The Staten Island Democratic Committee has decided to back City Council member Michael McMahon for the House seat being vacated by Vito Fossella. Chances are, the SI Dems' backing has a lot to do with the nearly $150K in his "McMahon for Staten Island" campaign account (not to be confused with "Committee to Elect Michael McMahon," his City Council campaign account).

While it makes sense for the SI Dems to back someone who lives on SI, McMahon will have to explain away his "yes" vote on congestion pricing -- something that would not have helped Staten Islanders. McMahon will also have to deal with the fact that Vito Lopez is also backing him. That probably won't help his campaign in Bay Ridge, where Steve Harrison is very strong, and it certainly won't make a noticeable difference on Staten Island. Of course, at least this time Lopez is backing someone who actually lives in the district.

It's going to be an interesting primary season.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Curtis Sliwa is making noise about running. Seriously!