The Morning Read: Friday, January 25, 2008

The New York Times editorial board endorsed Hillary Clinton because they are "hugely impressed by the depth of her knowledge, by the force of her intellect and by the breadth of, yes, her experience."

They also backed John McCain, writing, “Why, as a New York-based paper, are we not backing Rudolph Giuliani?…That man is not running for president.”

Michael Bloomberg delivered an austere budget, but “appeared unusually relaxed through the nearly 90-minute presentation, and sought to reassure New Yorkers that while difficult times were ahead, they were not yet dire.”

Bloomberg cut $95 million from the N.Y.P.D. and $324 million from schools.

Republicans in Albany oppose legislative pay raises.

Dennis Gallagher’s indictment was thrown out, but the legal fight isn’t over.

City Council members want to sell naming rights to public parks.

The City Council will debate a resolution today that would recommend ending the military's "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy.

Robin Finn pens a profile of judge Margarita Lopez Torres, whose challenge to the New York State process of choosing judicial candidates was the topic of a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The early decision by the state Board of Elections to reject touch-screen voting machines was a surprise.

Jim Walsh’s decision not to seek reelection to Congress is stirring up even more interest in his upstate congressional seat.

In national ads purchased on "a scale more reminiscent of a general election," Clinton attacks George W. Bush, while Barack Obama introduces himself.

Pat Healy explains why Bill Clinton is in attack mode.

As a result, the Washington Post finds that black America is looking at the former President in a new light.

Gay City News notes that Clinton’s Democratic rivals do have some supporters here.

Giuliani's taste for cigars may earn him support among Cuban voters in Florida.

The Financial Times uses the words “desperate” and “resuscitate” in discussing Giuliani’s campaign.

Bernie Kerik’s lawyer won't be representing him.

Vito Fossella writes a column urging Congress to renew a security bill.

Michael Goodwin thinks “The Times has gone over the professional line in its assaults on Giuliani."

Michael Tomasky has advice for Obama.

The New York Post editorial board compares Bloomberg’s budget to Eliot Spitzer’s, and thinks the governor is spending too much.

The Daily News editorial board says legislators have to earn their pay raise.