Turn Out The Lights…

Sometimes you wish you were on a plane to Vegas when you call something so right.
In the face of 30-point polls last week, yours truly called the mayor’s race to within 1.5 points on each side. I said 57-40 Bloomy, and it was 58.5 to 38.7. Not too shabby, eh?
So what for my next trick? Well, like Michael Jordan I want to go out on top of my game. So this will be my last installment of Politics 101.
I’m kidding — well, actually only half kidding, unfortunately. This will be my last column, but not because of that. The time has come for me to take another step and I must leave this perch. I’ll miss it.
I’m so happy to have had the past few months to bring you my thoughts on politics in this city. I received many letters from readers expressing everything from outrage to thoughtful reaction. It made writing every week worth it. Of course, I encourage readers to stick with The Queens Courier to hear the latest rumblings from City Hall and stay politically aware – it’s the only way anything ever gets done around here. This is a town where the squeaky wheel truly is the only thing that gets oiled.
So let’s not go out with a whimper, let’s take one more shot downfield. In the race for Speaker, look for Queens boss Tom Manton to broker a similar deal to 2001, whereby powerful chair positions are ensured for Queens members in exchange for a bloc of votes. With three hats in the ring from our borough – Comrie, Katz and Weprin – borough unification could be tricky. He’s better off using it as a bargaining chip.
At this point, Christine Quinn has to be considered the favorite. My gut, though, says Manton’s wheeling-and-dealing gives it to Brooklyn’s Bill de Blasio — your next City Council Speaker.
Thanks everyone. See you down the road…
politics@queenscourier.com