Shady side of the street: Mayor John is doing his best Clinton tap dance right now. It's true that he is not a "target" (i.e. about to be indicted), but he is most definitely a "subject" (one who is under investigation). Now his lawyer is too - someone who is known as one of the key power-brokers in the city if you want government work, like bonds or construction. Street is also dancing around what he knows about the investigation, whether he has representation or not (he has Arhtur Makadon [as tied in as they come] as his "informal" lawyer), and what the real focus of it is.

Nonetheless, I'll tell you, I don't think Katz is doing this. Here's why: there are enough people in the city that think Street is being manipulated and getting the shaft to de-rail the election that I bet you this scandal brings out as many supporters as it does turn people off who were otherwise on the fence. Katz knows this - he's smart and has advisors of all shapes and colors. This ploy only polarizes the racial lines, and Katz needs to turn (and was succeeding moderately) some blacks his way to win because the margin is such that a few white moderates won't be enough. His message gets clouded by the subpoenas and warrants, and his message is desparately needed.

On the other hand, here's the only thing that is fishy. Street's nepotism is well-documented, and has been for years. So why now, in the past couple of months, is the bug planted? Don't forget, the office was swept in June of this year as well - revealing nothing. Maybe the Feds just took a while to get their warrant and everything, but it's not entirely convincing all-in-all.

Still, I really don't see this as a hatchet job, but more of birds coming home to roost. In fact, if Katz does win, I think this really spoils the victory. Stay tuned.