The Morning Read: Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Lee Hamilton is going to endorse Barack Obama, the AP reports.

Adam Nagourney writes, "it is not clear that Mr. Dean has the political skills or the stature with the two campaigns to bring the nominating battle to a relatively quick and unifying conclusion."

Helen Diane Foster doesn’t fully explain why she was absent from the congestion pricing vote on Monday.

Juan Gonzalez outlines what some people may have received in exchange for supporting congestion pricing.

Jon Corzine isn't in favor of congestion pricing.

Gene Russianoff thinks the city should trust the M.T.A. not to misuse the money it gets from congestion pricing.

The New York Times editorial board wants Sheldon Silver to support congestion pricing.

The New York Post says the entire plan rests with Silver.

Silver has hired a campaign consultant.

Investigations into Eliot Spitzer may last longer than his 14 months as governor.

David Soares continues to face criticism for those investigations.

Soares challenged Michael Goodwin to come up to Albany and keep calling him names (and Goodwin accepts!).

One figure tied to Troopergate, William Howard, has resigned.

Andrew Cuomo wanted to hear from Darren Dopp.

Keith Wright says that, at this pace, it’ll take 11 more days to pass the state budget.

On the budget, Michael Gormley writes, “Privately, legislative leaders are meeting with powerful lobbyists to restore some spending Paterson sought to curb.”

After a congressman voiced objection to giving more money to New Yorkers made ill by the 9/11 attacks, Anthony Weiner angrily responded, “There was a good reason that he made his remarks and then slithered out of the committee room.”

Christine Quinn is voicing opposition to the plan to raze St. Vincent’s hospital.

Inez Dickens opposes the rezoning in her Harlem district.

Obama is gaining on Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania polls.

Michael Gerson looks at Obama’s record on abortion.

Russell Berman interviews Clinton’s pastor.

Ben considers Obama’s strategy for the general election.

John McCain still has work to do in winning over conservative voters, writes Elizabeth Holmes.

Charlie Black is leaving his lobbying firm to work full time for the McCain campaign.

The case against former Newark Mayor Sharpe James did not get a boost from the latest testimony.

The headline on this AP article said the latest testimony “dulls case” against James.