11 a.m. to further discuss the arrest.

David Storobin. (Photo: Facebook)

Former State Senator David Storobin officially filed for term-limited Councilman Mike Nelson's district today, setting the stage for what will likely be one of the few competitive general election race in heavily-Democratic New York City.

Politicker actually bumped into Mr. Storobin last night at a fund-raiser for socially conservative Democratic mayoral candidate Erick Salgado--although Mr. Storobin, a Republican, said his presence wasn't an endorsement. The buzz among several attendees was that the former state lawmaker would indeed run for the seat, so we asked him where he was at in his decision-making process. He claimed to be undecided.

"You catch me at a different hour, I have a different feeling," he explained. "I don't know what ... I'm going to do."

Mr. Storobin, who noted he just lost a brutal re-election battle last year after narrowly winning an equally tough special election a few months before that, expressed reservations about entering a third campaign so quickly. On the other hand, he said he felt like he had a unique opportunity in an open Council contest containing some of his best electoral turf in Brooklyn's Russian-American community.

Should he enter the race, Mr. Storobin would be the only Republican in a field that includes a plethora of Democratic hopefuls, notably attorneys Igor Oberman and Michael Treybich, district leader Ari Kagan, Nelson staffer Chaim Deutsch and community board chair Theresa Scavo.

Greg Ball. (Screengrab: YNN)

State Senator Greg Ball has been on a bit of a media tour since he tweeted his support for torturing the Boston Marathon terror suspect in the aftermath of his arrest, and he doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. To wit, his round of interviews took him to at least two news shows yesterday evening, Capital Tonight and Piers Morgan Live, where he put his argument into rather direct form.

"All I can tell you is what I would do as an American. If we saw what just happened where we had men, women and children--a child--killed," he said at one point, for example. "I can tell you that as Greg Ball, if I felt that torture--whether it be making them listen to music at night, or using a baseball bat--would save one innocent life, including that of a child, I would use it. But I'm just speaking for Greg Ball."

When Liz Benjamin, Capital Tonight's host, pressed Mr. Ball on the subject, he simply stated that he was not "completely full of crap," unlike other officials who might have more of a filter between what they feel and what they say.

"Let's just step back a second. I mean, you make a living out of interviewing politicians and others and I understand that most politicians are completely full of crap," he contended. "And you have to deal with that every day. I don't know how you do it. I happen to say exactly how I feel ... It's easy to have an academic debate and there's certainly room for that in editorial board meetings and the ivory towers of universities ... I'll leave that up to academia."

Mr. Ball further said he relished the criticism he receives from making these sorts of statements, adding, "You know, If I wasn't being criticized, I don't know what I'd do with myself. An old World War Two guy told me this, that, 'If you're not taking flak, you're not over the target.'"

Of course, Mr. Ball is hardly the only pol to step into the spotlight due to an off-hand Twitter post. Ms. Benjamin asked Mr. Ball if he was concerned whether he might get into trouble someday, perhaps like then-Congressman Anthony Weiner, who was caught sending lewd social media messages in 2011.

"Well I don't think that there's an attachment of a picture of me in my underwear," the state senator said. "If there is, please let me know."

"Not to this one," Ms. Benjamin replied, likely referring to a pants-free Twitter photo Mr. Ball once indeed took. "Not to this one."

(Photo: Getty)

The State Legislature is set to look at tightening New York's infamously loose campaign finance rules in the wake of a recent slate of corruption scandals, but State Sen. Rubén Díaz believes legislative attention should instead be focused on Governor Andrew Cuomo.

"I would like to recommend that ethics reform in New York State begin in the Governor's mansion," Mr. Díaz declared today in one of his regular "What You Should Know" statements. "While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used to pay for meals, I would like my readers to know that many of my colleagues are routinely invited to the Governor's mansion to eat his food and drink his wine with no oversight to who pays those bills."

This is not the first time Mr. Díaz has deflected the news of State Senator Malcolm Smith's arrest--along with other officials in the State Assembly and City Council--to other topics. Indeed, earlier this month, he reminded his readers that both Mr. Cuomo Mayor Michael Bloomberg have also used money in pursuit of their various legislative and electoral goals, although through legal channels.

Today, Mr. Díaz, an outspoken reverend and constant critic of Mr. Cuomo's, paid particular attention to the Committee to Save New York, an organization that has spent millions supporting Mr. Cuomo's policy agenda.

"We should be more concerned with stopping big money influence of corporations, groups and people that are getting access to meetings with Governors and others by contributing big donations," the senator continued. "Amen."

View Mr. Díaz's full missive below:

You should know that today the New York State Senate will begin a public push to limit how Senate campaign funds can be spent. These campaign funds are donations from individuals and organizations given with the understanding that the candidate will use them as they see fit - like renting a car and paying for meals.

You should also know that while this effort to turn up the heat on Senators has begun, there is still no effort underway to restrict what Governor Cuomo does with resources he raises, and no demand for a complete disclosure of the names of the donors from the Committee to Save New York - his ally - a private lobbying committee not subject to state campaign finance law. The names of many of their donors remain in the shadows.

The Committee to Save New York has been lockstep with Governor Cuomo's agenda and has spent more money on lobbying activities in 2012 than any other group.

You should know that the billionaires and business leaders who support Governor Cuomo's Committee to Save New York have won billions in government bailouts. Now they insists upon “fiscal responsibility” for the rest of New York.

I would like to recommend to my colleagues that instead of going after each other and restricting how much money we spend from our donors to rent cars and pay for dinners for our campaigns, that we focus our attention on reviewing policy payoffs that impact our ability to legislate on behalf of our constituents - instead of on behalf of the groups who lobby and profit from their participation of the Committee to Save New York.

I would like to recommend that ethics reform in New York State begin in the Governor's mansion.

While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used to pay for meals, I would like my readers to know that many of my colleagues are routinely invited to the Governor's mansion to eat his food and drink his wine with no oversight to who pays those bills.

While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used to rent cars, I would like my readers to know that this past Thursday JCOPE quietly posted on their website on state ethics ruling that Governor Cuomo can bring Sandra Lee, his girlfriend and Food Network star who lives with him in Westchester County, along with his daughters on the state aircraft with him when he's on official business.

While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used for our cell phones, You should know that the millions of dollars raised by the Committee to Save New York to expand casino gambling needs should be investigated.

You should know that corruption in New York State needs to be thoroughly investigated, and is far more important that the way we spend money donated to us from our supporters - who donate with the full knowledge that we decide how to spend it.

We should be more concerned with stopping big money influence of corporations, groups and people that are getting access to meetings with Governors and others by contributing big donations and by the conflict of interest of legislators serving as of-counsels and those that are board members of institutions whose leaders contribute big money. Amen.

This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

A photo of Senator Smith meeting Bronx GOP Chair Savino when Politicker staked-out a steakhouse last year.

Two of the most colorful characters in New York City politics, Democratic State Senator Malcolm Smith and GOP Councilman Dan Halloran, were arrested earlier this morning, according to multiple news outlets. They were among six people reportedly charged, including Bronx GOP chair Jay Savino and Queens GOP vice-chair Vince Tabone, in an alleged bribery plot to secure Mr. Smith a slot to run in the Republican mayoral primary.

Mr. Halloran is known for many things in city politics, including his outspoken embrace of libertarian philosophy, disputed reports of an intentional snowplow slowdown after 2010's infamous blizzard, and his pagan religion. Meanwhile, Mr. Smith might be best known for his zoot suits complete with suspenders and pinstripes, picking strange political battles like a press conference denouncing the rapper Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter, and his somewhat surprising decision to seek City Hall's top job on the other side of the partisan aisle without actually changing his voter registration. He would have needed the support of three GOP county leaders to do so, which federal prosecutors are alleging is at the heart of today's case.

“I have no idea,” Mr. Halloran, wearing handcuffs, told a New York Post reporter when asked if he knew why he was being arrested. “I’m sure the truth will come out once I have an opportunity to find out what’s going on.”

A lawyer for Mr. Smith told The New York Times that his client is innocent of any wrongdoing. “Malcolm Smith is a dedicated and highly respected public servant and he steadfastly denies these charges,” he argued, adding that he would have more to say after the charges are unsealed later this morning.

Mr. Tabone is also a key ally of another GOP mayoral contender, John Catsimatidis.

View the complaint below:

(photo: nyc.gov)

Earlier this week, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the city's Human Resources Administration unveiled a new, rather direct ad campaign to discourage teen pregnancy featuring children citing blunt statistics about teen parents. "Honestly mom, chances are he won't stay with you," a baby in one ad declares, while another reads, "I'm twice as likely not to graduate high school because you had me as a teen." The campaign, which is paired with an shame-themed choose-your-own-adventure text experience, understandably gained attention and sparked controversy.

Though City Hall seemed eager to make a splash with the in-your-face ads, other local politicians have condemned the campaign.

Today, State Senator Liz Krueger released a particularly strongly worded 5-paragraph statement sharply criticizing the ads.

"As someone who has spent decades in the fight against poverty and the fight to make sure women have equal rights to have or not have children, I am appalled at the ill-targeted and pathologically mean-spirited ad campaign put forward by the New York City Human Resources Administration, supposedly intended to reduce teen pregnancy," she said. "This campaign seems laser-focused on shaming already-struggling teen parents."

Shortly after Ms. Krueger made her announcement, Councilwoman Annabel Palma also blasted the ads citing her personal experience as a teen mother.

“I was once a teenage mother. And I can imagine how teenage mothers across the city feel right now: shamed and stigmatized by Mayor Bloomberg’s ad campaign against them. Trying to shock and scare teens into changing their behavior is the wrong approach," Ms. Palma said. "I speak from experience: young mothers and fathers need better access to the support and services that will help them care for their children, and lead responsible lives as adults. Today I add my voice to the growing chorus of voices calling on Mayor Bloomberg to cancel this counterproductive and offensive ad campaign. The resources spent on the campaign should be redirected to programs and outreach that will help young people.”

For his part, Mr. Bloomberg defended the ads during his radio show this morning.

"In the days of so much media hitting everybody, if you want to stand out you got to really do something different, dramatic," he said. "You've got to get through the clutter. It's incumbent on us to explain to young kids that if you have a child, there's an enormous amount of responsibility that goes with it. It limits what your options are. ... If you have a baby, you have a responsibility and we'll do everything we can to help. And hopefully the kid will turn out to be a Nobel Prize winner and take case of his parents--or her parents--when they retire. But you got to something dramatic to get the message through. And that's what we're trying to do."

Here is Ms. Krueger's full statement below:

As someone who has spent decades in the fight against poverty and the fight to make sure women have equal rights to have or not have children, I am appalled at the ill-targeted and pathologically mean-spirited ad campaign put forward by the New York City Human Resources Administration, supposedly intended to reduce teen pregnancy.

This campaign seems laser-focused on shaming already-struggling teen parents or, ludicrously, convincing teens not to get pregnant because really bad things will happen -- sort of a failed abstinence-only sex-ed curriculum on steroids. At best, this is the wrong message for the wrong audience -- at worst, this could actually lead to more abandoned children.

Consider the messaging (coming from the mouths of babies) in these ads:

• "Honestly mom, chances are he won't stay with you."
• "Dad, you'll be paying to support me for the next 20 years."
• "I'm twice as likely not to graduate high school because you had me as a teen."

This campaign also misses a fundamental reality about teen pregnancy: it's a symptom of larger problems. Impoverished communities, a lack of support for teenagers, and continuing stigmatization of age-appropriate sex education all create an environment with more teen pregnancies. Spending money on a 'scared straight' campaign would be a distraction even if the ads weren't so fatally stupid in their design and message.

Mayor Bloomberg's administration has had a strong track record on reproductive health issues. They should stop spending money on this wrongheaded effort and do what the research shows is effective: implement, improve, and expand age-appropriate comprehensive sex education, and work harder to fight poverty in high-risk communities.