David Paterson is headlining his first fund-raiser for the New York State Democratic Party on May 22. [NY Dems]

Chuck Schumer is headlining a June 9 fund-raiser for his former aide, Dan Squadron, who is running against fellow Democrat State Senator Marty Connor. [Dan Squadron]

Michael Gianaris is raising money for his New York City campaign account. [Liz]  read more »

Here’s another sign that Assemblyman Michael Gianaris is exploring the idea of running for City Council speaker somewhat seriously.

Gianaris' chief of staff, Michael Sais, is currently on leave from Gianaris’ office and working on Elizabeth Crowley’s campaign for City Council. (Crowley is one of two Democrats running in the special election to fill Dennis Gallagher's council seat).  read more »

Assemblyman Michael Gianiaris, who is running for reelection to the Assembly in 2008, says in this week's City Hall News that he is "going to seriously consider" running for City Council in 2009 and seeking the speakership.

The same article also quotes an unnamed aide to Assemblyman Herman “Denny” Farrell, the former chairman of the state Democratic Party, saying he won't run for speaker of the City Council if h  read more »

The jostling for New York's official Democratic convention delegate spots has been quietly playing out in political circles here for some time. And since a Hillary Clinton win in New York is kind of a foregone conclusion, it's really a contest to be named by her campaign.

Officially, delegates have to run and win the spot in party elections, so anyone can still grab a slot. But the campaign has its own list, which is pretty determinative.

Here’s a list of a few of those delegates, this one coming from the 14th congressional district, based on information from two Democratic sources:  read more »

Bill Thomson and Adolfo Carrion had a friendly chat during last night’s dinner for the Bronx Democratic County Organization at the Marina Del Rey.

At one point, I and two other reporters ran into Denny Farrell, who was hanging out with his daughter. He cheerily noted that earlier in the day he’d gotten another pro-congestion price mailing, making it three so far. “It must be good to be a billionaire,” he said. (The mayor, about whom Farrell was referring, has denied that he's providing any direct funding for the effort.) Then, Farrell rhetorically asked how many phone calls he’s gotten, smiled, and made a big zero with his fingers.

In introducing Christine Quinn, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, the county leader, said, “If I decide to go back to the City Council in ‘09, I want her to be my speaker again.”

Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz told me he won’t be in town when Sheldon Silver convenes his conference meeting in Manhattan on July 16.

Non-Bronx officials who made their way to the dinner include David Weprin, Melinda Katz and Simcha Felder - all comptroller candidates in 2009, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, and state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Also floating around the room were former City Council Speaker Gifford Miller (no tie!) and Democratic Mayoral candidate Fernando Ferrer.

And state Senator Efrain Gonzalez, who was indicted last year for misusing public money, was at the dinner before I arrived and stayed after I left, seemingly having a good time.  read more »

10 a.m. The Food Bank for New York will launch a backpack program to address childhood hunger at home at the Citizens Advice Bureau, 1130 Grand Concourse, in the Bronx.  read more »

Tom Suozzi and Assemblyman Michael Gianaris will speak on separate panels at a symposium on reapportionment hosted by Citizens Union at The Newman Center at Baruch College.

Bill Clinton will be attending the Clinton Global Initiative town hall debate on HIV/AIDS at the Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem.