MTA Chairman Joe Lhota was applauded for getting the subway system up and running after Superstorm Sandy and has gotten generally good marks since taking over the embattled authority this year. But is that enough to get Lhota to City Hall on the GOP ticket?
Political analyst Erik Engquist said the MTA's planned fare hike in March could hurt Llota's standing with voters. He also said the MTA is still very unpopular among New Yorkers, that Democrats outnumber Republicans in New York 6 to 1, and that Lhota has no campaign money.
On the Democratic side, Engquist puts Comptroller John Liu and his predecessor, Bill Thompson, at the back of a crowded field. He said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio could have a fighting chance because he is smart, has good relations with labor unions, and has ties to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and the Clintons.
Many believe City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is the Democratic frontrunner despite reports that Mayor Mike Bloomberg was secretly trying to get Hillary Clinton to run. At a Tuesday news conference with Quinn by his side, Bloomberg didn't deny the Clinton report but did get annoyed when he was asked about it and praised Quinn.
Engquist said the mayor may be stopping short of endorsing Quinn right now because of what he wants to accomplish in his last year as mayor.
He said Bloomberg still needs leverage over her to pass bills he wants passed and block ones he doesn't. Plus someone better in the business community could pop up and Bloomberg would be likely to support someone the business community wants.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:43 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:43:53 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:44:14 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:29 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:29:45 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:15:21 GMT
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:00:29 GMT
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police.
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police. Andrea Rebello's family followed the pastor Wednesday as he led her white cloth-draped coffin to the altar at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796
