Developers Declare Themselves in Presidential Election

“The rest of the country looks upon New York like we're left-wing, Communist, Jewish, homosexual pornographers. I think of us that way sometimes and I live here.”

That was Alvy Singer in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. And he knew what he was talking about. Even the developers here lean liberal! Our evidence? The recent campaign contribution disclosures are in.

But first, some history: back when we checked in mid-July, much of the real estate world was still hemming and hawing. With the demise of hometown heroes Hillary and Rudy, they were busy contributing to neither Obama nor McCain. Among those ambivalent developers were: Vornado Realty Trust chief executive Steven Roth; SL Green’s chairman Stephen Green; Related’s chairman Stephen Ross and president Jeff Blau; Jack and William Rudin; Tishman Speyer’s Jerry and Rob Speyer and Robert Tishman; Brookfield Properties’ president Ric Clark; Boston Properties’ chief executive Edward Linde; Extell Development’s president Gary Barnett; and Harry and Billy Macklowe. Some have since made up their minds.

Case in point: on July 31, Mr. Roth and his Daryl each gave $2,300 to the Obama Victory Fund, and Ms. Roth gave an additional $2,300 to Obama for America.

SL Green's Mr. Green also made up his mind, giving $4,600 to Obama. Mr. Linde of Boston Properties on July 31 gave $4,600 to the Obama Victory Fund and $4,600 to Obama for America. The younger Macklowes also declared their allegiance to the left. In June, Billy Macklowe, the new man in charge of Macklowe Properties, and wife Julie together gave $20,000 to the the Democratic White House Victory Fund.

Of course, New York City is not without its Republicans. The Trumps--once thought of as dyed-in-the-wool Dems--are now unequivocally behind the McCain-Palin ticket. The family--Donald Sr., Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric--has, since May, given nearly $50,000 to the campaign (not to mention another $29,000 to the Republican National Committee).

And then there are the LeFraks. Harrison LeFrak, a managing director of the LeFrak Oranization and son of the chairman, in May alone gave $65,500 to McCain Victory 2008, and another $28,500 to the Republican National Committee.

There will be more electoral Peeping Tom in Wednesday's paper.