Free Republic

As rumors swirled that Noerdlinger would resign amid disclosures, de Blasio spokesman Phil Walzak released a statement late Friday afternoon praising Noerdlinger as 'a valued member of our team.' Another day, another embarrassing revelation about top City Hall aide Rachel Noerdlinger. And after nearly 10 hours of silence, another vow of support by Mayor de Blasio for his embattled appointee, a former top confidante of the Rev. Al Sharpton. The new disclosures concern an incident on Aug. 27, 2011, in Edgewater, N.J., when a cop spotted Hassaun McFarlan, Noerdlinger’s ex-con boyfriend, driving her Mercedes-Benz into oncoming traffic. ... McFarlan was...

When Gov. Scott Walker went up with an ad last week attacking Tom Barrett, he was looking to weaken a potential June opponent. But Barrett used it as a badge of honor, because it seemed to bolster one of his main arguments to Democratic voters in the May 8 primary -- that he’s the opponent Walker takes most seriously. “I think it’s a bit of a back-handed compliment from the Republicans,” said Barrett spokesman Phil Walzak, who said the Walker ad shows “they’re clearly more concerned about facing Tom Barrett in the general election than any other candidate.” Is Tom...