NEW YORK (Reuters) - For anyone who believes crime doesn't pay, tell that to the New York state legislator who introduced a "Madoff" bill on Monday. Rich New Yorkers convicted of crimes would be forced -- if his bill becomes law -- to pay the state and federal governments for how much it costs to keep them in jail. The bill's ...

Almost a month after a special election in a heavily Republican congressional district, the Democratic candidate claimed victory Friday when his GOP opponent conceded in a race that focused attention on President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. After the March 31 election in New York's 20th ...

David Paterson is publicly ruminating about his staff. The need for change is clear, seen yesterday in a dismal poll. He's taking heat for giving his wife's staffer a raise. Governor Andrew Cuomo seems like an inevitability, Fred LeBrun thinks. Legislative leaders are meeting today to talk about how to spend stimulus funds. They've already agreed we ...