Which is technically different than officially declaring his candidacy.

But still, this may set up the dream race, at least for the New York media, of Rudy vs. Hillary.

John McCain, who is also exploring a presidential bid, declined to comment on Rudy.

McCain, unlike other national figures, wants more troops In Iraq.

John Murtha is campaigning hard for the House No. 2 job, relying on the cautiously expressed support he got from Speaker-in-waiting Nancy Pelosi.

Charlie Rangel is sticking with the incumbent against Murtha.

Joseph Mondello doesn't need to campaign to get the job of chairman of the state Republican Party. The job is now his, practically. But a November 30th vote of party leaders will make it official.

The guy who helped Eliot Spitzer cruise to victory in his campaign, ad man Jimmy Siegel, gets profiled.

But Spitzer's secret weapon in his campaign to reform Albany is the people, says Fred Dicker.

And right after taking back control of the congress, Rep. Charlie Rangel, Ed Towns and others tooka trip to Panama City.

-- Azi Paybarah