In Espada's Ascension, a Glimpse of Albany at Its Worst

Why Pedro Espada Jr., now a heartbeat away from the governorship, is an object lesson in everything that is wrong with New York State government.... His cronies stole food meant for poor, sick people and gave it out at his political rallies. He owes the city $61,750 in fines for fraudulent campaign fund-raising going back to 2001. He has failed to file 41 reports with the State Board of Elections, and has racked up $13,553 in penalties since 2002. He does not have an office in the district he was elected to represent in the Bronx. In fact, it looks as if he doesn’t even live there....