William Weld

Last night at a party for The Atlantic Monthly's 150th anniversary, held on the stage of the NYU student center auditorium, the aging cable-access porn star Robin Byrd was looking around the room. She saw Robert DeNiro, and locked in.

"Hello!" she said, touching his right arm.

"Hi" he replied.

"Hi," she said, curling a smile.

"Hi, hi," he replied, holding his look for an extra second and turned away.

"I guess he recognized me and doesn't wanna talk," Ms. Byrd concluded. "Look at him! He's got a clavicle problem, you know. A clavicle problem."

Mr. DeNiro's left arm and shoulder were in a sling.

"Because his arm is not in a cast, just a sling! He has a clavicle problem, poor guy."

"I don't really know what The Atlantic is," she continued. "Is it something political?"  read more »

Bill Weld will be among the vice chairs for a June 27 fund-raiser in
NYC for Mitt Romney, according to an invitation sent over by a reader.

It’s $2,300 for a “photo reception” and $1,000 to attend the “general reception."
The full invitation is after the jump.
 read more »

The Sheraton New York Hotel has been getting a lot of pre-Presidential action these last few days. First Rudy Giuliani threw a baseball-themed bash there last Wednesday, March 14. And just four days ago, Hillary Clinton hosted a big-ticket mega-fundraiser headlined by her famous husband, Bill. Last night it was Mitt Romney's turn. But while his competitors boasted 1000-person, ballroom-sized events, the former governor's money-raiser was somewhat more modest. Romney's New York Fundraising Kickoff, as the event was billed, took place in a long, rectangular conference room located 100 or so twisty feet from the hotel's second-floor ballroom. There was an open bar for drinks and a single table of cheese, crackers, and crudite for guests to nibble. (Hillary, by contrast, laid on a spead of sirloin and risotto.)  read more »

A reader in the city emailed to say the spotted former Governors George Pataki and Bill Weld having lunch together today at the Harvard Club.

In case you were wondering what they're up to.

-- Azi Paybarah

Random mini-highlights from a New School forum today about the incoming Spitzer administration:

NYPIRG's Albany man Blair Horner said the new governor "has to have a big reform victory that people understand" quickly, because the longer he's there, and the more Spitzer works with lawmakers, the harder it'll be to leverage public support for major changes.

Lobbyist and consultant Norman Adler criticized the much-discussed Brennan Center report about how to reform the state legislature for shoddy methodology. They "should be embarrassed to put that report out," he said.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld said that one major mistake he made as governor was to have been "too savage" with legislative leaders from the other party. Which makes it all the more intriguing to think about what might have happened if he ever made it to Albany.

And former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio, who lost his seat because he passed a huge tax increase, partly in order to fund a CFE-like lawsuit, said his situation was made so difficult because, unlike governors in New York, he couldn't borrow money to pay for operating expenses.

-- Azi Paybarah

At 8 a.m., the Campaign for Fiscal Equity has a breakfast forum at the Yale Club.

Starting at 8:20 a.m., former governors Bill Weld and Jim Florio join incoming state budget director Paul Francis at a panel discussion on "Governing Change: Policy, Politics and the Spitzer Administration" at The New School.

At 9 a.m., the Board of Directors for the NYC Industrial Development Agency will meet at 110 William Street.

At 10 a.m., the Governance and Audit Committee of the NYC Center Operating Corporation will meet at the Javits Center.

At 11 a.m., Assemblyman Mike Gianaris calls for the creation of the Innocence Commission, with members of the Innocence Project, in his Astoria office.

At noon, there's a protest outside the Iranian mission to the U.N.

The City Council's Civil Service and the Housing Committees will hold meetings.

And the holiday parties of DL21C, Queens DA Richard Brown, and The New York County Lawyers' Association will be taking place.

-- Azi Paybarah

State GOP Executive Director Ryan Moses, who backed Bill Weld over party-nominee John Faso, will leave his job Dec. 1 to become the director of government relations at a Syracuse-based law firm.

August 11 is the day to be in Iowa if you're a GOP White House hopeful.

A Q poll today measuring the popularity of national leaders finds John Kerry wanting.

Ben sees Hillary's ghost writer as something of a metaphor.

Greg Sargent condemns the tendency of reporters "to let McCain off the hook for pandering, usually to the right, because he supposedly doesn't actually mean what he says when he's doing it," and calls it something dirty.

Iraq is in a civil war, according to Matt Lauer.

Republicans are dangerous to your health, according to Daily Gotham.

Karol Sheinin wants to "spit on Charles Barron."

Health care in the US gets low marks in a recent Gallup poll.

The families of Eliot Spitzer and Bill Mulrow vacationed together last year, adding an element of personal intrigue to the incoming governor's decisions on a) whether to install Mulrow to replace Alan Hevesi as comptroller, if it comes to that, and b) whether to approve the takeover of New York's race tracks by a syndicate in which Mulrow is a principal.

And above is the invitation to Bloomberg's holiday party for the press corps.

-- Azi Paybarah

Standing under a chandelier that looked like an exploding atom particle, a smiling Jeanine Pirro told LGBT activists and donors at a Manhattan fundraiser that "When I got out of law school 150 years ago, I was taught that equal rights and equal justice applied to all of us. And then, I got into the real world..."

This was last night, about three hours after Pirro publicly confirmed that her attempt to verify her husband's infidelity is now the subject of a federal investigation, which she called "a smear campaign."

For the Log Cabin Republicans who organized the event, the goal was to $60,000 to donate to candidates who support gay rights. [President of the NYC Log Cabin Republicans, Chris Taylor, notes "our long-term goal is civil marriage equality, but in this election cycle, 'legal recognition of same-sex relationships' (such as we have in CN, VT, NY and CAL) is our main criteria."]

Pirro arrived quietly during a speech by another onetime GOP Great Hope of 2006, Bill Weld. Pirro, sitting in a chair with a wine glass in her hand, nodded along. From time to time, she glanced down at the seat cushion where her left hand was resting: five French manicured finger nails and one gold wedding band.

KT McFarland -- another woman who knows a thing or two about family tribulation on the campaign trail -- walked up and placed two hands on Pirro's shoulder.

When Pirro was introduced to speak, the group's president Christopher Taylor said, "We love you and we'll always be there for you." He talked about how he and Pirro had "bonded" while marching in a gay pride parade where "only one of us was sensible because only one of us wore sneakers. The other wore three-inch high heels." [corrected]

Pirro, standing in the middle of the room, smiled and quietly corrected him by holding up four fingers.

She got up and delivered her speech about supporting gay rights, accepted the sympathetic applause of the crowd, and it was time to go. Before she left, she asked: "And by the way, how was your day today?"

(An audio clip of Pirro's remarks from last night is here.)

-- Azi Paybarah

NOTE: This post originally said, incorrectly, that the fundraiser was for candidates who specifically support gay marriage.

Standing under a chandeleer that looked like an exploding atom particle, a smiling Jeanine Pirro told LGBT activists and donors at a Manhattan fundraiser that "When I got out of law school 150 years ago, I was taught that equal rights and equal justice applied to all of us. And then, I got into the real world..."

This was about three hours after Pirro said her attempt to verify her husband's infidelity is now the subject of a federal investigation, which she called "a smear campaign."

The night's spoken and unspoken theme was marriage. For the Log Cabin Republicans, who organized the event, the goal was to $60,000 to donate to candidates who support gay marriage. For Pirro, it was about ignoring a marriage: her own.

She arrived quietly just as Bill Weld was speaking to the crowd. Pirro, sitting in a chair with a wine glass in her hand, nodded along. At other times, she glanced down at the seat cushion, where her left hand was resting: five French manicured finger nails and one golden wedding band.

Another woman who knows a thing or two about family tribulation on the campaign trail walked up and placed two hands on Pirro's shoulder. KT McFarland.

When Pirro was introduced to speak, the group's president Christopher Taylor said, "We love you and we'll always be there for you." Then, he explained how they "bonded" while marching in a gay pride parade where "only one of us was sensitive because only one of us wore sneakers. The other wore three-inch high heels."

Pirro, standing in the middle of the room, smiled and quietly corrected him by holding up four fingers.

After speaking about supporting gay rights, and after the crowd applauded, it was time to go. Before she left, she asked: "And by the way, how was your day today?"

Hoots and cheers was the reply, and her camera-ready smile was back in place.

An audio clip of Pirro's remarks from last night is here.

-- Azi Paybarah

And on the subject of Republican leadership...

Manhattan GOP Chair and medieval cartography expert James Ortenzio - an early Bill Weld supporter - wants to know why John Faso isn't getting more help from the county leaders who claim to be in his camp.

"They're the ones who said last September that a primary would vitiate our resources," he said, referring to the Faso supporters. "That presupposes that there are resources. Let's see them."

As evidence that Faso isn't getting a level of backing befitting a party nominee, Ortenzio said, "I don't think his filing was particularly healthy. I don't hear of too many events coming up in the future. I don't hear too many statements of support - and he has some major counties supporting him. So what are the Republicans doing for John Faso?"  read more »

Anyone?

-- Josh Benson

The Times reports on K.T. McFarland's fundraiser with Bud McFarlane last night.

The Assembly Majority Leader, Paul Tokasz, will retire at the end of his current term.

The Daily News reports on Bill Weld's distribution of campaign funds to Republican candidates.

Quinnipiac polls on the 11th district.

AP reports on petition filing in the race for attorney general. —Nicole Brydson

The Republican Party’s bluebloods have had a bad month.William Weld ended his New York gubernatori  read more »

The Republican Party’s bluebloods have had a bad month.  read more »

Bill Weld entered the New York Governor’s race as a red-haired, ruddy-cheeked savior for the state  read more »

Bill Weld entered the New York Governor’s race as a red-haired, ruddy-cheeked savior for the s  read more »

Lindsay Lohan’s ‘Treacherous Turn’  read more »

Ben reports that the Spitzer people are "elated" to have Bill Weld out of the race, setting up the prospect of a campaign against a "known, predictable and conservative quantity."

I don't doubt it for a moment.

Interestingly, though, I heard from a Suozzi advisor yesterday who said that Faso was great for their guy, too.

His logic:

a) without Weld around, Faso will be able to focus on Eliot Spitzer b) without Weld around, the media will be able to focus on Eliot Spitzer

Suozzi will be putting that last point to the test in just a few minutes when he holds a press conference to denounce Spitzer's ties to super-lobbyist Pat Lynch.

Which campaign has the more compelling post-Weld spin?

Jason Horowitz reports on Iraq as rhetorical quagmire for New York's politicians.

Anna Schneider-Mayerson reports on Andrew Cuomo's private sector dealings.

Jason Horowitz and Nicole Brydson report on Bill Weld's withdrawal from the race for Governor.

Joe Conason writes it's politics as usual, instead of security.

Michael MacDonald writes in favor of public financing.

Jason Horowitz reports on Weld's post-convention barbeque.

Sheelah Kolhatkar asks where the marchers have gone.

Nicholas von Hoffman writes about English as a second language.

In the Editorials: Homeland Security and charter schools.  read more »

Bill Weld quits the race for governor, reports the Times.

Robert Menendez will face Thomas Kean, Jr. in the New Jersey election for U.S. Senate.

The Post reports KT McFarland will soon be urged out of the Republican primary race for Senate.

Newsday teams up with NY1 on a poll showing Eliot Spitzer ahead by 50 points. —Nicole Brydson

It's official, Bill Weld's entertaining bid for governor is over. John Faso joined Weld at the podium today for his announcement, which turned into somewhat of a love fest between the now former rivals.

Here was Weld talking to the media pack:

On the economic issues facing New York and the issues that are most critical to the future of New York State in this crossroads election, John Faso and I are on exactly the same page. I've come to the conclusion that this is not the time for a contested primary in this party. John has run a great race, obviously, to this point. People occasionally ask me has anything surprised you in this race to date and again, its no secret that I'm a fan of John Faso. I was a strong supporter of his in 2002 race for comptroller. I tried to help him raise a little money and hope to do that again in this race.

And here was Faso.

It is very gratifying to have your support. The step you are taking today in endorsing my candidacy is greatly appreciated by me. The step that Governor Weld has taken today is a difficult one. I know, I've been in a situation in the past where I withdrew from a political contest even though there were many impulses in me to suggest to go on. But the decision he is making is one that will unify the Republican party and will give the people a very clear choice this November between two very different philosophies, two very different approaches.

Over to you, Eliot.  read more »

—Nicole Brydson

The Times reports on threats made against Cory Booker.

Hearings are scheduled for legislative redistricting.

Today is Primary Day in New Jersey.

The Daily News reports that Greg Meeks ranks in the top 10 of "globetrotting congressional offices."

Bill Weld is facing pressure to drop out of the governor's race.

—Nicole Brydson

Steven Minarik's decision to urge Bill Weld to drop out of the Republican primary for governor lends some added poignancy to something Weld told us just four days ago:

"You never know where your next coalition is coming from."

-- Jason Horowitz

Besides the influence of George Pataki, and the future of Bill Weld, another state Republican big shot who comes out limping from yesterday's convention in Hempstead has to be Stephen J. Minarik III, the party leader who publicly and staunchly backed Weld and predicted that John faso would fail to break 16 percent. During a press conference in the "Pride Room" at the Hofstra arena after winning the party's endorsement, John Faso was asked repeatedly whether he felt Minarik should step down as party chair because he was out of step with the wishes of county leaders.

Faso dodged the question, but he didn't exactly give Minarik a ringing endorsement.

"I have always had cordial relations with Steve, a few bumps in the road perhaps," said Faso, "but I want to have all the Republicans in this state supporting me and helping me."

Minutes later, Minarik was questioned on the convention floor about once saying that Faso was in "La-La land."

"That was taken out of context," said Minarik.

Welcome to La-La Land.

—Jason Horowitz Misspellings corrected.

So what now for Bill Weld?

He started out this election season as one of the most intriguing figures from either part to seek statewide office, but now has Globe alumnus Pat Healy asking whether his stock has fallen to the point of becoming a "spoiler" for John Faso.

At his post-convention barbeque yesterday in Bellport, Horowitz reports, Weld spent a half hour ruminating with the handful of reporters there about the significance of his heavy defeat earlier in the day.

Weld's conclusion, perhaps unsurprisingly, is that it didn't mean much.

"The convention part is the least aligned to my long suits," he told Horowitz. "The general is most aligned to my long suits."

He referred in particular to his ability to come from behind in his first, successful primary for Massachusetts governor, and suggested that he could have the same appeal in New York - even if his appeal was lost on the 61 percent of the convention delegates who voted for Faso.

"I don't speak in code," he said. "I play straight baseball. You really have to be yourself in this business.

"If there is not an electorate it's good for, so be it."

Horowitz has this from the Hoftra Arena:

So the delegates are voting ("Lewis County -with more cows than people and the largest wind farm east of the Mississippi proudly supports John Faso"). Faso looks like he is doing very well so far, but the last few counties that voted, especially Manhattan, which is voting now, are going heavily for Bill Weld.

Also, Faso supporters are making themselves heard and seen much more than Weld's, stomping on the bleachers, wearing red baseball caps bearing a white letter F, and waving signs in the delegate seats. Weld's supporters, obviously much more anxious, are responding to the Weld votes with polite applause.

The Empire Zone is saying that Faso appears to be bringing in more than 50 percent.

The Republican primary was supposed to set up as a party insider with heavy establishment support (Weld) against an insurgent with genuinely strong support among the conservative Republican base (Faso).

If Faso gets the commited base and the party - which he seems to be on the verge of doing -- I think it's fair to ask whether Weld has any good options left.

Tomorrow, a commission appointed by Mayor Bloomberg to review the salaries of elected officials will hold a public hearing at 110 William Street at 3pm.

Bill Weld hosts a post-convention barbeque at his home in Bellport.

Stonewall Democrats host a 20th anniversary celebration of the City Council's passage of the Gay Rights law.

—Nicole Brydson

Exasperated.

That's the word Jason just used to describe Bill Weld's tone as he unveiled his running mate out at the Republican convention on Long Island.

"Chris and I are lacking in one area," Weld said at his press conference in the Hofstra Arena, referring to Chris Jacobs, the 39 year-old secretary of state. "We are both strangers to the halls of Albany."

But just moments after touting Jacobs as an Albany outsider, Weld took pains to explain that his youthful-looking lieutenant governor pick was no inexperienced fill-in. "Chris has been at the top of my list for a long time," Weld insisted, poiting out with a hint of annoyance, "He's a statewide office holder."

Later, Weld added reassuringly that Jacobs was "a real grownup when it comes to public policy approaches and decision making."

As for the convention, Weld said that the balloting was still too close to call.

But he dismissed out of hand the possibility - floated by Joe Bruno - that he could wind up running on a ticket with John Faso, saying that his opponent had made it "pellucidly clear" that it wasn't going to happen. (Weld, lest we forget, is a Nabokov enthusiast.)

Meanwhile, Jacobs, who has been active on education issues in Buffalo, said he was surprised that Weld didn't go for a running mate with "higher name recognition" and made the admirably frank admission that he wouldn't have accepted Weld's offer if there had been "any real pushback from the governor's office."

Shortly after the press conference, Jason caught up with Joe Bruno, who made it clear that his preference was still for a Jacob-less ticket consisting of John Faso and Bill Weld.

"Together," he insisted, "they make a great combination."

Informed that Weld had just declared such an arrangement unworkable, Bruno said, "We'll see - you never know."

Awkward.

Pataki’s Legacy: Chaos and Disarray    read more »

The Times reports on Mike Bloomberg's speech to graduating students at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

A study shows that campaign finance regulations in New York State need to be strengthened.

Bill Weld proposes the elimination of the state gas tax and an increase in environmental spending, reports AP.

The Daily News speaks to Democratic delegates, scheduled to attend their state convention.

—Nicole Brydson

So the website of Wave 3 news, an NBC affiliate way out in Louisville, has a story on its Website that Bill Weld might want to read. The web site reports that FBI investigators are checking out a trade school (ring a bell?) owned by two brothers, Jeffrey and Gerald Woodcox. This school was set up to test truckers applying for commercial licenses, but the brothers also ran Decker College Inc, which Weld became chief executive of in January 2005 for a salary of $700,000.

That enterprise, of course, turned out to be a major headache to Weld and a threat to his ambitions for the Governor's mansion when the Feds began investigating it for forging documents to get federal loans. Weld has staunchly denied any wrongdoing, but he must be cursing himself for getting into business with the Woodcox brothers to begin with.

From the Wave 3 report.

Investigators say up to 4,000 truck drivers in the Midwest got their Commercial Drivers Licenses without the proper testing, at a testing center called CDTA. CDTA is owned by two brothers: Jeffrey and Gerald Woodcox of Louisville, although the testing center is located outside of St. Louis, in Sikeston, Missouri.

—Jason Horowitz

So the official announcement of moderate C. Scott Vanderhoef as John Faso's running mate will come at 1:00 today, the campaign says.

The timing, of course, is choreographed to coincide with the Conservative party's endorsement of Faso at the pre-convention convention today.

Bill Weld, meanwhile, is affecting an attitude of complete disintest about Faso's big day.

"We're continuing to work to gain support in the Republican Party and the Independence Party," said Andrea Tantaros, a spokeswoman for Weld.

—Jason Horowitz

The Times answers our question from yesterday about whether Bill Weld actually wants George Pataki's public support.

Sort of.

Tomorrow morning, Marcia Gay Harden, Christine Quinn and Geraldine Ferraro host a women's breakfast Andrew Cuomo at the Sheraton. John Faso and Bill Weld speak at a New York Building Congress forum at the Hilton.

Bill Clinton speaks at Cooper Union's 147th Commencement.

Later in the day the New York State Conservative Party meets at the Sheraton.

—Nicole Brydson

The State Democratic Committee has come up with the intriguing theory that George Pataki's endorsement will be as helpful as a stomach virus to whoever gets it.

Citing the governor's "toxic" approval ratings, a helpful backgrounder concluded that "his endorsement could ultimately be a net negative, if not irrelevant."

This, as the governor is reported to be on the verge of embracing Bill Weld in the Republican primary. (And, of course, as the governor is maintaining the posture of a potential presidential candidate.)

Faso, for his part, doesn't seem to mind, dispensing in a conversation with Capital Confidential with any pro-forma denial of the governor's antipathy towards his candidacy.

On one hand, the Pataki-as-poison hypothesis is perfectly dismissible -- another excuse for a partisan press release. (And for a highly thoughtful, carefully considered blog post.)

On the other, the numbers seem to lend some credence to the notion: the most recent Quinnipiac poll had the governor's approval ratings at 45-44... among Republicans.

It leads me to wonder if the Weld people have done any polling of their own on the potential impact of a Pataki endorsement.

And, if the governor decides to stage an endorsement press conference, whether Weld will show up.

UPDATE: Capital Confidential reports that Pataki's endorsement is less imminent by the minute.

The Times reports Chuck Schumer signed a new book deal. Newsday has a guide to politics and politicians.

The Sun reports that Bill Weld is set to receive the endorsement of George Pataki.

The Albany Times Union reports Kristen Gillibrand gets a boost from House Democrats.

—Nicole Brydson

Could John Faso, in his wildest dreams, imagine that it would come to this?

Just a few months after the always-measured Stephen Minarik accused him of living in "la-la land" over his political strength, there was a satisfied-looking Faso on NY1 accusing Bill Weld of being the "desperate candidate" in the Republican primary.

Giving the knife an extra half-turn, considering Weld's view of himself as the rhetorical heir of either Lincoln or Douglas (or both), Faso also had this to say about his learned opponent: "I think that you can't run for governor of New York and hide from the press and hide from the media."

Watch the actual segment here.

UPDATE: Urban Elephants finds additional momentum for Faso. FURTHER UPDATE: Speaking of rhetorical airs, a helpful commentator points out that I meant "heir." Thanks.

It's no wonder Bill Weld's attempt to assure himself a spot on the ballot by seeking out of the the Libertarian line infuriated so many conservative Republicans. The Libertarians gave Weld their endorsement, but in a measure of just how meaningless that really is, they also selected their preferred candidate to take on Hillary Clinton. His name is Jeff Russell, a retiree who spends a lot of time with his dog, Shadow. (Then again, it's not like the Republican Senate hopefuls seem to have much hope either.) The full report comes from the Saratogian, via Just Hillary -- Jason Horowitz

Maybe it's just because I haven't been paying close enough attention, but I'm stunned by the new Quinnipiac poll numbers on the governor's race.

Registered voters responding to the interestingly formulated statement that "New York State is broken and needs to be fixed" said by a margin of 72-20 that the only candidate who could fix it was Eliot Spitzer.

And in a development to which Ben has aptly ascribed the term "Republican Weirdness," GOP voters favored Spitzer by 45-14 over Bill Weld, John Faso or anyone else.

These are numbers, in case it's lost on anyone, that Aleksander Lukashenko would envy.

One thing to keep an eye on going forward is the extent to which Spitzer takes his lopsided poll results as a sort of pre-mandate to lay out a substantive policy agenda, or to begin affecting state policy before he actually gets into office.

Another - and I'd love your help on this one please - is what, if anything, Tom Suozzi can possibly do to change what must be a very disheartening dynamic for him.

Any suggestions? Comments?

 read more »

Back in 1994, Alfonse D’Amato took George Pataki by the hand and led him out of oblivion&mdash  read more »

Back in 1994, Alfonse D’Amato took George Pataki by the hand and led him out of oblivion—or, rat  read more »

Tonight, The Metropolitan Club holds its 104th Annual Ball honoring Bill Weld, with KT McFarland as guest speaker.

Then, 10th congressional district challenger and hip hop aficionado Kevin Powell hosts a birthday celebration at Spy.

On Sunday, the Lexington Democratic Club, Lenox Hill Democratic Club, East Side Democratic Club, Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club, Gramercy-Stuyvesant Independent Democratic Club, Samuel Tilden Democratic Club and CODA will hold a candidates forum for all Democratic Gubernatorial and Attorney General candidates.

Then, at the Montauk Club in Park Slope, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats celebrate their 37th anniversary over dinner.

And the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club honors Dan Garodnick and Rosie Mendez at their annual Spring Brunch.

On Monday, the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy will host the latest installment of its Marketplace of Ideas series featuring Senator Gloria Gary Lawlah of Maryland.

And the League of Women Voters host a Reform Coalition Trip to Albany.

—Nicole Brydson

The Daily News reports that Andrew Cuomo picked up an endorsement from Unite Here.

The Post reports that Rudy is weighing his chances in '08.

The Times reports on yesterday's rally and march and the support from some Albany lawmakers.

And the Sun reports that John Faso and Bill Weld want to eliminate the gas tax.

—Nicole Brydson

The Daily News reports that Adele Cohen has not decided if she will seek re-election; and on the difference between Bloomberg and Pataki on abortion.

The Post reports on Bill Thompson's audit of the medical firm which provides services to New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS; and the City Council descended into NASCAR chaos.

The Sun reports on Bill Weld, who is expected to walk away with the Libertarian line on Saturday.

The Albany Times Union reports on Eliot Spitzer suing the EPA; national Democrats are focusing on the 20th congressional district; and Ada Smith will go to trial.

—Nicole Brydson

In the morning, Joe Crowley meets with local immigration advocates and service providers in Jackson Heights, just before New York University's Center on Law & Security hosts a conference on presidential powers at the NYU School of Law, with keynote speaker John Dean.

In the evening, Libertarians meet up in Brooklyn, but Bill Weld will be out in the Rockaways speaking to area Republicans.

—Nicole Brydson

Bill Weld's campaign has confirmed that he will seek the Libertarian Party's endorsement for governor. He is expected to attend their convention, to be held in Albany on April 29th, to garner support from party members who will vote that afternoon.

Weld supporter Richard Cooper of Westbury, the former Libertarian state chair, says he will seek to return to his former position in the party and hopes to garner 50,000 votes for Weld on the Libertarian line.

—Nicole Brydson

Tonight, the Brooklyn Young Republican Club hosts Bill Weld (his first stop in Bay Ridge).

Tomorrow morning, Christine Quinn addresses the Crain's NY Business Breakfast Forum at the Grand Hyatt.

Then, Riverkeeper announces their intent to file suit against Entergy Nuclear Northeast because of an alleged radioactive leak at Indian Point.

In the afternoon, Local 32BJ workers march from 79th Street and Fifth Avenue to 83rd Street and Park Avenue for a contract.

In the evening, Democracy for NYC holds a Monthly Mixer, and Stonewall Dems and Drinking Liberally present Drinking Liberally Steps Out.

—Nicole Brydson

The Conservative Party's annual conference is usually funny, so it was just a lack of foresight on our part not to have sent someone.

So we'll have to make do with other people's reports:

Jeanine F. Pirro, who is running for attorney general, said she would not push for restrictions on legal guns and proudly declared that she had a .22, a .38 and a Mauser.

Also, Bill Weld will veto same-sex marriage legislation, and, Randy Daniels? He "pledged he would be just like Ronald Reagan, but 'in living color.'"

- Tom McGeveran

AP's Marc Humbert got Steve Minarik to raise the carpet-bagger issue again, in a conversation about Hillary's plans to deliver a speech about job creation tonight in Chicago.

"She's quite at home there," Minarik said. "Do I need to say anything else? You can fill in all the rest, about how perhaps she can help create jobs in her hometown as opposed to here in New York state where she hasn't done anything."

Wolfson points out to Humbert, less interestingly, that lots of New Yorkers are from elsewhere. (Really?) Including William Weld. (Ah, there you go, Howard.)

Wait a minute. Weld is from New York. So maybe he was a carpet-bagger when he became governor of Massachusetts?

- Tom McGeveran

The Daily News reports that Bill de Blasio has been given an ultimatum by Staten Island Democrats; and Bill Weld is interested in seeking the Libertarian line in his run for governor.

The Post reports that Mark Green and his wife were working the crowd at the Women for Spitzer breakfast yesterday.

The Times reports that Rudy Giuliani could be laying the groundwork for 2008.

And the Albany Times Union rounds up Ada Smith's appearance in court yesterday.

—Nicole Brydson

Brian Lehrer spoke to Bill Weld this morning on WNYC about his policy proposals for New York State.

You can listen to the show here.