Tri-state

It looks like Republicans are headed for pretty embarrassing defeats in the '06 New Jersey and New York governors' races. With Rudy claiming he's not running and Pataki likely to pass on a fourth term, New York looks like a lock for Spitzer. Over in New Jersey, Republicans might have thought they had a chance after the McGreevey scandal but their primary resembles more the chaotic fall months of the 2003-4 Democratic presidential primary race and none of the candidates even approach Corzine in the polls.

As far as the City mayoral race is concerned, despite the recent brou-ha-ha, Ferrer seems in a pretty commendable position going into the fall campaign. The only real question is whether he can avoid a potentially costly runoff with Virginia Fields, a longshot candidate who is a former Manhattan borough president.