News that's not news: Rudy Giuliani isn't running for President

In all the hype over New Jersey Governor Chris Christie endorsing Mitt Romney as the GOP presidential candidate, America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, has announced today that he is, just like Christie, not running for president.

Not America's President, at least this time around.

Politico reports that Giuliani, a Manhattan College alum, made the announcement at a Long Island Association event.

Asked by the group's president Kevin Law about reports that he had sent messages to New Hampshire supporters to keep their powder dry, Giuliani joked that they must have gone missing, according to one attendee.

And he added definitively, "If it's too late for Chris Christie, it's too late for me."

Giuliani had entertained the prospect of another presidential bid after his failed attempt last election. At the Manhattan College 9/11 remembrance event, we asked him if he'd like to make it official to us, but he just laughed and said he wasn't ready to jump into the race yet. But what little buzz he generated died when Texas Gov. Rick Perry joined the race. Perry was the only sitting governor to endorse Giuliani four years ago, and a handful of the former mayor’s aides and supporters are backing the Texas governor this year.

GOP's Ribustello In For SpecElec

Anthony J. Ribustello, actor, activist and Republican district leader from Throggs Neck, has confirmed that he will be a candidate in the upcoming special election for borough president.

Ribustello joins a field that includes Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera, and possibly Councilman Larry Seabrook and

"I'm a lifelong Bronx resident, and I care about the community," said Ribustello.

Ribustello, who has been active in his community for years, said his campaign would focus on protecting services for Bronx youth and seniors, as well as preserving The Bronx as a haven for the middle class.

In addition to his political work, Ribustello is an actor, best known for his role as Dante Greco, one of Tony's top guys, on The Sopranos.

--John DeSio

Polanco Not Running, Bronx Republicans Considering Endorsement In SpecElec

One of the interesting things about a special election is that members of any political party, or no party at all, can vote. One need only be a registered voter to participate. This means that members of the Bronx Republican, Conservative, Independence and Working Families parties will have a chance to make their voices heard, unlike in just about every other Bronx election, where the winner of the Democratic primary is the de facto winner of the seat.

It also means that anyone can run, regardless of political affiliation, and potentially wrest the borough presidency away from Democratic hands. One Republican who had been keeping a close eye on the seat is J.C. Polanco, the Bronx Republican Commissioner at the Board of Elections and a leader within what exists of the Bronx Republican Party.

When Adolfo Carrion was first reported to be headed to Washington and the Obama administration, Polanco told me that he was very interested in the seat, and would be weighing his options. Over the weekend, Polanco said that he had come to a decision, and would not be a candidate in the special election.

That's not to say the Republicans won't be involved in the race, or that they won't field their own candidate. Polanco said that Bronx Republican Chairman Joseph "Jay" Savino has been approached by potential candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, for his endorsement, and that the Republicans would be screening candidates shortly.

"Borough Hall under GOP leadership would be great for The Bronx and the party," said Polanco via email, "But there are great candidates on both sides of the aisle for Bronx Borough President."

--John DeSio