Byron Brown

Here's Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, talking about how the structure of the presidential elections forces candidates to focus disproportionately on rural American, though most Americans live in cities.

The interview is part of a joint project by the Drum Major Institute and The Nation magazine. Also: Here's Clyde Haberman's take on the matter.

National Journal's Hotline-on-Call blog put out its New York "futures market," (bravely) checking in on those it selected as "up-and-comers" in 2003 and selecting a new crop.

It must be said: The 2003 selections are looking pretty grim. They include a number of county-level officials about whom I don't know much, though some, notably Joel Giambra, are no longer seen as having much of a political future. Also a number whose stock, it seems to me, is lower than it was three years ago: Howard Mills, Melinda Katz, John Liu, Gifford Miller. On the "rising star" status of two others, Tom Suozzi and Randy Daniels, the jury will be out for a few more months.

This year's official up-and-comers: Byron Brown, David Paterson, and Ruben Diaz Jr. Also "Chautauqua Co. Exec. Greg Edwards (R): After beating a Dem incumbent in '05, he's someone with 'potential for bigger office.'" Just so you know.

The only daytime political event we've got for you is the monthly meeting of the Campaign Finance Board.

A slightly busier evening, though, as Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and New York City Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott talk about cities at a a Drum Major Institute forum. Because every city has something to learn from Buffalo.

And the New York County Republicans hold their Lincoln Day Dinner at Cipriani, but most candidates won't be there. Mike will. all the candidates will be there, along with Mikeand the Gov.

—Nicole Brydson

Mike's war with the Drum Major Institute, the think-tank Freddy once led, seems to be over.

Back during the campaign, a Bloomberg surrogate accused the institute of "unlawful partisan political activity."

But this Thursday, Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott is appearing at an event there with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.