Anthony Weiner for Mayor

Thank You

Fri Sep 16 12:52:52 -0700 2005

We started with a commitment: to fight for hard working New Yorkers. We believed Democratic values needed to be renewed with new ideas. To offer ideas of relevance to middle class people and those struggling to make it.

We talked about real problems and real solutions. 1.8 million people without health insurance in New York City -- and plans to help small business expand coverage. And people joined us. We talked about how hard it is to afford this city. And the need for fairer taxes middle class people pay 10 percent less in taxes, and the very wealthy pay a little more. And people joined us.

And we talked about schools. That teachers need to be paid better and principals need authority to bring discipline.

And our movement grew more. We've started something that will be good for our party, and more importantly will offer real solutions that are relevant to hard working New Yorkers.

I generally believe in the run off system. But this year is unusual -- the winner of a run off will face a Republican mayor who supports George Bush, and a Republican mayor who has shown he will spend any amount to win. To succeed, we need focus and unity and a chance to make our case against him.

Freddy Ferrer is a good man. We both want to fight for hard working New Yorkers. We may have some differences in approach, but they are very small compared with our differences with Republican Mike Bloomberg. A man who urged New Yorkers to vote for George Bush and a Republican party whose economic policy leaves hard working people behind.

I want to be clear. I am proud to support Freddy Ferrer. He will be a great mayor. He will serve two terms. He has the record, he has the brains, he has the commitment, he has the understanding to not only run circles around Republican Mike Bloomberg, but to lift up our City.

Nationally and locally, Democratic success depends on ideas, and unity.

There is a time for campaigning, and there is a time for coming together for hard working people. This is a time to put aside my run off and step aside so Freddy Ferrer -- with his long record of service and commitment to all New Yorkers -- can quickly begin to make his case against Republican Mike Bloomberg.

I will always continue to fight for hard working New Yorkers. And am grateful to all the people who stood with me. Some will agree with this decision, others will not.

It is my decision. No deals, no understandings. And it was a difficult decision. It’s in my DNA to keep fighting. But I believe it is the right thing to do.

Tomorrow, I will stand with Freddy Ferrer and say I am proud to support him. He has the right heart, good ideas, and a record of service to the whole City.

I want to thank everyone who has stood with me, everyone who worked and believed in this campaign.

Thank you.
- Anthony

Anthony Keeps Surging!

Mon Sep 12 07:58:29 -0700 2005

From today's New York Post:

A stunning new poll yesterday showed Rep. Anthony Weiner has caught fire and zoomed into a statistical dead heat with Fernando Ferrer...

New York Firefighters Endorse Weiner for Mayor!

Thu Sep 08 09:19:49 -0700 2005

Today, the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) announced that they are endorsing Congressman Anthony Weiner for Mayor of New York City. The endorsement took place outside of the quarters of Engine Company 212 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, one of six fire companies closed by the Bloomberg Administration.

The UFA represents 22,000 active and retired New York City firefighters and is the largest firefighters union local in the world.

UFA President Steve Cassidy:

"New York’s Bravest are on the front line everyday fighting for New Yorkers, and Congressman Weiner understands the local public safety issues that affect our city, our firefighters and the citizens we are sworn to protect.”

Anthony Surging in the Polls!

Thu Sep 08 08:49:23 -0700 2005

From today's Daily News:

Taking Action: Helping the Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Fri Sep 02 14:28:47 -0700 2005

Click here for a list of organizations that are doing important work right now to help the people affected by Hurricane Katrina.

I had planned to talk today about taxes and the burden they place on middle class New Yorkers and those struggling to make it. But I am setting that aside today, because something is going on in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast that requires those with a public voice to speak up right now.

I want to read to you the first paragraph of an Associated Press story from last night – “New Orleans descended into anarchy Thursday as corpses lay abandoned in street medians, fights and fires broke out, cops turned in their badges and the governor declared war on looters who have made the city a menacing landscape of disorder and fear.”

This is a moment for America to decide what kind of country we will be.

A choice where we will decide what kind of country we live in. A part of our nation is cut off, alone, and suffering. We watch television and see the poor, the sick, and the old left alone.

Private citizens across our country are doing all they can. We know they will keep responding. But federal, state and local government must act. Now.

They have done something, but it is not enough. That is not my opinion, it is unanimous. Our City's editorial pages noted that "nothing short of a swift, national response, is called for." And asked "who's in charge" and noted the elements that have made this a "man made disaster."
The American spirit is not to blame those left behind. It is to send adequate police to stop criminals, and adequate resources to help those struggling to survive.

There will be plenty of time to argue about failed policies that may have contributed to this problem – but now is the time for action.
The pictures we are seeing are terrible because they show fellow citizens suffering – children without food, the sick without medicine. Poor people in despair and fighting chaos.

Again, I am not calling for finger pointing. I am calling for more action.

When people are still stranded, when dead bodies have not been collected, when people are begging for water, it is obvious. We need to do more right away.

Congress is set to approve a supplemental bill to start the process of sending money. That will help, but that is not enough.

The most important thing to do is act. I have ideas on what to do, but I think it is tremendously important that we not just say the government is handling this -- clearly there has not been enough done.

Today, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has sent a request to mayors throughout the country, asking them to begin to do an inventory to see if they can house some of the victims. New York should immediately take stock of how we can accommodate some of our brothers and sisters in need.

But we should be ready to deploy whatever resources we need.

The President and the director of FEMA should be calling mayors and governors throughout the country asking for help. We have more resources here in New York City that could have been deployed by now – but we haven’t gotten the call.

They should be taking up bus companies and airlines on their offers to help evacuate victims. Instead, we hear stories about victims waiting for hours for buses that never came.

This should have been done before the disaster. It’s now well known that FEMA identified a major storm on the Gulf Coast as one of the nation’s most significant vulnerabilities. But it’s clear today that we were unprepared.

I have reached out to my colleagues who represent Louisiana, and they’ve said they’re in dire need of boats, rafts, medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, clothing, money, shelter staff, sewer and electrical workers. We in New York should stand prepared to deploy what we have.

Again, this is not about politics. I know the Mayor will do whatever is asked of him.

I hope the President will increase his efforts today, and anyone who can help will do so right now.

These are our brothers and sisters calling out for help. Once we cried out and a nation responded. Let us hear New Orleans today and give what we can, and do what we can.

Thank you.
- Anthony

Anthony's Plan to Make Housing More Affordable

Wed Aug 31 14:09:49 -0700 2005

Today Anthony unveiled his plan to make housing in New York City more affordable for the middle class and those aspiring to get there.

The Weiner plan calls for 168,000 units of affordable housing over the next 10 years, new steps to keep rental costs low, and a commitment to building housing that the middle class can afford.

“New York is the greatest city in the world, but too many middle class families are being driven out by high housing costs. Real solutions start with building more affordable housing and preserving the stock that we already have, but it also means taking real steps to keep rental costs low.”
- Anthony

Anthony's Message is Getting Through

Wed Aug 31 14:01:33 -0700 2005

A new New York Times poll released today shows Anthony in second place in the Democratic primary race for Mayor.

Weiner Pollster Joel Benenson:

“What this poll shows is that Anthony Weiner’s message of lower taxes for the middle class, paying teachers more and getting back to basics in the classroom, and housing that middle class families can afford, is resonating and moving voters."

Who won last night's debate?

Wed Aug 17 15:24:17 -0700 2005

Check out what the pundits are saying:

"I thought Anthony Weiner looked like an adult, like a serious person with serious ideas."
—Tom Doherty, GOP consultant.

"Weiner wanted to make his case forcefully that he is the candidate of ideas and proposals, that he’s forceful, that he’s willing to fight for the middle class. I think he did that pretty forcefully."
—Howard Wolfson

"In the case of Anthony Weiner, he was trying to stake out some different thematic and philosophical ground. He basically says we can’t keep doing as Democrats the same things we’ve done for three elections in a row that we’ve lost. We’ve got to give people a middle class tax cut. He does have a somewhat different thematic message about what it means to be a Democrat in New York in 2005."
—Howard Wolfson.

"Winners, losers tonight?" —Davidson Goldin
"Weiner, Freddy, Gifford, and Virginia last." —Gerson Borrero, El Diario

"Weiner had the best performance of the night, especially given that he was in the hospital a few hours ago."
—John Avlon, New York Sun

IAMAW Endorses Anthony

Mon Aug 08 19:08:05 -0700 2005

Today, District 15 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) announced its support for Anthony. District 15 of the IAMAW represents 12,000 area members.

In making the announcement, District 15 Directing Business Representative James Conigliaro cited Weiner’s fight to win better benefits for airline workers, his efforts on behalf of middle class workers, and his opposition to CAFTA:

“When working people in New York City have fought for better benefits, better job conditions and better jobs, Anthony Weiner has been right there, standing shoulder to shoulder with us, leading the fight. We know we can count on Anthony Weiner to fight for us in City Hall. No one has fought harder than Anthony Weiner to make the lives of working people better in New York City. Anthony Weiner is a proven winner with a proven record of advocacy on behalf of working families. He’s always stood up for what’s right and what he believes in, and that’s why we are proud to endorse him.”

Anthony says:

“I am honored to have the support of James Conigliaro and the working men and women of the IAMAW. James Conigliaro has spent his life leading the fight for a better workplace in this City and across the country. No one has fought harder and with more passion and commitment than he has. Together, we will fight for working people in all five boroughs, and bring new leadership to City Hall.”

Anthony has been a leader on labor issues throughout his career in public service. He led the successful fight to keep Wal-Mart out of Rego Park, Queens. In Congress, he’s fought for higher wages and the right to organize, worked to keep high quality, good paying jobs in the United States and to protect employee pensions. In 2004, he received a 100% rating from the AFL-CIO.

Engel Endorses Anthony

Mon Aug 08 16:47:00 -0700 2005

In another sign that Anthony's strength in the Bronx is growing, today Congressman Eliot Engel announced his support for Anthony's campaign for mayor. Anthony has already been endorsed by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and the Benjamin Franklin Democratic Reform Club, the largest Democratic club in the Bronx.

In Eliot's words:

"Anthony Weiner is a fighter for the middle class and for working New Yorkers. I have known and admired his hard work since he first came to Congress. He understand the Bronx and its needs, and this means a lot to me and to my constituents."

Anthony is thrilled to have Eliot's support:

"As a nine-term congressman, Eliot Engel commands respect for his hard work and diligence. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, one of the most important in the House, as well as the International Relations Committee. He has worked hard for health care for the elderly and to protect Social Security. And there is no firmer friend of Israel in Congress."

Reclaiming Our Partnership with the Faith Community

Fri Jul 29 18:05:49 -0700 2005

The other day, in my tenth speech detailing my vision for New York City, I unveiled six ways the City can better work with the community of faith to deliver services to those who really need them.

Speaking at NYU’s Hillel chapter, I urged Democrats to reclaim our partnership with faith.

Let me be clear: my vision is not about politics or division. My plan is about inclusion, and practical solutions to real problems.

Working together with the faith community, we can do more to serve the poor, the needy, the hungry, the homeless and the sick. By partnering with religious organizations throughout the five boroughs we join hands for the greater good.

I want to create a Non-Profit Czar to help religious institutions navigate the complicated City bureaucracies that get in the way of helping the neediest. I want to work with the faith community to provide health care services to seniors and low income communities, make it easier for growing religious families to afford housing, keep Catholic schools open, and keep religious institutions like Yeshivas safe.

Part of the problem is that we’ve been too locked into the orthodoxy of the opposition.

But just because the Republicans say something, doesn’t mean we should swing into, ‘not now, not ever’ mode.

Democrats have to be willing to stand up to Republicans who claim ownership over the faith community. And Democrats have to be willing to stand up for our values.

They are the right values and they are the values that will guide me as Mayor.

— Anthony

Say "No!" To Wal-Mart

Tue Jul 26 22:01:46 -0700 2005

I have long fought to keep Wal-Mart out of New York City. In Congress, I issued a report explaining why Wal-Mart is bad business for New York. Wal-Mart, the report shows, violates labor rights, human rights and seeks to destroy local businesses.

According to the New York Post (7/20/05), Wal-Mart is now re-invigorating its aggressive ad campaign to come to NYC.

Mayor Bloomberg has refused to stand up for New York’s local businesses. In fact, when the City Council spoke out against Wal-Mart earlier this year, the Mayor told them to mind their own business. This is just another example of the Mayor’s record of defending big business over the needs of middle class New Yorkers. I stood with union leaders, workers, community activists and neighborhood shopkeepers to say "no" to Wal-Mart when it tried to move into Rego Park.

We were successful and, as Mayor, that is exactly what I will do again.

In New York, we don't allow porn shops in residential areas and we don't allow gambling anywhere, despite the fact that both of these are very profitable industries. This is because we recognize that profits are not more important than values.

The same standard should apply to retailers like Wal-Mart that violate labor and immigration laws, and threaten to destroy our neighborhood businesses.

Earlier this year, The New York Times asked “Will Wal-Mart take New York?” (2/10/05).

To this I have one simple and firm response: not if I’m Mayor.

— Anthony Weiner

Safer Subways, Smarter Transit Choices

Thu Jul 21 15:29:00 -0700 2005

Back in March 2003, I proposed legislation that would require every cell phone service provider to build the infrastructure necessary for 911 cell service on every subway platform in the nation. Now, with the tragic attacks in London, and the disturbing events from today, I'm glad to see that Mayor Bloomberg has finally decided to support this idea.

But I want to go further.

Read my six-point transit safety plan. It's a comprehensive plan that aims to make our subways, buses — our entire transit system — more efficient, cost-effective, and safer.

The centerpiece of my plan: return control over the MTA to the City.

92% of MTA riders and 80% of MTA revenue is generated in New York City, but New York only gets 72% of its funds. Clearly, the state is not giving New York the funds it needs, and the city needs a Mayor who will take on this fight.

The federal government has to do its part too. As one of only two New York City members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I secured tens of millions of dollars for City transportation projects, and as Mayor I'll continue to fight for federal funds.

One of the things we can use the federal funding for: building redundancy into our transit system. We should start with fast, clean, high speed ferries. I've secured $15 million in federal funding to get them, but the Mayor won't put up the fraction of city funds we need to get it done.

I also agree with Transportation Alternative's call to make New York more bicycle friendly. The main point: New Yorkers should always have options to ensure that they can get where they need to go.

Getting the funding is one thing. Knowing how it gets spent is another. Taxpayers deserve to know. The MTA should be more transparent and accountable.

To go along with higher tech security, cell phone service, and surveillance, we need more boots on the ground. I've sponsored legislation in Congress that would provide federal funding for "T-C.O.P.S." — anti-terrorism police to patrol trains and platforms.

Efficient, low-cost and safe mass transportation is essential to New York's future. As Mayor, I will fight to improve the subways and transportation alternatives that New Yorkers need.

— Anthony Weiner

Handing Over New York to Big Business is not the Answer

Tue Jul 19 00:11:33 -0700 2005

New Yorkers know that the City’s streets are its lifeblood. We cherish the ability to grab a newspaper or a snack on the go during busy work days or on the weekend. More importantly, these vendors are the kind of small businesspeople who have made the City great. A smart economic vision for New York City must protect, support and develop small businesses.

That’s why this weekend I urged Mayor Bloomberg and the City Council to set aside their so-called “street furniture” law, which would force up 70 newsstands out of business and create a lottery that would allow giant corporations to replace them. Under the Bloomberg plan, the City will take over all of the newsstands in the five boroughs, award them to the highest bidding mega-franchise, tear them down, and then rebuild them as larger “kiosks.” The Mayor’s plan is an anti-small business, pro-big business initiative that would sell these New Yorkers’s livelihoods to the highest bidder.

This is why I believe that New York needs a mayor who will stand up for the smallest of small businesses. And it’s why I’ve put forward a four-point plan of my own that supports the small business ethic that has enabled hundreds of New Yorkers to make an honest living for so many years.

What Mayor Bloomberg doesn’t seem to realize is that handing over New York to big business is not the answer and that being a good Mayor is not the same as being the CEO of a large corporation. Working with small businesses requires creativity and attention to the needs of all New Yorkers and, as Mayor, I will never reduce the livelihoods of New Yorkers to numbers.

— Anthony Weiner

Six Steps for Safer Subways

Thu Jul 14 19:54:40 -0700 2005

In the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in London, Anthony today detailed his mass transit security plan, including six immediate steps the City should take to secure our subways.

"Yesterday’s terrible attacks serve as what should be an uncessary reminder that in post 9/11 New York, safety and security are job 1,” said Rep. Weiner. “And we know that we are kept safe when our leaders take an active approach to security – and that passivity leaves us vulnerable. As Mayor I’ll bring an aggressive, proactive approach to securing our entire city, including our subways.”

Anthony Proposes City Wide Wi-Fi

Thu Jul 14 19:44:53 -0700 2005

Today Anthony unveiled his “High Tech NYC” initiative, a plan designed to get every New Yorker connected to the Internet (city-wide Wi-Fi!), and bring our schools, subways, and small businesses fully into the digital age.

"New York City is a world class city, but we’ve got to keep moving forward, and that takes forward thinking leadership. How we make use of new technologies has enormous long term implications for our economy and quality of life. The next four years will be critical in determining whether we lead, just keep up or fall behind. New York City should always be the leader."

In addition to city-wide Wi-Fi, Anthony's proposals include the use of cutting edge technologies to support small businesses, improve our schools, and make our subways safer.

Anthony Calls For a Campaign Based on "Ideas and Vision"

Thu Jul 07 20:05:06 -0700 2005

In a preview of his likely mayoral campaign, Anthony Weiner released a book entitled “Real Solutions: Renewing the Promise of New York City" -- a detailed look at a wide range of Weiner proposals for improving the lives of working families throughout the five boroughs.

The book features a series of new ideas for the City, including the establishment of parental involvement centers at every school, creation of a Non-Profits Czar, and a New York City bill of rights.

Anthony Pledges Tax Cut for the Middle Class

Thu Jul 07 20:04:26 -0700 2005

Promising to bring a new commitment to the middle class and poor people of New York City, yesterday Anthony unveiled a plan to lower taxes for every New Yorker making less than $150,000 a year.

Anthony's middle class tax cut proposal is part of a package of reforms designed to end wasteful city spending, make Albany pay its fair share in taxes to New York City, and ensure that when the City sells property, it’s taxpayers who get the best deal.

“The Mayor says he doesn’t think New Yorkers are overtaxed, but working families in New York City know that’s just not true,” says Anthony.

“My promise to middle class New Yorkers is that I will not raise your taxes -- in fact, I’ll cut them. We will have a more progressive, fairer tax code in this City.”

Fox News Commentator Calls Anthony's Tax Cut "Bold"

Thu Jul 07 20:03:47 -0700 2005

Anthony is making waves with his plan to cut taxes for the middle class. In an interview yesterday, Fox News Channel commentator Neil Cavuto called the plan "bold." Click here for the video and transcript.

Sign the Petition to Stop the West Side Stadium!

Thu Jul 07 20:03:10 -0700 2005

For many months Anthony has been speaking out against the West Side Stadium plan, calling it what it is: an undemocratic insider deal that gives huge governmental subsidies to the billionaire owner of the NY Jets while doing damage to New York City.

Now you can add your voice to the debate by signing the petition that says NO to the West Side Stadium.

Two Very Different Visions for New York's Middle Class

Thu Jul 07 20:01:41 -0700 2005

Yesterday, Fernando Ferrer declined to discuss his tax plan, saying that he wanted to hear more about Anthony Weiner’s plan first.

Today Anthony, who first detailed his plan during a speech on April 12, released a side-by-side analysis of the two plans.

"New Yorkers should compare our two very different visions for New York’s middle class, and those struggling to get there," says Anthony. "I have a real plan that helps our city's middle class."

“I don't attack whole industries, I don't rely on more of the same, and I offer a concrete plan that is a real alternative to Mike Bloomberg's top down approach. The contrast between my approach and my opponents' is important..."

Anthony Takes Charge

Thu Jul 07 20:00:55 -0700 2005

From today's New York Times:

"During the forum sponsored by Crain's New York Business, there was a bit of a change in chemistry. The focus seemed to shift perceptibly from Fernando Ferrer, who despite his current troubles had long been considered the candidate to beat, to Anthony D. Weiner...

"[T]he ambitious congressman left no doubt Tuesday morning that he would be heard. Early on during the breakfast event at the Grand Hyatt -before anyone raised the subject - he delivered the sound bites of the day when he said that Mr. Ferrer's proposal to impose a tax on stock trades temporarily was 'kind of like someone running for governor of Wisconsin proposing a dairy tax.' "

On Issues, Anthony is Ahead of the Pack

Thu Jul 07 19:59:19 -0700 2005

"[Anthony is] getting notice as the wonk of the campaign. And an aggressive one at that ... Other candidates have discussed policy, but not one has staked out a claim on issues as early and as ardently as Mr. Weiner." (New York Times, 4/23/05)

Anthony has a wide range of policy proposals for improving the lives of working families throughout the five borroughs. Take a look at his recent speeches, and check out his book called "Real Solutions: Renewing the Promise of New York City."

Weiner Sets the Pace

Thu Jul 07 19:58:26 -0700 2005

Anthony continues to lead the mayoral pack. Take a look at the latest in today's Village Voice:

"George Arzt, the crusty ex-Koch aide and political consultant who once represented Fields, said that he viewed Weiner as the clear winner of last week's important Crain's breakfast forum.
'He wowed them,' said Arzt. 'A lot of insiders think he is the real up-and-coming guy. He has the facility. Numbers roll off his tongue. He knows the issues. He is more articulate and unambiguous than his rivals.'

Hank Sheinkopf, a former campaign adviser to Ferrer and 2001 Democratic candidate Mark Green, agreed. 'He is the one creating the excitement right now,' said Sheinkopf. 'He has energy and is willing to take on the mayor and his opponents, and that makes him newsworthy. He is getting more mileage than anyone else in what has been a very dull venture.'

Even Bill Lynch, an architect of David Dinkins's 1989 mayoral victory and a key member of Ferrer's brain trust, acknowledged that the debates have revealed Weiner to be a comer. 'He has all those Schumer tendencies going,' said Lynch. 'He keeps coming at you. You can tell he is a 24-7 kind of guy. I think he is the one Freddy has to watch in this whole thing.'"

Koch on Weiner

Thu Jul 07 19:56:17 -0700 2005

Former Mayor Ed Koch has a prediction about the mayor's race, as he said last night on NY1:

“I believe that we’re going to see at the end, because nobody is going to get 40%, we’re going to see Virginia and Anthony Weiner as the two top candidates.”

Watch the video

Anthony Discusses His Vision for New York on CBS

Thu Jul 07 19:55:27 -0700 2005

Watch Anthony discuss how he will fight for New York's middle class:

"[Last week] the buzz was about Anthony Weiner. He was the talk of the first debate, mocking Ferrer's tax plan by saying, 'that is a mind-boggling bad idea,' while Ferrer remained silent. Pugnacious and quick-witted, Weiner is a throwback to the mayors of old [like Koch and Guiliani], when the public expected theater at City Hall and not just balanced books." (Kirtzman & Company)

Anthony Announces Plan To Expand Health Coverage For The Middle Class

Thu Jul 07 19:54:41 -0700 2005

Pledging aggressive leadership and a better approach to health care in New York City, Anthony today unveiled a package of innovations and new ideas designed to dramatically expand the number of New Yorkers with health insurance coverage over the next four years.

“Right now, the condition of New York City’s health system is enough to make you sick. More of the same is not a solution. Neither is saying the poor have it good -- as our Mayor does. I said my campaign would be a fight for the middle class and people struggling to make it. Health care is the first battlefield.” Read the entire speech

Weiner to Bloomberg: Save the Olympics

Thu Jul 07 19:52:55 -0700 2005

Renewing his call that he first made in April of 2004, Anthony today implored Mayor Bloomberg to save New York City’s Olympics bid and drop his West Side stadium plan, in favor of building in Willets Point, Queens.

“It’s become clear that the single biggest impediment to New York City’s Olympics bid is the Mayor’s singled minded obsession with building on the West Side,” said Anthony. “It’s not too late to save the bid, and we can do it by putting Queens back on the table.”

Winning the "Ground Game"

Thu Jul 07 19:52:03 -0700 2005

Anthony has made two major additions to his campaign team, both of whom are experts in the “ground game” needed to win hard fought elections in New York City:

Michael Whouley has been hired as a consultant to craft the campaign’s field strategy, targeting, and outreach.

“Anthony Weiner is talking about new solutions to make our schools better, improve health care, and create jobs, and the message is resonating,” said Whouley. “We have to keep that momentum going, and I'm looking forward to working with his strong campaign team to let voters know how Anthony Weiner is fighting for the middle class and those struggling to make it.”

Mark Benoit has been hired as Campaign Manager.

“Anthony Weiner is a fighter with proven results for New York City and the middle class,” said Benoit. “And he’s the Democrat’s best chance to beat Mike Bloomberg in the fall. I’m thrilled to be joining the campaign that already has the most momentum in the race.”

Mayor Fudging Test Results?

Thu Jul 07 19:49:20 -0700 2005

Don't be fooled by the Mayor's latest round of test scores for 4^th and 8^th graders. Here's what Anthony has to say about it:

“Kids who did better on this year’s tests should be congratulated.

But let’s be clear.

There’s a couple of ways to improve test scores. One is by improving performance of students and teachers. As Mayor, that’s what I would do. The other is by fudging the test and who is involved in it. It looks like the Mayor and the Chancellor are choosing this route.

They’ve taken out of the testing pool those students who are generally the bottom performers. And the 8^th grade tests are down. This argues for much greater transparency all around at the Department of Education. This is but one of a series of questions that arises from the way the Department operates with an ever present air of mystery. For parents, politicians and education advocates to asses these scores fairly we need much better transparency on everything, even as basic as how many waivers were granted.

We don’t let kids cheat on their test taking. The Mayor shouldn’t cheat on the test results.”