Spitzer: I Love New York Senate Mayhem

But scandals in both states makes it a close race, notes Gail Collins

(NEWSER) - Illinois and New York both have such awful political cultures that it's tough to decide which state is the biggest loser, writes Gail Collins. Both states have governors who were forced out by scandals and whose successors are mired in controversy, although at least Eliot Spitzer isn't going to be appearing on Celebrity Apprentice, Collins writes in the New York Times. More»

(NEWSER) - Judges' decisions sometimes clarify things in the real world, but not so much in the New York state legislature. A state judge today dismissed a case from Democrats, who say that Republicans illegally took control of the state Senate last week, reports the Daily News. The judge told the two parties they'd have to work it out themselves, leaving the question of just who's in charge in limbo. More»

Disgraced ex-governor dismisses second act

(NEWSER) - When Eliot Spitzer joined Vanity Fair writer John Heilpern for a hot dog in Central Park, New Yorkers swarmed with cameraphones and shouted "You're one of the best, governor!" With his Wall Street antagonists on the ropes and his successor, David Paterson, polling at record lows, New York's most famous call-girl patron might seem poised for a second act. But Spitzer doesn't think so. "My obituary's written," he said—and then turned away in tears. More»

Out-of-state same-sex unions win equal treatment

(NEWSER) - New York's governor has directed all state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and countries, the New York Times reports. Terms like "spouse," "husband," and "wife" will now legally apply to same-sex partners in state regulations concerning everything from income tax filings to fishing license applications. The directive is seen as a huge step on the way to legalizing gay marriage in the Empire State. More»

Crowds throng West Village, where gay rights movement was born

(NEWSER) - After the showdown in Albany legalized gay marriage, euphoric crowds last night thronged the streets of New York City's West Village, where the gay rights movement was born some four decades ago. “It’s where it all began,” said one reveler outside the Stonewall Inn. The New York Times notes that the bill's passage coincides with Gay Pride weekend, and crowds assembled for a scheduled drag parade last night were buoyed by those looking to witness and celebrate history. “I really can’t really describe what this feels like, but it is one of the best feelings I have ever had in my life," said City Council speaker Christine Quinn, the city's highest-ranked openly gay official. More»