Simcha Felder shifted his explanation for supporting Barack Obama in 2008.

Lew Fidler said he’s not taking a judgeship.

Shelly Silver walked back that “big brother” comment.

Charlie Rangel will embrace his Puerto Rican ancestry with an upcoming award.

Elizabeth Crowley has been consistently tardy at campaign events.

She called for more infrastructure investments.

Three Brooklyn lawmakers will call on Eric Holder to investigate stop-and-frisk.

Michael Grimm was outraged that a bill banning selective abortions stalled in the House.

A New York Times writer criticized the legislation.

Frank Seddio switched his plans from a special election to the scheduled 2013 one.

Dan Halloran disagreed with the soda ban.

Backers of a minimum wage raise are making an end-of-session push.

A Polish Republican State Senator knocked President Obama’s gaffe on the country’s death camps.

Kirsten Gillibrand’s Republican opponents blamed her for the poor job numbers.

Joseph Hayon expects retaliation for his endorsement of George Maragos.

Peter Vallone jammed last night.

Very modestly sized donuts were served at Madison Square Park today.

Obama couldn’t dunk in high school.

Speaking at a rally for Tom Barrett, the Democratic candidate in the Wisconsin recall, Bill Clinton described Governor Scott Walker and Republicans the “divide-and-conquer, no compromise crowd.”

The Fox News producer who lost a job offer with CNN for making an anti-Obama video can keep his job with Fox.

Democrats hope a sex scandal in the North Carolina Democratic Party won’t cost them votes in the Tarheel State.

According to a new poll, Obama’s supporters appear to be more energized.

The next mayor could quickly reverse the decision. 

It may not even come to that: Shelly Silver threatened to block the legislation at the state level. “We may be getting too close to Big Brother,” he said.

Shelly Silver believes that the governor's office should have a lesser role in the new agency charged with oversight of centers for the disabled. 

David Storobin beat Lew Fidler by 14 votes out of 22,000 cast. 

Is a Brooklyn BP run next for Fidler?

Ray Kelly pushed Cy Vance to file charges in Etan Patz case, even though the DA was reluctant.

Four unused passenger trains, part of a network that would bring high-speed rail between New York and Albany, are being dismantled and sold for scrap as part of Gov. Cuomo's effort to sell surplus state property.

Federal officials shut down 26 Chinatown bus companies. 

Lawyers for New York City asked a federal judge to dismiss dozens of lawsuits filed against the city by hundreds of people who contend they were falsely arrested during the 2004 Republican National Convention in Manhattan, Colin Moynihan reports.

Rather than hire more upper-level officers, the Port Authority is asking sergeants and lieutenants to do more overtime.

Mitt Romney is taking his message of the Obama administration's failures on the economy to areas that are rebounding. 

Romney is winning over the right. 

Marco Rubio doesn't have a favorite vice president. 

Bill Clinton says that Mitt Romney had a "sterling" business career.

Wonk Room says that Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to ban large sugary drinks may actually work.

A conservative blogger asks: Is Mike Bloomberg a Sugar Nazi?, although he later clarified that it was a reference to the Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld. “That stickler when it came to his soup was no Hitler either.” Conservative Party Senate nominee Wendy Longpledged to support the GOP nominee, while promising to be the GOP nominee.

Adriano Espaillat however said that "People say consistently that they want change, that it's time to turn the page."

Eliot Spitzer hopes that Hillary Clinton does run for president in 2016. 

The Daily News takes a look at the latest battle in the Queens GOP civil war, this one between Eric Ulrich and Juan Reyes for the State Senate. 

David Storobin has a 14 vote lead over Lew Fidler; the race is expected to be certified next month.

The Bloomberg administration is considering an outright ban of large sized sugary drinks.

However, David Greenfield is proposing a bill that would require cyclists to wear a helmet. Mayor Bloomberg opposes that bill.

Joe Hynes lashed out at members of the Orthodox Jewish community for intimidating victims from coming forward about their sexual abuse.

Parks Dept. workers are receiving extra training on how to spot decaying tree branches. 

An audit by John Liu found that Hewlett-Packard bilked the city for as much as $50 million when it worked as a contractor for the city's overhaul of its 911 system.

A new city bill that will allow drivers to transfer unused muni-meter time could create a black market among parkers. 

Despite early claims to the contrary, Cardinal Dolan authorized payments to abusive priests while in Milwaukee in an effort to get them to lead the priesthood.

Just 51% of New York Catholics back Dolan’s push against Obama’s move to require employers to pay for contraception coverage.

Muslim and Sikh transit workers will be permitted to wear religious headgear, so long as it is blue, the MTA announced.

The New York State Thruway is contemplating huge toll hikes for trucks. 

The Innocence Project and the state Bar Association  pushed for the expansion of videotaped interrogations and reforms to lineup procedures.

Obama and Romney are tied in Iowa, Colorado and Nevada.

Deval Patrick praised Bain Capital. 

Marco Rubio, "the senator from the Internet," sees SOPA as a seachange in the power of online communities on Capitol Hill.

The Obama campaign is adding a new line of attack against Romney--his record as governor in Massachusetts. 

Two polls out this week show that the House GOP majority may not be safe. 

David Yassky isn’t beloved by everyone.

David Carlucci may have a primary challenger.

And in turn, the IDC might back a primary challenger against a sitting Democrat.
John Sampson said he’s focused on legislating, not who the next leader of his conference will be.

Jezebel considers Grace Meng “kickass.”

Hill Krishnan’s campaign kept generating interest in the Indian press.

Nydia Velázquez argued she’s not a Wall Street crony.

Ed Towns’ Chief of Staff is running for district leader.

A former NYPD intelligence officer pushed back against the AP’s series on the department’s spying of Muslims.

John Liu found more problems with the 911 system.

I Love New York is changing.

Not everyone is a fan. (“What does ‘I SHAMROCK GUINNESS" mean?” Tom McGeveran wrote. “It means you're an idiot.”)

Your commute may be killing you.

Hakeem Jeffries is advertising his childhood.

Barack Obama called Mitt Romney to congratulate him on winning the GOP nod. White House spokesman Jay Carney later described the conversation as “very collegial and friendly,” but added  “not, of course, particularly long.”

The Associated Press has a “prostitution problem” in front of their Washington D.C. bureau.

A new website lets you read Tweets deleted by politicians.

Media Matters says this anti-Obama Fox & Friends clip “may violate News Corp.'s own internal policy for ethical behavior.”

Urban Outfitters has some election-themed offerings among their selection of ironic t-shirts.

Molly Ball profiles Stephanie Cutter, the rapid response maven of the Obama 2012 effort.

The Atlantic asked birthers for their thoughts on Mitt Romney’s birth certificate.

Allen West dismissed allegations that he had assaulted an Iraqi police officer while serving overseas:  “If you guys want to go back and talk about what happened nine years ago for me, let’s talk about the president doing blow, and smoking dope.”

Prominent birther/Romney surrogate Donald Trump doesn’t think Mitt’s birth certificate needs to be looked into.

North Korea’s new despot, Kim Jong Un, took a fun-filled trip to the zoo.

And finally, on account of the beginning of summer, we give you six covers of the Mister Softee jingle.

Cory Booker’s spokeswoman denied that her resignation had anything to do with Meet the Press.

Wendy Long’s new campaign manager: Rob Ryan.

Mayor Bloomberg and three 2013 contenders will raise money for Charlie Rangel.

CREW bopped Michael Grimm again.

Actor Eric Etebari will be joining a rally for Grimm’s rival, Mark Murphy.

Rich Becker is proud of the tracker following his campaign.

Shaming Andrew Cuomo on the minimum wage.

Mark Green endorsed Rory Lancman.

New York City is launching a map of parking availability.

Bloomberg: “Shelly Silver's a principled guy."

Another challenger filed against Shirley Huntley.

Bill de Blasio said his campaign contributions from the taxi industry isn’t a conflict of interest.

Labor likes Toby Ann Stavisky.

State Senator Andrew Lanza introduced a bill that would authorize the use of speed cameras, the first time such a bill has been live in the upper chamber.

Meet Brooklyn-born Mia Love, the newest Republican star.

Asked how he would introduce himself to voters, Mitt Romney said, “ I’m just a kid that wants to make a difference for America.”

This week the presidential campaign seems set to become Donald Trump vs. Solyndra.

Louis Farrakhan attacked Obama over his support for marriage equality:

Why Tea Party favorite Ted Cruz may come back and win the GOP Senate primary in Texas.

Bob Dylan wore sunglasses to pick up his Medal of Freedom from President Obama.

Attorney General Eric Holder is briefing black ministers on how to campaign for the president.

Mormons are preparing to march in LGBT pride parades around the country.

Mitt Romney doesn’t have much chance of winning his home state of Michigan this November.

Does the Wisconsin recall matter for the presidential election?

The Senate Republicans will pass tax credit legislation.

Some think David Yassky might run for higher office again.

While the Senate Democrats will move into a cheaper office to save money.

The math supporting stop-and-frisks doesn't hold up.

Anthony Weiner has been a bit of a stay-at-home mom since his scandal.

Westchester County D.A. Janet DiFiore reportedly helped her housekeeper collect benefits she shouldn't have.

Charlie Rangel's House colleagues have been contributing to his campaign.

The  New York Post doesn't like that legislation against anonymous internet comments.

And joined the New York Times in opposing the taxi fare hike.

The Times argued the Upper East Side should do its part in processing trash.

Bill Colton is doing his part to fight a southwest Brooklyn waste transfer station.

Sarah Palin has a new, better approach.

Thaddeus McCotter is now a write-in candidate for his own electoral future.

Mitt Romney can seal the deal with Texas.

He's not shying away from Donald Trump.

President Obama's time is increasingly dominated by the campaign.

Obama's secret "kill list" is at odds with his liberal law professor roots.

Joe Crowley, Grace Meng and other electeds marching. Eizabeth Crowley and half of Rory Lancman are also visible. (Photo: @Grace4NY)

Rory Lancman raised money off an Elizabeth Crowley comment, only to have her campaign swat back.

She checked her cell phone a lot during a recent candidate forum.

New York is vying to become a global high-tech hub.

The state is also trying to sell you a prison, literally.

The gay marriage issue isn’t what it used to be.

Charlie Rangel should be better known for his legislation to reinstate the draft.

He quoted that article on Facebook with a targeted ellipsis to edit out part of the lede.

Elected officials from New Jersey continue to be unimpressed with Scott Stringer's plan to tax them.

Headline: “This Week in Small Business: Blame the S.B.A.”

Governor Cuomo was among those that paid tribute to Memorial Day.

Martin O’Malley is staying close to President Obama’s reelection efforts.

Lobbyists aren’t planning to party at this year’s Republican Convention.

Mitt Romney’s Las Vegas fundraiser at the Trump International Hotel aims to raise $2 million.

His Mormon faith is in the spotlight, apparently.

Salon uncovered new evidence of extensive ties between the CIA and America’s best known literary journal, the Paris Review.

Michelle Obama announced her sponsorship of the Navy sub U.S.S. Illinois and met with the some of the first women who have been accepted into the Navy’s nuclear submarine program.

Wendy Long (Photo: NY1)

The head of SEIU 32BJ is stepping down.

Wendy Long discussed her Senate campaign on Capital Tonight and Inside City Hall.

The New York Times called Albany "self-absorbed."

And argued a 20% fare increase for taxis is "too much."

Guy Molinari won't stop courting Ray Kelly for mayor, even though he's told him he's not interested.

The FBI is investigating the Queens Republican Party.

Ridgewood Bushwick received an interestingly-timed loan.

The New York Daily News disagreed with Governor Cuomo's move to stop finger printing food stamp recipients.

As did the New York Post.

The Post unloaded more criticism on Brooklyn D.A. Charles Hynes and his handling of sex abuse cases.

Eliot Spitzer's former prostitute wrote her last relationship advice column for the same publication.

Tom Allon posited that his mayoral rivals are "totally wrong" on stop-and-frisk.

Mayor Bloomberg addressed Cornell graduates.

Chuck Schumer is fighting to reduce fees for parents of young kids on flights.

Some people still think Anthony Weiner was framed.

The Staten Island GOP Chairman runs a tightly regimented operation.

The Staten Island Advance wants the Koenig Sphere to stay in its borough.

On the presidential race:

A former 2012 presidential candidate might not make the ballot in his own congressional race.

Headline: "Giuliani gets over ego and praises Romney"

President Obama and Mitt Romney share some similarities.

Is Romney's unpopularity in his  home state a bad omen?

Shockingly, a top Romney adviser said Obama's birthplace isn't a campaign issue.

Yet they're still sticking by their man, Donald Trump.

The Times looked into Ann Romney's equestrian hobby.

There were competing Dominican-themed events today in Charlie Rangel’s reelection campaign.

Andrew Cuomo’s sister-in-law is writing a profile of Mike Bloomberg’s daughter for Tom Allon’s magazine.

Mike Bloomberg now owns 11 houses.

Reporters are starting to speculate on who will replace John Sampson.

Dan Squadron, rock star.

Dan Halloran is recovering well and wrote on Facebook that "despite the removal of brain tissue, I remain a Republican."

Rory Lancman attacked Elizabeth Crowley for calling the Israel issue a “distraction.”

A guy who won the lottery is likely running for Grace Meng’s seat.

The Republican Senate candidates will debate.

As will the candidates in NY-13. (Adriano Espaillat’s spokesman tweeted hope that Charlie Rangel will make it)

Eric Schneiderman says the Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group could use more resources.

Scott Stringer’s answer to transit deserts: Some possible solutions include transforming the dilapidated North Shore Rail Line to BRT or light rail, expanding bus rapid transit to Nostrand Avenue and other crowded corridors and examining the potential for expanded ferry service.

The Albany police department denied allegations that they charged an employee of the wife of an investigative reporter for The Times Union with prostitution as retribution for critical articles.

Malia Obama took her Secret Service detail to see a boy band concert.

Several conservative bloggers have spent the day consumed with a bizarre story about a left wing activist who allegedly tried to attack one of their own.

POLITICO fretted about the state of Cory Booker’s brand.

State legislatures around the country may face unprecedented turnover in 2013.

Mitt Romney’s campaign knocked Barack Obama over his China policy.  

Newt Gingrich and Martin O’Malley will debate on “Meet The Press”

Mitt Romney admits that his own verbal gaffes “make me want to kick myself in the seat of my pants.”