If you look at the recent political corruption cases in New York City, you'll see certain patterns. One is consulting. Another is health care. If you want to know why the state is drowning in Medicaid bills, this is a good hint.

I didn't think New York's contribution to the Republican primaries could get any more embarrassing. But it did. Hasn't the GOP noticed that Trump is popular because he's strange and unpredictable, not because he has an interesting vision of the nation's future?

You can't say the Big Apple isn't playing a part in the Republican presidential primaries. Several roles, in fact. One of them is New York's dubious distinction of being home to Donald Trump.

Kruger's bribery conviction is part of the answer to an Albany mystery -- why Gov. Andrew Cuomo is so indifferent to the question of whether his Democratic Party can win back the state Senate in the next election.

Congratulations on a big year, Gov. Cuomo. Best of luck for 2012. And from those of us in New York City - let's see a little more love.