The culture of Albany betrayed gay marriage. In the NY legislature, everything that comes up for a vote wins. If there isn't enough support, the leadership doesn't bring the bill to the floor.

If Bruno can go down for a term far beyond his possible lifespan, shouldn't that convince the rest of the lawmakers that it's time to straighten up and fly right?

There's a good deal of jolliness on Wall Street this holiday season, thanks to the billions of dollars in bonuses that will be stuffed into the stockings of your favorite bankers. It's safe to assume the final tally will be very big.

Rudy Giuliani is out. Out of the Senate race, and for all practical purposes out of politics. He has been with us for more than a quarter century. He had his moments. Too bad there weren't very many of them.

The median holiday bonus this year will only amount to about $250. Here's a list of some of the best-publicized bonuses that were given out in 2009.

Joe Bruno, Pedro Espada, Hiram Monserrate and the Caroline Kennedy for Senate debacle are among those who made the bottom 10.