Which was the most fevered lunge for self-promotion by a power player?
1. Rep. Dan Burton (R-Indiana) rushing to defend substance-suspected pitcher Roger Clemens during last week’s Congressional steroid hearings, saying in part: “He’s a titan in baseball... Now how does he get his reputation back?”
2. United Federation of Teachers President Randy Weingarten endorsing the Republican candidate in a special state Senate race — a couple of weeks before the GOP-controlled house fast-tracked a retirement bill for her teachers as approved in negotiations with the city.
3. Assemb. David Gantt (D-Rochester) saying as sheriff’s deputies escorted him and other protesters from a public meeting, “And you guys wonder...why a guy in Missouri goes and shoots some damn body.” (Gantt later apologized).