Winners & Losers 7/29/16

The Republican National Convention, which came to an end over a week ago, seems to have given Donald Trump a nice bump in the polls. Will this week’s Democratic National Convention give Hillary Clinton a similar bounce? We won’t know for at least a few days, but the DNC proceedings in Philly already have some New Yorkers on the rise and others dropping behind. Check out the latest Winners & Losers to see who’s on the move.

WINNERS

Michael Bloomberg – The former mayor of New York City decided weeks ago against jumping into the presidential race. But this week he nonetheless found a way to insert himself into the contest, landing a prime-time speaking slot at the DNC. He made as big a splash in Philadelphia as Rudy Giuliani did in Cleveland. And he taught the current mayor, Bill de Blasio, the best way to go about giving a late endorsement.

Andrew Cuomo – While his week didn’t start out so hot, things have been just peachy since he arrived in Philly for the DNC. Away from the audits and investigations, the state’s top Democrat has grabbed the spotlight, following in his father’s footsteps with a speech on the closing night of the convention. And all the while, he’s been rubbing his intra-party foe Mayor Bill de Blasio’s nose in his inability to grab the same kind of attention.

Adriano Espaillat – Espaillat is likely headed to Congress this November, but for now he is still a state aenator, which made him the only New York elected official at the local level (besides de Blasio) to be given a speaking role at the DNC. The Manhattan lawmaker used the spotlight well, noting the historic nature of his expected congressional victory as a first for both Dominicans and formerly undocumented immigrants.

James O’Neill – The question on everyone’s mind right now at One Police Plaza is: Who will replace Bill Bratton? Right now the top name, at least based on Bratton’s praise, is O’Neill, who has been leading the force’s efforts to improve police-community relations. While de Blasio may very well go outside of the department in selecting a successor, getting pole position amongst the NYPD’s top candidates is a great start for O’Neill.

Eric Schneiderman – It may seem counterintuitive for a state attorney general to refuse to comply with a subpoena, but Schneiderman’s refusal to comply with a congressional request for records about an investigation into ExxonMobil will boost his profile with progressive supporters in both the state and nationally. Additionally, Schneiderman reached a settlement with Zipcar Inc. over vehicle damage fees and announced $13 million in grants to local governments with a high number of “zombie properties.”

LOSERS

Bill de Blasio – If a tree falls in the forest at 5:15 p.m. to ahalf-empty arena at the DNC, does it make a sound? The mayor didn’t even get a chance to address his fellow New Yorkers,leaving their breakfast gathering where Cuomo held court. Back in New York, hisown agencies don’t trust each other, Preet’sprobing again, he’s losinghis police commissioner, and – worst of all – his city’s food wasvoted worse than Philadelphia’s.

Thomas Hoover – The New York State Athletic Commission’s chairman resigned this week after being on the losing end of a technical knockout from a real heavyweight called the Inspector General. The long-awaited IG’s report knocked Hoover for giving friends and family favors, among other ethical lapses. Worst of all, NYSAC was totally unprepared after a boxer’s serious injury. And we’re supposed to trust these guys to regulate MMA?

Robert Lichtenthal – The Erie County Water Authority’s deputy director has been dealing with media scrutiny and public outrage after a series of water main breaks caused 250,000 county residents to lose water pressure. The authority was blasted for taking more than three hours to get the word out that a water boil advisory was in effect, which the authority later said was unnecessary. Between political backlash and criticism from customers, it has not been a good week.

Donald Trump Jr. – For some, deciding to run for public office happens after much thought and debate. Or, you know, your father couldmake the decision for you. Junior would also be the one person to draw former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner out of retirement to “beat him like a rented mule.” For once, the de Blasio administration looks good in comparison.

Ruben Wills – This Southeast Queens councilman has the worst attendance record in the chamber, missing 72 percent of workdays in the last fiscal year, including 69 straight meetings since January. His office says it’s for medical reasons, and we wish him better health. But Wills still represents over 150,000 constituents. How many days must you miss, and how many times must you be arrested (two and counting) before you resign?