Spin cycle: Naked ambition

Which was the most fevered lunge for self-promotion by a power player? Vote at newsday.com/

spincycle.

1. Fernando Mateo, head of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, voicing support of racial profiling of passengers.

2. Ex-Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge joining other GOP officials in Paris encouraging an Iranian exile group - designated a terrorist organization by the U.S.

3. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg on his administration's payroll automation scandal: "Big projects have big things that slip through the cracks."

Last week's "winner": Rep. Anthony Weiner saying he wouldn't negotiate with "hostage takers" on the tax bill.