Campaign Roundup, Mar. 9

State Senate

Ex-Sen. Craig Johnson hinted that the IDC is never coming back into the Democratic fold.

The Katz v. Ball matchup began with a bang.

Brooklyn

Charles Barron says a federal magistrate’s maps are racist.

A Lew Fidler supporter insists that Fidler is nothing like David Weprin.

Rudy Giuliani is set to endorse David Storobin.

Hakeem Jeffries says he’s still running against Ed Towns, despite unfavorable proposed lines.

Erik Martin Dilan officially announced his primary challenge to Nydia Velazquez.

Manhattan

Have Charlie King and Al Sharpton brokered a deal for Charlie Rangel’s seat?

Another contender for Robert Jackson’s Council seat.

Staten Island

Rep. Michael Grimm is using his considerable charm to combat his fundraising scandal.

Queens

The Queens GOP endorsed U.S. Senate hopeful George Maragos, likely putting him on the primary ballot.

Elsewhere

Gov. Andrew Cuomo declined to give a definition of hyper-partisan district lines.

Cuomo isn’t so sure about Mayor Ed Koch’s call for a short-term redistricting panel.

Two-time congressional candidate Doug Hoffman may now run for Assembly.

A challenger to Rep. Maurice Hinchey is dropping his bid, since Hinchey is retiring.

Rep. Anne Marie Buerkle is mulling runs in a couple different congressional districts.