Election 2008: Rudy Giuliani in the news

Giuliani admits he's considering run for governor

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Monday he is considering running for governor in 2010.

Dan Janison: State Senate combat won't end after it gets back to work

The State Senate struggle over seats, patronage, clout, offices, titles and pork funds can be expected to keep raging - even if members manage to meet Tuesday's deadline for approving local legislation.

Ex-congressman Lazio files papers to run for governor

Republican Rick Lazio, the former four-term congressman from Suffolk, is definitely a candidate for governor of New York next year, even though he has not formally announced it.

Deal eludes NY Senate leaders

ALBANY - A deal to end the stalemate in the State Senate eluded leaders in a 30-minute negotiating session Thursday, though one side said progress had been made.

Giuliani calls for a state constitutional convention

ALBANY - Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani Wednesday called for a state constitutional convention to fix problems like the "bizarre" partisan standoff that is paralyzing the state Senate.

Dan Janison: Suddenly, New Yorkers care about lieutenant governor

ALBANY - The day's best quip about the state's lack of a lieutenant governor came from Alfred DelBello, who quit the job in 1984, citing sheer boredom.

In Elmont home tiny republic's consul reigns

Roberto Balsimelli's Elmont home is the only one on Lehrer Avenue that's technically foreign territory.

Spota: East Hampton official diverted millions

Suffolk District Attorney Thomas Spota said Thursday that a scheme to loot the land preservation fund of the Town of East Hampton and the fraudulent issuance of town-backed securities began in December 2006 with a phone call from Town Supervisor William McGintee to then budget director Ted Hults.

Former East Hampton official to surrender to police

Former East Hampton Town Budget Officer Ted Hults is scheduled to surrender to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office Thursday in connection with an investigation by both the district attorney and state comptroller into the town's finances, the district attorney's spokesman Robert Clifford confirmed Wednesday.

MOVIE REVIEW

'The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3'

The close confines of a New York City subway car can concentrate the mind wonderfully, as proven by "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three," a tight, tense caper-flick from 1974 starring Walter Matthau as a crotchety transit cop and Robert Shaw as a coolly murderous hijacker. "Pelham" remains a minor classic for its economical script, brisk pacing and - not least - a visceral layer of Manhattan grit.

Palin speaks at fundraiser in St. James

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told a crowd of more than a thousand in St. James Sunday night that she will continue to advocate for children and adults who have developmental disabilities.

LI dinner has Sarah Palin watchers eyeing her next campaign

Since the end of her vice presidential campaign, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin hasn't been seen much south of Alaska.

Rick Brand: 3 Long Islanders may be eyeing run for governor

After nearly a decade's absence, former Rep. Rick Lazio has been making rounds at fundraisers in Babylon and Islip in recent weeks. About the same time, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy was dining at Oheka Castle and chewing over prospects for a statewide political future.

Incumbents to top Nassau Democrats' November slate

Nassau Democrats named their current crop of incumbents Thursday night to top the slate in the November election.

East End man says charge is Giuliani retaliation

An Amagansett man insisted at an impromptu news conference Wednesday that the only reason he got arrested over the holiday weekend is because he is being set up by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in retaliation for making a documentary that will expose the former mayor's "real role" after 9/11.

Rudy's version of what happened in the Hamptons

When a heckler repeatedly threatened to punch Rudy Giuliani Saturday, the fiery former New York City mayor didn't back down from a Bridgehampton street fight.

Rudy Giuliani accosted in Hamptons, police say

A man arrested on charges of harassing Rudy Giuliani on a Bridgehampton street said Saturday that he was merely expressing a difference of opinion with the former New York City mayor and prosecutor.

Nassau GOP to pick slate of county candidates

The swine flu scare knocked out the Nassau Republican Convention scheduled for Wisdom Lane Middle School in Levittown Thursday.

Nassau GOP picks slate of county candidates

The swine flu scare has knocked out the Nassau Republican Convention scheduled for Wisdom Lane Middle School in Levittown Thursday.

LI Catholics: A mixed reaction on Obama at Notre Dame

Notre Dame graduate Laura Giannuzzi thought it was bad enough when her alma mater invited President Barack Obama, who favors abortion rights, to be its commencement speaker Sunday.

Dan Janison: Threats of secession a big attention-getter

Threats of secession, no matter how hokey, do grab the American attention.

LI Catholics: A mixed reaction on Obama at Notre Dame

Notre Dame graduate Laura Giannuzzi thought it was bad enough when her alma mater invited President Barack Obama, who favors abortion rights, to be its commencement speaker Sunday.

Poll: More than half prefer Spitzer to Paterson

ALBANY - Dissatisfaction with Gov. David A. Paterson has increased to the point where now more than half of state residents want Eliot Spitzer back in the Executive Mansion, according to a new poll.

Dan Janison: Statewide, support for GOP chief Mondello wanes

The "Chairman-Joe-gotta-go" chorus grows louder in state Republican circles. So far Joseph Mondello, also the Nassau chairman, refuses to budge, disputing the charge that he dithers as GOP gloom deepens.

Dan Janison: Hevesi, Morris pay-to-play flap now a national concern

Either ex-Comptroller Alan Hevesi knew of his confidant Hank Morris' estimated $35 million in "placement" fees - or he became one of the most bamboozled public executives since the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant.

Sharpton: There won't be any gubernatorial primary

There will be no Democratic gubernatorial primary next year between Gov. David A. Paterson and state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the Rev. Al Sharpton predicted Saturday.

Smith defies Paterson on same-sex marriage bill

ALBANY - Defying Gov. David A. Paterson's request, State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith will not put a bill legalizing same-sex marriage to a vote without first knowing whether there is sufficient support for passage.

Paterson takes a charity skit right to the edge

If comic edge ruled, Gov. David A. Paterson might be proclaimed king. Pushing his ironic gifts into the risky zone late Saturday night, he dropped jaws with his performance at an annual $300-per-seat Albany press charity dinner otherwise remarkable for its scary-small audience.

Wallace Matthews: Yankees, Mets misread what market will bear

Upon further review, maybe the Yankees and Mets should have built them smaller.

NY pols face 2010 elections with their power in flux

It wasn't just the fallout from the economic crisis that state lawmakers faced recently when they weighed unappealing choices in the state budget. And it's not just the prospect of huge fare hikes and draconian service cuts that they must grapple with while trying to rescue the cash-strapped MTA in coming weeks.

Dan Janison: Dan Janison: Former state Liberal Party boss' downfall

Authorities placed Ray Harding, 74, ex-boss of the now-defunct state Liberal Party, in a double-set of handcuffs before walking him past the cameras to his arraignment.

Poll: Two-thirds say no to guv's election

ALBANY - Voters, by a margin of nearly 3 to 1, say Gov. David A. Paterson doesn't deserve to be elected next year, according to a poll released Monday.

Drawing parallels, contrasts between Suozzi, Bloomberg

Their styles, backgrounds and degrees of clout differ so sharply that the comparison may seem weird. Yet, for eight years the public careers of neighboring elected executives, Nassau County's Thomas Suozzi and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have run remarkably parallel.

Paterson poll numbers fall at 'staggering' rate

ALBANY - Only 29 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of Gov. David A. Paterson and two-thirds say they would back someone else in next year's elections, according to a poll released yesterday.

Guitarist Kenneth Meyer returns home to Patchogue

WHAT David Wiley conducting the Long Island Philharmonic and guitar soloist Kenneth Meyer in a program of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez and Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, Op. 62, and Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92.

Schuyler Chapin, NYC arts champion, dies at 86

Schuyler Chapin, an arts champion who served as general manager of the Metropolitan Opera and as New York City's cultural affairs commissioner, has died. He was 86.

Sinking approval may sink Paterson's 2010 election bid

Quickly, the question has become whether Gov. David A. Paterson takes a shot at election next year - or even has a shot to take.

Paterson rated lowest of any NY governor in 30 years

ALBANY - A poll yesterday showed Gov. David A. Paterson with the lowest approval rating of any New York governor in 30 years, even worse than Eliot Spitzer after he was named in a prostitution investigation.

Sinking approval may sink Paterson's re-election chance

Quickly, the question has become whether Gov. David A. Paterson takes a shot at election next year - or even has a shot to take.

Tourists banned from Woolworth Building

New York City may love the $30 billion generated by tourism, but tourists themselves are no longer allowed inside one of Manhattan's most-admired landmarks - the iconic Woolworth Building.

Head of traffic agents union: Investigate judge

State Court of Claims Judge James Lack's latest street clash has a labor leader urging investigators to determine if the former Suffolk state senator should be bounced from the bench.

Paterson approval rating lowest since taking office

ALBANY - A new poll released yesterday shows Gov. David A. Paterson slumping to the lowest job approval and favorability ratings since he took office almost a year ago.

New York Catholics get glimpse of their new archbishop

He'll speak out against abortion and stem-cell research. He wants to see the new Yankee Stadium, and plans on being a regular at the hot-dog stand outside his office.

Poll: More Dems would back McCarthy over Gillibrand

ALBANY - Rep. Carolyn McCarthy of Mineola would defeat U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand if a Democratic primary were held today, according to a survey released yesterday.

Meryl Streep had no 'Doubt' about playing a nun

HOLLYWOOD

Meryl Streep had no 'Doubt' about playing a nun

Did former presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani influence Meryl Streep's portrayal of conservative avenging nun Sister Aloysius in "Doubt"? Consider, there is that moral certitude, the strange pursing of the lips, the occasionally maniacal righteousness.

Next year's governor's race: Cuomo vs.Rudy?

The chatter of the moment goes that next year's contest for governor could turn into a surprise smackdown between Democrat Andrew Cuomo and Republican Rudy Giuliani.

10 years after Diallo shooting, controversy lingers

Much has changed on Wheeler Avenue. Children have grown up and moved on. Others, immigrants mostly, have moved in.

10 years after Diallo shooting, controversy lingers

Much has changed on Wheeler Avenue. Children have grown up and moved on. Others, immigrants mostly, have moved in.

Cross-partisan fundraiser to aid Andrew Cuomo

Tonight comes one of those cross-partisan fetes that can fill an incumbent's heart and campaign fund: A $1,000-per-ticket Park Avenue cocktail party in support of Democratic state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. The host: former Republican Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, who's been in the spotlight for his fundraising for Gov. David A. Paterson and ties to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, both Democrats.

New York Senate hopefuls look to Friday announcement

ALBANY - On the eve of today's noontime appointment of a new U.S. senator, controversy raged yesterday over whether Caroline Kennedy dropped out of contention because of questions about taxes and the employment of household help.

Janison: As Obama ascends, NY pols are behind the curve

For all its pretense to life on the cutting edge, New York finds itself playing catch-up when it comes to certain political trends. The rise of Barack Obama is the latest example.

Sports takes timeout for historic moment

WASHINGTON - Muhammad Ali and Magic Johnson had prime seats at the Capitol. LeBron James watched from a hotel room in Los Angeles with his two sons. Across the country, coaches rescheduled practices, and even the Super Bowl had to take a back seat yesterday to the inauguration of Barack Obama.

As Obama ascends, NY's pols are behind the curve

For all its pretense to life on the cutting edge, New York finds itself playing catch-up when it comes to certain political trends. The rise of Barack Obama is the latest example.

Rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549 stand out

If the dazzling rescue of all 155 aboard US Airways Flight 1549 had any political meaning, it was this: Ordinary citizens acting with skill, courage, training, experience, and a little luck will always mean more than someone in the elected class yakking about leadership and crisis management.

Sources say Lazio is mulling run for governor

Supporters of former Suffolk Rep. Rick Lazio said Friday that he is considering a run for governor next year.

Stadium deals are standard power politics script

The charade has become so familiar, it now is impossible even to feign outrage over it.

Sources say Lazio is mulling run for governor

Supporters of former Suffolk Rep. Rick Lazio said Friday that he is considering a run for governor next year.

Nassau GOP hoping to turn things around in 2009

The Nassau Legislature, with its razor-close 10-9 Democratic edge, promises some high-stakes election competition as the new year unfolds.

Peter King could be spoiler in race for Clinton seat

ALBANY - Rep. Peter King, through nine congressional campaigns, has burnished his image as a Republican pugilist. But now he may well become a spoiler to Democrats hoping to replace Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Ex-mayor David Dinkins in hospital after heart surgery

Former New York Mayor David Dinkins is a patient at New York Presbyterian Weill-Cornell Medical Center after having heart surgery.

NY politicians could learn from Illinois scandal

New York has lots to learn from this huge statehouse scandal in Illinois. And pronouncing Blagojevich as "Blah-goya-vitch" is the least of it.

NY politicians could learn from Illinois scandal

New York has lots to learn from this huge statehouse scandal in Illinois. And pronouncing Blagojevich as "Blah- goy a-vitch" is the least of it.

King plans to run against Clinton replacement in 2010

ALBANY - Republican Rep. Peter King of Seaford plans to run for the U.S. Senate in 2010, challenging whomever replaces Hillary Rodham Clinton.

King plans to run against Clinton replacement in 2010

ALBANY - Republican Rep. Peter King of Seaford plans to run for the U.S. Senate in 2010, challenging whomever replaces Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Paterson's re-election could hinge on senatorial pick

ALBANY - Gov. David A. Paterson faces a complicated political choice in appointing a replacement for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. His wish to be returned to the Executive Mansion in 2010 could hinge on his pick, experts said.

Paterson's tough decision

Gov. David A. Paterson’s drive to remain in the Executive Mansion could be impacted by his choice of replacement for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Here’s how he fared in two hypothetical matchups for governor in 2010:

NBA HOT SHOTS

Rudy the recruiter

Lucero family spokesman is high-profile NYC activist

Self-styled activist Fernando Mateo, based in New York City, rolled into Suffolk County shortly after the alleged bias murder of Marcelo Lucero and soon began speaking on behalf of the victim's family.

Likely Obama pick's NY roots

Back in 2004, a group of Washington insiders held a small dinner party for Barack Obama, just elected the junior U.S. senator from Illinois.

Paterson's political chess game gets underway

For Gov. David A. Paterson, there is more at stake than the choice of a U.S. senator to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton pending a special election in 2010; there is also a statewide Democratic Party ticket to be shaped.

Giuliani: I may run for governor--or president

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Rudy Giuliani said yesterday he will consider running for governor of New York and isn't ruling out a second attempt at the U.S. presidency.

Bush urges free market, capitalism at economic meeting

Even while advocating some regulatory reform and new rules on accounting and fraud, President George W. Bush yesterday said world leaders should rely on capitalism and free markets to see them through the financial turmoil that grips the global economy.

New York GOP must reconnect with centrists

Like a drunk after a decade-long bender, the Republican Party needs to hit bottom before it can bounce back.

November 10: Bye Bloomberg, healthy eating, endangered Republicans, embracing Obama

Bye, Bloomberg

Debate begins in Republican Party on how to regroup

WASHINGTON - After their worst electoral drubbing in more than three decades, Republicans began a difficult and potentially divisive search for a path out of a dark political wilderness.

NOTEBOOK: Island Hills club still has a developer's interest

There could be another challenge ahead for the Island Hills Golf Club, which, as reported in LI Golfbeat last week, has declared itself not for sale. The board of the members-owned club in Sayville said it wants the keep the course going, rather than sell to a developer.

Party planned to raise money for Bernard Kerik

Friends of Bernard Kerik, the former New York City police commissioner, are trying to raise funds to help pay his legal defense bills.

Monday-morning quarterbacking the political campaigns

On the eve of this political judgment day, reviews have already begun of what could have been done and what should or should not have been said. To honor the wrap-up of this longest-ever, costliest-ever national campaign, here's a bipartisan sampling of statements that our power players would like to have worded differently, or not made at all, or later apologized for, or would just as soon have everyone forget:

Monday-morning quarterbacking the political campaigns

On the eve of this political judgment day, reviews have already begun of what could have been done and what should or should not have been said. To honor the wrap-up of this longest-ever, costliest-ever national campaign, here's a bipartisan sampling of statements that our power players would like to have worded differently, or not made at all, or later apologized for, or would just as soon have everyone forget:

Marbury in Obama's court

Joe the Plumber ... meet Stephon the Basketball Player.

King, lone LI Republican, stands firmly with Bush

WASHINGTON - With Republican presidential nominee John McCain denouncing the Bush administration and the president nowhere to be found in close Senate and House races, Rep. Peter King nonetheless is standing firmly behind President George W. Bush.

Plumbing the depths of Nassau County politics

How ironic was it that Sen. John McCain chose the Town of Hempstead as the place to start making Joe the Plumber into a campaign legend as he attacked Sen. Barack Obama's tax plan in their final debate?

Ackerman looks secure despite two optimistic challengers

The North Shore Towers is clearly Gary Ackerman's kind of place. But while the 13-term congressman was greeted as a local hero on his tour of the Floral Park complex recently, with residents offering unqualified support and even congratulating him on losing weight, an undercurrent of uncertainty was palpable.

Ackerman looks secure despite two optimistic challengers

The North Shore Towers is clearly Gary Ackerman's kind of place. But while the 13-term congressman was greeted as a local hero on his tour of the Floral Park complex recently, with residents offering unqualified support and even congratulating him on losing weight, an undercurrent of uncertainty was palpable.

Hamptons Film Fest opens with nods to Valentino, voters

The 16th International Hamptons Film Festival launched last night in East Hampton with a screening of the fashion documentary "Valentino: The Last Emperor," an apolitical antidote to the current election climate and to the presidential debate being held at Hofstra University.

October 16: Women and guns, counting older couples, Obamanomics, mayoral politics, socialism

Empowerment of target shooting

TODAY'S PICKS

CSI (9 p.m., CBS/2) - Season premiere: After Warrick is shot in a Las Vegas alley, the CSI team comes together to deal with the aftermath.

CORRECTION

Michael Bloomberg was a candidate for mayor of New York City when former Mayor Rudy Giuliani explored overriding term limits. In his column Monday, Les Payne incorrectly referred to Bloomberg as the mayor-elect.

Steve Israel skillfully uses incumbency to gird for challenger

WASHINGTON - With the Capitol dome behind him on a recent clear day, Rep. Steve Israel unveiled a legislative package to help the middle class: 13 bills that he conceded could not be enacted until next year.

"Wall Street" scriptwriter sees missed message

Two weeks ago, Michael Douglas fielded questions at a United Nations panel discussion on the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. During the course of the conversation, the actor/activist was asked to compare nuclear Armageddon to the "financial Armageddon on Wall Street." After he answered, he was asked by another reporter, "Are you saying, Gordon, that greed is not good?"

Obama, McCain campaign volunteers on Long Island

Behind a Uniondale accounting office, eight kids leaned over broad white poster boards, and with bright markers spelled out O-B-A-M-A on signs destined for store windows.

Support for Bloomberg, but not for ditching term limits

Con Ed inspector John Lebron smiled widely yesterday at the prospect of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's staying in office four more years.

Support for Bloomberg, but not for ditching term limits

Con Ed inspector John Lebron smiled wide yesterday at the prospect of Mayor Michael Bloomberg staying in office four more years.

Mayor eyes third term with change to term-limit law

AFTER weeks, even months, of straddling the fence, it appears Mayor Michael Bloomberg has decided to make a bid for a third term and will push to change the law that keeps him from running.

Bloomberg once called change to term limits a 'disgrace'

The blatant power grab Mayor Michael Bloomberg is poised to make, with the blessing of fellow New York billionaires, is "an absolute disgrace."

Bloomberg eyes third term with change to term-limit law

After weeks, even months, of straddling the fence, it appears Mayor Michael Bloomberg has decided to make a bid for a third term and will push to change the law that keeps him from running.

Bloomberg once called change to term limits a "disgrace"

The blatant power grab that Mayor Michael Bloomberg is poised to make with the blessing of fellow New York billionaires is "an absolute disgrace."

Candidates should redo slogans, in light of economic crisis

Crisis is clouding the slogans. John McCain's "Country First" sounds like the name of a busted bank, and Barack Obama's "Change We Need" suggests a search for coins behind the seat cushions.

Economy's meltdown moves NY pols to center stage

Less than nine months ago, many people believed that one of this state's two Democratic U.S. senators would appear in a national spotlight this fall.

Alternative leaders offer views on financial bailout

Shock and awe over the nation's financial crisis - and the enormous taxpayer bailout of failing ventures - are giving alternative candidates and leaders an opportunity to show off differences from major-party figures, and to boast of their prescience.

September 18: Campaign fluff, broken political press, who's a grandpa?

Politics: style over substance

Republicans fault both candidates for negative ads

WASHINGTON - Leading Republicans yesterday faulted both presidential campaigns for the increasingly negative tone of their advertising, suggesting the bitter attacks undermine John McCain and Barack Obama's credibility with voters and could backfire.

LI ARTS: Dung at the gallery with no controversy

Why is a psychotherapist from Stony Brook creating abstract watercolors on paper derived from elephant dung? Well, there's a certain consistency here. Both her brush strokes and the excreted fiber that makes up the paper on which she applies those strokes are from Asian sources. Her art is in the style known as sumi-e, a Japanese word for ink painting.

Punchlines

Jay Leno, "The Tonight Show": "The government is spending $200 billion to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Unemployment (is at a) five-year high. Foreclosures are at a 19-year high. This means the Democrats are going to have to work extra hard over the next eight weeks to blow this election."

Mayor pushes on two fronts on eve of 9/11 anniversary

On the eve of the seventh anniversary of the 2001 attacks, Mayor Michael Bloomberg pressured the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to commit to completing the national Sept. 11 memorial and museum by 2011.

Community organizers are staple of democracy

The way to make the case for John McCain should not be by tearing down the work of Barack Obama's early career, which is the hard work that thousands of community organizers are doing daily to make democracy more vital and improve our lives.

Nassau ballot devices for disabled lack privacy screens

SCREENED OUT: No secret ballot for disabled

SPIN CYCLE: Party crashers mke rough week for GOP

The third audible disruption came about 10 minutes into John McCain's big speech in St. Paul on Thursday. Delegates chanted "USA" to drown it out.

Bruno blasts Obama; links him to Spitzer

ST. PAUL, Minn.

BEST OF SPIN CYCLE

During his speech last night, McCain was interrupted several times by protesters. The crowd chanted "USA" to drown them out. Cameras showed them being dragged out. McCain handled it with aplomb: "Don't be diverted by ground noise and static!"

Could Palin handle 9/11 attacks? Depends who you ask

When ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said yesterday that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's experience as a mayor and governor gave her the experience to handle a disaster such as the 2001 terror attacks, the comment didn't surprise the Port Authority police union president.

Giuliani's spirited attack on Obama: 'He led nothing'

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Ridiculing Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Sept. 11 attacks anew and suggesting that freedom and safety depend on John McCain's election, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani stirred the convention hall as a buildup to Sarah Palin, the vice-presidential candidate, last night's main event.

George Pataki resurfaces at the GOP convention

MINNEAPOLIS

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

Republican presidential nominee John McCain delivers his acceptance speech as the national Republican convention concludes a tumultuous week.

RNC 2008: TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

Although events remain fluid and the convention's schedule was changing often, John McCain's vice-presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is expected to make her acceptance speech tonight. While pundits and commentators have questioned her relative lack of experience, Palin's speech takes on new meaning after she revealed on Monday that her teenage daughter is pregnant.

New York Republicans target state for a takeover

ST. PAUL, Minn.

Palin's first weekend on national stage, a lot revealed

MINNEAPOLIS

If only the fans could jump the car traffic

Even for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, there's no way around the traffic clogging the Hamptons' roads over Labor Day weekend.

Long Island Republicans resigned to convention delay

MINNEAPOLIS - Long Islanders arrived here for a four-day Republican pep rally only to have Hurricane Gustav blow away the hoopla from a distance. They expressed concern for Gulf residents first, but when pressed on the politics, they admitted regret that their party will miss a big chance to showcase its standard-bearers.

TODAY'S PICKS

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (8 p.m., TCM) (Drama, 1983) - A spunky woman (Shirley MacLaine) babies her daughter (Debra Winger), then her ex-astronaut neighbor (Jack Nicholson).

Key role for America's mayor

Rudy Giuliani, the fast-moving conventional wisdom now has it, is the wrong choice to deliver the keynote address at the Republican convention in St. Paul this week. The New York and Long Island native who's never been more than a mayor was debunked as a national figure, goes the thinking, by his poor performance in the GOP primaries, where he'd once been the favorite.

THE REPUBLICANS: VIEWERS GUIDE TO THE CONVENTION

The Republican National Convention begins tomorrow in St. Paul, Minn., where Arizona Sen. John McCain and the GOP will begin their counterpunch to the Democrats' week in the media spotlight. Republicans will seek to distance themselves from the perceived negatives of the George W. Bush years while capitalizing on the many issues on which he and McCain agree. Bush himself speaks tomorrow night and Rudy Giuliani keynotes Tuesday, with McCain's surprise running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, talking Wednesday and McCain on Thursday. (Events may change because of Hurricane Gustav.) Here is a look at important moments from past conventions and what to watch for this week.

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

Follow the convention at newsday.com

Targeting McCain's "Keating 5" history

DENVER

Rudy, Republicans hammer at Obama's experience

DENVER - Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani appeared a few miles from the convention hall where Barack Obama was to be nominated and cited past statements from Giuliani's twice would-be rival Hillary Rodham Clinton to make his case for Sen. John McCain.

Obama hopes Biden can fill in the blanks

WASHINGTON - Barack Obama is hoping Joe Biden can be all the things he's not in this campaign.

ON THE TRAIL

Rudy Giuliani won't just be the keynote speaker at the Republican convention. He's going to Denver during the Democrats' gathering next week to try to get the GOP message out. Giuliani is one of about two dozen Republicans who will set up shop near the Pepsi Center during the Democrats' big week. He's due to appear at a Wednesday news conference to make the case Barack Obama isn't ready to be commander-in-chief, the GOP announced.

Giuliani the keynote speaker at GOP convention

WASHINGTON - By making Rudy Giuliani the Republican Convention's keynote speaker yesterday, presumptive GOP nominee John McCain hopes to lure independent voters, but might find the former New York City mayor also tends to draw controversy.

Mark Herrmann: LI GOLFBEAT: History echoes at Friar's Head

Judging only from some of the open, emerald fairways, you might think you were in Ireland. Judging from the views that encompass both tall trees and water, you might think you were at Pebble Beach. Judging from the general ambience, as Champions Tour player Loren Roberts recently did, you could say you were in heaven.

Ex-mayor David Dinkins doing well after heart surgery

Former New York Mayor David Dinkins looked forward to returning home after having surgery in Manhattan yesterday to have a pacemaker implanted, a spokesman for the city's first black mayor said.

Golfer Andrew Giuliani tees off in Met Amateur contest

It was barely 9 a.m., but the day looked promising. First, a thwack and a solid opening drive. Then a few precision putts. Other golfers complimented his strokes. By the fifth hole, Andrew Giuliani already had a birdie on his scorecard.

Hillary Clinton roll-call vote unlikely at convention

In the end, it would make little sense to push a symbolic roll-call vote for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in three weeks as some suggested - especially since she's now due to deliver the keynote address, several of her home-state supporters said last week.

Details emerge on Andrew Giuliani's suit against Duke

An apple almost killed Snow White, Adam ran into trouble when he ate one, and Andrew Giuliani says one reason cited by a Duke University coach for removing him from the school's golf team was that he tossed the forbidden fruit at a teammate.

Is McCain ready to announce his running mate?

ROCHESTER, N.H. - Yet another town-hall meeting isn't doing the trick. Neither is dropping in on a former Republican president.

Local Republicans seen as possible governor candidates

For the moment, the biggest Long Island names in statewide politics belong to Thomas DiNapoli, the Democratic state comptroller, and Dean Skelos, the Senate's GOP majority leader. Fast forward to the 2010 governor's race, and at least five regional names pop out of the rumor mill, on the Republican side.

McCain takes in Yankees game with Giuliani

With Democrat Barack Obama on the other side of the planet, Republican presidential candidate John McCain stayed closer to home yesterday, visiting Yankee Stadium with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Bishop, McCarthy have more cash on hand than opponents

WASHINGTON - Mineola Mayor Jack Martins may be a long shot to topple Rep. Carolyn McCarthy - but he's raised nearly as much as the six-term incumbent in the past three months, according to new federal campaign filings.

Impact of trial's sex revelations on Cook's career?

If former President Bill Clinton could remain a respected figure even after testifying about having phone sex with a White House intern, then Peter Cook need not worry too much about what will become of his professional life after the salacious revelations of his divorce trial, a prominent divorce lawyer said yesterday.

9-11 Memorial

Thirteen days after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Yankee Stadium was site of an inter- faith prayer service and group hug featuring prominent politicians, religious leaders and a crowd of approximately 50,000. Cardinal Edward Egan, Imam Izak-El M. Pasha, Rabbi Arthur Schneier and the Rev. Calvin O. Butts were in attendance along with former President Bill Clinton, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer, Gov. George Pataki and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Josh Peck gets serious in 'Wackness'

Josh Peck is glad to be back amid the noise, crowds and cabs. He's a New Yorker, born and bred, raised by his mom in Hell's Kitchen. But at 14, he moved to Los Angeles when he was cast in Nickelodeon's "The Amanda Show." He soon got his own series - the zany, volume-pumped "Drake & Josh," with Drake Bell.

'Baby Mama'

What may be the first real outsourcing comedy, "Baby Mama" is like a pacifier: floppy, nourishment-free and may even keep your teeth from growing in straight. It stars the likable Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, as a wannabe mother and her trailer-trash surrogate, but it's mild to the point of pabulum, taking a pretty fertile topic - surrogate motherhood - and making it inoffensive to anyone. This is not an endorsement.

'Wetlands Preserved'

Earthy, crunchy and proudly activist in a city that was increasingly wealthy and self-concerned, the TriBeCa nightclub Wetlands Preserve fought the good fight for more than a decade, opening in 1989 - just in time to completely ignore the grunge movement - and finally closing in 2001, crushed by Rudy Giuliani's relentless clean-up efforts, NIMBY neighbors and the collapse of the Twin Towers.

Joe Gergen: Giants finally get parade they deserved

The final drive of the football season will be longer than the 83 yards the Giants traveled in the waning minutes of Super Bowl XLII. It is expected to attract many multiples of the 71,101 witnesses to the 17-14 victory over the New England Patriots in Glendale, Ariz. Not only does it mark the team's first appearance in the metropolitan area in 2008 but it represents an unprecedented honor for the second-oldest professional sports franchise associated with the city.

White House hopefuls have their helpers on LI

Ground troops on Long Island are mobilizing into battle formation.

Clinton, Obama blame backers for rift

LAS VEGAS - In a city known for its impromptu marriages, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama bonded last night in the name of party harmony after a week of bickering over racial issues - blaming overzealous surrogates for their conflict.

Giuliani concentrates efforts in Florida

YULEE, Fla. - An embattled but comfortable Rudy Giuliani turned up the anti-terror rhetoric yesterday to receptive crowds across the state in a last fierce dash to lock in votes before Republican rivals converge on Florida next week.

Romney win in Michigan denies anyone a real lead

Republican voters just can't seem to make up their minds.

Clinton, Obama blame backers for rift

LAS VEGAS - In a city known for its impromptu marriages, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama bonded last night in the name of party harmony after a week of bickering over racial issues - blaming overzealous surrogates for their conflict.

Rudy Giuliani eyes campaign resurrection in Fla.

FORT MYERS, Fla. - On a stage decorated with a massive American flag, Rudy Giuliani began his pitch here yesterday to a roomful of retirees with news from Afghanistan, reporting an attack on a Kabul hotel apparently by al-Qaida terrorists.

Giuliani falls to fourth place in national poll

MIAMI - At the start of a three-day bus tour to launch his must-win campaign here, Rudy Giuliani paraphrased a Bible verse to thousands of worshipers at a Latino evangelical megachurch: "Fear not, be strong and of good courage."

Barack Obama's election: A moment for the history books

For millions of Americans, 11:01 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Tuesday, Nov. 4, marked a moment of unbridled joy and disbelief that American history had brought the nation to this night. Barack Obama became the first black candidate elected to the nation's highest office.

LI-area pols chime in on steroid report

Rudy Giuliani called yesterday's report of widespread baseball steroid abuse "sickening," a view shared by fellow New York politicians.

Nassau County Legislature: District 5

CHRISTIAN BROWNE

Rich Cribs: Hamptons houses for sale

A rooftop hot tub, tennis courts, a private putting green and pool houses galore - multimillion-dollar properties for sale in the Hamptons are loaded with luxuries.